A New Family Tradition: the 24-Hour Layover

A New Family Tradition: the 24-Hour Layover

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When planning this year’s trip to Spain, I faced a dilemma. Flights were not only expensive, but the connections between the U.S. and Ibiza were so bad that our choices included either very long layovers or switching airlines to make it to the islands within a 24-hour period.

Switching airlines means collecting baggage and battling security a second time — something I knew wasn’t an option with two cranky kids and no sleep. So our clever travel agent made a suggestion: Forget about making the trip in one day and embrace the inconvenience by spending a day somewhere en route.

We chose Barcelona, one of my favorite cities in Europe, because I knew it would be a hit with my kids. The result? A magical 24 hours, and the beginning of a new family tradition: the extended layover.

Here’s a few tips on how to transform an inconvenience into a great experience:

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This is a fond remembrance of Sydney, Australia, written by an expat living there and informed by what he learned from a local who paved the way a deep appreciation of it.

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Everything You Don’t Know About Tipping

Tipping is about making sure you don’t mess up what you’re supposed to do. Here's everything you need to know about tipping, including why and how to do it.

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traveltoddler

Ten Strategies for Traveling with a Child with Autism

Vacations with a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder can be chaotic, nerve rattling and stressful! This booklet is designed to aid you, your family and your autistic child in having a fun, relaxing and enjoyable trip.

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PlaylandJournal

Missing School for a Family Vacation?

Balancing family travel against your child's education can be tricky. The secret: Have a plan. And always let the teacher know that your child will be missing school.

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aquarium

Kid-Friendly Animal Adventures

If your child loves animals, they'll go wild for these kid-friendly animal adventures that'll let them get close and personal with the critters.

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A boy puts builds a sandcastle on the beach in San Diego.

Kids Guide to San Diego

Savvy traveling parents know the more input kids have in vacation planning, the more fun everyone will have. Here’s a kids’ take on San Diego.

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Ish Davis, left, Ethan, Cameron and Heather Greenwood Davis joke while sitting around their campfire at the Port Angeles KOA, Washington.

RV Road Trip: After a Few Mistakes, a Family Revels in the Freedom of the Road

Hitting the road in a 24-foot motorhome offered our road trip-loving family something no other vehicle can: complete freedom. But it wasn’t without its hiccups

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flying with babies

10 Important Tips for Flying with Babies

Here are ten of the most important things we learned about flying with babies along the way. We hope they keep you and your fellow travelers sane

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Madison River, MT

An Eddy in Time

A mother and son spend the weekend fly fishing under the wide Montana sky as his wedding nears.

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First Night activities take place throughout the city of Boston

Kids’ Guide to Boston

Boston is a great city for families any time of year. Great sports teams… great museums… great food. And that one place where learning American history might even be fun.

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Kids will get a kick out of the basalt columns at the Giant's Causeway

Travel Ireland: Family-friendly Fun Keeps Kids Happy

Care to travel Ireland with your family? Ten fun spots offer history, space to run free and a craving for a return visit.

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Halifax Waterfront

7 Family Activities in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Atlantic Canada is a very family-friendly place. Here are 7 family activities in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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boy reading on a plane

Can My Child Fly Solo?

Airline rules for unaccompanied minors vary, but most allow children ages 5 through 14 to fly solo domestically on direct flights.

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Eiffel tower

10 Tips for a Perfect Family Vacation in Paris

Paris is a favorite place people return to again and again. Here are 10 tips to make your family vacation in Paris fun for the kids (and adults) and largely stress-free.

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Your Guide to the Best Apps for 3-Year-Olds for the Samsung Galaxy

Family Travel 101: The Best Apps for 3 Year Olds

Here are three picks for the best apps for 3 year olds. They're fun, educational and all Android apps available through GooglePlay.

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queen mary 2

All Aboard! Multigenerational Cruising

The key to planning a successful multi-generational trip is an itinerary with something for everyone. That’s precisely what makes cruises such an attractive option.

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Lower Antelope Canyon top

Lower Antelope Canyon with Kids

Lower Antelope Canyon, Arizona, is a spectacular slot canyon, one of the most amazing places for incredible rock formations.

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Kid at campground campfire

The Parenting of Everything

Being outdoors and travel ignite curiosity, change us, help us grow. Kyle McCarthy calls this the magic of family travel; it is the parenting of everything.

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multigenerational family vacation

The Multigenerational Family Vacation

While some of us travel to escape relatives, many now vacation with their extended families, including children, grandparents and cousins. In an age of special diets and gadget addictions, here's how to make sure your adventure isn’t a road to ruin

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hking

Planning your Family’s Perfect Machu Picchu Trip

Machu Picchu, a bucket list vacation destination for many families, offers the type of experience that aids children’s educations and strengthens family bonds.

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Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts

Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts

The all-inclusive concept has gotten a recent makeover - better food, spruced-up décor, more varied activities - and many are perfect for families. Here are 14 of the best all-inclusive family resorts.

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Take Your Homeschool on the Road

Education through travel has become more popular in recent years, with more and more families choosing to homeschool on the road.

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Hiker on trail through old growth forest - Rockport State Park, Washington

Working Toward “Wild”

In the Pacific Northwest, there isn’t much to dislike. Towering trees, winding roads, and culture lend themselves to positive feelings.

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Kids running to the end of the dock near Cancun, Mexico

Tips for Planning a Trip with Kids

Do you think planning a trip with kids is an organizational nightmare? Here are a few strategies a frequent traveling family has picked up along the way.

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Duomo

50 Reasons to Love the World

Experts share one experience from the last year that truly inspired them – something that, in no uncertain terms, reminded them why they love the world.

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Julian California

Why We Travel with Children

Why travel with children? It requires more planning and compromise. But the same's true of parenting. And the joys more than make up for the inconveniences.

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The Izaak Walton Inn as seen from the red caboose.

The Izaak Walton Inn and Glacier National Park

Discover the joys of a stay at the Izaak Walton Inn on the southern border of Glacier National Park.

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SouthAfrica

Families Go Wild for South Africa’s Eastern Cape

South Africa's Eastern Cape combines extraordinary wildlife viewing, cultural experiences and relaxation opportunities to make it the family vacation destination of a lifetime.

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hikers in a U.S. national park

National Parks Drawing Fewer Young Visitors

Although America’s national parks drew a record 292.8 million visitors in 2014, the National Park Service (NPS) is having trouble attracting young people.

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Best Places to Travel in 2015 - view from the airplane

This Jamaica Family Vacation Gives Back

Ocho Rios has become a top destination for Caribbean family vacations. There’s something for everyone here. There are also opportunities to connect with the local community, learn about marine life, and give back as well.

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Carnival Freedom from Cruise June 2014

Freedom Appeals To Cruising Families

Cruising offers families a wide variety of things to see and do, both on land and at sea. Here are 10 features that make the Carnival Freedom a great choice for families and multigenerational groups.

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Disney Cruise Line Halloween on the High Seas

This is Halloween… on the High Seas Aboard Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line gives new life to new life to Halloween with its “Halloween on the High Seas” sailings aboard all their ships in September and October.

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All Inclusive Family Vacation

10 Reasons to Vacation in Anguilla

Families heading to the Caribbean often seek out islands with beautiful beaches and superb family-friendly accommodations. Here are 10 great reasons to vacation in Anguilla on your next family vacation.

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westin lake

5 Ideas for Spring Break Getaways

Spring holidays provide families a chance to rejuvenate and enjoy time together. Here are five spring break getaways to consider.

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Sneak in Some Science on Your Next Trip

Let science lead the way on your next family adventure. Here are five ideas to consider.

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Packed case on bed

Family Travel Don’t: Fear-Packing

Fear-packing is what happens in that last 24 hours before departure. For families, the fears usually surround what the kids might need. Instead, train yourself to think about packing in a different way.

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"Surfing" down White Sands National Monument

Travel Tips from Top Family Bloggers

Here are eight family travel recommendations from parents who embrace it as a lifestyle -- the top family travel bloggers.

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Teddy Park, Jerusalem

Family Time in Jerusalem

Opportunities abound for outdoor family fun in Jerusalem. You just have to know where to find them. Here are several Jerusalem gems and how to make the most of them.

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La Fortaleza, Puerta de San Juan, Old San Juan, Puerto

Enchanted Isle: Puerto Rico

If Puerto Rico isn’t on your radar, it’s time to readjust. Discover the magic of Puerto Rico with your family.

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App Happy: Family Travel Tools

The right app can keep you and the kids happy during family trips. Here are five to consider.

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The Aspen Art Museum offers robust children's programming

Winter Trips with a Side of Culture

While not every museum is suited for families, here are a few favorites, old and new, that add an easy educational upgrade to some of the world’s most popular winter destinations.

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rocks washington

Keep the Learning Going: Summer Travel

School may be out, but that doesn’t mean the learning has to end. Here are three ways to keep the learning going.

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Parents and kids walking together on a beach

The Importance of Grownup Time When Traveling with Family

The balance of family time and grownup time when traveling is critical. In this family, it benefits everyone. Here are some tips for carving out alone time with your partner the next time you travel with kids.

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Little boy at Asian restaurant

7 Reasons Why Your Family Should Travel in Asia

Here are seven solid reasons why you should consider family travel in Asia.

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santa barbara

Teen Travel Tips: With Age, Family Travel Priorities Change

Family travel is an evolving art. As kids grow older, there’s a natural progression to the how, where and when to travel as a family. Trouble is, it’s sometimes hard for parents to grasp until a family trip doesn’t quite go as hoped.

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Kids dish on what makes for a successful Colorado ski vacation.

Kids’ Guide to Colorado Ski Country

Winter is a great time to visit Colorado. Here's what kids have to say about what makes for a successful family ski vacation in Colorado Ski Country.

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Teen guide David Rothblatt explaining the Slurry Wall inside the 9/11 Memorial Museum

At the 9/11 Memorial Museum with Unique Teen Guides

9/11 shaped the lives of a generation, but is hard to understand. It affects all of us and it is important to know what happened. Teen Ambassadors are now trained to work with children who visit the new 9/11 Memorial Museum.

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Gondola, Lake Placid

Lake Placid with Kids

This family decided to spend a few days in Lake Placid, NY… in summer – a destination better known for its winter pursuits than anything else. It now offers year-round activities geared to families and outdoor enthusiasts.

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disney

Kids’ Guide to Orlando, Florida

Orlando is guaranteed to please the kids. But navigating the parks can be overwhelming. Here's a guide to Orlando from kids who have been there.

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Chandler AZ Family Vacation

Chandler, Arizona: Itinerary for Families

Whether looking for a true southwest experience, a fun outdoor destination or quality, inexpensive family time, Chandler, Arizona, makes a great family destination! This charming town has something for everyone and will not disappoint.

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provence

4 Reasons Why It’s Good to Travel with a Toddler

Having a toddler can make you enjoy your travels even more. Yes, you miss out on romantic meals and nightlife and you have to deal with meltdowns and way too much luggage. But it can enhances all of your trips too.

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Niagara falls-journey behind the falls-outdoor observation deck

Ten Things to Do in Niagara Falls for Families

Niagara Falls, Canada is bursting with activities for families with kids of all ages. Here's a list of the top 10 things to do in Niagara Falls for families.

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Picture of people ice skating on the Rideau Canal - Ottawa, Canada

Kid-Tested Ottawa

Want to take your grandkids to Ottawa for a blast of winter? Canada’s capital city gets a good dose of winter every year, and locals celebrate it with gusto.

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Wendy Perrin at the Eiffel Tower

How to Make Sophisticated Travel Destinations Fun for the Whole Family

A traveling parent's big challenge is to come up with family vacations sophisticated enough for adults, yet kid-friendly enough for your offspring. Here are a few links.

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The importance of education in travel

Families Make the World a Classroom Through Group Travel

A spotlight on the trend in learning-oriented vacations for family groups in destinations around the world. Travel is a key way to supplement children’s schooling.

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People visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Kids’ Guide to Washington DC

There’s no better place than Washington, DC, to explore current events questions and issues with your children. Here's where to go.

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Cliffside on the via ferrata course in Saguenay, Quebec

Family Time: Raising the Bar on Adventure

Having children changes things. Suddenly things feel a lot more risky. But, when they hit a certain age, family time on a round-the-world trip can be full of adventure.

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Natural History Museum, London.

5 Surprisingly Kid-Friendly European Cities

Forget the beach for spring break this year. Instead think kid-friendly European cities. Spring is the ideal time to explore these spots with your little ones.

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All Over the Map in Paris

8 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Family Vacation

Planning a family vacation is fun. Budgeting for one can be pure agony. Here are some tried and tested tips to help get you and the kids out of the backyard.

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Heather Greenwood Davis and family in Machu Picchu

A Matter of Perspective: Skipping School or Travel as Education?

Heather Greenwood Davis reacts to the recently rekindled debate about whether skipping school should be allowed in order to take advantage of travel as education.

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Heather and Allan Staker started Brain Chase in an effort to keep their children engaged in learning during summer break

Hunting for Hidden Treasure, and Summer Lessons with Brain Chase

Through Brain Chase, kids complete age-appropriate online challenges and are rewarded with videos giving clues to the location of an object and, possibly, travel to find it.

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Breakaway falls slide in Aquatica, SeaWorld's waterpark, Orlando, Florida

Travel’s Best Amusement and Water Parks 2015

Start planning your summer activities now with this list of the best amusement and water parks of 2015, assembled with help from a panel of experts.

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A group of tourists take photographs at the Golden Gate Bridge

Kids’ Guide to San Francisco

Kids can’t help but love San Francisco. And since savvy traveling parents know the more input kids have in vacation planning, the more fun everyone will have, here’s a kids’ guide to San Francisco.

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Creekside Camp Tent - Paws Up, Montana

Glamping with the Family

If you’re intrigued by the idea of reconnecting with nature, but cringe at the thought of sleeping on the ground or in a tent, try the hottest new travel trends: glamping with the family!

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Karin Sheets and her special-needs child

In Support of Special-Needs Travel: It’s All About Understanding

An adventurer and special needs advocate reacts to the debate about the removal from a flight of a family that included a child on the autism spectrum.

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The New York skyline

Kids’ Guide to New York City

New York City is a top pick for families, attracting millions from around the world each year. Here’s the kids’ take on a guide to New York City.

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Wild Dogs - Sabi Sands Game Preserve

Tour Story

Not all tours are created equal. There’s a lot to choose from and, no matter what your preference, there’s probably a travel package that fits your style.

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Kids on a beach. Photo courtesy of HomeAway.com

For Better or Worse, Let Kids Influence Your Holiday Decisions

It's no surprise that a recently released HomeAway Kidfluencer Survey highlights 87% of parents around the world give their children a say in family vacation planning.

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Young Voyagers sailing into the sunset Photo courtesy of Exclusive Resorts

10Best Adventure Camps for the Tiniest Travelers

For kids who active vacations, consider one of these destinations where you can find exciting and educational camps designed especially for young travelers.

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Are you sure? You didn't select a seat.

Time to Talk About Kids, Planes and Family Seat Assignments

Parents may find paying to guarantee family seat assignments on planes perplexing, but airlines have another word for it: profitable. For years, there's been a heated debate between families and air carriers.

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Anish Kapoors Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as "The Bean," is a must-see attraction in Millennium Park in Chicago

Kids’ Guide to Chicago

Chicago is a great place for families to visit, boasting friendly locals, great museums and music, the free Lincoln Park Zoo, sports teams with devoted fans and lots of fun eats.

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Wisconsin Dells Wilderness Resort

Ultimate Midwest Resorts

Midwest resort destinations range from cozy lakeside lodges to indoor water park behemoths. Here's a list of 45 top picks.

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Tanque Verde sunset

20 Extraordinary Family Vacations Kids Will Actually, Truly Enjoy

A list designed for parents looking for extraordinary family vacations: properties with thoughtful perks and culturally rich activities.

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Majestic scenery by way of the Alaska Railroad

One Thing You Must Do with Kids in Every U.S. State

A bucket list of the one must-do experience to have with your kids in each state of the U.S. if you can only do one thing or spend time in one city.

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Freedom from Want by Norman Rockwell

FTA Spotlight: Re/Defining Family Travel > The Changing Faces of Family Travel

The face of families has changed enormously since Norman Rockwell's days. And with those changes has come a major metamorphosis in the faces of family travel. (This is the first of our 12 FTA Spotligh

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mother and son walking on dock

10 Myths of Family Travel, Debunked

Venturing into the unknown can radically up the amount of quality time in your family. As long as you don't believe the hype. Let’s dispel the ugly myths about family travel.

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Writer Paul J. Heney, left, with his partner and kids

Focus on LGBT Family Travel

There could be an upswing in LGBT family travel as more LGBT couples ponder whether children should be the next step in their relationships.

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Active on a dune in Namibia

Yes, Vacation Travel is Extraordinarily Good for You: Experts Show How and Why

Americans are often reluctant to take travel time, even when it’s due them. Yet nearly half of Americans agree that travel isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. Here are some reasons they're right.

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Sherry Ott and her parents

Why You Should Travel with Your Parents Right Now

One of the best ways to reap the benefits of a changing relationship with one's parents is to spend time with them, and for some that means travel with your parents.

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Louis DeSaussure House in Carleston

Family Time in Charleston, South Carolina

South Carolina’s Charleston offers a kid-pleasing combination of history and fun. Here’s a look at four ways to enjoy quality family time in Charleston.

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child restraint

Child Safety: Keep Your Little Ones Safe When You Fly

For maximum in-flight child safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urges you to secure your child. Here's the info to make informed decisions.

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The Chapman family, from Westerville, Ohio, on vacation at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

The Perfect Adventurous (But-Not-Too-Much) Family Vacation

Most families aren’t ready to hike the Himalayas, take toddlers to Thailand or sacrifice a hot shower. But many are seeking memorable and educational time with their children

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Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya

Family Travel Commandments: Resorts

Good family-friendly resorts know exactly what families needed, and take steps to help parents unwind. Here's a list of family travel commandments for resorts.

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Barcelona's Arc de Triomf

A New Family Tradition: the 24-Hour Layover

Forget about making the trip in one day and embrace the inconvenience by spending a 24-hour layover somewhere en route, like Barcelona, Spain.

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We don't need no thought control

FTA Spotlight: Re/Defining Family Travel > How to Use Travel as a Learning Tool

Why do public schools unfailingly fail our kids by believing that more learning occurs in a classroom than in the world beyond it? Let's let family travel. (This is the second of our 12 FTA Spotlight:

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A more traditional family in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia

Why I Don't Need My Own Kids to Be a Family Traveler

This writer believes there's nothing wrong with a childless family travel blogger because the definition of family is evolving in non-traditional ways.

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9 Major Trends in Family Travel

Family travel experts from the Family Travel Association and top resorts offer their take on the major trends in family travel.

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A family dive (with a shark). Photo courtesy of Kids Sea Camp

FTA Spotlight: Re/Defining Family Travel > Keeping Kids Safe and Healthy While Traveling

It's healthier to face our fears than to allow them to rule our lives. Let's apply that to vacation planning, all while keeping safe and healthy. (This is the fourth of our 12 FTA Spotlight: Re/Defini

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Lainie Liberti and Miro

Ever Imagine Taking a Year-Long Family Vacation? For Some, It’s Not a Daydream

Traveling the world is a merely a wish for most individuals. But for some, a year-long family vacation is a serious goal that can be accomplished.

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Olive Ridley Sea Turtle in Costa Rica

Best Family Destinations in Costa Rica

The land of Pura Vida has a little something for everyone. Here are some of the best family destinations in Costa Rica in which to spend time with the ones you love.

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Children play at the feet of the world's largest dinosaur in Drumheller

How to Help Your Kids Be Better Travelers This Summer

Travel is a great way for families to bond—and for kids to learn about the world, and themselves. How can you start conversations to help how to help your kids be better travelers?

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Single mother and her two daughters

Why Does the $7.6T Global Travel Industry Ignore Single Parents?

More than a third of children in the U.S. grow up in single-parent homes. Why doesn't the global tourism industry market more to single parents.

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Father and son surfing

'Only' Planet: Tips for Travel with Your Solo Child

Parents who holiday with an 'only child' face different challenges. Her are some tried and tested tips if you’re planning travel with your solo child.

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Two kids on a beach

Are We There Yet? Vacations with the Kids: The Best Kid-Friendly European Travel Destinations

It’s not as difficult as you might think to balance the needs of both adults and children on a holiday. Here are some ideal European destinations ideal for traveling with kids.

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kids with tech

FTA Spotlight: Re/Defining Family Travel > Technology’s Impact on Family Travel

Technology's impact on family travel is undeniable. The question is: how can we use it to enable and elevate the making of memories, not compete with it? (This is the fifth of our 12 FTA Spotlight: Re

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Baby at a steering wheel

Debunking Family Travel Myths: You Can Travel with a Baby

An attempt to debunk common misconceptions about traveling with kids. Family travel myth #1: You can't travel with a baby.

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Polpette in Venice

Debunking Family Travel Myths: The Picky Eater Won’t Starve

An attempt to debunk common misconceptions about traveling with kids. Family travel myth #3: The picky eater will starve.

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Monastiraki Square in Athens, with the Acropolis visible in the background

Living History in Athens

Visit Athens with kids for a living history lesson. Discover how modern is juxtaposed with ancient, and art is featured throughout the city.

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family at amusement park

FTA Spotlight: Re/Defining Family Travel > Traveling for Families with Special Needs

Most children with special needs "learn by doing." Travel supports this type of learning. Families with special needs children should be afforded this opportunity. (This is the sixth of our 12 FTA Spo

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Heather, her son Ethan, and her mother

Three Generations of Travel

If you’re lucky, you’ll have the chance to travel with your kids when they’ve turned the corner into adulthood. If you’re luckier still, you’ll get to do it with your own parents too.

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breastfeeding mom

The Horrors of Breastfeeding and Pumping While Traveling

For traveling moms, breastfeeding means finding creative places to both nurse and pump in public spaces. Yahoo's Laura Begley Bloom shares her story.

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City Tours Becoming More Children-Friendly

City tours can be yawn-inducing for kids. Fortunately, companies are creating interactive and entertaining versions for those between the ages of 6 and 12.

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Trail construction in Hillandale Park, Virginia

FTA Spotlight: Re/Defining Family Travel > Philanthropic and Volunteer Travel Opportunities for Families

One excellent way to prime children for tomorrow is through the potentially powerful combination of travel and service: transformational learning experiences for the entire family. (This is the seventh of our 12 Continue Reading Story

Travel Age West - adventure family travel

Adventure Travel Taps into the Family Market

A niche no longer reserved just for adrenaline junkies, adventure travel is attracting families.

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Activity-based family travel

10 of the Best Active Family Sports Holidays

Whether you saddle up in Portugal, ride the waves in Morocco or play tennis in the Caribbean, don't be without this guide to family sports holidays.

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Kids in garden in Cuenca

FTA Spotlight: Re/Defining Family Travel > Family Travel and Nature’s Nurture

Sadly, for today's technology-focused children, the natural world feels a little "unnatural." All the more reason to make a nature-based family holiday a top priority. (This is the eighth of our 12 FT

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piggybank

FTA Spotlight: Re/Defining Family Travel > Making Family Travel Affordable

Ask average parents why they don’t travel more (or at all) and the word you often hear is: money. Are there ways for to make family travel more affordable? We think so! (This is the ninth of our 12

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Keith Bellows

Remembering Keith Bellows, Our Inspiration and Friend

Today we share in the outpouring of grief and remembrance after the untimely passing of Keith Bellows, our director of consumer engagement.

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Jim Pickell and family in Cortina, Italy

FTA Spotlight: Re/Defining Family Travel > The Impact of the Sharing Economy on Family Travel

The Sharing Economy allows families to travel more efficiently, comfortably, cost-effectively and socially. Do you buy into its merits or view it as hype? (This is the 10th of our 12 FTA Spotlight: Re

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Jessie Voigts, with her husband and daughter, finding the moose at the Interpretive Center of Fundy Trail Parkway, New Brunswick

FTA Spotlight: Re/Defining Family Travel > How Travel Can Change a Family

In our daily lives, we settle into our roles. That's one reason why traveling is so important, especially when you think how travel can change a family - expanding our worldviews, global knowledge and experience, and offering unlimited learning oppor

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should families flying together sit together?

FTA Spotlight: Re/Defining Family Travel > Easing the Anxiety of Flying with Children

Travel may be more affordable than ever, but it's also littered with fees, many of them aimed squarely parents flying with children. So where does it stop? (This is the third of our 12 FTA Spotlight:

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Rainer Jenss and family at the Grand Canyon-banner

FTA Spotlight: Re/Defining Family Travel > The Future of Family Travel

What do we know today about the future of family travel? One thing we reliably understand is that family/multigenerational travel is growing. A lot. But there's plenty more to think about! (This is the last of our 12 Continue Reading Story

A traveling family with a child with special needs

Family Travel with Special Needs Children

Travel can change a special-needs child’s outlook on the world and transform the child forever. From a logistical perspective, however, travel is a lot more challenging. That’s where experts such as Ida Keiper and Jesemine Jones can help.

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flying with children

10 Rules for Flying with Small Children

Here is a set of 10 rules that you should consider following if you want to survive flying with your small children.

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winter escapes

5 Family-Friendly Winter Escapes in the Pacific Northwest

Hit the slopes and enjoy quality time together at these relaxing family-friendly winter escapes within easy driving distance of major Pacific Northwest cities.

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multigenerational vacations

Top 5 Multigenerational Vacations for Every Budget

Here are five top multigenerational vacations suited for a wide range of budgets, interests and traveler types.

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Bender Family

Aussie Family Saving 60% of Its Income Traveling the World

The Bender family are traveling the world with their kids and saving a lot of money along the way.

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Family Holidays: 10 Places You Wouldn’t Think to Take Your Family

Offbeat and unusual destinations for a family holidays, from beach breaks in Colombia and Zimbabwe, to museums in Manchester.

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Kids drumming with locals in South Africa. Photo courtesy of Austin Adventures

Family Safari in Africa

If you have ever thought of a family safari in African safari, or been intimidated by it, read about these companies that have changed the way everyone should think about it.

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horses in a corral

5 Extraordinary Dude Ranches for Families

Here are five fantastic dude ranches for families, where you're in it for the riding or active, outdoor, multi-sport fun.

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Rohan Gelber-Higgins in Jerusalem

Experiential Family Travel: A Ticket to Fond Memories

People who give a trip with a theme can make a getaway gift particularly memorable, especially when it involves experiential family travel.

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Hanging bridges in Costa Rica

Central America is a Family Vacation Paradise

Expanding your horizons beyond the more popular destinations and into Central America could lead to unexpected adventures in a family vacation paradise.

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View of Las Vegas

Family-Friendly Activities in Las Vegas

It might surprise you to learn that there are almost as many fun family-friendly activities in Las Vegas as there are fun things only for adults.

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8 Christmas-Themed Railroad Excursions Rolling This Holiday Season

Here is a brief breakdown of Christmas-themed railroad excursions departing during the holiday seasons and sure to leave families in a jolly good mood.

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Kids travel books

25 Travel Books to Inspire Kids of All Ages

Here are 25 travel books (or series) about the big blue marble and the people who live here for kids of all ages.

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robot

The Latest and Greatest in Family Travel Gear

As every parent knows, packing for a family trip can be a serious challenge. Here some family travel gear that will deepen a parent’s travel toolbox, as well as some top picks by fellow moms and dads who work in the travel industry.

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Kid safety

Kid Safety on Vacation – 50 Things You Must Know Before Traveling

The last thing any parent wants to think about is the worse case scenario, but it is direly important to consider kid safety in advance.

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life preserver

Single Parent Travel – Emergency Plans & Preparations

What if something happens if you and you become incapacitated, unconscious or missing? Is your child ready? It’s not a pleasant topic for single parent travel, but it should be discussed.

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Travel Safety

Travel Safety Tips

Traveling with children can be a delight and a challenge. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has the following travel safety tips for stress-free family travel.

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Kids skiing at Okemo Mountain Resort

10 Best Ski Resorts for Families in 2015/2016

More ski resorts have begun to offer additional activities for families, both on and off the mountain. These are our top picks for the 10 best ski resorts for families in 2015/2016.

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todos santos - baby turtles

Citizen Science Programs for Families in Mexico’s Baja California Sur

A vacation with education at its core can sometimes seem like a pretty tough sell. These are just three examples of the terrific citizen science programs for families in Mexico's Baja California Sur.

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Samantha Brown on AARP

A Stress-Free, Family Vacation? It's Possible!

Planning a family vacation for members with a range of ages, personalities and interests can involve a bit of tension. These are Samantha Brown's secrets on how to plan a trip that’s enjoyable for all.

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How to Keep Your Multigenerational Vacation from Becoming the Griswolds on Steroids

A solid mix of exasperation and exhilaration, a multigenerational vacation isn’t easy to plan or execute. These tips will help you reduce the bumps of an intergenerational trip.

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Two kids on a slide

8 Road Trip Tips for Traveling with Young Children

Road trips are trying, especially for small children. The road trip tips covered in this piece are about the journey and what to do at the stops along the way that will minimize meltdowns and frustration.

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The Worst Travel Advice for Families

No matter how you travel, sometimes you need a little advice. But that travel advice for families can be subjective… not to mention bordering on the ridiculous.

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Does My Child Need a Passport?

If you plan to visit another country, your child needs a passport, no matter how young he or she is.

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Why Asian-American Families Don’t Travel Abroad More, But Should

Why aren’t Asian-American families traveling abroad more? Perception of too many opportunity costs, parents’ focus on kids’ schooling, and fear of the unknown.

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girl preparing to ride camel

Travel Can Change Your Child’s Life: Here’s How

There are few organized resources specifically for families or parents interested in planning travel that includes children or is specifically geared toward children.

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Lissa Poirot and children

Traveling as a Single Parent: Not Always a Smooth Ride

Is it difficult to travel as a single mom? Not for the reasons most people think. Here are some ways the travel industry can help.

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special flight program - ROC Your Flight

A Special Flight Program for Special Kids

Kids with autism have difficulties with an overload of the senses. Imagine what a flight is like. So here’s a special flight program that introduces the flight experience to kids with special needs.

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Creating Special Connections: Travel as One Parent and One Child

Travel as one parent and one child lets you build a special one-on-one relationship that can be hard to establish in a mix with more family members.

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Father and son on a plane

Family Travel Association Helps Congress Push for Families Flying Together Act

The Family Travel Association has thrown its weight behind a congressional effort to pass language from the Families Flying Together Act.

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should families flying together sit together?

We Didn’t Get All the Way (Yet!) to Helping Families Flying Together

Last week saw only partial success after the push to support family-friendly language to help families flying together sit together.

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Bike Tours for Families

Bike tours for families are a great way to explore a region or country and get a feel for it in a way not always possible from a train or rental car.

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5 Family Travel Trends for 2016

What are the latest family travel trends? "Vacations can increasingly happen at any time, with any size group, for any number of days, with any amount of notice," travel expert says.

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traveling with kids

Seven Lessons You Learn After Traveling With Kids

After five years of travels with her young children, here’s one mom’s seven lessons learned from traveling with kids.

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ski resorts for families

Five Perfect Ski Resorts for Families

Given all the considerations, finding the best ski resorts for families can be a real challenge. Here's Travel + Leisure's cherry picks of the best destinations that fold in all the key ingredients

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15 Things to Do with Your Family Vacation Photos

Look at this list of 15 things to do with your family vacation photos. From business cards and postage stamps to holiday photo cards and digital photo albums, there are lots of great ways to put your photos to good use.

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family-friendly museums

Some of the Best Family-Friendly Museums Around the World

Museums aren’t what they used to be. Today’s are designed for little ones to explore as much as for adults to enjoy. Here is HomeExchange’s selection of some of the best family-friendly museums in the world.

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Dolomite ski runs for kids

5 Best Dolomite Ski Runs for Kids

If you’re planning a trip to the Dolomites of Italy with the whole clan in tow, here are five of the best ski areas for children

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staying healthy while traveling

Staying Healthy While Traveling the Globe

Staying healthy while traveling is critical. Here’s what one person did on a recent trip to Tanzania with her four grandsons. No one got sick.

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Family Safari in Africa

Family Safari in Africa: Educational and Exciting

Many families are taking their kids out of school for travel to Africa during off-peak times. Here are three ways to work education into a family safari in Africa.

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Giraffe at Giraffe Center, Nairobi - family travel in Kenya

Top 5 Things to Do During Family Travel in Kenya

Kenya is packed with excitement that is great for family safari. From hand-feeding a giraffe to jumping with the Maasai, here is a list of five must-do activities when you plan a family travel in Kenya.

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family safaris in Africa

What I’ve Learned from Designing Family Safaris for 20 Years – John Spence, Aardvark Safaris

Safaris are on most travelers’ bucket lists. Family safaris too! The key to making them happen: find a safari operator who knows how to cater to family needs. Here’s one!

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benefits of traveling with kids

The Benefits of Traveling with Kids

If you see the world as a rich learning environment, here are nine key benefits to brood on when pondering the benefits of traveling with kids.

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make family travel meaningful

Best Ways to Make Family Travel Meaningful

Having fun is not the same as experiencing something meaningful. Here are 10 fun, but challenging, life-changing activities that reliably make family travel meaningful and uplifting for everyone.

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Family mini adventure - Stefen Chow and his daughter

Why Fathers Should Bring Toddlers on a Family Mini Adventure

When mum was busy with work, this father and toddler daughter had a great excuse for a family mini adventure.

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travel is diffrent with MJ Kirkland

When Travel Is Different, Understanding Gets You There

Travel is different with MJ. He is 22 and until recently had been in residential treatment for a laundry list of developmental and mental health issues. And now he and his family are figuring out how to establish a traveling relationship.

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New York Parenting - aurism-friendly travel

Autism-Friendly Travel

Autism-friendly travel for families can be difficult. Here are organizations that aid families traveling with children on the spectrum or with other special needs.

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children with special needs

A Travel Resource for Parents of Children with Special Needs

All children benefit from traveling. Travel is full of teachable moments. Children with special needs are no different. Travel provides opportunities to practice and improve social and communication skill and promotes cognitive growth.

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Join Us in Supporting the Every Kid in a Park Campaign

The Family Travel Association is proud to partner with and pledge its support to the White House's Every Kid in a Park campaign. Join us!

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earthquake in ecuador

Update and Appeal Following the Earthquake in Ecuador

After the earthquake in Ecuador the staff, family and guests of our four Ecuador-based members are OK... and busy contributing to relief and tourism efforts.

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First Lady and Big Bird talk Let's Move and food for kids

Healthier Holiday Food for Kids: A Family Travel Priority

Wouldn't it be great if there was healthier food for kids in hotels, resorts and theme parks? Well, it's beginning to happen as more and more people see the value in combatting childhood obesity and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

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Is Millennial Family Travel Different?

Millennials are reshaping the highly lucrative family travel landscape, whether they are driving an RV, sharing a local's apartment or taking an exotic adventure trip.

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usnews - multigenerational vacation

Beyond Family Cruises: 10 New Multigenerational Vacation Ideas

A multigenerational vacation is more popular than ever, but how about something other than a cruise? Here are 10 outside-the-box ideas to consider as a family.

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Adventures Less Ordinary - #StopOrphanTrips

Family Travel Must Stand Up for Families and #StopOrphanTrips

Nobody likes to be played for a fool, but that’s what’s often the case when you visit, volunteer at or contribute to an overseas “orphanage.” Perhaps traveling families should take a stand and call for an end to orphanage tourism.

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transitions abroad - volunteering overseas

Top Considerations for Volunteering Overseas… with Your Kids

More and more parents are considering volunteering overseas with their kids to see beyond typical tourist attractions and act as global citizens.

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PADI Story - Rainer Jenss and family

Family Ties: A My PADI Story

My PADI Story: When I learned that you can be as young as 10 and get PADI certified as a diver, we found ourselves on a plane heading to Palau! as a family!

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budget travel - family travel websites

8 Indispensable Family Travel Websites (Plus 4 Amazing Apps to Download Now!)

Ready for an unforgettable family vacation? Combining their know-how with intel from the founder of the FTA, Budget Travel chose eight great family travel websites.

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journeys international - five tips family adventure travel

5 Tips for Family Adventure Travel

Backed up by a webinar, here are our five top tips for getting started on your family adventure travel trip.

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Ranch View Lodge sits atop East Gros Ventre Butte, between downtown Jackson and Teton Village, Wyoming

Family Travel and Vacation Rentals

“Vacation rentals are exploding because family travel is exploding.” This comes as no surprise to anyone helping the new generation of traveling families. Here's what the experts have to say.

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A child with a toucan at La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica

Ecotourism and Family Travel in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers amazing product and program diversity at cross-section of ecotourism and family travel in Costa Rica. “A family vacation in Costa Rica is a way to raise awareness about sustainability for the whole family.”

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pool on a cruise ship

7 Cruise Safety Tips

In light of the recent drowning death of an 8-year-old boy in a swimming pool on a cruise ship, cruise safety is in the spotlight, and travel industry experts are offering cruise safety tips to passengers.

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To Keep Families Flying Together, U.S. Congress Passes New Law

The hard work has paid off! Within a year, airlines will be required to keep families flying together thanks to a new law passed by the U.S. Congress.

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Bears in Anan Wildlife Observatory, Alaska

The Alaska Experience: Risk or Real Life?

Any wilderness experience includes some risk, especially an Alaska experience. But how far is too far for visitors not accustomed to wildlife or weather, mountains or machines?

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cutout image of a family

Traveling with Voluntary Kin: “She’s Like a Sister to Me”

Voluntary kin are an often-overlooked type of family relationship that should be taken into consideration: people we think of as family but who are not related to us by biology or law.

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adventure travel with kids

Children/Adventure Travel: How Safe? How Beneficial?

Modern travel has enabled parents to take ever younger children on adventure travel. Is it reasonable to do so? Here are some thoughts.

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Lissa Poirot and her brother at Niagara Falls

Making Time for Multigenerational Vacations

Planning a multigenerational vacation may sound like a logistical nightmare, but service providers are making it easier for groups to come together.

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A gray whale mother with her baby checking out the humans on a boat

Family Travel: Creating Nature’s Caretakers

For some species, family travel is instinctive or a matter of survival. For others it is a yearning for adventure and discovery. The places where they cross paths – places like Baja, where humans and gray whales can today interact freely and withou

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2016 New York Times Travel Show

Family Travel Association Sponsors First-Ever New York Times Travel Show’s Family Travel Pavilion

At the 2017 New York Times Travel Show, scheduled for January 27 to 29, 2017, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, one of the newest developments will be the Family Travel Pavilion.

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Boys standing with a tortoise shell in the Galapagos

Galapagos: Close Encounters of the Wild Kind

A Thomson Family Adventures trip to the Galapagos Islands offers families a wealth of up-close wildlife viewing and more.

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Why Family Travel Is NOT a Waste of Money

Is Family Travel a Waste of Money?

A recent article asserts that family travel is a waste of money. We at the FTA disagree and so do our members. In the strongest terms.

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Rainer Jenss welcomes everyone to the 2016 Family Travel Association Summit

Event Summary: FTA Summit, Day 1

The second annual FTA Summit kicked off in grand fashion today, with three keynote speakers and original research data headlining the Family Travel Association festivities.

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New Study Finds Significant Growth Ahead for Family Travel Market

The family travel market is poised for significant growth, according to a new study from the Family Travel Association.

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Horseback riding in the hills around Tucson, Arizona

Event Summary: FTA Summit, Days 2 and 3

Learning and living. That's how attendees of the second-annual FTA Summit spent the last two days at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona.

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Family Travel Advisor Forum - welcome sign 2016

Successful Family Travel Advisor Forum Connects Sellers and Suppliers

The debut Family Travel Advisor Forum, an exclusive hosted program for top-performing travel agents, recently concluded and by all accounts was a great success.

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The Crazy Family Adventure family - champions of full-time family travel

Understanding the Full-Time Family Travel Trend

The future of family travel includes a popular trend of leaving normal life behind to experience full-time family travel. One primary motivator is desire to build stronger family bonds.

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Family travel and dude ranches: a chance for all ages to discover magic

Family Travel and Dude Ranches

Why family travel and dude ranches? Because they reconnect adults to innocent parts of their childhood and introduce their kids to these same experiences.

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A family on a chair lift

Schussing the Far North: Alaska’s Best Skiing and Riding for Families

Eager to experience the activities for which Alaska is famous? Try these options for Alaska's best skiing and wintery family fun, the way the locals do.

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planning a family vacation

Planning a Family Vacation – without the Parents

There’s something very special about planning a family vacation without a kid's parents. Sure, it’s a lot of responsibility, but it's a bonding opportunity like no other.

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Infectious smiles on kids in snow

Family Travel and Winter Experiences

No matter what anyone might say, what truly underpins any parent’s love of family travel and winter is the laughter of a kid dashing through the snow.

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Family in kitchen of vacation rental

Vacation Rentals Provide All the Comforts of Home

A look at how vacation rentals offer families more space and more amenities (like a kitchen!) than traditional vacation lodging.

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a visiting family takes in a traditional Ecuadorian market, learning about local customs and delicious and unique fruits and vegetables

Discovering South America with a Socially Responsible and Sustainable Partner

More families are aware of the importance of arranging vacations with a socially responsible and sustainable company (like Pure! Ecuador).

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A family on a river cruise boat on the Danube River

Family Travel and River Cruising

More and more river cruise lines are offering special family-focused sailings and ships designed to meet the needs of vacationers of all ages and interests.

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Elementary Virtual School Student

Who’s Traveling? Virtual School Families!

Families whose children attend virtual school, and they’re a growing niche that the travel industry is just beginning to notice.

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volunteer vacations: volunteer at work

5 Volunteer Vacations for Families

Give your kids the chance to lend a hand during volunteer vacations and leave a meaningful impact on the communities they visit.

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how to set up your family campsite

How to Set Up Your Family Campsite

A family campsite can be stressful if you don't know how to be organized. Here’s how to efficiently pack and set up all your gear.

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happiness anchors: family on a beach

Family Vacations Serve Are ‘Happiness Anchors’ for Kids Until They Grow Up

Not-so-typical reasons from experts on why family vacations are ‘happiness anchors’ (so pack your bags and get out of the house).

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Baby on board: traveling with infants

Baby on Board: Traveling with Infants

It's a polarizing issues among travelers, and yet more families than ever are traveling with infants and toddlers on vacations near and far.

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Looking for ski deals for kids in Utah

Finding the Best Ski Deals for Kids

When ski season hits in Utah, it's time to find the best ski deals for kids and get your family on the slopes. Check these ones out.

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Family road trips

Family Road Trips You Can Take in a Week

Family road trips are a great way to vacation, bond, and see spectacular sights. Weeklong road trips are best. Here are a few worth considering.

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Have passport will travel... in a new travel climate

Family Travel in a (Tricky) New Travel Climate

What are traveling families doing in today's new travel climate of travel obstacles and overarching negativity that is making people stay home?

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Special needs travel: meeting the needs of families of all abilities

Special Needs Travel: 5 Great Ideas for a Memorable Family Vacation

Every family deserves a vacation. Fortunately, more and more operators are offering special needs travel for families of all abilities.

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traveling with autism

Traveling with Autism

This a family traveling with autism. Family travel is so important to them that the only way for their son with autism to get better at travel was to actually go somewhere.

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Magical Storybook Travels reviews autism-friendly sailings

Royal Caribbean International’s Autism-Friendly Sailings: A Family’s Story

How successful was Royal Caribbean International's autism-friendly sailing? This family finally decided to test it out. Here’s their story.

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Families of Australia - boy with binoculars

Bound Round Seeks Families of Australia to Share Their Favorite Attractions and Destinations

Bound Round's Families of Australia initiative will see a group of Australian families become the faces of their local regions.

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affordable family vacation

7 Ways to Save For and Plan an Affordable Family Vacation

An affordable family vacation doesn't have to be a fairytale. If it’s important, you can make it work. Here are some tips.

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APEX insight: how families fly

Airlines Need to Think More About How Families Fly

Airlines will need to reconsider the solitary seating and refined cuisine that cater to adult passengers. To win over parents who travel with their little ones in tow they will need to review how families fly.

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flying with kids

Flying with Kids: the Good, the Bad, the Body Fluids

Kids don’t understand that plane’s gotta fly and cars gotta drive and that means they must be still or quiet. Here are a few stories of what it’s actually like to when you’re flying with kids.

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Mother and kids with a dinosaur roadside attraction

Family Travel and Road Tripping

An in-depth examination of both the magic and mystery of family travel and road tripping, including testimonials and suggestions from experts.

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Travel with family

The Many Reasons Why I’m Thankful I Travel with Family

There will come a time when this writer and her husband will travel on their own again, but for now, they travel with family because they want to remember how they became a family.

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family travel train journey

Why Your Next Family Vacation Should Be on a Train

For children, trains are not simply a mode of transport, they’re an experience. Factor in a sleepover and you’ve got magic, part Hogwart’s with a side of Polar Express. Here are five family travel train journey favorites.

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Ladakhi women in native dress

Family Travel in Ladakh, India, the Land of the Broken Moon

Starting in the summer of 2017, Global Family Travels is inviting traveling families to a unique learning and volunteering experience in India’s Ladakh region

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Off-the-beaten-path family travel in a boat in Ibera Marshland

Off-the-Beaten-Path Family Travel

Off-the-beaten-path family travel — is it appropriate as more and more parents travel with their kids in search of powerful learning experiences?

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Kids feeling free on a Backroads multi-adventure trip in Ecuador

Active Family Travel Demand Continues to Rise… and Travel Operators Respond

The trend of immediate and extended families pursuing active family travel together continues to grow. Backroads is rising to the challenge.

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family travel agents attending FTA travel agent council forum

The FTA Taps Top Family Travel Agents for Industry Intel

The Family Travel Association successfully completed its first-ever FTA Travel Agent Council Forum of the industry's leading family travel agents.

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travel with kids - don't use lame excuses

Busted! 7 Lame Excuses for Not Traveling with Your Kids

With a little bit of creativity, flexibility and planning, travel with kids can be a rewarding adventure for the whole family.

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Paul Zanelli, feeling free beneath the waters of Dominica

Diving Back into Life (with Family)

Although missing part of a limb, Paul Zanelli — a husband, father and traveler, is diving back into life with the help of a family dive vacation.

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travel with teenagers - via Scott Dunn

Top 10 Tips for Traveling with Teenagers

Here are some top tips about traveling with teenagers: where to take them, how to keep them happy and how to make the holiday one to remember.

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2017 Family Vacation Critic Favorite Badge

Family Vacation Critic Names the Best Hotels for Families in 2017

Family Vacation Critic has released its annual list of the best hotels for families in 2017, including a handful of FTA members.

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A family of cyclists on the Virginia Capital Trail

Family Travel by Bicycle

Growing numbers of people take off each year for family travel by bike. Here’s what our family travel experts have to say about it.

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Family cycling on gently rolling hills amid the Austrian Alps

7 Questions to Ask When Deciding on a Family Bicycle Tour

Here are seven of the top questions to ask yourself when you're deciding on whether and how to enjoy a family bicycle tour.

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A vintage BMW turned into a play space

Discover Lisbon as a Family with Martinhal Chiado Family Suites

Set in the center of Lisbon’s historic and fashionable district of Chiado, Martinhal Chiado Family Suites is the world’s first elegant city-centre family hotel.

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The author's children with Atlantis, Paradise Island, in The Bahamas, in the background

Making Hotels Friendlier for Families: 1+1=3

An expert analysis at the types of amenities that make a hotel stand out to family travelers looking for family-friendly hotels.

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family digital detox

The Importance of a Family Digital Detox

The family digital detox vacation, during which electronic devices are not allowed and there’s no wi-fi access or cellular service, is a new, popular option.

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Family Travel Safety Tips: A family enjoying the mountain view

8 Family Travel Safety Tips for a Hassle-Free Vacation

To ensure the best holiday possible, it’s important to plan for different eventualities. Here are some family travel safety tips for hassle-free trips.

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family travel and camping - Kids at a KOA playground

Family Travel and Camping

Family travel and camping go together like summer and vacation! Here are a few important reasons why everyone should do it.

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slow travel for families - two kids connect

Vacation Trend: Slow Travel for Families Living in the Fast Lane

Living in the fast lane? Slow travel for families is highly recommended. Fortunately, slow travel family destinations are on the rise.

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cost-conscious family travel

Why Agents Should Embrace Cost-Conscious Family Travel

Regardless of budget, all families deserve great vacations. To help, travel agents must embrace cost-conscious family travel.

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Family-Friendly Iceland

Travelling to a new country with your family is an exciting adventure, but sometimes you don’t know where to look to find the family-friendly side to a foreign place. Iceland‘s close-knit family culture and emphasis on outdoor activity is tailor-

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eco-friendly family adventure by bike in Germany

Celebrating the Bicycle’s Bicentennial in Germany (with Family)

A bicycle tour of SouthWest Germany is a fun, eco-friendly family adventure with teens.

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child visiting a Chinese migrant workers school

An Eye-Opening Family Visit to a Chinese Migrant Workers’ School

An eye-opening account of the complex context and experience of an American family’s visit to a Chinese migrant workers' school.

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family travel and responsible tourism - family planting a tree

How to Be a Responsible Family Travel Champion: Top Tips

We asked our members to share their top tips about making responsible family travel decisions. Here’s what they had to say.

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Kids learning about nature on a trail in Costa Rica

Family Travel and Responsible Tourism

A comprehensive collection of reasons and arguments why everyone should engage in more family travel and responsible tourism.

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family RV adventures

One Adventure to Have with Kids in Every State… Before They Grow Up!

There's a ton to see and do across America. Road-tripping is the best way to see and do it all. Here are some favorite family RV adventures to have in each state.

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FTA Summit – Register Now

The cabin block for the Family Travel Association (FTA) Summit is filling fast. So register now to ensure your ability to network with the best of the family travel industry (including media and agents)! The event is October 23-27 on Royal Caribbea

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Use Us! – And Get the Most out of your FTA Membership

The FTA exists to serve its members. After all, if there are no members – there is no FTA, right? To that end, we’d love to have you use us. Seriously. Did you join to connect with the 80+ vetted freelancers and bloggers in our Media Center? Want

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Get your Clients Ready for a Little #TravelSauce

‘Grandma, would you please pass the incredible adventures?’ As fall settles in here in the Northern Hemisphere, the minds of your clients are inevitably starting to turn toward the holidays. Now is the time to add to your social media campaign pl

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Family Traveller Launches in U.S. with FTA Partnership

Family Traveller, a fast-growing global media brand, announced the arrival of its U.S. edition, launching its website this week, with a print magazine debuting in January 2018.

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Why Family Travel Insurance is More Important Than Ever

Each day’s news cycle seems scarier than the day before, whether that is due to hurricanes, forest fires, earthquakes, terrorism, or political unrest. It can feel far too daunting to book travel months in advance given the unpredictable nature of o

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Spring Getaway to Europe’s “West Coast” at Martinhal Sagres Family Beach Resort

With over 300 days of sunshine, warm temperatures year-round and known as a water sports haven, Portugal’s Algarve coast is already a firm favorite beach destination for travelers in the know. For spring getaway far from the crowds, a stay at Marti

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FTA Has Strong Presence at NY Times Travel Show

The New York Times has announced that its annual Travel Show reached a new record of 32,398 participants—the highest attendance in the Show’s history. Attendance included 10,268 travel trade and 22,130 consumer attendees during the three-day even

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Help a Charity While Growing Your Business

FTA members have been invited to take part in the first Travel/Culinary Auction on Charity Buzz (see link with details). This online marketplace offers experiences and incredible luxury packages bene?ting charitable organizations. They provide access

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FTA Summit 2018

The annual FTA Summit is a trade-only, conference-style event that brings together the leading players and key influencers in family travel, including top suppliers, A-list media and travel agents who specialize in this important market segment. Co

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New Growth Potential in Family Travel Market

Travel agents definitely have an opportunity when it comes to selling to families who are craving information and price transparency. According to a new study by the Family Travel Association (FTA) and the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYUSPS)

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DOT studies pricing models that split up families flying together

Over the past decade, as most U.S. airlines have begun charging extra for choice economy seats, it has become more complicated for those traveling as a party to secure seats together without paying an up-charge. It was for that reason that in July 20

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The Most Annoying Things About Family Travel

The thrills (and spills!) of parenting seem to be amplified when you’re on vacation. Like, your kid isn’t just crying because she’s tired—she’s crying because she’s jet-lagged and thinks day is night. And she has an audience of 250 people

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Heed call to help make family holidays safer

More than 20 holiday operators have signalled their commitment to improving safety on holidays by signing up to contribute their accident and fatality data to the Safer Tourism Foundation (STF). Last week Telegraph Travel launched its campaign for sa

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Longwoods International and the Family Travel Association join forces to promote family travel in the U.S.

Longwoods International, a leader in tourism market research, and the Family Travel Association, the leading coalition of the family travel industry, have teamed up to produce a new profile of family travel in the United States. Their study, released

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Traveling with Children is Easier and More Valued Than Ever

Parents report traveling with children is easier today than it’s been for past generations, according to new research by Lonely Planet in conjunction with Lonely Planet Kids. The travel media company surveyed 1,800 parents with children under 18 ab

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FTA Unveils “FTA Academy”: Industry’s First Family Travel Certification Course

The Family Travel Association is proud to announce the launch of the FTA Certification program for travel agents that specialize in family travel. This certification course is the first of it’s kind in the travel industry.

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Family Vacations Still Possible Despite Inflation Increase

More than a third of Americans were planning to take a vacation more than 50 miles away from home involving more than 2 immediate family members.

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Virtuoso: Absolute Trends In American Family Travel in 2018

As the busy summer travel season approaches, global luxury travel network unveils that families are roaming the world in search of experiences that create closer bonds and lasting memories.

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Thomson Family Adventures Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Thomson Family Adventures introduces exclusive 20th Anniversary offers to benefit families. Watertown, MA- Thomson Family Adventures, a leader in the family adventure travel industry, is proud to announce that it is celebrating its 20th year in adven

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5 Ways To Help Nurture Your Child’s Love of Animals – At Home and Away!

Animals hold a special place in our hearts – and anyone with children knows this love starts at a young age. Some of our first words are the sounds made by favorite animals.

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US family travel experts share their best trips

When you live in a country as vast and varied as the US, it’s hard to decide where to spend that oh-so-precious family vacation. And the answer also depends on your point of origin and how far you’re prepared to go.

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Beyond the Beach: Unexpected Travel Destinations for Families with Fun and Learning in Mind

Luxury travel agents from Tzell Travel share their tips for unforgettable experiences for families around the world Experiential travel is hot and it’s not just for grownups. Travel Leaders Group’s recent Travel Trends survey revealed that luxury

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Life Travel Map by Global CommUnity

Raising a global citizen takes planning The key years for travel with your child are ages 5 to 18.  During those 13 years, families are also juggling extracurricular activities and life road bumps that will further limit your travel time options. 

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Kids have their say with Big Five Tours & Expeditions

Big Five Tours & Expeditions has been evolving its approach to family travel over several years, with the belief that the creativity and ideas of children combined with the power of travel can transform the world. We began our first serious steps

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Under Construction: FTA Travel Agent Resource Center

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be reaching out to FTA members to gather assets for the soon-to-be-launched FTA Resource Center for Travel Agents. We want to hear from you about what tools and information would help you better connect with your FTA

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On the Air: Announcing Family Travel Radio

On October 1st, The Family Travel Association (FTA) will launch Family Travel Radio, a podcast designed to help parents discover what’s possible when it comes to traveling with their children. Family Travel Radio will be hosted by podcasting vetera

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Reaching the Summit

More than 150 travel industry members will be meeting at the Fairmont Southampton Princess in less than two weeks, for the FTA’s 2018 Summit. Hosted by the Bermuda Tourism Authority, this year’s summit will focus on “Innovation,” as we gather

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AmaWaterways’ Kristin Karst Named the 2018 Family Travel Association’s “Person of the Year”

Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner, has been chosen as the 2018 Family Travel Association’s “Person of the Year.”

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15 Best Dude Ranches for Families

The ultimate family vacation has grown exponentially in terms of options and accommodations — and dude ranch vacations are no exception. In fact, there are very few resorts that emulate the offerings of the dude ranch community. “Activity options

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Global CommUnity Seeks to Change the Way Families Travel

The 2018 U.S. Family Travel Survey shows that the number one motivation for parents to invest in vacations is “To have my children discover new places and have new experiences.

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2018 Family Travel Survey Reveals the Deepest Wants and Needs of Families

FTA members dug deep into insights about the family travel market during a Monday morning session highlighted by Peter Bopp, FTA Director of Strategy.

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FTA Honors: Celebrating Innovation, Excellence, and Person-of-the-Year

It was a night unlike any other, many travel veterans said. Monday evening, at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, the FTA unveiled FTA Honors.

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FTA Summit 2018 Serves Up Passion, Innovation and Insights

The 150 delegates who attended left Bermuda with a renewed sense of excitement and resolution about the opportunities the family travel market offers their businesses.

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Day 2: The Momentum Continues

Still glowing from an evening of awards and networking, attendees reconvened on Day 2, Tuesday, focused on supporting families whose special needs aren’t always being met by the travel industry. Tuesday morning also included an eye-opening main ses

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Save the Date: South Dakota, Summit 2019

The South Dakota Department of Tourism will host the Family Travel Association 2019 Summit, Oct. 20-24.

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Emerging Destinations are the Perfect Destinations for Discovery

In a discussion that was recorded for an episode of the recently launched Family Travel Radio, three experts at our 2018 Summit discussed the benefits of families visiting emerging destinations. According to the 2018 Family Travel Survey, only 22 per

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2018 Summit: Exceeding Expectations

From everything we saw, heard and experienced during the FTA 2018 Summit in Bermuda (Oct. 7-9), it can only be called a rousing success. The information and insights shared and connections made, contributed to what most felt was our best Summit yet.

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Tapsy Tours Educates and Entertains Children and Adults

Parents are increasingly seeking travel experiences for their children that help educate them and broaden their minds, something FTA Member Tapsy Tours has focused on for over the last three years. In the recently released 2018 U.S. Family Travel Sur

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Canadian Families Have a Passion For Travel

Canadians prioritize visiting new places and exploring with their children, according to a survey recently presented at the 2018 Family Travel Association Summit. Canadian families have a tremendous passion for getting away together, as evidenced by

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Diverse Family Offerings Mean Saint Lucia Isn’t Just for Romance Travel

Saint Lucia consistently ranks at the top of romantic Caribbean islands, but what many families and travel agents might not be aware of is that it is also a very kid-friendly destination. For any agent whose clients are looking for a lush getaway, wi

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Recommend Magazine Survey: How travel agents are booking family travel

Recommend Magazine is interested in learning how travel agents are booking family travel, how it has changed and grown over the last few years, and how niches within the general segment are changing how travel advisors sell this particular demographi

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FTA Developing Travel Agent Resource Center

The FTA has started working with members on a Travel Agent Resource Center designed to help travel advisors better understand what our suppliers offer families and how to sell to their products and services more effectively.

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Celebrity Cruises earns Special Needs Group award

Celebrity Cruises recently was named the 2018 Power Partner by the Special Needs Group (SNG), an organization that seeks to educate travel industry professionals about the issues faced by some travelers with accessibility challenges. Celebrity Cruise

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Costa Rica Hosts FTA Media

Il Viaggio Travel, a San José, Costa Rica, ground operator, recently took advantage of one of the greatest FTA member benefits – the ability to connect with other members, create meaningful business relationships, and help parents discover what ou

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Tauck Tours Offers New “Great Migration” Safari Tour

The annual “Great Migration” is considered one of the grandest wildlife spectacles on earth, when millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles travel a circular route through eastern Africa in search of fresh grazing lands. The annual procession i

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FTA Join Forces with Northstar Media To Help Agents Sell To Families

The FTA collaborated with Family Getaways and the Northstar Travel Group to further their efforts to educate travel professionals on selling family travel.

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Parents Say They Would Cancel Christmas To Travel Instead

Over half of parents (66%) say they would cancel Christmas this year to travel instead, with majority (78%) noting they would rather spend their money on a vacation instead of holiday gifts.

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Can a Dude Ranch Change Your Client’s Life?

Many travel advisors and consumers have misconceptions about what a dude ranch experience will be like, and some may be either skeptical or worried about whether it would be fulfilling for them. In this episode, podcaster Aaron Schlein breaks down th

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Take Over Our FTA Social Media in 2019

Social media is one of the key ways FTA members stay in touch with each other and their followers. In 2019, we will continue to expand platforms on Facebook and Instagram for our members, so you can demonstrate your talent and offerings.

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6 Myths About Dude Ranch Vacations that Simply Aren’t True

This past summer our family decided to try a dude ranch vacation, and I have to admit I was apprehensive at first. When my husband was a child, his family visited a dude ranch in Colorado and he said it was the best vacation ever.

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New Year, New Opportunities to Grow Your Family Travel Business

Happy New Year! As we step into 2019, we want to remind you of all the ways that you can communicate with your fellow FTA members and gain the added reach of families who engage with the FTA through our full complement of communications and events.

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FTA Launches First Travel Agent Industry Guide

The Family Travel Association is proud to announce the launch of our FTA Dude Ranch Guide, the first in a series of industry category tools that will be published in our new Travel Agent Resource Center. These tools help the FTA’s travel agency mem

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Family Travel Radio – Affordable Vacations are as Simple as a Mindset Shift

Author and freelance writer Erin Kirkland talks with Family Travel Radio’s Aaron Schlein about how travel is more affordable when parents shift their perspective. Budget travel has “negative connotations,” Kirkland tells Schlein. “We need to

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Intrepid Travel Product Managers Are Parents Too

The itineraries and experiences empowering families traveling with adventure tour operator and FTA Member Intrepid Travel, often result from the personal experiences of employees like Family Brand and Product Manager, Dyan McKie. Based in Melbourne,

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Family Travel Opens Children to More Possibilities

For so many families, prioritizing the time and financial investment to travel together is difficult, as evidenced by some of the results from the FTA’s 2018 Family Travel Survey. When we asked those respondents with vacation days what share of the

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New FTA Board Members Announced

To kick off the new year, the President of the FTA, Rainer Jenss, announced the addition of four new members to the Advisory Board: Mike Janes, Ben Perlo, Peter Ross, Ashish Sanghrajka.   The Advisory Board is comprised of a variety of industry lum

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Why Moms Choose a Dude Ranch for a Great Family Vacation

Dude ranches make an incredibly memorable and enjoyable family vacation – for moms especially. With a sense of togetherness and shared experiences moms and the whole family are sure to love their time in the great outdoors, horseback riding and

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FTA and Dude Ranch Association Solidify Their Partnership

Throughout the Family Travel Association’s (FTA) five-year history, the FTA and the Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) have been long-time supporters of each other’s members and mission. The DRA’s more than 100 member ranches offer one of the b

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6 Extraordinary Family Vacation Ideas for 2019 – Dude Ranches Out West

Are you looking for exciting family vacation ideas? Think outside the box and perhaps consider a dude ranch vacation in the west! For more than 100 years dude ranches and guest ranch vacations have provided limitless fun and engaging things to do for

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Discover Corps’ “Vacations with Purpose” Help Families Discover from Within

Families travel for a variety of reasons, but one thing remains clear – feeling a sense of togetherness and connectedness is important. In today’s world, this becomes more and more difficult in everyday life, making the few vacations we take more

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Il Viaggio Travel Makes Costa Rican Beaches More Accessible

CR Dona Tapa is making beaches accessible for people of all abilities. Costa Rica-based ground operator Il Viaggio Travel recently celebrated the opening of the first accessible beach in all Central America, a result of the company’s non-profit cha

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4 Common Misconceptions Your Customers Have of Volunteer Travel

Let’s be honest, when your potential customers hear the term “volunteer travel,” what’s their gut reaction? There’s a good chance they picture a group of college-age kids in a third world country. By day the agenda calls for physically dema

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How Do Queer Families Choose a Destination?

PHOTO: Gay couple walking through fall woodland with daughter. (Photo via monkeybusinessimages / iStock / Getty Images Plus) Choosing a family vacation destination is tough enough, with sometimes vastly different ideas of what would be cool to kids o

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Family Travel Radio | Great Britain | Aaron Schlein & family

Britain: A Practically Perfect Family Vacation

From the first time my son watched Mary Poppins, he has wanted to see London. Prior to last August, my wife and I had planned to wait at least a couple of more years before venturing overseas with our kids. That all went out the window when we saw No

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Bruce Poon Tip to Speak at FTA 2019 Summit

The Family Travel Association (FTA) is proud to announce its first 2019 FTA Summit keynote speaker, Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, a tour company that has been a leader in bringing local life experiences to group tours. G Adventures recentl

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FTA and Recommend Magazine Help Educate Travel Advisors

The FTA recently collaborated with Media Partner Recommend Magazine to bring insights and best practices for professional travel advisors seeking to focus on the family travel market. Recommend Magazine Editor-in-Chief Paloma Villaverde de Rico moder

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CEO Q&A With Nora Livingstone, Of Animal Experience International

FTA sat down with Nora Livingstone, CEO and Founder of Animal Experience International, one of our newest members, to understand how she built her company’s itineraries and brand promise based on her personal family travel experiences. Describe wha

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FTA’s Rainer Jenss Speaks at Signature Travel Network’s Inaugural Luxury Forum in Dallas

Signature Travel Network held its first Luxury Summit in Dallas, Texas on April 10th. The sold-out event featured senior representatives from a variety of industries and organizations within the luxury segment, as well as over 250 Signature members.

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Selling Families on Intimate Animal Encounters

One of the biggest draws for families to travel is the opportunity to have intimate encounters with animals in their natural habitats. We asked Ryan Connolly and the team at FTA Member Hidden Iceland to help you understand the draw of Iceland’s hom

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Dive Vacations Help Families Explore An Amazing World Underwater

Few family vacations offer the promise of connections between children and parents like dive vacations do. “A scuba diving vacation forever changes the way you see the world – both above and below the surface,” said Jennifer Small, public relat

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Knowledge is Power to Grow FTA Agents’ Business

Continuous learning leads to continuous success. That’s why in April 2018, the Family Travel Association launched “FTA Academy,” a 23-module video certification program open to all FTA Travel Advisor members. The Academy offers insightful and t

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Why I left Wall Street to launch a Cuba travel business

Who knew that building a business in an emerging market would be such a gut-wrenching experience? Yet, as a 30-year old Harvard Business School graduate, I set out to pursue my dream of launching a socially conscious travel company.

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FTA Launches #TakeFamilyTime Campaign

#TakeFamilyTime is an advocacy campaign meant to rally its membership around the alarming trend of American parents not using all their vacation days and raise the awareness of the importance of traveling together as a family.

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Iceland is Perfect for Families

The FTA spoke with Ágústa Björg Þorsteinsdóttir, head of marketing at Iceland Travel, about how his company has specialized in serving families, the potential impact on children and their families from visiting a place like Iceland, and how all

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Vacations Are Invaluable

As the Family Travel Association tries to get to the heart of why 58% of the respondents to our annual survey leave paid time off on the table every year, we are also looking to our members for their insights. One of the most prolific researchers in

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“FTA Honors” Dinner Set for Mt. Rushmore  

Mt. Rushmore at night with be the venue for the 2019 FTA Summit Honors Award Dinner & Reception.

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Taking Family Time: With Media Member Kirsten Maxwell

Back in 2015, the US Travel Association (USTA) launched Project: Time Off, to change the culture surrounding the use of personal time off. For the next three years, the USTA invested in groundbreaking research, publicizing the benefits of using vacat

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Wyoming Encourages Families to Celebrate and Educate During Women’s Suffrage 150th Anniversary

Nothing educates like travel does. Learning history from a textbook, or even through video, can’t match the opportunity for a child to be immersed in an environment where they can experience history firsthand. That’s why the Wyoming Office of Tou

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What can we do to help America #TakeFamilyTime more?

On another page, we presented some of the obstacles preventing parents from taking more vacations. Since then, eight of our members provided their input. THANK YOU for your engagement. THIS is why we launched #TakeFamilyTime. The practical side of u

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FTA Launches Travel Advisor Tour Operator Guide

In our continuing efforts to educate our Travel Advisor members and help connect them with our member destinations and suppliers, we recently published the FTA Travel Advisor Tour Operator Guide, the third in a series we have published this year. Thi

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Rainer Jenss Honored as Traveler of the Year

At the second annual WhereverFamily.com Wherever Awards Ceremony, held at the City Vineyard in lower Manhattan, FTA president & founder, Rainer Jenss, received the Traveler of the Year Award in recognition for his work in helping the travel indus

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CEO Q&A with Marcel Perkins, Latin Trails

Latin Trails is a Destination Management Company, based in Quito, Ecuador, focused on inbound travelers to Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and Peru. They specialize in offering custom planned trips, with a focus on delivering unique experienc

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AirTreks Featured In 5-Day Family Travel Radio Series

Family Travel Radio has partnered with FTA Member Air Treks on a five-episode series that not only focuses on the life-changing aspects of around-the-world travel, but also deals with some of the biggest issues parents face when deciding to prioritiz

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1-to-1 Networking Tool for the 2019 Summit

We are pleased to provide you with a new tool, Presdo.com, to plan meetings with your colleagues at the 2019 Summit. Using this special networking website, you can: Discover who will be attending the Summit. Communicate with attendees and plan for th

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Travel Advisors Help Families Plan Ahead

One of the greatest challenges families face taking more vacations is the planning process. Busy with various commitments and overwhelmed with the volume of information they have to sift through, many parents simply never get around to planning ahead

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CEO Q&A with Inkaterra’s José Koechlin von Stein

Established in 1975, Inkaterra has been at the forefront of ecotourism and sustainable development in Peru. creating authentic travel experiences, while preserving the region’s biodiversity and local cultures. Its sustainability efforts have ga

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Celebrating Five Amazing Years at FTA Summit 2019

  This year’s FTA Summit is extra special as it marks the 5–year anniversary of our official launch — back in October of 2014. To mark the occasion, we will celebrate some of our past successes and programs. But more importantl

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FTA Names 3 New Board Members

On the eve of its 5-year anniversary, the Family Travel Association announced the addition of three new members to its Board of Advisors. “As we prepare for to navigate the next five years of our growth and development, I’m thrilled to have t

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FTA Announces It Will Become A Non-Profit

Celebrating its fifth year of continuing growth, the Family Travel Association (FTA) announced it plans to become a non-profit 501 (c) (6) organization in 2020, to help it grow the size and scale of the organization and help it create more value for

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FTA 2019 Honors Were ‘Monumental’

Under the glow of a spot lit Mount Rushmore, the Family Travel Association honored six members for their outstanding contributions to our industry and to our communities on the final night of the Summit. Dining at the National Memorial’s Carver

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FTA Celebrates Five Years With 2019 Summit At Custer State Park Resort

This year’s Family Travel Association Summit was rich in information, networking and hospitality, as the leading industry executives and experts convened at Custer State Park Resort in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

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FTA Summit Keynote Speakers Inspire And Educate

As in years past, the 2019 FTA Summit benefited from insightful and inspiring speakers who were able to frame the event with their stories about their businesses, the destinations they open their clients to, and how they have helped families discover

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2019 Family Travel Survey Results Are In

— Families Treasure Vacation Time — — Affordability Continues to be a Challenge — — “Gramping” Travel Trend is Strong – Seven out of ten parents say they are “likely” or “very likely” to travel with their children in the n

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2019 FTA Summit Receives Rave Reviews

  Four out of five attendees at the Family Travel Association’s 2019 FTA Summit rated the conference as “Excellent” or “Very Good,” according to a post-conference delegate poll. Four out of five delegates also said they would recommend

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Don’t Let These 9 Obstacles Stand in Your Way to an International Family Vacation

Guest Post by Nicci O’Mara, FTA Member and Founder of TripChiefs.com Many parents believe you need a bucketload of cash, a flexible job, and kids of a certain age to be able to head off on an amazing vacation abroad. What I’ve discovered over

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Family Travel PSA

https://vimeocom/372902870

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We Need To Stick Together, To Help Families Do The Same On Airline Flights

An Open Letter from FTA Founder Rainer Jenss to all FTA Members It’s discouraging to see more and more stories in the mainstream media these days about parents who end up being separated from children on board flights on U.S. carriers. According to

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FTA Partners With Travel & Adventure Show In 2020

We are proud to announce that the Family Travel Association will be an Official Industry Supporter of the Travel & Adventure Show in 2020. This relationship includes a number of benefits for our members, including speaking opportunities and admis

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Come Join us at the New York Times Travel Show

As we have in years past, the Family Travel Association will have an extensive presence at the 2020 New York Times Travel Show, Friday, January 24 through Sunday, January 26, affording our members several opportunities to raise their visibility withi

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Looking for that special family Christmas gift? 5 reasons to give the gift of time with a family vacation (plus booking tips)

We look for gift ideas that are meaningful, create joy, build lasting memories, build us to be better people, and make us stronger as a family.

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Family Travel Deals And Tips Helps Families Travel More

There is no getting around it. Family Travel is one of the best investments parents can make in their children’s lives. But as the FTA/NYU Survey has shown five years running, family vacations can require time, effort and money that can sometimes b

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2019 Year End Holiday Message

Before everyone takes time off to be with family and friends (and maybe take a vacation too?), I wanted to take a few minutes to wish all of our members a very Happy Holiday season, while also looking back on a momentous 2019, and casting a glimpse i

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Protected: FTA Member #TFT Submission Form

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

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Take Family Time

Taking Family Time is Taking Off!

The #TakeFamilyTime advocacy campaign has clearly struck a nerve with families, and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

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#TakeFamilyTime Gains Momentum

The FTA’s Advocacy campaign launched with great fanfare in January at the New York Times Travel Show, and has been gaining steam with consumers ever since. Through a nationally distributed press release, our social media platforms and a new monthly

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FTA February Transition Update

The Family Travel Association board and leadership team have been diligently working on the transition of the organization to a non-profit, and we wanted to provide you with a few updates. Firstly, I am delighted to officially announce that Colleen H

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2020 Summit and COVID-19 update

Dear FTA Members,   I love the travel industry. We all do. We love the destinations we help families discover, the experiences we create that changes children’s lives, and the people we work with that make it all possible. As Jack Ezon recentl

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Consumer Reports Joins Fight To Ensure Families Sit Together

In letters sent to American, Delta, and United Airlines, Consumer Reports called on these companies to ensure children are seated with their families on planes at no additional cost. More than 130,000 people have signed Consumer Reports’ petition

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Ken Shapiro Heads New FTA Board of Directors

As the transition from an independently owned LLC to a non-for-profit organization continues to progress, the Family Travel Association formed its first official Board of Directors, headed by Travel Age West’s Vice President, Publisher and Editor i

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#FTAClassroom Launches with the Kids in Mind

The FTA Classroom initiative, headed by FTA Board member, Claire Zlobin, is showcasing the creative ways our members are bringing fun and educational activities to families who are homebound during the COVID-19 pandemic. We urge everyone to check the

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Traveling In A post-pandemic World – New instabook by Bruce Poon Tip Challenges Us To Do Better

An ode to lovers of travel, by G Adventures Bruce Poon Tip: While reflecting on how this interruption would impact the future of tourism, author, entrepreneur and philanthropist Bruce Poon Tip has concluded that despite the hardships being presented

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South Dakota Tourism Launches New Campaign

In response to COVID-19, South Dakota Tourism launched in March the “Great Places Are Waiting” campaign, a three-phase plan that will run through the summer across all media channels. They recently entered our second phase, one that sees

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iWorld Travel adds Alida Paljevic to Leadership Team

As the travel industry reawakens following a period of historic retrenchment, IWorld of Travel anticipates renewed growth spurred by pent-up demand. Poised for success in the changing environment, the company is adding a dynamic personality to its le

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South African-based Jumbari Family Safaris hosted a family travel webinar to explore the challenges and opportunities which await the industry in a post-COVID-19 world

The webinar was facilitated by the CEO of the Ker & Downey® Africa Group, Lee Kelsall, who represented Jumbari Family Safaris, a division launched by the group in early 2019 to cater to the family traveler. “I think that this period has force

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Americans Look Forward to Travel, Especially to Reunite with Family and Friends

As parts of the country begin the process of opening up, travelers are looking forward to getting back on the road and in the skies according to the most recent Longwoods International tracking study of American travelers.  (Link to rest of story

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Hope

Just as we started to slowly work our way towards reopening our devastated economy, another crisis took a hold of the U.S. very different from COVID-19. This one deeply seeded in our culture and profoundly personal. Racism and discrimination exists i

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Kid’s Kouncil™ Tests New Big Five Initiative

Stuart, FL June 24 2020 – Big Five Tours & Expeditions’ Live with Five Jr allows children the opportunity to ride along in real time with one of its in-country partners. The idea behind Live with Five Jr is to provide an interactive experienc

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The ATJ Foundation Donates $10,000 to Elephant Conservation and Care in India

While the COVID-19 era has introduced specific challenges for all of us, the animals and staff at the center in India that we work with are also in need of emergency additional medicinal supplies, food, first aid, and support with staffing and care d

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Austin Adventures launches contest to acknowledge and honor America’s essential workers

Award-winning active tour company Austin Adventures is celebrating the essential workers who have kept America going throughout the COVID-19 pandemic through their first-ever America’s Essential Workers Contest. “We are recognizing those who neve

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FTA Supports Senators to Ensure Families Can Safely Fly Together

The new bill will guarantee that children can sit with their parents on flights at no additional cost, an important safety measure during the coronavirus pandemic.

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FTA Board of Director Interviews

Produced by Aaron Schlein, creator of the FTA’s podcast: Family Travel Radio, we’re kicking off a series of recorded interviews with our newly formed Board of Directors. View all interviews here

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Seeking Stories of FTA Members Supporting Communities

The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged many local economies that depend on tourism. The Family Travel Association would like to highlight what our members are doing to support their communities, both at home and around the world.

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FTA Active on Virtual Industry Conferences

With virtual conferences becoming the new norm for how we gather together to learn, network, and stay connected, the Family Travel Association has been busy spreading the word on how family travel could lead the way in our industry’s recovery once

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‘Book Your Bubble’ – new private travel benefits for groups of family and friends

G Adventures introduces collection for travelers to vacation with those they know A recent G Adventures panel survey looking at travel trends post-pandemic has indicated that 35% of travelers* intend to take their next trip with multiple friends and

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Celebrity Becomes First Official FTA Alliance Partner

Despite the devastating impact the pandemic has had on the cruise line industry, Celebrity Cruises is onboard as the FTA’s first official Alliance Partner. To broaden their involvement with the FTA, Celebrity will sponsor the next research report c

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AAA Club Alliance Joins FTA to Certify Their Advisors

With a plan to better educate their over 300 travel advisors about the opportunities the family travel market offers their businesses, the AAA Club Alliance has signed a membership agreement with the Family Travel Association giving their entire advi

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FTA Hires Serendipity Media

The FTA is thrilled to announce the hiring of Serendipity Media to handle its membership services and communications efforts. In a year that has already seen the FTA transition to a not-for-profit, the association took another big step in its restruc

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FTA To Host Virtual Event November 30!

In the spirit of its uniquely popular annual Summit, the FTA is bringing together the industry’s leading authorities on family travel and shining a spotlight on the people, places and events shaping Family Travel for 2021.

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Help Select This Year’s FTA Honors

Those attending this year’s FTA Virtual Family Travel Spotlight on November 30th will be treated to a special presentation honoring those persons and organizations who are advancing the FTA’s mission in unique and innovative ways. And to continue

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FTA Spotlight’s A-List Speakers Announced

With just over two weeks to go until the curtain lifts on its first-ever virtual Spotlight event happening on Monday, November 30, 2020, the FTA has announced its lineup of speakers and official agenda on its website, FamilyTravel.org. Open to everyo

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Founder Q&A With Roni Weiss, Exec Dir, Travel Unity

Founded in 2016, Travel Unity is focused on increasing diversity in the world of travel through individual and community empowerment. We are hoping this interview with its Founder Roni Weiss, will make our membership more aware of and supportive of t

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Family Travel Association - Family Travel Spotlight - FTA President Ken Shapiro

FTA Hosts Virtual Event and Announces Important New Initiatives

Like so many industry conferences this year, the FTA was forced to cancel its annual “live” Summit and pivot to producing a virtual event that would once again bring together the industry’s leading authorities on family travel and shine a spotl

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Family Travel Association - Family Travel Spotlight - FTA Honors 2020

2020 FTA Honorees Awarded

Those who attended this year’s FTA Virtual Family Travel Spotlight on November 30th were treated to a special presentation honoring those persons and organizations who are advancing the FTA’s mission in unique and innovative ways.

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Family Travel Association - Family Travel Spotlight - Peter Greenberg

Peter Greenberg Gives It to Us Straight

The Travel Detective and Travel Editor at CBS News started things off by giving us his professional take on what the next 5-6 months might look like for travelers.

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Family Travel Association - Family Travel Spotlight - FTA Person of the Year Heather Greenwood Davis

Heather Greenwood-Davis Keynote: The Future Is Family Travel

Heather’s “The Future Is Family Travel” keynote address was so well done, a written script would not do it justice so we urge you to check it out yourself.

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FTA Roundtable: Responding and Recovering from Covid-19

The FTA Spotlight, despite being virtual, managed to bring together a group of top industry executives from some of the leading brands in family travel.

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Family Travel Association - Family Travel Spotlight - FTA Person of the Year - Heather Greenwood Davis

Heather Greenwood Davis Named 2020 FTA Person-of-the-Year; Travel Advisors Named FTA People of the Year

Continuing its annual tradition of honoring the late Keith Bellows, who helped pioneer the start of the organization in 2014, the FTA awarded its 2020 Person of the Year to Heather Greenwood Davis.

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Family Travel Association - Family Travel Spotlight - JP Morgan Chase - Dr Jen Hartstein

The Psychology of Planning Family Travel with Dr. Jen

This year’s Spotlight audience was treated to a presentation from Dr. Jen Hartstein, a family psychologist, author, and television personality who leads a family psychotherapy practice.

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Family Travel Association - Family Travel Spotlight - JP Morgan Chase - Greg Stranz

Family Travel Trends and Research

One of FTA’s newest members, JP Morgan Chase, sent Greg Stranz, Director of their Marriott Bonvoy Bold Family Travel program shared their research and how families will be planning their travels in the year ahead.

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Happy Holidays From the FTA

If you’re like me, you’re very happy to see a new year on the horizon. We’re finally at the end of what was, without a doubt, one of the strangest and most difficult years most of us have experienced. And 2021 can’t come fast enough! We have

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Alisal: The Perfect California Getaway

Rule # 1 of family travel. You never outgrow traveling with your family no matter how old the kids are. Sure, the destinations may change and the experiences you seek become more ambitious, but no matter what their ages, there’ll always be a good r

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FTA Q&A With Destination Sitters founder Yvonne Lane

Finding safe, trustworthy babysitting services while on vacation or away at a convention, conference, or wedding, is not always something travelers think is available. And in some cases, children are not brought along on a trip at all, specifically b

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Q&A With Jeremy Palmer, SVP Worldwide Operations; Brand Management & Strategic Planning, Tauck

Founded in 1925, by Arthur Tauck, Sr., the Tauck brand is legendary. Over three generations Tauck has grown to include a diverse range of guided tours and river cruises designed to be transformative and re-energizing. Today Tauck offers more than 140

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FTA Launches New Travel Insights Webinar Series

The FTA Board of Directors is excited to kick off a new monthly Travel Insights webinar series in coordination with TravelAge West. These informative and engaging virtual events are scheduled to begin on March 16 with Forecasting Summer Travel ̵

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A Q&A with Jennifer Spatz, Global Family Travels’ Founder & CEO

Global Family Travels' Founder & CEO; Chapter Lead of Impact Travel Alliance for Greater Seattle, and Travel Designer for Transformational Travel Council

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Q&A with Chris Tomseth, co-founder and chief marketing officer for Sky Squad

Established in 2012, SkySquad was developed in response to founder Julie Melnick’s need for an extra set of hands when traveling coast to coast with her toddlers.

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LAURIE BOHN

Q&A With Royal Caribbean’s Laurie Bohn-Isaure, CTIE, Director, National Accounts, Training & Trade Associations | Sales

It’s hardly any secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the cruise industry. Cruising contributed $55 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019 up 5.3% from 2018, according to Cruise Lines International Association. By 2020, h

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Q&A With Ryan Connolly, marketing & environmental Manager and co-owner of Hidden Iceland

As the world slowly emerges from its yearlong COVID-19 shutdown, destinations around the globe are beginning to reopen and welcome visitors once again. One of the most notable announcements on this front came in mid-March when Iceland revealed that v

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An Inspirational Partnership Designed to Facilitate Accessible Family Travel for Those with Disabilities

As the mother of three boys, one with Autism and one with Sensory Processing Disorder, travel agent Nicole Thibault, of Magical Storybook Travels, knows just how intimidating it can seem to travel with children who have disabilities or who are on the

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Family Travel Association Q&A with Gavin Landry, executive vice president for the Americas, VisitBritain

As the national tourism organization for Great Britain, VisitBritain is focused on marketing one of the world’s most popular and beloved destinations. But even destinations with a well-established fan base have had to carefully navigate the challen

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A Q&A with Jessica Burtnick, manager of marketing and communications for Frontiers North Adventures

A family-owned and operated company since 1987, Frontiers North Adventures has a long history of offering fascinating and immersive trips in Canada’s iconic northernmost regions. Through trips to the subarctic community of Churchill, Manitoba, gues

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Q&A with Yvonne Lane, Founder & Managing Director of Destination Sitters

  Destination Sitters provides fully vetted, strictly screened, and highly experienced sitters for your travel experiences. Whether you want a night out on the town without the kids, desire extra assistance in an amusement park, or have special

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Q&A with Chitra Stern, CEO of Martinhal

Owner and founding board member of Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts, Chitra is a passionate entrepreneur and real-estate & hotel developer, working alongside her business-partner and husband, Roman, on their projects in Portugal. They have h

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Q&A With David Gilmore, Director Strategic Partnerships for Panorama Travel Solutions

Working with Panorama, a Travel and Leisure Co. brand, David Gilmore’s goal is to help travel businesses bring convenience, information, inspiration and value to their customers. Panorama is delivering a full suite of travel solutions and B2B partn

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Q&A: Eric Lutey, Business Development Manager for Family Travel Association

FTA is proud to announce our new business development manager, Eric Lutey; who brings many years of tour and travel industry experience to the role. Lutey started his career a little over 20 years ago, working as a student tour operator in Michigan,

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Q&A with Jessica Griscavage, Founder of Runway Travel

As a Family Travel Association board member for the last three years and new chair of the association’s Travel Advisor committee, Jessica Griscavage cares deeply about making family travel unforgettable. After many years working for McCabe World Tr

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Unlimited Renewal Travel

I take all the stress out of booking vacations/experiences. During our 1:1 I will be able to build a connection with you and ensure that I create for you the trip of a lifetime. My background and education first and foremost is a licensed social worker and mental health & wellness master’s within family dynamics. […]

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