Get Inspired | Travel Tips | Montecito Village Travel

Summer Vacation for the Whole Family

Written by Shianne Motter | June 19, 2024

Why you should start traveling with your kids early & the summer's hottest offers to make your family trip feel like a real vacation

Children are never too young to learn. Whether close to home or across the globe, a family vacation can actually be a lessons in cultural exchange and sustainability that not only expand a child's worldview, but also their self-esteem, confidence...even shape their future. 

Spending time together as a family, away from the usual routines and responsibilities, strengthens your bond. Travel provides opportunities for parents and children to connect on a deeper level through shared experiences and thrill-seeking adventures. Whether it's marveling at the Grand Canyon's vastness or enjoying simpler moments like setting up a tent together, these experiences create a tapestry of memories that will be cherished long after the trip is over.

Why Should You Book with a TravelAdvisor?

It's never too early to plan summer vacation! When you use a travel advisor, you can be more present during your precious family time while on vacation. Plus Montecito Village Travel advisors have access to perks like spending credits, suite upgrades, and expert advice. 

The World As a Classroom

When we think of education, the image of a classroom often comes to mind. The world itself is also a classroom, and experience is often the best teacher.

From the bustling markets of Marrakech to the serene temples of Kyoto, each destination introduces young minds to new sights, sounds, and smells. These sensory experiences are foundational for cognitive development and help children build a more nuanced understanding of the world.

From reading maps and understanding currency to learning basic phrases in a new language, these real-world lessons are both practical and engaging. They help children develop problem-solving skills, boost their confidence, and ignite a lifelong curiosity for learning.

Suite Family Memories at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, complimentary connecting rooms

The Suite Family Memories offer is exclusively available when booking the Ambassador, Deluxe, Grand, or Presidential suites with a travel advisor. This offer includes a complimentary connecting room, providing families with the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and privacy. Upon arrival, children are welcomed with bespoke sweet treats from our pastry team, sparking joy from the first moment.

The adventure continues with the stargazing experience, transforming your children's room into a mesmerizing night sky, and movie nights enhanced with Four Seasons Movie Night vouchers and complimentary popcorn for a complete cinematic experience. Even the turn down service is special; tailored to your children's favorite themes, along with personalized gifts, making every evening special. Beyond the fun and games, your stay will be comfortable with Four Seasons robes and slippers for the whole family, and child-friendly bathroom amenities.


A fairytale castle nestled deep in the Charente countryside; Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Resorts Collection, complimentary kids menu

Because family meals offer precious moments Domaine des Etangs happily offers lunch and dinner from the kids menu, for children under 10 staying at the Domaine between May 1st and September 15th, 2024 and dining with a paying adult.

Seemingly suspended in time, Domaine des Etangs offers the chance to slow down, to reconnect with nature, loved ones, and the self in an environment of abundant space, artfully designed. From the château with its seven suites, vast attic games room, and Gallo-Roman-inspired thermal baths, to the six Metairie cottages and The Longère’s four rustic suites, untouched original materials and witty art and experiences give the Domaine its curiosity and sense of discovery.

Plus when you book with a travel advisor you unlock the door to these magical benefits:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
  • $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Gladiator School Experience in Rome with Abercrombie & Kent Italy

When in Rome, right? Spend an afternoon immersed in the world of Roman life & Gladiatorial combat learning the history and taking part in your own gladiatorial re-enactment. Talk about bragging rights!

Included in your experience: 

  • Learning the history and taking part in your own gladiatorial re-enactment
  • Transportation by private vehicle for all transfers and touring throughout the itinerary. Bottled water will be provided throughout
  • Professional, English-speaking local guides as detailed in the itinerary
  • Entrances to all attractions as detailed in the itinerary
  • All taxes
  •  24 hour emergency contact service based at A&K Italy

Why taking a cruise is one of the best ways to vacation as a family

Cruise ships are designed to cater to a wide range of interests and age groups. Whether you have toddlers, teenagers, or grandparents in tow, there's something for everyone.

When you factor in the cost of accommodations, meals, entertainment, and activities for the entire family, cruises often come out ahead compared to traditional vacations. Additionally, many cruise lines offer special deals and discounts for families. 

The stress alone of traveling can prevent families from going on vacation. Cruising can help minimize the common headaches associated with family vacations. There's no need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads, dealing with airport security, or packing & un-packing in multiple destinations. Once you're on board, everything is taken care of...including childcare. Your child will most likely love the independence of hanging in the kids club, and you will love the 

The Perfect Day of Royal Caribbean Kids Sail Free!

Planning the perfect trip to please everyone is way easier than you think. Going on a cruise vacation means more to do for your entire crew— whether they want epic adventure or complete relaxation, cultural exploration or awe-inspiring views. All with maximum convenience as you’re whisked to unbelievable destinations anywhere in the world.

Choose your own ultimate beach day on a cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's award winning private island. Zen out at your choice of unforgettable places to unwind or the kids or grown-ups can turn up the thrills like never before. Here, Thrill Waterpark® puts adventure in the fast lane with shriek-inducing slides and rushing tides. On select voyages to Perfect Day kids sail free! How perfect is that? 

When you book with a travel advisor, you enjoy complimentary Specialty Dining for two guests when you book a balcony category stateroom on any 7 night or longer. When you book a Junior Suite or above on any 7 night or longer sailing you'll receive a complimentary Specialty Dinner for two plus a complimentary Spa Treatment for one.

Be Truly Free at Sea with Norwegian Cruise Line, 3rd and 4th guest are free 

Now is the time to make your travel dreams come true with this sizzling hot deal from Norwegian. When you book with a travel advisor you receive up to $200 onboard Credit per stateroom for balcony and above.

Book your next vacation now and get 35% off all cruises, and your 3rd and 4th guest sail free on select dates. Save big on your dream cruise, whether that’s uncovering the best of the Mediterranean, going on a safari in Africa or reclining in your own slice of paradise in the Caribbean. Norwegian Cruise Lines will even help you get to and from your destination with Free Airfare- buy airfare for one person and automatically lock in roundtrip airfare for two! Plus, enjoy Free Specialty Dining, Free Unlimited Open Bar and more with Free At Sea.

Princess Cruises Keyless Entry, MedallionClass for everyone onboard

Hands full? No problem. With the Princess MedallionClass technology, stateroom doors open automatically for you.

A Princess MedallionClass vacation offers the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising. It begins with your Medallion®, a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from touch-free boarding to locating your loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever you need, delivered. 

When you book with a travel advisor you receive free specialty dining for two one night of the cruise when booking a mini-suite or suite stateroom! Available on voyages 6 days and longer

The Celebrity Edge for the first time in Alaska

From calving glaciers to breaching whales, Alaska is a nonstop show of nature’s greatest feats. Now, one of our own greatest feats, Celebrity Edge, puts you front and center for all of it. Nothing Comes Close to Celebrity Cruises®.