Ultimate Family Vacations Spring 2019 by Ensemble

EXPLORING Riviera Maya

TOP TRIPS

for Pre-teens and Teens Cruising with the

FAMILY Clans and Castles in

SCOTLAND

EXCLUSIVE KID OFFERS

Planning your family vacation You make the memories. We’ll take care of the rest. Life moves so fast, we can’t measure it all in moments. Hockey games and Sunday dinners—even birthdays all seem to blend together. So how do you create moments your family will remember? Easy: By making them unforgettable. Ensemble Travel Group is an organization of more than 300 independently-owned travel agencies across Canada. Our travel experts know which beach resort has the best food, which cruise ship has the best kids’ program, and which land tour will make your family voluntarily put their phones down. We do all the heavy lifting, so all you have to do is sit back, enjoy, and reconnect.

Visit our website at ensembletravel.com to find your Family Travel Advisor.

Ultimate Family Vacations | SPRING 2019

EUROPE. THE EARLIER, THE BETTER.

BOOK 6 MONTHS EARLY OUR EUROPE

PROMISE

SAVE $1,000 PER COUPLE

FREE CHECKED BAG PER PERSON

BOOK 4 MONTHS EARLY1 CONNECTING FLIGHTS FROM 63 CANADIAN CITIES STARTING AT $49

SAVE $500

PER COUPLE

EXCHANGEABLE DEPOSIT IN CREDIT

BOOK 3 MONTHS EARLY2 SECURED GROUP RATES

SAVE $300

PER COUPLE

EARN & REDEEM 1,000S OF AEROPLAN® MILES

CONTACT OUR TRAVEL ADVISORS Only valid on new bookings of select packages purchased between November 5, 2018 and December 31, 2019 for departures between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. Minimum 5-night stay required. Applicable to flight-inclusive packages only. Valid for any flight class cabin. Offers expire at 11:59 p.m. ET on the date indicated. Flights operated by Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge. For all applicable terms and conditions, visit www.aircanadavacations.com. Holder of Quebec permit #702566. TICO registration # R50013536/W50013537. ■ ¹Book between 179 and 120 days prior to departure and save $500 per couple. ²Book between 119 and 90 days prior to departure and save $300 per couple. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. Subject to availability at time of booking. Not applicable to group bookings. ■ ®Aeroplan and the Aeroplan logo are registered trademarks of Aeroplan Inc. ®Air Canada Vacations is a registered trademark of Air Canada, used under license by Touram Limited Partnership, 1440 Ste Catherine St West, Suite 600, Montreal, QC, H3G 1R8. 5925 Airport Road, Suite 700, Mississauga, ON, L4V 1W1. ME-7132

Making your dreams travel ™

THEY’RE GOING TO LOVE THEIR VACATION YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE SEEING THEM SMILE! Traveling as a family? Club Med’s kids pricing is hard to beat!

Whether 4 months or 17 years old, we offer activities and facilities adapted to each age, season, environment, and personality. It’s no wonder why parents continue to consider Club Med as the best all-inclusive destination for family vacations!

Kids under 4 years old STAY FREE* Kids from 4 to 11 years old SAVE UP TO 50%* Kids from 12 to 15 years old SAVE UP TO 20%*

CANCÚN YUCATÁN, MEXICO

PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Alongside the world’s second largest coral reef, come to enjoy a family oasis pool and stay at the heart of the new Aguamarina Family Oasis !

GOURMET DINING

CHILDCARE

SPORTS & INSTRUCTION

EVENING ENTERTAINMENT

REJUVENATE & RELAX

Come to experience CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil and discover the new Zen Oasis, a sophisticated adults-only hideaway, perfect for moments of essential tranquility during your stay...

FLIGHT & TRANSFERS

GRATUITIES

FREE WIFI

OPEN BAR DAY & NIGHT

all inclusive

For more information or to book, please contact our travel advisors *Children aged under 4 years stay for free at our family destinations. Children aged 4-11 years stay at up to 50% off adult price at select family resorts. Children aged 12-15 years stay at up to 20% off adult price at select family resorts. For flights that are booked through Club Med, tickets for children must be paid for by the client. Children who are eligible to stay for free must be lodged in the same room as the adults who are paying for their stay, or in a connecting room. Blackout dates apply. General conditions: For Turkoise all guests must be 18 years old and older. For Columbus Isle, all guests must be 2 years old and older. Prices include the GST and PST.Club Med is not responsible for errors or omissions. Club Med Membership fees of $60 per adult and $30 per child are additional. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. For travel services booked with a Québec Travel Consultant, prices exclude the clients’ contribution to the Indemnity Fund, which amounts to $1 per $1,000 of travel services purchased. Québec permit.

KID’Scorner From over-the-top pink flamingo water floats and pineapple hairclips to practical lightweight strollers, check out what’s new and trending when it comes to kid’s travel accessories and on-the-go activities.

By Karen Leiva

A SUNNY LIFE Kids won’t be the only ones having fun with this Sunnylife Luxe Ride-On Float Rose Gold Flamingo – moms will love it too! The float can be deflated for easy packing – it’s a good idea to bring your own water toys to avoid steep prices at resorts. Look for super cute pineapple hairclips, also from Sunnylife, that will get your little one in the travel mood. $10 Pineapple hairclips, drakegeneralstore.ca $72 Ride-on float, amazon.ca

ANIMAL DAYSACKS Your kids will be proud to waltz through the airport with all their favourite things – snacks and toys – tucked into an adorable LittleLife animal daysack. There are many animals to choose from including a bee, ladybug, clownfish and a dinosaur. The clownfish toddler backpack for ages 1-3 includes a safety rein that may come in handy when walking with your busy toddler in crowded places. $39.82 The dinosaur backpack, amazon.ca $29 The clownfish backpack, westcoastkids.com

STICKER FUN It’s amazing just how much time children can occupy themselves with stickers! Get your kids in travel mode with these fun sticker books from Lonely Planet. Kids can create scenes with everything from passengers checking in to purchasing souvenirs or dressing up the cabin crew. There are other sticker books with scenes from castles and farms. $8.99 Amazon.ca 6

Ultimate Family Vacations | SPRING 2019

ON-THE-GO FAMILY GAME NIGHT With Hasbro Gaming Road Trip Edition families can take their game night favourites on the road with them. These portable games include classics that will have parents and kids spelling out words or sinking each other’s battleship for hours. The best part is that you don’t have to play the game from start to finish at once. You can stop halfway and pack it up without losing the game, and then open it later and pick up where you left off. This special Road Trip series includes Battleship, Connect 4, Sorry! and Scrabble. All are exclusively available at Canadian Walmart stores, $19.93

MIX AND MATCH ON THE GO With the Petit Collage Mix and Match Magnetic Tin, little travellers could spend hours mixing and matching clothing and accessories. There are 25 pieces stored in a handy tin that has two colour scenes – sun and mountains – on the inside. Parents will feel good knowing that Petit Collage has a commitment to using sustainable materials for its toys, using wood and cardboard instead of plastics and soy-based non-toxic ink. $18.99 For ages 3+, dillydallykids.ca

LIGHTWEIGHT BABY GEAR Whether you’re in for a long-haul or short-haul, parents don’t want to be hauling around a lot of heavy baby gear. Cue the new Summer Infant® 3Dlite™+ Convenience Stroller. At just 14 pounds, it also comes with a convenient shoulder strap which makes it easy to carry once folded. Suitable for ages six months – 50 pounds. $159.99 bedbathandbeyond.ca

COVER UP If you’re heading to the beach, pack this long-sleeved swim-suit cover-up from L.L. Bean made with fabric that wicks away moisture and dries quickly. It has a fun kangaroo pocket and hood, but the best part is that it’s UPF 50+ rated so you won’t have to worry about sun exposure while your child is playing all day on the beach. $49-$55 llbean.ca

SPRING 2019 | Ultimate Family Vacations

Fantasia Bahia Principe Punta Cana ★★★★★ Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Fantasia Bahia Principe Punta Cana is a wonderland — with towering castles, a water park and loveable mascots — but it’s also a 5-star resort. Think spa, vast pools and delicious specialty restaurants. And did we mention the kids’ and teens’ clubs? While they cook up a storm or play foosball, you can take a dance lesson or relax on the private beach. Discover an enchanting hangout for children and adults alike.

› Unlimited à la carte dinners › Waiter service at the pool & beach › Water park › Daily activities program › Kids’ Club for children ages 4 to 12 Summer 2019 – 16 flights a week to Punta Cana from 4 gateways

One child under 13

Stays & Eats

FREE!

*When sharing a room with two paying adults. For departures April 21 to October 31, 2019.

Dive into an enchanting family resort in Punta Cana

For those who know how to have fun Welcome to our Family & Friends Experience hotels, ideal for family fun and groups looking for a relaxed and playful atmosphere. That’s why the entertainment options in these hotels are so abundant and varied, and there are plenty of activities for the kids. With facilities and amenities designed just for them, like waterparks and the Bahia Scouts children’s club, younger guests will be able to experience happiness in paradise.

Dominican Republic · Mexico · Jamaica

playful bandit Our guide says, “You’ll never starve in Southeast Alaska.” And with all the sea kelp, fucus, bladderwrack, and sea asparagus ... we’re pretty sure she’s right. On our beachcomb mom nibbles on seaweed—an antioxidant, you know. Grandpa goes for the sea asparagus. But a sea kelp eye mask? That’s unexpected.

DOUBLE FAMILY SAVINGS! Kids ages 8-13 save * $

1,000

Alaska family adventure cruise • 7 nights 90-guest S.S. Legacy • July 5 & August 9, 2019

small ships, BIG adventures

Creating family memories that will last forever Voyages of discovery and reconnection that everyone from grandkids to grandparents can enjoy and share.

IT ALL BEGINS WITH A MEDALLION

SPRING 2019 | Ultimate Family Vacations

Cruising with the

Family By Karen Leiva

When it comes to travelling with kids, cruising offers next-level family fun. When it comes to choosing a cruise vacation, expect hassle-free travel to see multiple destinations in one vacation and onboard activities to keep kids busy for days at sea. From a Mardi Gras ship to elegant family staterooms, check out these new options for family cruises.

12 Ultimate Family Vacations | SPRING 2019

PURE JOY With stand-out amenities such as racetracks and Aqua Parks, as well as top-notch entertainment including Broadway musicals, Norwegian Cruise Lines is perfect for families. This spring, following a $50 million enhancement, the popular Norwegian Joy heads to Alaska, guaranteeing family fun both off the ship and on. Calling at ports such as Ketchikan, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, families can explore the wilderness and culture of The Last Frontier. Onboard, kids will get a kick out of the newly renovated two-level go-kart racetrack, as well as an indoor galaxy pavilion complete with multiple virtual reality experiences and an outdoor laser tag arena. Norwegian Joy is the only ship in the fleet to feature Concierge Suites accommodating up to six people – perfect for larger families or multigenerational groups.

CARNIVAL TIME Get ready for a whole new level of family fun and excitement when Carnival Cruise Line launches its new Mardi Gras ship with the first-ever rollercoaster at sea, aptly called BOLT. This open-air rollercoaster will take you high above the sea for incredible views – that is if you can keep your eyes open! That’s not all this new ship offers when it comes to fun. There’s a waterpark with twin racing slides and a giant dumping bucket that kids will undoubtedly be trying to get their parents under. There’s also SportsSquare with everything from basketball to soccer and mini golf. Mardi Gras is scheduled to set sail for the first time in 2020 with Caribbean and European sailings.

NEW FAMILY STATEROOMS When designing its newly launched ship, Nieuw Statendam, Holland America Line had families in mind. The 2,666-passenger ship includes 32 family ocean-view staterooms designed to give families more space. The rooms can accommodate up to five guests and offer special amenities that are helpful to families, including two bathrooms and extra closet space. Comfortable suites are just part of the draw – there is a lot of family fun to be had on the ship with live musical experiences at the Rolling Stone Rock Room, Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King’s Blues Club. Nieuw Statendam also offers Club HAL programming for kids aged three to 17. Through the club, teens can try mocktail parties or gaming tournaments, while little ones join storytime or painting classes. Already made famous by its celebrity godmother, Oprah Winfrey, this ship sails in the Caribbean and Europe with lots of options to visit Nordic countries. SPRING 2019 | Ultimate Family Vacations

ADVENTURE EXPEDITIONS From kayaking to scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and whale watching, there will be no shortage of activities for youth aboard upcoming special Alaska departures with UnCruise. While kids are having non-stop fun, parents will be able to take a break and leave the planning to the onboard Youth Adventurist, Erin Kirkland, who is hosting the seven-night Alaska’s Glacier Country cruise departing July 5 and Aug. 9. A resident of Alaska, Kirkland is the author of Alaska On the Go: Exploring the 49th State with Children guidebook series. She is also the publisher of an online family travel resource in Alaska. UnCruise is suitable for kids over eight years old (some exceptions can be made for younger kids). With UnCruise Family Discovery sailings, including these Alaska ones, kids under 13 years save $500.

NON-STOP FUN Royal Caribbean International recently debuted the newly transformed Navigator of the Seas with $115 million of next-level features that ramp up the fun for family adventures. Kids will love a game of glow-in-the-dark laser tag, trying out The Blaster, the longest aqua coaster at sea, or going head-first down the Riptide waterslide. While the kids are playing, moms might be inclined to treat themselves at To Dry For, the first stand-alone blow-dry bar at sea where guests can enjoy a glass of wine or Champagne while getting their hair done. There’s also the Royal Escape Room where families (kids must be 14 or older) have 60 minutes to work as a team to uncover clues and solve puzzles. Look for departures for quick getaways from Miami to the Bahamas, which include a stop at the cruise line’s private island to enjoy beach time, pools, waterslides and even a balloon ride. The private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, is currently being transformed and set to officially open in May.

14 Ultimate Family Vacations | SPRING 2019

Cruising... What’s in it for the Kids?

Receive $50USD Onboard Credit per stateroom on your next family vacation!

CHARACTERS ON BOARD

Seuss at Sea

Peppa the Pig

Disney Characters

CHARACTER BREAKFAST / KIDS THEMED MEAL

Green Eggs and Ham ($)

Themed Dinners + Specialty Lunch with Peppa the Pig (3-6 years)

Royal Court Royal Tea ($) Now on all ships!

POOLS

✔

WATER SLIDES / PARKS

✔

Disney, Marvel, and Pixar Themed Parties on select ships

✔

3-12 years

Sitters at Sea in your stateroom (1 year & older)

DECK PARTIES

✔

Pool parties (12-17 years)

VIDEO ARCADE ($)

✔

GAMES ROOM & ACTIVITIES MOVIE THEATRES GROUP BABYSITTING ($)

The Doremi Family

✔

Thrill Theatre ($) IMAX ($)

4D Cinema (select ships)

✔

6 months - 11 years

Ages 3 and under

NURSERY - 3 YEARS & UNDER ($)

✔

on select ships

6 months - 3 years (Norwegian Escape)

17 and under

KIDS SAIL FREE

✔

on select sailings

✔

on select sailings with offer

KIDS CLUB

Camp Ocean: 2-11 years

Mini: 3-6 years Maxi: 7-12 years

Oceaneer Lab & Oceaneer Club: 3-12 years

Mini: 3-6 years Junior: 7-11 years

Splash Academy: 3-12 years

Aquanuts: 3-5 Explorers: 6-8 Voyagers: 9-11

TEEN CLUB

Circle «C»: 12-14 years Club 02: 15-17 years

Teen Junior: 12-14 years Teen: 15-17 years

Edge: 11-14 years Vibe: 14-17 years

Young Club: 12-14 years Teen Club: 15-17 years

Entourage: 13-17 years

12-17 years

KIDS / TEEN SPA ($)

ZSPA: 13-17 years

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: 3-12 years Chill Spa: 13-17 years

Teenage Kicks Hair and Beauty Treatments: 13-17 years

✔

WIFI ($)

✔

Offer is applicable on Carnival, Costa, Disney, MSC, NCL or Royal Caribbean sailings departing anytime, in any category and for any duration. $50 Onboard credit will be applied to any bookings of 2 adults + 1 child or more. Must ask for "What's in it for the kids" offer at time of booking for OBC to be applied. Onboard credit has no cash value, is not redeemable for cash, not transferable and will expire if not used by 10:00 pm on the last evening of the cruise. Offer is combinable with any cruise line offer. Amenities listed are not available on all ships and cruise lines. Some amenities listed are for an additional fee ($) which varies by activity and by cruise line. Offer is valid on all ships. Offer is subject to availability, capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Other restrictions may apply. For full terms and conditions, see www.travelbrandsagent.com or contact us. © 2019 Encore Cruises is a wholly-owned division of 2515589 Ontario Ltd. B.C. Reg. # 3597. Ont. Reg. # 50012702. Quebec permit holder # 703 343. 5450 Explorer Drive, Suite 300, Mississauga, ON L4W 5N1

[ A8578 ]

Bookings: May 1 - June 30, 2019

TOP TRIPS to Take with Your

PRETEENS & TEENS

Travelling with older kids allows parents to plan epic adventures that will enrich their lives, and our own. Here are top trips that’ll blow their minds. By Lola Augustine Brown

GO ON SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA Visiting Kruger National Park in South Africa offers close-up experiences with some of the world’s rarest and most impressive animals, from lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest to more than 500 species of birds. Though you can safari at any age, safety restrictions mean that once your children are 12, they can do almost anything an adult can, including walking safaris (with a qualified guide, of course).

TREK VOLCANOES IN HAWAII The thrilling geography of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park allows you to trek with your kids past smoking active volcanoes where you’ll see lava form new land. You can scale volcanic craters, hike through lush rainforest, and immerse yourselves in the legends of this majestic landscape. There are incredible beaches to play on once the hiking is done, and plenty of rich cultural experiences where you can learn and engage with Hawaiian traditions.

16 Ultimate Family Vacations | SPRING 2019

BIKING AROUND THE NETHERLANDS Freewheel past tulip fields exploding with colour, historic windmills and villages, explore vibrant Amsterdam and more when you plan a cycling trip around the Netherlands. Ask your travel agents about bike and barge tours, where you bike through the day and are rocked gently to sleep on a canal barge. The Netherlands’ flat terrain, and safe biking culture (everybody bikes there) means this is an easy and active trip to do together.

LEARN TO DIVE IN BELIZE The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest reef in the Northern Hemisphere, and the second largest reef in the world. It offers superb, calm diving areas perfect for learners and beginners. Many schools based on beautiful Ambergris Caye offer excellent, safe, and fairly-priced tuition for ages 10 and up, so you and your kids can get PADI certified. Expect to swim with nurse sharks, turtles, and all manner of tropical marine among bright corals on this still-healthy reef.

EXPLORE PARIS From classic attractions such as the Louvre and Eiffel Tower to more unique (and super cool) ones like the skull-lined Paris Catacombs and Paris Sewer Museum, as well as countless places to eat amazing food, hang out at sidewalk cafés, and window-shop at posh boutiques, Paris is a dream destination for many preteens and teens. Whatever your child loves most, you’ll be able to create a Paris itinerary that thrills them. Bonus: They get to practise the French they’ve learned at school.

DRIVE THE CALIFORNIA COAST The Pacific Coast Highway serves up an amazing itinerary set amongst dramatic coastlines, towering mountains, and exciting Californian cities with all their varied attractions. Start in San Francisco and drive all the way down to San Diego – your kids will love stopping at surf beaches in Santa Cruz, visiting charming San Luis Obispo, checking out celebrity culture in Los Angeles, and soaking up the sun the whole way. Every stop has a host of attractions from aquariums and zoos to museums and even a castle.

SPRING 2019 | Ultimate Family Vacations

FEEL FREE TO WIN FAMILY BRAGGING RIGHTS. Wanna play? Feel Free. Whether you’re zooming around a thrilling, two-level race track, whooshing down waterslides or putting around on a mini-golf course, there’s something for the whole family. Your little ones will have a blast at our complimentary youth program, Splash Academy while teens can hang at Entourage, enjoying video games, movies, sports and more. Ready to refuel? With up to 28 dining options, we can please even the pickiest of palates. And when it’s time to wind down, we’ve got families covered with accommodations ranging from connecting Inside Staterooms to luxurious suites with butlers and everything in between. So whether you’re playing a game of basketball or catching a movie on a huge two-story screen, families play better together with Norwegian.

BOOK NOW AND RECEIVE UP TO $300USD IN ONBOARD CREDITS PER STATEROOM ON SELECT SAILINGS. PLUS ENJOY ALL OF NORWEGIAN’S FREE AT SEA AMENITIES WHEN YOU BOOK WITH OUR TRAVEL ADVISORS.

Aqua Park

38846 3/19

Family Accommodations

La Cucina

Fun for the whole family with

WestJet Vacations Family vacations can sometimes be tricky. Add toddlers, tweens or teens to the mix and it can be a real challenge! No worries. WestJet Vacations has resorts that are perfect for family time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and which also ensure the grown-ups get quality adult time. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better way to build family memories together than travel.

FAMILY OFFERS MOON PALACE JAMAICA

Participating hotels: The Grand at Moon Palace, Cancun Moon Palace Cancun, Riviera Maya Beach Palace, Cancun Playacar Palace, Riviera Maya Moon Palace Jamaica, Ocho Rios/Runaway Bay

Kids and teens stay free at select Palace Resorts when you book and travel by December 23, 2019 with WestJet Vacations. HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO PUNTA CANA

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Punta Cana Up to 2 children under 12 years stay free in a Signature Family Suite when you book and travel by December 20, 2019* with WestJet Vacations.

Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta Up to 2 children under 12 years stay free in a Deluxe Family Room when you book and travel by December 20, 2019* with WestJet Vacations.

*Blackout Dates: April 13-20 and June 15-August 10, 2019

REFLECT KRYSTAL GRAND LOS CABOS

REFLECT KRYSTAL GRAND RESORTS: Reflect Krystal Grand Cancun, Cancun Reflect Krystal Los Cabos, Los Cabos Reflect Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta

EXCLUSIVE OFFER Book a WestJet Vacations package between April 20-July 31, 2019 for travel May 1 - December 22, 2019 and receive up to $300USD Resort Coupons and a special amenity in your room upon arrival when staying at Reflect Krystal Grand Resorts in Mexico.

PLUS:

Kids ages 3-12 stay free from September 1 - December 22, 2019.

NICKELODEON HOTELS AND RESORTS PUNTA CANA

Participating hotels: Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana, Punta Cana Azul Beach Hotel, by Karisma, Riviera Maya

Book and travel by October 31, 2019 and receive special added values with your stay at select Karisma Resorts with WestJet Vacations. • Free character breakfast for 2 children with the purchase of 2 adult character breakfasts • Complimentary early check-in or late check-out based on availability • Guests staying at Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana will receive 1 complimentary sliming per family of 4

WestJet Vacations Exclusive Family Collection

WESTJET VACATIONS PACKAGES TO A HOTEL IN THEIR EXCLUSIVE FAMILY COLLECTION INCLUDE1: PROVIDED BY WESTJET • Pre-reserved seating on the aircraft2 • Pre-boarding for families

PROVIDED BY PARTICIPATING HOTELS • Early check in and late check out (subject to availability) • Connecting rooms (based on availability and upon request) • Complimentary Wi-Fi • Kids club • Kids play area and pool • Kids menu at select restaurants • Bottled water in-room daily3 • Unlimited à la carte dining4 Terms & Conditions: 1. Applicable on travel from May 1, 2019 to October 31, 2020. Minimum 5-night stay with at least two kids per room. Offer subject to change or expiry without notice. Offer may vary by property or time of year and may be subject to availability. Applies to new bookings only. Offer is applicable to all room categories (unless noted otherwise). Offer is exclusive for WestJet Vacations guests only. Not applicable to group bookings. This offer may not be combined with any other offer. Blackout dates may apply. Other restrictions may apply. 2. Pre-reserved seat fee is waived for one adult and one child (under 13) seated adjacent to one another. One adult per child required. If child is travelling with more than one adult, seat fee will only be waived for one adult and the child. 3. Bottled water may not be available in room for all hotels. 4. Not available at European plan hotels. At all-inclusive resorts, reservations may be required. Dress code may be in effect.

HARD ROCK HOTEL VALLARTA

AZUL BEACH HOTEL, BY KARISMA

Terms & Conditions: Palace Resorts: Advance booking required. Non-refundable and non-transferable. Offer limited and subject to availability. Offer subject to change and expire without notice. New bookings only. Applicable to wedding and leisure groups of 25 rooms or less. Other restrictions may apply. Package price will automatically reflect the discount when searching for qualified vacations. Airport transfers to/from the hotel are included. A minimum 3-night stay is required. This offer is valid for all kids and teens per reservation. Kids/teens must be 17 or younger at the time of travel in order to qualify. Offer is applicable to all room categories. Minimum and maximum occupancy rules apply per room category. Blackout dates may apply. This offer may be combined with any other offer. Hard Rock Hotel: Advance booking required. Non-refundable and non-transferable. Offer limited and subject to availability. Offer subject to change and expire without notice. New bookings only. Other restrictions may apply. Valid for up to two children ages 4-12 per room, per stay when accompanied by one full paying adult. Kids stay free offer not applicable at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun & Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya-Heaven Section. Reservations with overlapping dates will qualify, the discount will apply for nights within the travel window. Reflect Krystal Grand Resorts: Advance booking required. Nonrefundable and non-transferable. Offer limited and subject to availability. Offer subject to change and expire without notice. New bookings only. Not valid on group bookings. Combinable with offers

currently in place. Applicable to all room categories and occupancies. Package price will automatically reflect the discount when searching for qualified vacations. Offer is not cumulative. Other restrictions may apply. Resort credit will be distributed to guests upon arrival at the time of check-in. Airport transfers to/from the hotel are included. A minimum 3-night stay is required. Resort credit is valued in USD and can be used towards select spa services, romantic dinners, and wine purchases. Promotion, prices and applicable services are subject to change without notice. Resort credit cannot be exchanged for cash, products or merchandise. There is no cash reimbursement if unused. Taxes, surcharges and/or gratuity not included. Offer is applicable to all room categories. Inclusions can be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. There is no cash reimbursement if unused. Credits are issued per room per stay. Blackout dates may apply. For any further details, please see hotel front desk. Karisma Resorts: Advance booking required. Non-refundable and non-transferable. Offer limited and subject to availability. Offer subject to change and expire without notice. New bookings only. Not valid on group bookings. Other restrictions may apply. Added values will be distributed to guests upon arrival at the time of check-in. Offer based on double occupancy. Airport transfers to/from the hotel are included. A minimum three-night stay is required. Added values have no cash value and will expire upon check-out. Blackout dates may apply. Offer is not cumulative. Offer is applicable to all room categories.

Quebec licensee. Ontario travel agents are covered by TICO. Mailing address: 6085 Midfield Road, Toronto ON L5P 1A2 TICO registration number: 50018683 MOON PALACE JAMAICA

REFLECT KRYSTAL GRAND CANCUN

WHERE THE JUNGLE

BECOMES THE

BEACH

D EB U T I N G T H I S MAY

TA K I N G FA M I LY ADVEN TU RE TO N EW H EIGH TS Whether you like to chill or thrill, all paths lead to family friendly adventure at our reimagined private destination. Take on the tallest waterslide in North America — Daredevil’s Peak SM — at Thrill Waterpark SM, where admission includes access to thirteen slides, a wave pool and more. Or explore the different coves of the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, Oasis Lagoon SM. Kick bonding up a notch — up to 450 feet above the island in fact, on the Up, Up and Away helium balloon. And the adventure starts before you even arrive on one of the world’s boldest ships. Come Seek the Royal Caribbean ®.

Harmony of the Seas ® 7 NIGHT WESTERN CARIBBEAN & PERFECT DAY Sailing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida Balconies starting from † $1,159* CAD per person †

Taxes, fees and port expenses of up to $167.00 CAD per person are additional and subject to change.

Book a Balcony or Suite on select sailings by June 30, 20 19 and receive a complimentar y specialty dining experience for two. Contact our agency for more details.

*Price is per person, in CAD, cruise only, applies to select sailings, based on double-occupancy, and reflects any promotional savings. Pricing is valid for new individual (FIT) and named group bookings made in select Ensemble US or Canada Headquarter Group sailings by June 20, 2019. Individual reservations may be transferred into an existing group, assuming required criteria are met. Specialty dining for two applies to new bookings made May 1 – June 30, 2019 for any 4-night or longer Caribbean or Bahamas sailing departing September 1 – December 31, 2019 in a Balcony or Suite. Offer includes one complimentary specialty dining experience per stateroom for two guests. Offer is valid for lunch for two or dinner for two, one per sailing. Venues vary by ship. Offer open to residents of United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and select countries in the Caribbean. Prices and offers are subject to availability and change without notice, capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time. Refer to your travel advisor for complete terms and conditions. Images and messaging for Perfect Day at CocoCay reflect current design concepts and may include artistic renderings. All destination features and experiences, and related delivery timing for these features, are currently in development and are subject to change without notice. Perfect Day, CocoCay and Come Seek are trademarks of Royal Caribbean. ©2019 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. 19066975. 03/05/19

Vacation Better Tip #242 Keep kids busy at the kids clubs, with visits from characters Toopy and Binoo™

Smile Resorts™

Kids Stay, Play & Eat

FREE

Vacation Better at Memories Resorts in Cuba Book Today! Best price guarantee

Award-winning service

Top-rated resorts and excursions

With you every step of the way

Situated on some of Cuba’s most pristine beaches, Memories Resorts & Spa can provide you with a treasure trove of memorable experiences and fun for all ages. There’s plenty in store for both kids and parents alike. Take advantage of a host of complimentary water sports or unwind by the refreshing pool. Sit back, relax and start creating your own special and long-lasting memories at Memories Resorts & Spa.

Memories Holguin Beach Resort HHHH Holguin, Cuba

Memories Varadero Beach Resort HHHPLUS

Varadero, Cuba

To book your vacation, please contact our travel advisor

Smile features include Kids 2-12 Stay, Play and Eat FREE when sharing a room with 2 adults (Max. 2 kids), exclusive pricing for teens (13- 17 yrs), no single supplement

MOTHER AND SON BONDING @MIRIAM PORTER

Exploring

RIVIERA MAYA By Miriam Porter From exploring magical rivers flowing into the sea, meeting wildlife and learning ancient history, get ready for fun family adventures in the Riviera Maya. My son, Noah, is about to jump off the ‘cliff of courage’ into the flowing river and I am nervously floating below, clenching the sides of my blue inner tube in anticipation. He’s next in line but suddenly backs up and lets another person jump. Then another. And another. Just when my worried heart can’t take it anymore, my 11-year-old leaps into the air, smiling and waving. I’m a single mom and raised Noah to be brave and face his fears. I also believe in facing my own fears; however, today is not the day I am jumping off a cliff at Xel-Há Park, a nature park in the stunning Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

26 Ultimate Family Vacations | SPRING 2019

SPRING 2019 | Ultimate Family Vacations

MAYAN TEMPLE

Stretching 120 kilometres, the Riviera Maya is a tropical paradise. Xel-Há translates from the Mayan language to mean, where the water is born. The park’s natural river tour has us floating and laughing for hours. Noah also does a daring water rope cross and zip line. Fresh mangroves, marine vegetation, natural gardens, caves, and mesmerizing inlets are all around us. Fish have fascinated Noah for years and snorkelling freely with so many species is dreamlike. The fish represent every colour of the rainbow in the green turquoise waters and whirl around us with bulging eyes and shiny fins. Snorkelling gear is included with admission, but we bring our own water shoes. Breakfast and lunch buffets are included and there are showers, change rooms, lockers and souvenir stores.

Being near the ancient Mayan Ruins is the perfect excuse to add a fun history lesson to family travels. Chichén Itza, the second most visited archaeological site in Mexico, has limestone relics of the Mayan city to explore and learn about its former empire. Chichén Itza, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, is accessible from Cancun and Playa del Carmen by car or tour bus. However, on this trip, we explore the smaller and less populated Muyil archaeological ruins located southwest of Tulum, adjacent to the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve on the edge of a coastal cliff. Years ago, this Mayan city was used for trading goods from Honduras into Yucatan. Noah loves touching the old stones and we talk about what life might have been like back then.

After hours of swimming, we meet huge resident iguanas chilling under the hot sun. Known as black (even though the adults are grey) or spiny-tailed iguanas, they are native to southern Mexico and Central America. The day before at our resort, we celebrated my birthday with new furry friends – the coatis. These adorable skinny raccoon-like creatures with twirling monkey tails live in the Mayan jungle and forests. On daily treks to swim in the Atlantic Ocean, Noah and I walk along a wooded path through a thick forest packed with playful curious coatis. We also come across a variety of bird species, including colourful peacocks and graceful bright pink flamingos.

After fun-packed days, there is really only one thing left to do – eat. Our new normal becomes fresh guacamole at every meal. We love the plant-based food options around town including fresh tropical fruit, veggie and tofu tacos, authentic Mexican salads and rice dishes. Each restaurant is a new opportunity to practise the Spanish we learned on the Duolingo app leading to our trip. “Hola somos veganos!” (Hello, we are vegans!) we say proudly as we enter Comet 984 – 50’s Diner in Playa del Carmen. This retro vegan diner with familiar American dishes is perfect for families wanting to indulge on old-school favourites.

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CENOTE

MEXICAN COATI

After lunch, we stroll along pedestrian sidewalks and the popular 5th Avenue, and order jugo de frutas tropicales (tropical fruit juice) from a friendly woman at a tiny wooden kiosk. We also purchase fresh bread from local bakeries and munch our way through town past colourful storefronts and blooming flowers.

More Fun in Riviera Maya CAVES OF KANTEMO For those brave little souls and adventurous eco tourists wanting to explore snakes and bats, it’s a walk on the wild side in the Caves of Kantemo. Discover ancient underground rivers flowing between stalactites and marine fossils.

Travelling with Noah inspires me to see the world with wonder and curiosity. I encourage him to try new things and he does the same for me. Happiness comes in many forms – and that day on the top of a cliff as Noah challenged himself to soar higher than ever, I knew that even if our Spanish words and phrases are forgotten over time, the memories of our trip to Mexico will last forever.

CENOTES Whether travelling with older kids wanting to scuba dive or younger ones that snorkel and swim, cenotes are located throughout the Riviera Maya. They are pits and sinkholes exposing the groundwater underneath and filled with fresh clear water formed by collapsing limestone bedrock and filtering rainwater. Cenote Dos Ojos near Tulum is a popular choice as it’s a short walk through the jungle.

MEXICAN IGUANA

GLASS BOTTOM BOATS For those travelling with younger non-swimmers, a glass bottom boat tour is the ideal way to explore. Travel to nearby Cancun, Tulum, Cozumel or Playa del Carmen for boating options. Or set sail from the small port town of Puerto Morelos on a small private boat right off the beach. When in Puerto Morelos, consider exploring the second largest barrier reef in the world, the Great Maya Reef, guaranteed to have every family member in awe of its natural beauty. SPRING 2019 | Ultimate Family Vacations

Clans and Castles:

Six Great Family-Friendly Places to Explore in Scotland By Shelley Cameron-McCarron

Scotland is the ultimate getaway for lasting family memories. Here are six places to get your adventure started.

QUIRAING ROAD AT SUNRISE

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Scotland just keeps getting better and better – I know this is what my kids are thinking on a brisk June evening as they stand in Old Town, Edinburgh at Mercat Cross, site of royal and parliamentary proclamations and perhaps a hanging or two, listening to Stephanie, our ghost tour guide, dredge up Edinburgh’s murky past. “I see some bloodlust in your eyes – I can work with that,” the black-cloaked guide says almost gleefully. Standing along the iconic Royal Mile in architecturally-stunning Edinburgh, I can see my kids are enthralled by this tour, this city, and this glorious country. And why not? In 10 days, we’ve danced in a fairy glen, sidestepped sheep, shopped amazing boutiques, museum-hopped world-class institutions, and stood in fog-shrouded glens and ancient battlefields hearing tales of historic intrigue. Here are six family favourite places to explore and have fun in Scotland. EDINBURGH’S ROYAL MILE STREET ©SHELLEY CAMERON-MCCARRON

STIRLING CASTLE WEST SIDE

EDINBURGH The joy of Scotland’s compact capital, we discover, is walking around and becoming immersed in the surrounding history. We stroll atmospheric stone streets, winding into narrow alleyways and little lanes known as closes and wynds. And walk we do. Up the Royal Mile to see Edinburgh Castle, over to the Elephant House café to sip hot chocolate in the place where J. K. Rowling did most of her writing, up for the views on Calton Hill, and through the heavenly arches of St. Giles’ Cathedral, named for Edinburgh’s patron saint. I even booked a walking tour through streets that skirt past intriguing statues and centuries-old graveyards like Canongate Kirkyard where Charles Dickens may have found inspiration for Ebenezer Scrooge, misreading perhaps the gravestone of “Ebenezer Scroggie – meal man” as “mean man.” Everywhere, wonder abounds – from the easy 30-minute hike up Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano, to the fascinating exhibits and rooftop garden views of Edinburgh Castle. STIRLING An hour’s drive from Edinburgh, and easily accessible by train and bus, visitors to this medieval town can step into the Church of the Holy Rude, showcasing six centuries of history including James VI’s coronation, and visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most besieged castles. Straddling the highlands and lowlands, whomever held Stirling Castle, held Scotland. Passionate guides bring history to life, and kids love standing on the north gate, dating back to the 13th century, dressing in medieval finery, and posing for Instagram shots in the Great Hall with its five massive fireplaces. The towering monument to William Wallace, erected where the Scottish hero defeated an English army in 1297, can be seen from the castle. Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce claimed victory in 1314, is mere kilometres away. GLENCOE Rain pelts the bus windows as we drive through Scottish highlands into the haunting scenery of Glencoe, arguably Scotland’s most famous glen, memorialized in song and legend for one of Scotland’s saddest stories: the 1692 Glencoe massacre, when the Campbells, after availing on 10 days of MacDonald clan hospitality, acted on orders of King William to slaughter their hosts. Standing on this storied ground, expect a tear or two by all family members.

SPRING 2019 | Ultimate Family Vacations

CULLODEN Eerie and excellent in equal measure, the bleak, boggy battleground of Culloden Moor, just 15 minutes east of Inverness, capital of the Highlands, is where Bonnie Prince Charlie led the doomed 1746 Battle of Culloden, which changed the course of history and claimed many Jacobites, followers of King James, largely Highland clans. As chickadees chatter and the sun breaks through, it’s poignant touring the interpretative centre and wandering the field with stone markers commemorating clan names – including my own. THE ISLE OF SKYE The largest island in the Inner Hebrides is a must-see. Driving from Inverness, stop to see the ruins of Urquhart Castle, watching over Loch Ness, and the much-photographed Eilean Donan Castle. Cross over to Skye to see the mist rising off The Cuillin, a rocky mountain range. It’s said the Vikings believed the island was engulfed in cloud and part of the sky, hence its name. Take time to cavort around the green hills of the otherworldly Fairy Glen on the Trotternish Peninsula, walk the pier in Portree and drive the unreal, hairpin mountain road to the scenery of the Quiraing.

GLASGOW In Glascow, there is excellent shopping along the Style Mile (a cobblestone pedestrian hub with over 200 stores), a thriving music scene, gorgeous architecture and world-class museums (all national art galleries and museums are free in Scotland). Check out the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to see Renaissance art and medieval weaponry. KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY & MUSEUM

ISLE OF SKYE

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Pack your Curiosity What better way to teach your children about the world’s wonders than on a Holland America Line cruise? Choose from a variety of familyfriendly shore excursions. And on board, explore the ship’s many engaging activities, including kids-only fun at Club HAL.

7-Day Alaskan Inside Passage Roundtrip Vancouver Nieuw Amsterdam

9/14/19

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7-Day Mexican Riviera Roundtrip San Diego OCEAN-VIEW from

Eurodam

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Ensemble Exclusive: Up to US$50 onboard spending money per stateroom PLUS receive free or reduced fares for 3rd/4th guests!*

7-Day Eastern Caribbean Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale Nieuw Statendam

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Ensemble Exclusive: Up to US$50 onboard spending money per stateroom PLUS receive free or reduced fares for 3rd/4th guests!*

Terms & Conditions: *Fares are based on Promo LG. Featured fares are per person based on double occupancy, cruise or Land+Sea Journeys only. Fares are in Canadian dollars. All savings amounts are included in the fares shown. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses are included and range from CAD 137 to 275. Free or reduced fares for 3rd/4th guests are based on sharing a stateroom with 1st and 2nd guests, are valid on select sailings. Subject to availability. For more information about our stateroom categories and suite descriptions, to view deck plans and for full terms and conditions applicable to your cruise, please refer to your Ensemble travel advisor. Offers have limited space, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.

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OPT-IN FOR THE FUN, ENDLESS LAUGHTER, AMAZING DESTINATIONS AND MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME! It isn’t always an easy choice choosing fun, but Carnival helps you make it. It’s also not every day you take the whole family on vacation. So it’s got to have something for everyone. And that’s exactly what you’ll find on a Carnival cruise. A vacation that’s got your whole family covered, with kid-friendly dining, accommodations, entertainment, amazing destinations and so much more!

9 Day Europe From London, England June 28, 2020 Carnival Legend® Le Havre; La Coruna; Leixões; Lisbon; Gibraltar; Málaga; Barcelona 9 Day Europe From Barcelona, Spain May 21, 2020 Carnival Radiance® Livorno; Rome; Naples; Messina; Marseille; Palma De Mallorca 6 Day Western Caribbean From Miami, FL September 1, 2019 – April 25, 2021 Carnival Horizon® Ocho Rios; Grand Cayman; Cozumel

Cruise rates are per person and based on double occupancy. Onboard credit offer is non-transferable. Onboard Credit is provided as a non-refundable credit to your Sail & Sign account of up to a maximum of $12.50 USD per person up to $25 USD per stateroom on 2-5 day sailings. Onboard Credit is provided as a non-refundable credit to your Sail & Sign account of up to a maximum of $25 USD per person up to $50 USD per stateroom on 6+ day sailings. Guest selects stateroom number. At least one person in the stateroom must be a resident of an eligible Canadian Province to book this rate. Proof of residency required at the time of embarkation. Changes made to the reservation may result in the assessment of cancellation penalties or service fees. Offer is capacity controlled and is not combinable with any other discount or promotional offer. Rates may vary by ship, stateroom type and sail date. Category restrictions and exclusions apply. Carnival reserves the right to withdraw and/or change offer at any time without prior notice. Offer is for the cruise fare only and does not include Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses range from $54.06 USD to $372.40 USD, and are assessed on a per guest basis for all guests according to the itinerary. Offer bookings made as part of a group will include amenities. © 2019 Carnival Corporation. Carnival® and the Carnival logos are trademarks of Carnival Corporation. All rights reserved. Used under license. Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas, Panama and Malta.

Educational Adventures Disguised as

By Johanna Read

Family vacations should be both fun and educational. Consider these destinations to add lots of learning to your next trip without the kids even realizing it.

CENTENNIAL BRIDGE, PANAMA CANAL

COSTA RICA A Costa Rica trip is like a master class in biodiversity and conservation. Kids will love exploring treetops via hanging bridges and zip lining amongst the country’s 205 mammal and more than 800 bird species or kayaking between mangroves for a closer look at hundreds of amphibian and reptile species. Wildlife is abundant here. Visit to encourage healthy living too – one of the world’s five Blue Zones, where many people live into their 100s, is in Costa Rica.

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PANAMA Transportation and engineering fans can’t get enough of the Panama Canal. Get kids to distinguish the difference between different ships and discuss why the new locks were developed. See if they can figure out why the machines that pull the ships are called “mules”. Turn a discussion of why the canal was built in Panama into a geography lesson, and amaze everyone by watching the sun rise over the Pacific and set over the Atlantic. Add a visit to the Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo just outside Panama City. It’s an animal rescue centre where kids can get a close-up look at rescued monkeys, wild cats and sloths.

MEXICO All but one of the world’s seven sea turtle species lay their eggs on Mexico’s beaches. But the survival rate of turtles is low — only a small percentage make it to adulthood. Several hotels contribute to sea turtle conservation and kids can volunteer to help release just-hatched turtles safely into the sea, increasing their survival rate. Have more animal encounters on the Baja Peninsula and puzzle out why grey whales approach boats to have their heads scratched or why whale sharks don’t seem to notice snorkellers. SCRATCHING GREY WHALES HEAD ©JOHANNA READ

ECUADOR Taking your children to the birthplace of Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution offers an educational experience that’s hard to match, and there’s no better place to learn about evolution and biodiversity than Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands. Budding photographers love that animals are so unafraid of humans that they seemingly pose for photos. Sea lions mimic kids’ underwater somersaults and iguanas are perfect for staring contests. Geology will become a hot topic after walking through immense underground lava tubes. From walking amongst colonies of blue-footed boobies to snorkelling with penguins, the opportunities to interact with nature in the Galápagos are incredible. LAVA TUNNEL IN GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR ©LIZ SCULL

CAMBODIA Climbing the ruins of Cambodia’s Angkor temples is a great way to marvel at the engineering feats of the 13th century. When exploring the “Tomb Raider” temples with trees seemingly growing out of them, ask archaeologists-to-be what they think the area looked like when Henri Mahout arrived in the 1800s. Send kids on a scavenger hunt at Ta Prohm temple to see if they can find the “stegosaurus” carving, and then debate why it is or is not a picture of a real dinosaur. Travelling in a Buddhist country like Cambodia also provides an excellent opportunity to compare and contrast culture.

PANORAMA OF ANGKOR WAT

UNITED STATES The U.S. offers so much more than theme parks and beaches. Try Ann Arbor, Michigan to fly in a WWII B-25 bomber and learn about the real Rosie the Riveter and women’s critical role in the war effort at the Yankee Air Museum. In Wisconsin, the Madison Children’s Museum has minimal signage, so kids learn to question. They’ve designed interactive exhibits for the development of muscles needed for writing (which are weakened by kids’ overuse of markers) and for the cross-body movements essential for brain development. WWII B-52 BOMBER ©JOHANNA READ

SPRING 2019 | Ultimate Family Vacations

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The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife) and First North American Insurance Company. Manulife, Manulife & Stylized M Design, and Stylized M Design and Manulife Premium Protection Plan are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license. © 2019 The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved. Manulife, P.O. Box 670, Stn Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2J 4B8. 190071 (06/2019)

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SPRING 2019 | Ultimate Family Vacations

The Best Family Vacations Begin Right Here! Ensemble TravelÂŽ Group is an organization of over 300 independently owned travel agencies across Canada. We have experienced travel professionals that can plan your family vacation, cruise or land tour anywhere in the world with service and detail that is second to none. Let us create the best vacation memories for your family!

Ultimate Family Vacations Spring 2019

Articles inside

Educational Adventures Disguised as Fun

Clans and Castles: Six Great Family-Friendly Places to Explore in Scotland

Exploring RIVIERA MAYA

TOP TRIPS to Take with Your PRETEENS & TEENS

Cruising with the Family