Five family vacation ideas worth considering for 2027
Biweekly newsletter • Issue 1
A Note From Your Travel advisor
Hello, fellow travelers!
September always feels like the unofficial start of planning next year's family adventures. The school year is underway, the holiday calendar is filling up, and somewhere between homework and figuring out what's for dinner, you start wondering where your family should go next.
This week, several travel announcements caught my attention because they offer something different from the traditional family vacation.
We're talking about exploring Alaska by land and sea, discovering Europe without constantly packing suitcases, and a new cruise ship that might have parents more excited than their kids.
Let's explore!
THE BIG ADVENTURE
What if your Alaska cruise was only HALF the adventure?
Picture this.
Your family is sitting aboard a train with enormous panoramic windows. Mountains stretch across the horizon. Someone spots a moose, and suddenly everyone is pressed against the glass.
The next day, you're exploring Denali National Park.
A few days later, you're standing on the deck of a cruise ship watching glaciers rise above the water.
This is the experience that makes an Alaska Cruisetour worth considering.
Royal Caribbean is offering 2027 Alaska vacations aboard Anthem of the Seas that combine cruising with additional days exploring Alaska's interior.
Depending on the itinerary, your family can experience:
• Denali National Park and its wildlife.
• Scenic rail travel aboard the glass-domed Wilderness Express.
• Overnight stays in Alaska lodges.
• Coastal destinations such as Juneau and Skagway.
• Glacier viewing from the ship.
And right now, qualifying Anthem of the Seas Cruisetours include up to $250 in onboard credit when reserved by October 2, 2026.
The important part? Alaska itineraries can look similar on paper while delivering very different experiences. A seven-night cruise and a longer land-and-sea adventure are two different vacations.
I can help you compare the routes, understand what's included, and choose an Alaska experience that fits your family's ages, interests, and vacation time.
WORTH KNOWING BEFORE YOU GO
Hawaii called. It heard about your winter plans.
Planning to escape the cold this winter?
Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii has a new offer for early 2027. Families can save up to 25% on select rooms when staying five or more consecutive nights between January 3 and March 31, 2027.
Aulani offers something I love about family travel: the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful resort while having an entire island to explore. Spend one day floating along the lazy river. Spend another discovering Pearl Harbor, visiting local restaurants, or exploring Oahu's beautiful coastline. And yes, Mickey is still there. He just has significantly better beach weather.
Europe has a different kind of cruise waiting for you.
Have you ever considered exploring Europe without constantly moving between hotels?
River cruising offers a completely different experience from sailing the Caribbean.
Imagine enjoying breakfast while passing small European towns, stepping ashore to explore a historic city, and returning to your floating hotel without repacking your suitcase.
Avalon Waterways currently has an offer on select 2027 European river cruises that includes complimentary airfare from eligible U.S. cities or an alternative saving of $1,500 per person. Reservations must qualify by October 12, 2026.
River cruising can be an interesting option for multigenerational families, especially those traveling with older children. Avalon's general minimum age is eight.
The key is choosing an itinerary with the right activities and pace for everyone.
BEYOND THE THEME PARKS
Other Places to Visit
New european tour
Portugal might be the European vacation your family hasn't considered yet.
Imagine waking up in a charming Portuguese coastal town. You enjoy breakfast, explore the local market, spend the afternoon admiring dramatic ocean cliffs, and return to the same hotel for the evening.
No racing to catch the next train. No packing every morning. No wondering which suitcase contains your child's favorite stuffed animal.
Globus has introduced a seven-day Algarve Explorer vacation for 2027, based in Lagos, Portugal. The itinerary combines coastal scenery, traditional Portuguese culture, historic towns, local food, and a peaceful boat excursion through Ria Formosa Natural Park.
This is an interesting option for families who want to experience Europe but prefer a more relaxed approach than visiting five cities in one week.
And for families considering guided travel, Globus currently offers savings of up to $600 per person on select 2027 vacations through October 12.
cruise news
The kids get the waterslides. You get Whitney Houston.
Imagine telling your kids you booked a cruise because of the waterslides. Meanwhile, you're secretly looking forward to singing along to Whitney Houston.
Norwegian Cruise Line just revealed the entertainment lineup for Norwegian Aura, arriving in May 2027. The ship will feature Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston, along with an original production combining illusions, acrobatics, and impressive visual effects.
Families will also find Ocean Heights, an outdoor activity complex featuring waterslides, a ropes course, and more.
After debuting in Europe, Norwegian Aura will offer Caribbean vacations from Miami.
For multigenerational families, this creates an interesting possibility: a vacation where children, parents, and grandparents can each find something they're genuinely excited about.
And I think we all know who will be singing the loudest.
Anna's travel notes
Two vacations can have similar prices and offer very different experiences.
Here's something I encourage families to consider before choosing their next vacation.
Compare the experience, not just the advertised price.
For example, an Alaska cruise and an Alaska Cruisetour may visit some of the same coastal destinations. But the Cruisetour adds time, transportation, accommodations, and experiences on land.
Similarly, a European river cruise and a guided land tour may visit beautiful destinations, but the pace, activities, accommodations, and transportation will be different. And an all-inclusive resort with a larger room may ultimately suit your family better than a less expensive resort where everyone shares one small space.
When I help you compare vacations, I look beyond the starting price. I consider your children's ages, the activities your family enjoys, how much downtime you need, and the experiences that matter to you. Because nobody wants to discover halfway through vacation that everyone needed a break three days ago.
your next family adventure
Where will your family go next?
Maybe Alaska has been on your list for years. Maybe you're ready to introduce your children to Europe. Or perhaps a relaxing week in Hawaii sounds exactly right after another busy school year. Reply to this email and tell me which destination caught your attention.
You don't need exact dates or a complete plan. Tell me a little about your family, and we'll explore the possibilities together.
Happy travels!
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