With the holiday trimmings put away for another year, many parents are turning their eyes to the year ahead—specifically, what the family vacation will look like. January is a great time to plan travel, with resources like a renewed PTO bank, Christmas bonuses, and potential tax refunds all coming into play. If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s my recommendations for family travel as we enter the new decade:
Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship launched last month, and ups the ante on the jaw-dropping features of its sister ships, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy. A go-cart track, open-air laser tag, and VR arcade are the highlights on this amazing ship. Additional “Free at Sea” amenity options, like beverage packages, specialty dining, and wi-fi, make Norwegian a great value for families. The Encore will divide its time in 2020 between Caribbean sailings out of Miami and alternating Bermuda and Canada/New England itineraries from New York.
Washington, D.C.
With a presidential election and the centennial celebration of women’s suffrage and the 19th amendment, next year is an excellent time to introduce your children to the sights and history of our nation’s capital. Look for Smithsonian exhibits celebrating women in the second half of the year, such as “Girlhood! (It’s Complicated)” at the American History Museum and “Her Story: A Century of Women Writers” at the National Portrait Gallery.
Hotel Xcaret
Pronounced “ish-kah-ret,” this all-inclusive resort on the Riviera Maya offers much more than a place to stretch out on the beach. The eco-integrated layout of the hotel focuses on sustainability and the natural beauty of the area, and your stay includes full access to nearby wildlife and adventure parks like Xel-Ha and Xplor. With its passion for celebrating local history and culture, Hotel Xcaret is a great way to combine the comfort of a luxury resort with authentic connection with your destination.
Disney Beyond the Parks
A trip to one of the big the theme park Meccas has become something of a rite of passage for many families. But if your family has already done the Anaheim or Orlando circuit (or if it’s just not your thing), Disney offers alternative destinations with their Oahu resort Aulani and Adventures by Disney escorted tours. Although the occasional trademark Disney flourish can be expected, both Aulani and AbD focus on destination-specific experiences (think: fireside legends spun by a master storyteller, or archery lessons on a Scottish Highlands estate) rather than roller coasters and character breakfasts.
Hard Rock Punta Cana
Recent sensationalized media reports have caused several people to balk at the Dominican Republic, but the country remains a safe and cost-effective tropical getaway. The Hard Rock Punta Cana is the ideal resort for musically-inclined families, with amenities like curated playlists, Fender guitars available for reservation, and the Kidz Bop Experience for aspiring pop stars. After seeing their children safely to the kid’s club, parents can take advantage of the spacious casino or the SoundBody program that combines wellness with music.
Odyssey of the Seas
Debuting in late 2020, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship follows in the line’s tradition of incredible, family friendly features like bumper cars and bungee trampoline (with optional VR experience). More details will be revealed as the year progresses, but Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean itineraries are now available. Look for a cruise that includes a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private port of Coco Cay, a state-of-the-art resort designed to fulfill your family’s wildest—or chillest—vacation dreams.
 | Christi Esterle- ACC Travel Advisor |
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