Earlier this month I was standing at the front of a catamaran, sailing out of Whittier, Alaska, on Phillips Cruises’ 26 Glacier cruise. It was a beautiful, crisp morning, and I had no idea what was about to show up.
Then a group of Dall’s porpoises found the boat.
They were right at the front, a few feet from where I was standing, playing in the water alongside us like it was the best game in the world. That close, in person, it was magical.
We saw a lot more that day. More wildlife, and a glacier calving, with ice breaking away and dropping into the water. But the porpoises are what I keep coming back to.
I’ll hold onto that morning a lot longer than any sweater I’ve ever opened on Christmas.
“I’m tired of toys”
That’s almost word for word what parents have messaged me around the holidays:
“I’m tired of toys. I want to gift an experience this year instead. Can you help me?”
Yes. Yes, I can.
I’ve had clients book special trips for their kids for Christmas, and I get the appeal. A trip gives the whole family something to look forward to all year long. And it won’t end up in the back of a closet by February.
The first question I ask
My first question is always the same: what’s your ideal trip? When you think about it, what do you picture?
Once I know what you’re picturing, budget and dates are a lot easier to work around. Most families land in one of 4 places.
The theme park family
If you picture your kids’ faces the first time they see the castle, we’re probably headed to Walt Disney World.
I know Disney inside and out, and I’ll be the first to tell you it can be daunting. Which resort, which park on which day, dining reservations, Lightning Lane. I sort all of that out ahead of time so you can just enjoy it. (Our agency is also a Disney Earmarked Gold Agency, if you like knowing that kind of thing.)
The cruise family
Cruising is what I know best. For families, Royal Caribbean is my go-to. It’s consistent, and there’s a lot for kids to do on board.
For Alaska, I point people to Princess. I’m certified in Alaska through Princess and through Travel Alaska, and after this month, I can tell you firsthand those waters are worth the trip.
One of my favorite Alaska details: I had a client on a southbound cruise book the left side of the ship. They called me afterward, amazed by the port views they got. That’s the kind of thing I plan for.
The family that needs a real break
Some parents picture a week where they don’t plan a single meal or make a single decision. That’s an all-inclusive, and I can help you find one that fits your crew.
The family that wants to see the world
If you picture your kids seeing how people live somewhere completely different, let’s talk about Europe.
On a college trip to Italy, I talked with local students about their lives, and it changed how I thought about my own. The way they approached family and raising kids was so different from what I grew up with.
I love giving families a version of that. Lately I’ve been building cruise and land trips through Croatia and Greece, and for Europe I usually look at Celebrity, Princess, and sometimes Norwegian.
A gift that lasts all year
A toy gets opened on Christmas morning. A trip starts on Christmas morning.
Your kids get months of countdown, and then you get to live the gift together.
Christmas is on a Friday this year, which gives us 8 Fridays to get your gift planned. That’s plenty of time if we start soon. Summer 2027 is already booking, and I’d rather you get first pick of dates and cabins.
Santa, if you’re reading this…
What adventure is on your wish list this year?
If you’re the one playing Santa, send me a message and tell me what you picture. I’ll do the research and the legwork so you can literally just pack your bags and go. The hardest part will be figuring out how to wrap it.
May adventure follow you where ever you may go.