KJ Travel's Spring Break Trips

Several of the KJ Travel advisors took personal family vacations over Spring Break from wine country to Mexico beaches and colonial towns and snow skiing. Here’s where they stayed and what they did! 

Melissa took her family and joined several other friends at Cabo's favorite Chileno Bay. It was the perfect destination resort for families and teens – just big enough for there to be plenty of entertainment onsite, but not a mega-resort by any means.  The Two Bedroom Pool Villas are a fabulous option for a family and the service was impeccable.  The kids loved snorkeling straight from the beach with a Chileno Bay expert who even found the reef sharks, caught them on GoPro, and later found them by the pool to Air Drop the memorable footage.  Phenomenal breakfast, Pickleball games, and Well Spa were also a big hit. A day on the water on a private boat with friends was a win, from amazing Taco Bar, snorkeling, and SUP boards to lots of whale sightings.  Add in just a two-hour flight from Houston, this trip will be on repeat.  

Esperanza, An Auberge Resort in Los Cabos

Madelyn went with kids and grandparents to Cabo and stayed in a lovely villa with a private plunge pool at Esperanza… The kids went to the kids club on Monday and Wednesday - ½ and full days are offered, and they have something for everyone.  The adults enjoyed their time at both the adult pools and the newly renovated spa and gym. Your personal butler can arrange reservations, transportation, and prepare appetizers for when everyone comes back to the hacienda to relax in the afternoon. Don’t miss the KJT included breakfast buffet. For those looking for luxury family resorts in Cabo or luxury villas in Cabo, we love helping clients find the perfect fit. 

Brynne went with family to Oregon’s Willamette Valley for an adult spring break of sorts. They first stayed one night at Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa in Pacific City. Very small, but cozy and modern with an incredible farm-sourced restaurant. This hotel would be a great fit for a foodie couple exploring the Pacific Northwest. Next, they traveled to McMinnville and stayed at a small boutique hotel, The Atticus Hotel. McMinnville is a quirky town that has lots of small but quality restaurants and is surrounded by wineries and farmland. Wineries in Oregon are known for Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, but there were some features of bubbles and Rose as well. What Brynne likes most about the Willamette Valley is the collaborative and casual atmosphere, as the wineries are small, collaborative, and intimate. Definitely go in the later off-season, as there was never another person in the tasting rooms and the weather was gorgeous!

Willamette Valley, Oregon Wine Country

Lenni took off to the mountains with family in a multi-bedroom residence in Beaver Creek. They spent time on and off the slopes. Her nieces and nephews participated in ski school, adults got to enjoy adult time skiing and everyone loved the Apres Ski cookies at the mountain base that Beaver Creek is known for. When off the slopes, there is plenty to do in Beaver Creek Village such as ice skating, snowshoeing, sleigh riding, winter hiking and snowmobiling. Nearby, families can go to Lionshead Village and Vail Village for more entertainment options. Families also love Decabol, a bowling alley that provides fun for all ages, exploring the charming shops and dining at local eateries. There’s still time to hit the slopes this season or start planning for a mountain holiday or ski trip MLK or Pres Day 2025! 

Kate and her family did a multi-stop vacation on the Yucatan Peninsula with a visit to one of the newest luxury resorts in Riviera Maya, St. Regis Kanai. Just 40 minutes south of Cancun and just north of the popular Mayakoba development, Kanai is a new property that includes Auberge Etereo, St. Regis, and the newest opening, The Edition. They filled their days playing in the calm sea waters, going on beach walks searching for shells, enjoying multiple pools and the kids loved the daily activities offered in the kid’s club. St. Regis Kanai offers daily activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, Mexican coffee tasting, beachfront cocktail classes, and traditional crafts. Their favorite restaurant on-site is Toro but guests can also take a short golf cart ride to dine at nearby Etereo or The Riviera Maya Edition. 

From there, they had a wonderful driver take them across the Yucatan Peninsula (3.5 hour drive) to Merida. (Insider tip: you can make a stop along the way at the archaeological site, Chichen Itza!) They arrived at the next stop: Chable Yucatan, a boutique retreat consistently rated as one of the best hotels in Mexico. Situated in a lush jungle, this spot is a dream for anyone looking to unwind and dive deep into wellness vibes. With 38 casitas and 2 villas (each with its pool!) that blend modern luxury with Mayan traditions, it's an immersive experience. The word that comes to mind most with this property is “magical.” 

Deer are roaming the grounds, hundreds of years of history that you can see throughout the property, an abundance of helpful and friendly staff that know your name and preferences after Day 1. It was super relaxing and we had ample quality time together – from afternoons at the pool, biking around the property, seeing fireflies in the firefly garden, and participating in the ancient cacao to chocolate transformation. There is an amazing complimentary Kids Club that was super hands-on and the kids loved it! The property is also great for a group adults getaway or spa retreat with an afternoon happy hour ritual, a beautiful cigar lounge, one of the largest Tequila collections in the area, Mezcal tastings, and extensive spa offerings. With easy/ direct flights from much of Texas, New York, and California, it's an easy weekend getaway! 

If you can believe it, we already have requests for Spring Break 2025! If you want your pick of top suites or villas or are wanting to do a bucket list trip next March (safaris and New Zealand are fun options!), let’s start planning! 

Our Favorite Luxury Hotels from 2023

2023 was all about exploring new hotels and finding those dreamy destinations. Here at KJ Travel, we've had the pleasure of experiencing some of these remarkable properties firsthand, and we're excited to share our top picks from France to Mexico, and beyond.

FRANCE

Carlton Cannes

Following a two-year renovation, the Carlon Cannes transformed into a new modern design that still maintains the original Belle époque beauty of its predecessor, the InterContinental Carlton. The $500 million investment includes 37 new residences, a pool, a bar, and terraces for the first-floor rooms. Located on the prestigious Boulevard de la Croisette, Carlton Cannes also boasts a private beach and a terrace with expansive sea views. Kate has fond memories of a stay here years ago, watching the Bastille Day fireworks show over the sea. She loved getting to revisit and see the renovated property in 2023! 

La Fantaisie

Located on Rue Cadet, La Fantaisie offers the perfect mix of whimsical charm and comfort with 73 rooms, including 10 suites. Plus, if you're into seafood, their restaurant serves up delicious pescatarian dishes. With options for connecting and adjoining rooms, it's great for families and groups. The big windows let in tons of natural light and we recommend the 5th floor, where Juliet balconies offer a charming glimpse of Parisian life. Don’t miss their rooftop, open from 5 PM to 12 AM!

ITALY

Furore Grand Hotel

With stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Furore Grand Hotel opened for business in June 2023 and is located between Positano and Amalfi. Each of its 37 rooms faces the sea and offers either private balconies or terraces for magnificent views. The Amalfi Coast was one of the most popular destinations for KJT travelers in 2023, so we are delighted to see a new luxury property on the scene!

Six Sense Rome

Six Senses made its Italian debut earlier last year, introducing an urban sanctuary with 95 rooms and suites located on the Via del Corso pedestrian shopping promenade, just blocks from the ancient Pantheon and Fontana di Trevi. Guests can enjoy the spa hotel, restaurants, an outdoor courtyard garden, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Rome. The opening of this hotel is incredibly exciting because it’s the first Six Senses in Italy!

Hotel La Palma

If you're looking for the newest luxury hotel in Capri, La Palma has been transformed into a 5-star elegant Oetker Collection hotel. It’s right in the heart of Capri, just steps away from the Piazzetta. Hotel La Palma has 50 rooms and suites, a rooftop restaurant and bar, an exclusive beach club, and a new pool deck. After a long-awaited reopening, travelers began checking in last summer! The only thing you'll have to worry about is choosing your outfit, but don't worry – we've got you covered with our essentials from our Amazon storefront.

TURKEY & GREECE

THE PENINSULA ISTANBUL

The Peninsula Istanbul is a gorgeous waterfront hotel that opened in early 2023, right on the Bosphorus River. It is the centerpiece of the new Galataport district along with new museums, art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. There are 177 rooms, many of which have unobstructed river views, several swimming pools, and a luxurious spa.

One&Only, Aesthesis

The newest addition to the Athenian Riviera, One&Only Aesthesis, is a short boat ride away from Kea Island and about 30 minutes from the center of Athens. This is the perfect option for guests looking for a blend of relaxing beach vibes and the excitement of the city. They welcomed their first guests at the beginning of November of 2023. We've had the pleasure of staying at one of the most luxurious hotels in Greece. 

MEXICO

Belmond Maroma

Reopened the main part of the hotel in Aug 2023 in the Riviera Maya, with the Guerlain spa and multi-bedroom suites opening later in the year. Our own Kate Johnson got a tour just weeks after the opening and loved the intimate size of the property, thoughtful Mexican artisan interior decor, prime location along Maroma Beach, and turtle release program. This renovation has benefited from Belmond’s acquisition by LVMH so no expense was spared in making this the luxury Mexico resort worthy of Belmond. We are a Belmond Bellini preferred partner which means when you book with KJT, our clients get the top priority for upgrades and VIP treatment plus daily breakfast, resort credits, and more!

St. Regis Kanai

Located in Riviera Maya, offering a stunning setting along the coastline, St. Regis Kanai is a blend of luxury and natural beauty. With its recent opening, the resort has a total of 143 rooms including suites providing guests with many options for accommodations, great beach access, and family programming, making it one of the best family-friendly resorts in Mexico. Right next to St. Regis Kanai is its sister hotel, The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai, which also had a recent debut. Offering 143 rooms, tasty dining options, and prime beach access, these chic newcomers are perfect for travelers seeking a getaway. 

UNITED STATES

1Hotel Hanalei Bay

Midway through 2023, 1Hotel Hanalei Bay—a renovated version of the previous Princeville Resort—rose to popularity as Kauai's ideal of sustainability. They have breathtaking views from every corner, farm-to-table dining experiences, 2 pools, and a Bamford Spa (with medi-spa services). If you're planning a luxury family getaway, don't forget to check out our ultimate family vacation packing list for tips on what to bring for every member of the family.

Kona Village Resort

As a member of the Rosewood Hotels, The Kona Village Resort started welcoming guests to the Big Island last summer. Located 30 minutes north of Kona on the island of Hawai’i, this 81-acre resort will truly give you a sense of place featuring 150 stand-alone hales, farm-to-table dining, Sense Spa, and much more.

Reflecting on the past year, we look forward to continued adventures and discoveries that await us in 2024. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic getaway, a beach retreat, or a memorable holiday with your kids, let's make this year one to remember, one unforgettable hotel stay at a time. Reach out to us today to book your next getaway! Happy travels!

An Escape to Los Cabos

Recently, my family and I visited Los Cabos and stayed at two luxury, family-friendly resorts. Here’s the inside scoop for your next stay in the Los Cabo area in Mexico.

GRAND VELAS (Los Cabos)

Our first stop was Grand Velas. The Grand Velas Los Cabos is part of a collection of family-owned, luxury all-inclusive resorts with locations in Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, and outside of Cancun.

The Cabo property is centrally located with ocean-view terraces on each of the 307 suites. Each suite is over 1100 square feet! It has a range of room options from family suites to adjoining rooms, to wellness suites, to suites with private plunge pools!

I was really impressed with the service and food, especially for an all-inclusive resort. It is known as one of the best all-inclusive options in the area and I rarely had to wait more than 10 minutes for a poolside drink or food. Our kids were kept happy with the large variety of options, too.

Speaking of happy kids: there’s no shortage of activities from comprehensive kids and teens club programs to cooking classes and wine tastings for the adults. There are 3 pools: 2 for families and one for adults only–each with their own hot tubs. For younger kids, there’s also a splash pad and playground!

If you have a baby in tow, Grand Velas is known for its complimentary baby amenities. AND it is not just your standard crib and baby toiletries. The Grand Velas can equip your room with a high chair, baby playmat, tent, stroller, diaper pail, bottle warmer, bibs, sip cups, pureed baby food — you name it! Traveling with a young baby is always a big challenge, but this kind of amenities certainly makes it much easier!

Booking with KJ Travel grants you a nightly spa credit, complimentary upgrades, daily breakfast, and more. Reach out to us today for your Grand Velas stay.

ZADUN (San Jose Del Cabo)

Our final stop was the luxurious Zadun, one of only six Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties globally. Zadun’s rooms are incredibly spacious (starting room size is 807 sq feet) and, as a new build from 2020, they are more contemporary and fresh property.

The property is located near the cute colonial town of San Jose del Cabo and is only 25 minutes from the airport.

For families, I love the suites with a private pool, fire pit, and spacious outdoor area. Our kids enjoyed the heated pools in the mornings and we treated them to fireside s’mores in the evening! Some ground-floor suites even have direct access to protected beach areas.

Guests staying at Zadun can expect a high level of service with the on-site butlers. The butlers communicate via text and can assist with calling golf carts, making reservations, securing activities, etc. The butlers were very attentive to our needs and even found ways to surprise and delight us and the kids!

Our favorite restaurant was Humo, the Argentinian steakhouse–partly for delicious food and views and partly for the live DJ on the terrace that we all enjoyed. Humo is also right next to their X (Equis) Bar, which hosts different tastings and mixology classes.

It’s important to note that the beach here is not swimmable and is a bit of a walk down from the property on a slope. Keep this in mind if you like to run along the beach or have your kids play in the sand by the pool. The adults-only pool is a bit small, but directly in front of the beach which makes for a lovely view.

The family pool is situated above the beach and is very spacious with a shallow baby pool and enough space and different levels to keep active kids happy. I especially loved the small touches with the pool service: private coolers with iced water bottles, water spray, chilled sunscreen, and pool noodles for the kids.

Lastly, the Alkemia spa there is incredible with its focus on modern and ancient traditions. The Alkemia Spa includes a huge serenity pool, exercise classes, large relaxation areas, and fresh juices. 

At KJ Travel, we have received amazing feedback on the property from friends’ trips, milestone birthday celebrations, anniversaries, babymoons, and family and multi-get trips.

Reach out to us today at KJ Travel to book your next getaway to Mexico!

Celebrating a 10-Year Anniversary in Style: Mykonos, Santorini and Athens

I recently returned from an amazing trip to Greece to celebrate my 10-year wedding anniversary. While this wasn’t my first visit to Greece, it was my first visit to three destinations: Mykonos, Santorini, and Athens.

Travel between most of the islands is easy with different transportation options from ferries to planes to helicopters. There are numerous ways to “see” Greece and combine an array of islands for different experiences. All the islands have their own twist to them–from authentic fishing villages to a glitzy party scene, from calm sandy beaches to cliffside towns–so there’s something for everyone.

From families traveling to Greece, couples looking for a romantic Greek getaway, or friends traveling together on a Greek vacation, there are infinite possibilities.

MYKONOS

Mykonos is most well known for its high-end, beach club scene popular with adults. Families are also drawn to its calm, sandy beaches and a plethora of dining and water activities. The island offers a ton of romantic luxurious options, like Bill and Coo (and the new Bill and Coo Coast Suites, which is adults only) and Kalesma. These boutique hotels offer privacy and proximity to the lively Mykonos Town.

If you’re interested in resorts, there’s options like the Mykonos Grand and Santa Marina with a private beach, family pool, and adults-only pool. These options cater more to families. Myconian Collection Villas is well located on the quiet side of the island on the family-friendly Elia Beach with plenty of, you guessed it!, private villas for families to spread out with a private pool and a more residential experience.

While in Mykonos we loved our lazy days by the beach, taking a swim in the afternoon, late beachfront lunches and even later dinners, gorgeous sunsets, and walking around Mykonos town.

SANTORINI 

Up next was Santorini! It is a two-hour ferry away or a 30-minute helicopter ride (which doubles as both a transfer and an incredible aerial tour).

While in Santorini, most guests opt for a stay in Oia or Imerovigli, although there is also a great option located away from the crowds in a vineyard called Vedema. Oia and Imerovigli are both busy cliffside villages. Oia is the most sought-after village for its unique caldera views and more sophisticated town but Imerovigli offers gorgeous sunsets, a slightly more authentic town feel, and is close to Fira, the more commercial capital town.

IMEROVIGLI

We stayed at the Auberge Grace Hotel in Imerovigli and loved it. It is located a bit off the main pedestrian sidewalk but along the path to the Skaros Castle Rock hike, so you do get some foot traffic coming by the property. It's so hard though for these cliffside hotels to be completely private though because of how close everything is to each other. Aubgere’s pool is the largest in Imerovigli and a welcome break after a hot morning hike. There are only 20 rooms and one villa so the property feels very intimate and luxurious. The staff, food, and views were all incredible and there were thoughtful considerations around every corner. The entry-level rooms were a bit small (but as is everything in the area), but very well-appointed and used the space well. 

OIA

For our time in Oia, we opted for the grand dame, Canaves Oia Suites. Family-owned, with 40 suites, two hotel pools, a spa, and an elevator (which is a big deal here!), this property was larger than the Auberge Grace Hotel, but still felt very boutique and gave you a great sense of place. Again, the staff was attentive and offered a high level of service, the views were breathtaking and the meals were delicious. Its location right at the beginning of Oia gave you proximity to all the shops and restaurants without having to walk through the crowds to get to and from your hotel (and it does get crowded!).

Of course, there are a ton of great 4 and 5-star hotel options around Imerovigli and Oia catered to different kinds of travelers with a range of personal tastes and preferences. It’s part of our job to help match our clients with the best properties for their vacation.

ACTIVITIES

As far as activities, a boat trip while in Santorini is a must. There is so much to explore by water. We help arrange private Santorini boat trips or small group outings, both of which stop at several different locations: around the volcanic rock, Jacques Cousteau's favorite diving caves, and red and black beaches (named after the sediments that surround them). The landscapes from the water are otherworldly.

Another Santorini favorite activity is wine tasting! I was delightfully surprised by how much I enjoyed all the local Santorini wine. There are several grape varieties uniquely grown on the island and a handful of great winery experiences for travelers to learn about the specialized vine-growing process. For instance, the vine is buried into the ground (who knew?) to avoid wind and make the most of the limited water and humidity on the island, and volcanic conditions that make the wine different from any other.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong on any Greek island. Working with us, we will help plan the perfect trip catered to your interests.

NOW….LET’S TALK ABOUT PACKING.

In Santorini, you are walking around on slick stones and marble all day and taking about 15 flights of stairs daily…so my stylish, but flimsy, sandals didn’t really cut it. You certainly need something more substantial if you are going further than the hotel pool.

Tennis shoes are a must for the hikes with loose rocks and uneven terrain and you need a hat and sunscreen. I was really happy I made space for proper tennis/hiking shoes and only wore my wedges once. Some nights can get windy in Mykonos and Santorini depending on when you visit so you might bring a sweater or wrap for late dinners when the sun goes down.

With all the island hopping, I tried to use packing cubes to divide clothing by islands/destinations (as opposed to clothing categories which is what I normally do) so I wouldn’t have to fully unpack at every stop. For the most part, this method worked.

I needed more swimsuit coverups and was happy that I packed a different swimsuit (or option) for every day. I was also happy to have several daytime/non-swimwear that worked well with walking shoes and were breezy for the warm afternoons. Outlet adapters are a must in Europe, and I found that there were great hairdryers everywhere, so leave yours at home.

For toiletries, I’d recommend packing aftersun care. We were in the sun a lot and while I lathered on the sunscreen (and went through the bottle!) I could still use some aftersun lotion for dry, chapped skin.

Whenever you’re ready, reach out to us today so we can start planning your ultimate Greek Island trip!

KJ Travel's Family Mountain Vacation Packing List

The snow has finally melted and the mountains are ready to be explored! Below is a travel checklist of a few essentials we always pack when headed to the mountains. 

CARRY ON ESSENTIALS

• Refillable water bottle

• Airplane/car activities

• Disinfecting wipes

• Electronics and chargers

• Headphones (and splitter)

FOR THE KIDS

• Kids backpack - my daughter’s pick OR this cute sustainable option

• Tennis shoes

• Swimsuit

• Cap

• Jackets

FOR THE ADULTS

• Hiking backpack/fanny pack - The best belt bag

• Hiking boots

• 2 pairs of sunglasses (My current favorite dressy pair and a casual non slip option)

• Long pants- this pair for hiking AND these jeans for horseback riding

TOILETRIES

• Altitude sickness medication

• Lotion

• Sunscreen - easy spray on by our favorite, Supergoop

• Chapstick & Aquaphor

OUTDOOR GEAR

• Ziploc bags, multiple sizes - our favorite sustainable option

• Portable Speaker- Portable and waterproof

• Waterproof IPhone Case

• Bug spray

• Portable picnic blanket - this one has a built in carrying bag

• Soft cooler

• Yeti cups

• Bottle opener

Did we miss anything? Leave a comment below and let us know your mountain retreat favorites.

Click here to print your copy.

KJ Travel Featured in USA Today

We’re so excited to share that KJ Travel was featured in this weekend’s USA Today discussing travel planning for 2022. 

The article, titled “Can travel make you happy? Many Americans plan to find out as they plan trips for 2022,” includes travel trends for 2022 and the keys to a happier vacation next year.

One insider tip? Hiring a vetted travel pro :) to help you decode travel regulations, get the most out of your vacation time and travel funds, help with any issues that may arise and take the stress out of planning. 

In addition to booking sooner rather than later and the increase in more “off the beaten path” destinations, we weighed in with the below trend:

Stay a little longer. "Longer stays and vetted home rentals will be popular for 2022," says Kate Johnson, owner of KJ Travel. She has several monthslong domestic and European itineraries already on the books. This allows for deeper immersion in a language and culture, and it might give you a perspective on the last two years."

Those interested in traveling in 2022 can really benefit from advanced planning with flexible booking policies and lower rates before inventory books up and rates increase. 

We’re here to help with your next European family vacation, Mediterranean cruise, anniversary trip or exotic honeymoon!

Road Trip Bingo

Family travel this summer has been all about road trips. We have had many clients load up their cars and hit the road for a summer vacation. One of the longest (and sometimes boring) drives can be across the LARGE state of Texas. Being a Houston based travel advisor, most of my clients, like me, have a long drive before they cross a state line. My family hit the road for a drive across Texas and as an experienced family vacation travel planner I knew we would need an activity to get through the long highway drive that was ahead of us. We created these cute Texas Bingo cards and the whole family loved them! We have two options for your family to enjoy on your next road trip or vacation. Click the link to download.

Texas Bingo 1

Texas Bingo 2

KJT Travel Journal: Glamping

Glamping in Texas Hill Country

In May, while we were following strict social distancing guidelines, we were feeling stir crazy. We packed up our 4 year old and 2 year old daughters and headed for the hills — Texas Hill Country to be specific. We were going for an overnight of glamping.

For my four year old this was a fantasy realized — “Camping? In the woods? Will there be s’mores?” And for her parents, we were looking forward to a change of scenery and experiencing something new and different. The travel advisor in me was excited to take the up-and-coming glamping trend for a test run with my family and check out one of the companies with glamping tents all over the country, Collective Retreats. 

GETTING THERE

3 hours driving from Houston

4 hours driving from Dallas

1 hour driving from Austin airport

ROOMS

My daughter’s loved the golf cart ride to our tent on arrival and the tent itself was pretty impressive. Our tent was one of fifteen at Collective Retreats Hill Country and was spacious (x sq ft) with a king bed and en-suite bath, boho design and private deck. Since we were only going for one night and our kids are young, we opted to just all sleep together in the king bed— sleepover style. This property has several electronic fans arranged in the tent and a window unit which cooled down the tent nicely for sleeping. If you are traveling with older kids, they have one family tent which includes an additional sleeping tent next to the “master.” 

MEALS

Breakfast is included in your rate (highly recommend the breakfast tacos!) and other meals need to be ordered in advance so the on-site cooking staff have everything they need. You can order full meals or the specific ingredients to prepare the food yourself with on-site grills. During normal times, they offer farm-to-table communal meals and seasonal cocktails. And, of course, after dinner they have s’mores kits available for roasting at their Texas-sized fire pit overlooking the valley. 

ACTIVITIES

Typically horseback rides, streams, fishing,e tc.. available. 

Since there were still local policies in effect that prohibited most public activities, we opted to hike on property, pick flowers, play cards, listen to music, read and enjoy the outdoors. All of these activities would have been made a bit more enjoyable if there was an on-property water activity: stream, pool, etc. We happened to be there during an unseasonably warm Spring weekend. Jacob’s Well nearby 

PACKING RECOMMENDATIONS

• A portable speaker

• Plenty of snacks (we brought a cooler and they have a yeti + ice in room)

• Bug Spray 

• Indoor activities: playing cards, bookings, coloring books

ADDITIONAL TX OPTIONS

Just 10 minutes from downtown Austin, there is an adorable outpost with 8 cottages, an onsite pool and dining options.

Another option between Houston and Austin includes 3 African safari tents (650 sq ft) which sleep up to 5 guests and golf carts for each tent which can take guests to the San Marcos River - a 5 minute golf cart ride away. This fall they will debut new 2 bedroom tents with kitchens and ample indoor and outdoor living space for the whole family.

If you would rather stay in an individual cabin or ranch home, there are several options all across west TX ranging from 2 - 6 bedroom with sprawling acres, ranch-style activities, pools and more.

Overall I think your experience will have a lot to do with the weather and these weekend trips are ideal for fall and spring. As always, your KJ Travel team is here to help you find the best fit for your family and ensure you are getting the best rates, value and booking terms. We’d love to talk!

KJT Picks: Family Golf Vacations

“Teach ‘em young”

Monterey Peninsula Golf Course, 2019

Combining a vacation with one of your favorite hobbies is a win-win. Golf is one of those hobbies perfect for travel with resorts specifically catering to golf pros and enthusiasts.

We plan plenty of father-son golf trips, corporate golf retreats, golf-focused bachelor weekends, etc. but is it possible for dad to get a golf vacation and family vacation in one? We think so. Personally, it is how we prioritize a lot of our family vacation planning since most of our family members are big fans of the sport.

Below are some of our favorite U.S. resorts for great golf and family fun. Want to add any of your favorites or plan a family, golf-centric vacation? A lot of our clients have had their international bucket-list golf trips cancelled in 2020 but the socially-distanced sport is a great bet for travelers wanting to explore stateside. Drop us a line at Bonjour@katejohnsontravel.com; we’re here to help!

Kiawah Island

Kiawah, South Carolina

Ocean Course, Hole 13

Photo Credit: The Sanctuary Hotel

This beautiful island outside of Charleston, South Carolina is home to six 18 hole golf courses. 

Accommodations: Guests can stay at the oceanfront Sanctuary Hotel, resort villas, private homes, or the ocean course cottages. 

KJ Travel Amenity at Sanctuary Hotel: Daily breakfast for two and $100 resort credit.

Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach, California

Photo Credit: Houston Johnson

Of course the no. 1 public course in America had to make the list. Four 18 hole courses with three of them along the Pacific Ocean. 

Accommodations: The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, and Casa Palmero offer advantages to getting tee times, but nearby Carmel Valley also has great hotel options including the family-friendly Carmel Valley Ranch and more romantic Bernardus Lodge & Spa.

KJ Travel Amenity at select resorts include $100 resort credit, upgrade at time of booking and complimentary breakfasts.

Pelican Hill

Newport, California

North Course, Hole 17

Photo Credit: The Resort at Pelican Hill

Two 18 hole courses exclusively for members and hotel guests

Accommodations: Multi-bedroom villas and bungalows are available at Pelican Hill Resort situated along HWY 1 close to several state parks and beaches.

KJ Travel Amenity: Daily breakfast and $100 credit to be used on Golf or Spa.

PGA West

Palm Springs, California

Mountain Course, Hole 6

Photo Credit: La Quinta Resort & Club

With five 18 hole semi-private championship courses you can play a different course every day.  

Accommodations: La Quinta Resort & Club offers spacious guest rooms as well as multi-bedroom villas  and kids activities.

KJ Travel Amenity: Daily breakfast for two and $100 resort credit.

Torrey Pines

San Diego, California

Photo Credit: The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Two 18 hole courses in beautiful La Jolla that overlook the Pacific Ocean.

Accommodations: The Lodge at Torrey Pines with spacious guest rooms and suites, many with terraces that overlook the courses and easy access to nearby hiking trails. A bonus for family trips when golf isn’t happening is the nearby San Diego Zoo and Legoland. 

KJ Travel Amenity: Complimentary daily breakfast and $100 resort spa credit.

Sea Island Golf Resort

Sea Island, Georgia

The Plantation Course

Photo Credit: The Lodge at Sea Island

Three 18 hole courses and a 17,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center.

Accommodations: The Clositer and the Lodge at Sea Island have spacious rooms and multi-bedroom suites. Private homes and cottages are also available. The private island offers five miles of beach, a tennis center, Yacht Club and children’s programming.

KJ Travel Amenity: Complimentary daily breakfast and $100 resort credit.

Kapalua Bay

Maui, Hawaii

The Bay Course

Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua

On the island of Maui, Kapalua Bay has two 18 hole courses, one of which, the Plantation Course, is recognized as the best course in Hawaii. 

Accommodations: You can’t go wrong with either beachfront resort, Ritz Carlton Kapalua or Montage Kapaula both with expansive hotel properties, ocean view guest rooms, multi-bedroom suites and residential-style accommodations.

KJ Travel Amenity: Complimentary daily breakfast and $100 resort credit, upgrades upon availability.

“This Is Why You Need A Travel Advisor For Your Post-Pandemic Vacation” - Forbes

We loved seeing this article last week by Christopher Elliott, popular travel author and travel columnist and founder of a consumer advocacy non-profit. In it he describes his 10 reasons why you need a travel advisor for your post-pandemic vacation:

1. Prepare you for the travel experience

2. Understand where you're going

3. Screen every travel company

4. Hold your hand

5. Help you navigate the rules of travel

6. Be available to you 24/7

7. Leverage insider contacts to help you have a smoother trip

8. Go the extra mile to get you home

9. Solve your problems

10. Help you secure a no-hassle refund if necessary

I think our clients would agree with his list. We work hard to thoroughly research options for clients and plan with them to ensure their trip goes smoothly. We are staying on top of hotel openings, CDC guidelines and travel advisories to best advise our clients based on their comfort level with travel. Additionally, our suppliers are thoroughly vetted to help ensure company solvency and protect our clients.

In the article, Elliott also describes his own experience when his travel advisor “saved” him while he was abroad during the pandemic lockdown. For a link to the full story, click here.

What To Know Before You Rent

We received a lot of questions from clients who are ready to start traveling. They want to know the best place to drive - or fly? And what is open there?

“Should we rent a house?” “If so, how do we know that that home is vetted and up to current health/ sanitation standards?”

“Where do we start?”

Well, friends, that is what we are here for.

We are working hard to find quality private home rentals in some of the most sought-after destinations — most of which are drivable for clients in Texas and California and typically offer better weather or different activities than what we have at home.

We work with professionally managed rental homes that have all been thoroughly vetted so there are no surprises. Our homes can also offer additional services and benefits like pre-stocking, concierge service and custom amenities.

Here are some of our top considerations when selecting your vacation rental property:

• Deposit schedule and cancellation policies are understood.

  • Several of our partners have implemented 2 week flexible cancellation policies and waived change fees.

• Confirming CDC guidelines are met/ exceeded and sanitation protocols are in order.

• The rental is in accordance with local policies and quarantine requirements.

• Availability of on-site managers.

  • Most of the properties we work with have service lines available 24/7 should anything arise during your stay. This gives us and our clients peace of mind.
    

This summer we are already seeing the most long-term vacation rentals in history with travelers wanting to get out of town and getaway for 30, 60, 90-day windows. Some are able to work remotely and others are wanting to make the long road trip worth it.

Below are some of the most popular destinations and some of our favorite properties (that are still available):

Lake Travis, TX rental. 5 bedroom, 4 bath sleeps 10. Dates available in August starting around $1,600 a night.

Rental in Aspen, CO. 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, sleeps 10. Dates available in June and July starting at $1,000 a night.

Destin, FL rental . 6 bedroom, 6.5 bath sleeps 15. Dates available in late July starting around $975 a night.

Port Aransas, TX rental. 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath sleeps 14. Dates available in July starting at $1,500 a night.

Beachfront Galveston, TX rental. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath sleeps 6. Dates available in August starting around $510 a night.

Santa Fe, NM rental. 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, sleeps 10. Dates available in late July and August starting at $1,300 a night.

We’d love to help you find the perfect fit for your summer vacation rental. Get in touch with us here!