May eNewsletter - 5/3/23

By Natalie Villar

5/22/2023

Q&A: Laura Burdett-Munns, Journeysmiths

For more than three decades, the UK-based Journeysmiths has been creating unique and unforgettable experiences in wildlife and wild places.

While they began with a focus on Africa, the company is expanding its unique approach across the globe, and they’re looking for families to join in on these adventures.

To get the details on what Journeysmiths has to offer, how their business is changing and their thoughts on navigating travel in 2023, the Family Travel Association talked with Managing Director Laura Burdett-Munns. Click below to read what she had to say.

Here’s How We Arrived Home From An International Flight In Less Than An Hour!

When our family rolled into our driveway, 40 miles away from LAX, less than an hour after our international flight had touched down after our family trip, it was a miracle worth relishing and replicating. This is how we did it.

Rina Nehdar

Read full article here.

Super Nintendo World Hollywood: Everything A Family Needs To Know Before They Go!

Kids will thrill when their folks take them to play at Universal Studios Hollywood’s newest land, Super Nintendo World but don’t tell these kiddies that their 1980s and 90s video game-obsessed parents are using them as an excuse to finally get to meet Mario and Luigi in real life! Super Nintendo World Hollywood opened its pipes to families on Friday, February 17, 2023, allowing them to walk through the jazzy, light display covering the inside of the channel used by characters in some Mario Bro. games to transport themselves into an equally dazzling video game world.

Rina Nehbar

Read full article here.

Fiji Tourism Lunch & Learn Recap!

Let’s take a quick look back on the truly excellent Fiji Tourism presentation by Ruth Daly, who made the time fly by with nonstop fun facts, stories and useful information. Here are a few key takeaways:

Fiji has 333 islands, but only about 110 are inhabited. The two major islands are Viti Levu (which is the same size as the big island of Hawaii) and Vanua Levi (which is a similar size and topography as Maui).
Not all Americans see Fiji as a family destination, but Australian and Kiwi families have been coming for decades.
Fiji is closer than you think, but especially from the west coast. It’s in the heart of the South Pacific, a 10 hour flight from San Fran or LA.

Read the full recap here or watch the Lunch & Learn session on the info hub.

Lunch & Learn | May 10, 2023, 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. ET

Updates on Beaches Resorts with Karlene Angus-Smith

Discover the most recent developments on Beaches Resort's all-inclusive getaways by joining Karlene Angus-Smith, Assoc. Director of Industry Affairs, for our Lunch & Learn session. She will explain why Beaches has been recognized as the world's top all-inclusive family resort for 25 years straight, as nominated by the World Travel Awards. You will receive valuable insights on new accommodations and destinations, as well as information on the Beaches Autism Program. Learn how to effectively endorse Beaches to your clients and target market.

To register, click here

Lunch & Learn | May 24, 2023, 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. ET

Why African Safaris Should Be on Every Family's Bucket List,

and Yes, You Need an Expert

Safaris are literally a family affair at Journeysmiths. Managing Director Laura Burdett-Munns’ love of Africa began at the tender age of one. It blossomed during countless safaris with her parents, Journeysmiths co-founders, and throughout her extensive career. Now, as a mother of two young children, she’s delighted to share those experiences with her own family. Join Laura as she shares her family’s extraordinary relationship with Africa, discusses why safaris should be on every family’s bucket list, and explains how engaging an expert tour operator is imperative.

To register, click here.

2023 FTA SUMMIT | Registration is Open!
The intersection of business, education, and community for family travel.

We are excited about the FTA Summit and ready to welcome family travel advisors, suppliers, and media members. As a community, we’ll revel in the resurgence of family travel and elevate our work in creating new experiences and possibilities.

Registration is open for all FTA members. We encourage you to register at your earliest convenience. If you have any questions regarding FTA Summit or registration please reach out to info@familytravel.org.

Stay tuned for more detail on the 2023 FTA Summit!