Yesterday we scoped out the Adventures in Travel Expo in New York City. You may think that’s not the most likely place to find luxury travel for kids, but we found some tour operators, trips and destinations that we think you’ll find interesting. While for many parents, taking kids on a trip is adventure enough, families are increasingly seeking out trips that include more than just lounging and shopping. Of course age is a factor: 2-year olds aren’t quite ready to take on whitewater, but kids as young as 3 can begin ski lessons and the options available to families are increasing as the travel industry meets the demand for trips with more of an “experience”.

Over the next few days we’ll be telling you about the exhibitors that held the most promise for families who’d like some “adventure” without giving up the luxury. Stay tuned…

In keeping with the growing trend of luxury family travel, many spas at resorts worldwide have incorporated age-appropriate spa treatments for younger guests. With treatments ranging from sparkly mani-pedis to gentle facials, these spas are making smart moves: not only does the expanded menu allow for family bonding time (usually mother-daughter, but men and boys can go too), but parents no longer have to find ways to occupy the kids while enjoying an hour or so of pampering. After the jump, three spas that have added services for children to their menus. (more…)

At Forbes Traveler, Emily Brown has an interesting article on the increasingly odd, sometimes fascinating demands of hotel guests (a special tattoo for Steve Nash is among them). Outrageous Hotel Perks mentions just a few of the varied requests of recent hotel guests, and also covers how some properties are upping the ante in anticipating guests’ needs. We note, as we’ve done before, that pets seem to feature heavily into hotel concierge services and packages while children run a somewhat distant second. Our own research turns up loads of pet-welcoming packages but family deals that show more ingenuity than turn-down cookies and a movie are rare. Still, we’ll continue to seek high and low for deals that pamper young and old – because one of our favorite travel luxuries is the time it gives us with our little ones.