Why You Should Take a Mother-Son Trip to Utah

August 12, 2025

When WhirlAway Travel’s Jamie Jones and her 12-year-old son Zayne set off for a summer adventure in Utah, it wasn’t just a vacation—it was a series of unforgettable firsts. 

Over six packed days, they went fly fishing, biked mountain trails, raced UTVs, and rappelled through canyons—all at Zayne’s direction. He planned the itinerary (nonstop action), curated the meals (burgers and sushi, please), and even selected their rental car: a white Ford Mustang. They spent the first four nights in the luxe comfort of Montage Deer Valley, then roadtripped to Zion and glamped for two nights at Under Canvas Zion. Here, Jamie and Zayne share their favorite moments, their biggest laughs, and why mother-son travel just might be the ultimate bonding experience.

It’s so fun that Zayne selected all your activities. How did you feel about his choices? 



Jamie: I was definitely happy with them, but I was terrified of canyoneering because I’m afraid of heights, and I thought fly fishing was going to be super boring and was prepared to read a book on the river bank, but it was really fun. I ended up being a horrible mountain biker, but Zayne was pretty good so I told him to go ahead of me and have fun, but then I got lost on my way back.

You went fly fishing, mountain biking, canyoneering, horseback riding, 4x4-ing, and more. What was your favorite?



Zayne: Fly fishing because I've never done it before. Mountain biking because I really like riding my bike and it was fun going down hills. Canyoneering because I laughed when Mom flipped over.


Jamie: I really liked canyoneering because I was excited to accomplish something new, but I panicked when I got close to every edge, and I lacked any depth perception rappelling off the side of the canyon. So yes, I flipped upside down into a stinky pool of water in a slot canyon! I also really enjoyed fly fishing and the peace and quiet on the river. I was able to cast pretty well so that was fun—until I got my hook stuck in a tree.

Let’s talk about the places you stayed—Montage Deer Valley and Under Canvas Zion. Tell us what you loved there.


Zayne:  At Montage Deer Valley, the sushi restaurant was really good. I also liked the free arcade, the unlimited water, and the view from our room. At Under Canvas, there were lots of kids. The view was really nice when we woke up in the morning, and seeing lizards was fun. We didn’t have electricity or air conditioning, but that didn’t bother me.


Jamie:  The service was excellent at Montage Deer Valley, and the views were really incredible. It’s located at the very top of the resort in Deer Valley, overlooking pretty much all of Park City. The hotel footprint was surprisingly smaller than I expected so everything was super accessible. And I loved all the small details: When we came back to our room at the end of the day, all of our chargers were wrapped with rubber port holders, and our sunglasses had little cleaning cloths next to them. 


The coolest part about Under Canvas was the location. Zion is a pretty busy area and Under Canvas is tucked away in a canyon so you really feel like you're out in the wilderness. There’s no light pollution—we could see the Milky Way. It would be really great for a couple of families to go there together because of the sense of community that they build with live music, fire pits, s’mores, and different activities up at the main lodge. I did miss air conditioning, electricity, and being able to control the water temperature in the bathroom, but that was part of the experience!


How was the food?



Jamie: I gave Zayne a list of places, and said, “Where do you want to eat? You get to pick them all.” 


Zayne: My favorite was the shrimp tempura at Yama Sushi at Montage. Oh, and the steak at Fletcher's [in Park City] was really good.


Jamie: I agree with Zayne. I definitely recommend having dinner at Montage’s Yama Sushi one night, and Burgers & Bourbon there was good, too. But I also recommend going off property and into Park City for dinner at least one or two nights. It's a really cute town to walk around, and there's tons of dining options—I think Fletcher’s was my favorite meal, and we had really good ice cream down the street. The dinner at Under Canvas is your typical pub fair. You can also drive into Springdale, which is about 30 minutes away. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time because it will involve some driving. And make reservations in Park City. It wasn’t too busy in the summer, but you definitely need them in the winter time.


Is there one thing that stands out as the most fun of the whole trip?



Zayne: Yes. Hanging out with my mom.


Jamie: Aww, that's hard to top! I would say the funniest moment was when I flipped over canyoneering and my head dunked into the disgusting water. But the best part of the whole trip was hanging out with Zayne. 

A Roar-Worthy Safari Specialist

April 3, 2026
For the fifth year in a row, WhirlAway Travel’s Jamie Jones has been named a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist—a prestigious honor reserved for advisors with extensive expertise, trusted global connections, and a deep understanding of how to craft truly tailored journeys. It’s a distinction she’s earned through her focus on African safaris and her ability to create meaningful, insider experiences. Jamie’s philosophy is simple: “I have always believed that travel is essential for the future of our world. It connects us to nature, to different cultures, and most importantly to one another.” That approach comes to life on every African safari she curates. And that’s just one reason why she’s so exceptional at what she does. 1. She Knows Safaris Inside & Out Jamie has traveled to Africa more than 15 times over the past 12 years, earning her Signature Travel Network’s Select Safari Specialist designation—an exclusive recognition for highly vetted advisors with “feet on the ground” knowledge and proven expertise in creating luxury, customized African safaris. For Jamie, it’s about so much more than the wildlife: “I continually return because of the people I have met, friendships created, cultures I have learned from, and the peace that fills my soul with every journey.” And through WhirlAway’s Africa Apprentice Program, Jamie also helps train the next generation of safari specialists, providing extensive education and hands-on experience in planning these journeys, ensuring every client benefits from a highly personalized approach.

Multi-Gen Magic

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Multi-generational travel is booming—and it’s easy to see why. Families are seeking curated journeys where every generation—from grandparents to grandchildren—can experience the world together, yet on their own terms. At WhirlAway Travel, that means private excursions, seamless logistics, and experiences that let everyone focus on what matters: connection. Denise Booth is one of WhirlAway’s multi-gen travel experts. She leverages her insider access and relationships with global partners to create itineraries perfectly suited for every age and interest. “Travel does not have to be all or nothing,” she says. “We craft experiences that can be enjoyed by each person, from modified activities or alternatives for those who cannot participate.” Here are three recent journeys planned by Denise and the WhirlAway team.

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Why Japan & Why Now The neon-lit energy of Tokyo, the zen temples of Kyoto, and the restorative calm of mountain onsen towns define this unique journey across time. “It’s a place that feels both ancient and futuristic at once,” Stacey says. Japan also rewards travelers who slow down. For Stacey, early mornings—what the Japanese call the “blue hour”—were especially poignant. Known as the time just before sunrise or after sunset when the sky turns a deep indigo, the serene, otherworldly atmosphere is the perfect window for photography in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, capturing the magical light over temple roofs, as locals cycle along rivers, and as shops open their doors. To fully appreciate Japan’s diversity, Stacey recommends giving yourself at least 10 days in the destination (plus two days of travel) and visiting three distinct regions. Stacey’s Takeaway: “Japan is not a place you try to see it all in one trip. It’s somewhere you’ll want to return to again and again.”

Sail Beyond the Expected

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No summer travel plans yet? Consider this your fast track to an experience that ticks all the boxes for value, ease, culture, scenery, and laid-back luxury. What: A seven-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Silver Nova with Silversea and Signature Travel Network. Where: Roundtrip from Athens, visiting seven ports throughout Greece and Turkey. When: August 16-23, 2026. Why: It’s a remarkable blend of epic history, island charm, and elegant cruising. You’ll visit spots that feel straight out of a postcard, from the delightful seaside town of Gythion and the Olympic roots of Katakolon to Santorini’s bucket-list sunsets and the lively markets of Bodrum. Onboard, the suites are beautifully spacious, the butler service is effortlessly attentive, and the all-inclusive approach is indulgent yet smart, inviting you to savor the experience without a second thought. Yes, please!

Just Back From … Northern Italy with WhirlAway’s Sara Samuel

February 12, 2026
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Just Ask Jamie …

January 21, 2026
Why stay home for the holidays when you can discover chocolate, castles, and Christmas decorations across Europe? That’s just what WhirlAway’s Jamie Jones had in mind when she took her family on a holiday river trip through Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Brussels, and Antwerp. Here’s what happened along the way.

2026 is the Time!

January 14, 2026
If “someday” is starting to sound suspiciously like “never,” this is your sign. From polar ice to private yachts, safaris to southern skies, these six monumental journeys are proof that the best trips happen when they’re meticulously planned with insider expertise.

Just Back From … Italy’s Puglia Region

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Nestled in the heel of Italy, these spots have long been Italian favorites and are now drawing travelers from around the world. But visit in the fall or winter, and it still feels like you have them all to yourself. Sara says it was nearly impossible to choose favorites—and she could easily share dozens more—but here are the places and experiences she loved most.

’Tis the Season for Travel!

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In 2025, WhirlAway planned dozens of amazing vacations for the holiday season, and we’re sharing a few of our favorites. Consider this your cheat sheet to the dreamiest destinations, including a sun-kissed sojourn to Costa Rica, a multi-gen escape to South Africa, an Antarctica cruise, and the best of Turks and Caicos, and London. Happy holidays, and even happier travels!
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