Family travel expert William Gray has been globetrotting with his twins since they were toddlers…
Take your kids travelling. Take them now. I know you’re already juggling school runs, work deadlines and a never-ending list of things to do at home. But trust me – you’ll never regret taking your kids on a family adventure holiday.
In the introduction to my worldwide guidebook Travel with Kids (published by Footprint back in 2013), I wrote: “Family holidays create memories that will live with you long after your children have grown up. They provide quality time away from the rush and stress of everyday life; they’re precious, hard-earned and over all too quickly.”
Now that our twins are 24, those words ring truer than ever. Family travel is about the pleasure of showing your children how amazing the world is; of instilling in them a curiosity and love of nature and different cultures. Family holidays allow you to take stock of life and appreciate what’s really important.
Sure, our bank balance took a hit at times, but instead we banked memories – mushing huskies in Finnish Lapland, foraging with Bushmen in Namibia, snorkelling with sealions in the Galapagos Islands, spotting bears in Alaska, roaming New Zealand in a motorhome, hiking through the Alps…
It’s not always easy, and that’s okay
Let’s be honest. Travelling with kids isn’t always a walk in the park. If you’re expecting blissful, picture-perfect adventures from start to finish, reality might throw in a few curveballs: misplaced shoes, surprise snack protests, or the ever-popular “I’m bored” chorus.
And you know what? That is perfectly fine.
You might find yourself chuckling (or cringing) at the memory of your four-year-olds giggling into the flight intercom or refereeing a jet-lagged yoghurt lid showdown that echoes around the cabin. But what can be maddening in the moment, are just tiny ripples in a much bigger – and far more rewarding – family story.
Because what really counts isn’t flawless behaviour or insta-ready snapshots. It’s that you’re experiencing new places together, learning to adapt on the fly, and collecting little tales that will have everyone laughing for years to come.
A bit of chaos is part of the package. Embrace it, roll with it, and remember that these imperfect moments will become some of your most treasured memories.
Why it’s 100% worth it
The moments that make a little bit of stress worth it? It’s the wide-eyed wonder on your child’s face when they see a whale, bear, or elephant in the wild for the first time. It’s the feeling of bonding as a family, experiencing a new culture, trying new foods.
I remember cajoling our double buggy along the cobbled streets of Naples, wondering why on earth we thought this would be a good idea for a family holiday, when a local man suddenly dived into a shop in front of us before emerging with fistfuls of cake which he proceeded to stuff into our children’s mouths.
When children become teenagers, they not only make stimulating travel companions (able to tackle physical and intellectual challenges on a par with their parents) but they also simplify travel logistics.
Kids see the world differently, and that’s the magic
Kids teach you so much, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. Their fresh perspective on the world forces you to slow down and notice the small things. They remind you that travel isn’t just about the big-ticket items or the iconic landmarks. It’s about being there, present, in the moment.
Kids are constantly asking questions we’ve long since stopped wondering about, and they notice things that adults miss. They force you to slow down. Children don’t care about rushing through a museum to check off all the highlights. They’ll be fixated by one obscure exhibit – or something totally unrelated.
Watching your child marvel at something as simple as a giant, ancient tree brings you back to what travel is all about: appreciating the wonders of the world. Travel with kids strips everything down to the essentials: the moments, the experiences, the people you meet along the way.
How to make it easier
Is there a magic formula for travelling with kids? No doubt you’ve met parents with infuriatingly well-behaved children who will tell you that family holidays are a piece of cake; that their little angel sleeps through flights, never whinges on long car journeys and always eats foreign food. For most families, however, getting holidays right is about making compromises. You won’t please everyone all the time, but you can ensure that all ages have at least something going for them.
Nine things that should definitely go into the equation are:
• Water Whether it’s the sea, a lake or a swimming pool, most children consider swimming an intrinsic part of every holiday.
• Food Don’t skip the local flavours entirely, but always ensure there’s at least something on the menu that kids know and like.
• Gear Plan and pack with military precision to ensure you’ve got everything you need.
• Versatility Research your accommodation and activities to ensure they meet the needs and ages of all family members.
• Challenges Banish boredom by ensuring there are plenty of new experiences.
• Money Don’t feel you have to spend a fortune to have a memorable family holiday.
• Attitude Children quickly pick up on stress or anxiety, so try to stay relaxed.
• Expectations Keep them realistic; remember that what you might find interesting your children might not.
• Fun What it’s all about!
So, what are you waiting for?
Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ time to travel with your kids. Don’t let fear or stress hold you back. Take that trip. Pack the bags, embrace the chaos. Because these are the years you won’t get back, and the memories you make today will last forever. Travel with your kids. Do it this year and every year you can.
Take a look at our collection of family holidays or browse our brochure for inspiration. Many of our travel specialists travel with kids too. As well as knowing our destinations inside out, they can relate to the family holiday experience. Get in touch for a chat on 01737 214 250 or request a tailored quote.