Top Tips for Adventurous Family Travel

Traveling with kids doesn’t mean you have to give up your sense of adventure! While many families opt for resort holidays, it’s completely possible to explore the world with young children in tow. Some of my most adventurous holidays have been the most fun and memorable with my kids. If you’re feeling a little nervous about planning an itinerary that’s both exciting and kid-friendly, here are my top 3 tips to help you create the perfect trip for your family. 1. Pace Yourselves When you’re used to packing your travel days full of activities, it can be easy to assume that your kids can keep up. But kids need downtime—traveling at their pace is essential for a smooth trip. Here’s my advice: - Plan one main activity per day and leave room for unstructured play or relaxation. - Spend extra time at destinations, allowing kids to explore and discover at their own pace. - Balance the adventurous activities with restful moments—whether it’s stopping at a local park, taking a scenic picnic, or just lounging by the pool. - If you’re planning an all-day excursion, make sure to schedule breaks where kids can recharge, even if it's just a quiet snack break in a scenic spot! 2. Don’t Avoid 'Adult' Spaces There’s a common misconception that you have to avoid certain cultural or historical spots when traveling with kids. But from my experience, kids can enjoy these spaces in their own unique way—even if they don’t fully understand the history behind them. Take them to places you would love to visit and let them find their own fun. They might not appreciate every cathedral or ancient ruin like an adult would, but they’ll find joy in exploring, climbing steps, or simply imagining their own stories in these places. Pro Tip: Turn these visits into a game by making up stories or challenges—like counting columns or spotting animals in sculptures! 3. Break Up Long Journeys Long journeys can be tough on young kids, so it’s important to plan your transport carefully. For my under-5s, I prefer keeping car journeys to 4-5 hours, unless they’re asleep. For longer trips, trains are a great option because they allow kids to move around and keep entertained more easily. - Plan scenic stops during road trips to break up the travel and give your kids a chance to stretch their legs. - If you’re traveling by train or plane, prepare a few small activities or snacks to keep them entertained during longer stretches. - You can even turn layovers or breaks into mini-adventures by exploring nearby attractions. Pro Tip: Be flexible with your journey times—sometimes a quick stop or a detour can lead to memorable moments! Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. By pacing yourself, embracing ‘adult’ spaces, and planning your transport wisely, you can create an adventurous itinerary that works for everyone in the family. With a bit of flexibility and creativity, your next family adventure could be your most fun and memorable yet! If you’re ready to start planning your kid-friendly adventure, I’d love to help. Get in touch for bespoke itineraries and tips, and don’t forget to follow along for more travel inspiration!