Family Travel - learning & creating memories
Having worked in the travel industry for 20 years, 15 years mostly spent up high in the sky as an International Flight Attendant. Working for Emirates based in Dubai which saw me travel to some amazing destinations. Upon my return to home soil I continued to fly, flying regionally QANTASLINK to then work for QANTAS International as a First and Business Class Flight Attendant.
Now with a family of my own, I much prefer the role of passenger with my family in tow exploring the globe together. My travel obsession and curiosity continues to thrive as I now embark on an endless travel journey with my family.
Travel for us as a family is an important part of our life. Not only visiting beautiful destinations we are learning and discovering along the way. Travel is an incredible part of education, a wonderful platform to experience and grow as a family and create life long memories.
Why travelling as a family is so important to us
NEW FRIENDSHIPS
Meeting new people and forming new friendships is an important part of the travel journey.
During our recent trip to Hawaii there were so many wonderful highlights along the way. Watching our children make beautiful friendships along the way is so lovely to see. Just watching them have the confidence to interact and socialise and form friendships with other children who live in other parts of the world is magic. During our recent trip both children made new friends who live on Hawaii's Big Island Kona, these guys were inseparable and both my children wish to stay in contact the old fashioned way sending letters and drawing pictures to their new friends.
NURTURE SELF-CONFIDENCE
Travel certainly has a magical way of nurturing and developing self-confidence. Watching our childrens self-confidence soar and seeing them challenge themselves during our travels is special indeed. During our recent trip to Hawaii we went to the most amazing sunset Luau on Hawaiis Big Island. Both of our children embracing the evening enjoying the food and music. Our son was invited on stage to learn to Hula in front of approximately 200 guests. We were totally surprised and over the moon that he agreed. For some this is not such a great deal, but for us seeing our son have the confidence to be up on stage learning something in front of an audience was a big deal. The smile as he walked off stage – IRREPLACEABLE. This is one big reason why we LOVE to travel, its magic.
BOND AND CONNECT
Escaping the everyday routine and daily grind, travel is a great way to connect as a family away from the day to day routine. To be able to sit down at dinner without distraction and talk is a special time each day during our travels.
CREATING MEMORIES
For me one of the most important things about travelling as a family is creating life long memories. Being able to reminisce as a family in years to come. Being able to come together as a family and talk about the amazing moments that we shared together as a family through our travels.
TIPS WHEN TRAVELLING WITH KIDS
Planning - I think it is important to allow every member of the family to be involved with the planning. I always like to ensure that at least one activity will be included along the way during the trip to ensure each family member is happy.
When looking for accommodation ensure there is plenty to accommodate the little ones of the family. Kids clubs and kids programmes are a great starting point. Happy Kids makes for a happy holiday
Accommodation – Look for accommodation that will suit your families needs and budget. When we travel we do like to be comfortable and tend to book accommodation that offers villa/apartment style accommodation within a resort/hotel. We like the comforts of home and enjoy being comfortable.
A few of our personal favourites:
Aulani Disney Resort and Spa – Located in Ko Olina Oahu only 30 minutes from Waikiki The resort offers a vast variety of room types from a standard room type through to spacious 1,2 and 3 bedroom villas with all the trimmings of a fun family filled resort. Aunties Beach house offering the most amazing kids programmes and kids club facilities.
Trump Waikiki – Spacious residences offering luxurious accommodation with full kitchen facilities,outstanding service and dining options Perfectly located only a 2 minute stroll from Waikiki's shopping strip and beautiful beaches. Also offering Trump Kids, this is a special travel program designed to assist families create an enjoyable holiday. Offering kid friendly amenities, children's dining menus, nanny service (rates apply), children's welcome amenity on arrival.
Pan Pacific Village Whistler - Stylish Modern accommodation offering spacious private residence style suites with full kitchen facilities and well situated in Whistler village centre.
Elements of Byron Bay – offering 8 types of luxury villas from Botanica Studio to luxury 2 bedroom villas a total of 193 private villas spread across 22 hectares of stunning Australian Beachfront paradise. Whether it’s a day at the beach or in the pool Elements of Byron has the family covered with over 1.5 km of absolute pristine beach front to enjoy or relax and unwind by the stunning lagoon infinity pool. For the adventurous beautiful walking trails or horse riding to enjoy.
READY FOR TAKE OFF
Try to book night flights to assist little ones with sleep
Pack lots of healthy snacks kids tend to be fussy little eaters
Pre book childrens meals when making booking if the airline offers this service
Favourite toy to cuddle to help with sleep
Activities for the plane (pencils/book/stickers)
Kids comfy headsets
Lollipop or lolly to assist equalize little ears on descent
Ensure all gaming devices are fully charged. Download favourite movies in the event the aircrafts infight entertainment system fails during the flight.
Change of clothes just in case of any little mishaps
If travelling with baby be sure to invest in a good travel carrier, as this will make it so much easier through the airports check in, customs, bag collection. Request seat with access to baby basinet when booking (as these are limited on the aircraft)
Bring baby bag full of extra nappies, blanket, change of clothes and dummy to help little ears equalize
Finally, I hope that by sharing some of our experiences and tips you find this helpful and inspiring to begin planning your next family travel experience, and create some wonderful memories along the way.
Happy Safe Travels!
