I’m really enjoying Simon Reeve’s new series ‘Incredible Journeys with Simon Reeve’. Not only does it give you an insight into some really interesting countries and dramatic landscapes but you learn so much about their society and issues. I thought it was interesting when he said that the most memorable part of travelling to all these fascinating countries was the people he had met. Although going on holiday with your kids is certainly about having fun together and sharing amazing experiences, I’ve noticed time and time again that the memories they take from their trips often involve the people we’ve met. By getting out there and meeting local people, they have learnt so much more about the place and it has enhanced the trip for all of us.
As part of our trip to California, we booked an Airbnb on a ranch. Although the accommodation was a little rustic, the hosts took us to meet the animals, let the children collect the eggs from the chickens and told us about their adventures as kids growing up on a ranch with rattle snakes, bears and mountain lions.
Booking on to small group tours in various destinations, we have met some lovely guides who the children loved questioning at every chance – no one else could get a word in. In Thailand there was also this one family run restaurant where their children were helping out too. When we visited for a second evening they were so pleased to see us and brought homemade necklaces over for the children to take home. Those little acts of kindness are worth more than any stay in a posh hotel. I’m not going to lie, we all appreciate a nice hotel, but I’ve always wanted them to look a little deeper into what really makes you happy in life and how the way you travel impacts others.
If you haven’t already watched it, you can catch up with the new series on BBC I Player.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000rqzm
Fam Full of Wanderlust 