Family Adventure Holidays

From sunrise at Machu Picchu to the temples of Thailand, family adventure holidays are the real deal – often once-in-a-lifetime affairs, they're the stuff of which lifelong memories are made. Think less about ticking off landmarks than seeing the world — and also one another — in a new light.

For these very reasons, it's hugely important that you get it right on all levels, from the destination, choice of tour operator and age-appropriateness to important details including the time of year to travel and the comfort levels of the accommodation included. We've pulled together our top tips on what to think about when booking a family adventure holiday.

Consult a trusted travel advisor

Family adventure trips can be trickier than other holidays to get right because there are so many factors involved – including location, age suitability, group size, type of accommodation, food and dietary needs, safety, possible long-haul flights requiring stopovers, and the balance between scheduled activities and free time so that your adventure is joyful and not arduous.

A family travel designer will guide you through your options by talking to you about your wishes and needs, asking you such questions as how physically active the holiday is and whether you can opt out of certain activities. Do you want something full-on, moderately paced or relatively relaxed with lots of downtime? 

We have at our fingertips itineraries imbedded with plenty of time to breathe — that factor in a beach day after temple-hopping, for an example, or an extra night in jungle lodge so you can really savour the experience. We'll make sure you're clear about travel times, walking distances. altitude levels, heat levels and everything else you need to bear in mind.

And we can ensure authenticity, with plenty of opportunities to meet local people and take a deep dive into local culture. Because adventure travel isn’t just about landscapes and wildlife. Make sure to learn some phrases, chat with guides and sample local cuisine, whether that's fresh-made tortillas or noodles from a market stall.

A family travel expert will not only source your the right trip and tailor-make it with add-ons ranging from airport lounge access and fast-track security if desired to city breaks bookending your itinerary – they will save you lots of time wading through the options, because while the choice is vast, only a tiny number of holidays will be perfect for you. And time is perhaps the most precious thing a parent has.

Ask what's included in the price

Different family adventure holidays vary when it comes to inclusions. We'll clearly lay out which outings and activities are included in the price and which are optional extras, how many meals are provided as part of your holiday price, and what kind of accommodation you will be staying at –levels of luxury (or otherwise) vary from boutique lodges to cosy home-stays, depending on your destination and the kind of adventures you're partaking in. You'll probably want to know about facilities such as swimming pools, which can be especially useful if your tour includes any lengthy road trips or is in a very hot country.

Find out about group size

We'll book you either a tailor-made private family adventure holiday or a small-group adventure including like-minded parents and kids with whom to share your experiences and with whom you may even end up staying lifelong friends. We'll let you know maximum group sizes of specific trips, and if you like we can enquire as to whether they'll be children of the same ages as yours on a given trip, or if the trip will feel inclusive for a single-parent family or an LGBTQ+ family.

Enquire about tour leaders and guides

With family-specific trips, your leaders and guides will be specially trained when it comes to grown-ups and children alike. On some more general trips, perhaps with teens or grown-up children, we work with partners who employ only qualified, highly experienced guides too. And good ones are key to your experience – storytellers who truly bring destinations to life.

Discuss any safety concerns

We're here to reassure you, with all our family adventure holidays being vetted for safety for all participants. We can also advise you on the travel insurance needed for specific destinations and particular activities.

Be clear about any special needs you may have

From dietary requirement and allergies to physical impediments, we'll take into account any particular requirements you have and make sure they are incorporated into your trip.

We'll also advise on practicalities, ranging from any vaccinations need to the right kind of clothing for your chose climate and activities.