They fight. They cannot sit still. They are noisy on the plane. They need the bathroom at the most inconvenient moments. They don’t like the restaurant food.
As parents, none of this is new news. Yet despite everything, once you’ve got through the hustle and bustle of getting your children to your dream destination, all this is easily forgotten about, and the benefits on them, and ultimately you, travelling to new places together go much deeper.
I have travelled extensively though Southern Africa with my sons. And in doing so have found some amazing benefits:
- They have become more adaptable and flexible
- Exposing them to other cultures has taught them that diversity is something to be celebrated
- Travelling has ignited their curiosity, imagination and sense of adventure
- Travelling encourages appropriate risk taking but has also taught them a sense of responsibility
- Travelling creates a time for my family to slow down, be mindful, be together and make memories
At &Beyond all our lodges who welcome children encourage this. &Beyond’s WILDchild Programme is designed especially for our younger guests visiting our lodges and camps. It is filled with fun and interactive opportunities to learn and discover. It forges strong bonds between our young guests, our planet and its people. The WILDchild Programme is based around giving our children enriched impact experiences that will resonate with them as they move into their adulthood in years to come.
With the best will in the world, shielding our children from stereotypes and prejudice is a battle we will inevitably lose. They’ll be exposed to it all, but as parents we have considerable say over how they deal with it and whether they choose to become open-minded, tolerant, global citizens.
So, bring your children with you. Don’t be scared. The &Beyond family is here with you every step of the way to ensure you have the most relaxing time with your family. I will design your family’s itinerary to ensure every member is happy and safe, so that you as parents can sit back and relax and ultimately create beautiful memories together with your family on your adventure.