From ziplining in the Maldives to Michelin meals in Bangkok, travel experiences enrich not just good-life-loving adults but also their children. We asked one of our globetrotting Travel + Leisure parents for the coolest, most unexpected experiences she’s had with her infants and small kids — and why they were important to her. Here’s her round-up of some awesome adventures all over the world for the entire family, and how your kids can benefit from your thinking outside the travel box.
Eating Michelin-Starred Meals
I’ve always believed that the key to having adventurous and easy young eaters is eating together. When parents eat with their kids, they are leading by example, and encouraging their young ones to sample and explore what’s on the table, together. And with that thought in mind, I went with baby-led weaning for both my kids, always approaching meals as discovery together, rather a chore.
My daughter’s first fine-dining experience was at five and a half months old: a Michelin-starred, girls-only meal at Savelberg while on a trip to Bangkok.
Going Ziplining, and Other Outrageous Maldives Adventures
Everyone thinks of the Maldives as a couples’ destination, but for us it’s the destination for the most magical family holidays. At 14 months old, it was my son’s first international trip post pandemic; we had also taken my daughter when she was the same age. Vitamin sea, being barefoot in the sand, marine life adventures and salty sun-kissed days are the perfect recipe for relaxed quality time with the family.
On a recent trip, we experienced the Flying Sauces zipline at Soneva Fushi, and the most amazing underwater restaurant dining experience at SEA restaurant in Anantara Kihavah.
Getting Your Hands Dirty at Wet Markets and on Farms
An extension of appreciating food is knowing where it comes from, so we take our kids to markets and farms wherever we go, and this plays the role of educating them in multiple ways, not just learning where their food comes from, but basics such as fruit, vegetable and animal names, and colours.
Thus, my kids have stolen blueberries as we chatted with Mr. Macleod at his farmstand in Inverness, shrieked at tiny crabs at the Phsar Leu wet market in Sihanoukville, and picked corn from the stalk at a farm in Johor Bahru.
Taking a Cycling Road Trip
Not just a great way to burn calories, cycling also enables all to see the surroundings at a different, less intrusive pace, and explore places where cars can’t go. Most bike-friendly destinations also have reputable companies that offer rear-mounted children’s bike seats, which usually take up to 20 kilos.
With Idle Bikes, we went on a multi-generational family trip through villages in the southern provinces of Sri Lanka; the eldest in our party was 68 and the youngest, 20 months old.
Flying Business
Before I had experience as a mom, this would have been an unexpected travel tip from me, but being mobile with kids isn’t easy, so never forget: the more comfortable you are, the more comfortable they are. So book business class for your trips—the extra space, attention and better meals means a nicer start to your trip for everyone. I believe that even your fellow passengers will benefit from your kids being comfortable, with minimal fuss. And, don’t forget, kids under 2 fly for free, so take advantage of it sooner rather than later!
Wine Tasting, and Other Experiences a Bit Above Their Age Bracket
When broaching the idea of a new experience, we are often asked, “With kids? Why?” But really, why not? Along the same vein of “leading by example,” when you discover things with your kids, you teach them curiosity, flexibility and openness to new experiences, and surely these points are all beneficial to their development.
With that spirit, expecting the unexpected from our family travel experiences, our kids have been with us to:
Vineyards: Yes, my kids are too young to drink. But everyone can appreciate the best aspects of wine culture: cultivating patience, science, the strengths of all your senses. In Margaret River, we’ve had cosy movie nights at Cape Mentelle and languorous lunches at Cullen Wines (complete with post-meal naps under the trees)
Onsen in Japan: Any skier will tell you three- to four-years old is a great age to start kids on the slopes, but you might not have considered the benefits of hydrotherapy for little ones. You can find child-friendly onsen (especially if they’re private spas in your room) and so much Japanese food is great for kids, leading to all the workings of a fabulous adventure.
Sea sports: Swimming, and being safe and comfortable in water is a crucial life skill—especially for those of us lucky enough to live in beach-filled Asia-Pacific. Exposing your kids young, and doing safe, fun water-based activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding with them is important.
All images courtesy of Aja Ng, unless otherwise noted.
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