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This is how you go adventure travelling with children - according to an expert

PA Photo/Nellie Huang.

By Nellie Huang
It might involve a little more planning and fewer nights dancing on beaches, but having kids needn't limit your travelling prospects, so says travel blogger Nellie Huang (, author of new kids' book, Explorers: Amazing Tales of the World's Greatest Adventures.

She travels the world with her 4-year-old daughter, and here shares her top tips for how families can go adventuring and exploring together, without it becoming a logistical and fretful nightmare...
1. Don't wait to travel, go now!
Many people are hesitant to travel adventurously with their kids for many reasons. 'We'll wait until they can remember,' they say.



2. A family that goes on adventures together, stays together


But while on an adventure, you'll find yourself more focused and attentive, and definitely in higher spirits.

I will always remember the excitement in my daughter's eyes when she spotted her first giraffe on a wildlife safari in South Africa. And the time when she stood at the top of a sand dune in the Sahara Desert, and shouted, 'I'm on top of the world!' It's moments like these that are so precious.

3. Adjust your expectations
I'll be the first to admit that travelling with small kids can be difficult, especially when you're a new parent.

But with some adjustments and proper planning, it is possible.

Let's say you're an avid hiker and love going on trekking trips.



4. Go slow and let your kids play
Regardless of how old your kids are, it's best to take things slow when adventuring with kids. Try not to plan too many activities and give them time to adjust and rest.

Small kids in particular need a certain routine in order to feel safe and happy. Routines can take place anywhere, regardless of time zone. For example, you can plan your drives around your kids' nap time or read their favourite book before bed.


5. Plan trips involving nature and wildlife
Travelling with a kid doesn't mean you need to stick to Disneyland or all-inclusive resorts.

Based on my experience, kids do well on road trips as there are lots of variations every day in terms of experiences and things you see. My husband and I love road trips too, as it's a convenient way to get around and explore the back roads.

A destination with plenty of nature and wildlife is always a huge hit with kids. Children need space to run around, play and have fun - where better than out in nature?

Iceland, South Africa, and Costa Rica (all of which are my daughter's favourite countries) are perfect for nature-loving kids. An African safari with kids can be so much fun, especially for older children who know a thing or two about animals.

It's also really fun to travel Morocco with kids, as there's a huge variety of things to do, ranging from running up and down dunes in the Sahara to surfing on the beaches of Agadir.

6. You don't have to go far to have an adventure
An adventure doesn't necessarily mean jaunting to a faraway land -

7. Pack light


I'm a strong believer in 'less is more'. The less you travel with, the more convenient it will be for your family to move around. Lugging around lots of luggage will only lead to frustration. The most important thing to remember packing is medication.

If you miss something you need, you can always buy it at your destination. It might be trickier when travelling in a developing country, but we've never had any problems finding milk, fruit or nappies, even in Timor-Leste and Haiti.