Having three little people has really inspired me in so many ways. I have been inspired to give up work, start a blog, then a YouTube channel, to buy a huge house and embark upon a massive renovation project and in general to live a healthier, kinder lifestyle. I love the magic of every day and I want to create as many fantastic experiences and memories for them as I can.
These tiny humans inspire me every day, and I have decided that we are now in the right place in our lives to inspire them too - I want them to see the world. Travelling with three children can be daunting, and it's something that I put off for a long time. Holidays seemed an expense we didn't need and the hassle of saving, researching and packing all seemed too much. That was until I started reading online about other families who travel. Families brave enough to embark upon a plane with small children. My Instagram feed showed me glorious sunny beaches, little toes splashing in water, laughing children at sunset. They also showed me the bright white of snow on the ski slopes. The bright colours of ski suits and the glisten of the sun on a cold glass of beer enjoyed après-ski. They showed me city sights, sparkling tower blocks and brilliant museums. I was shown that there is so much out there in the world, and I desperately wanted my children to be a part of it, to experience it, to love it. I want them to see the world, to experience the warm sand between their toes and to feel the cold wind on their face as they ski down a snowy mountain.
I looked to the online world, to my blogger community for inspiration, and they haven't come up short. My favourite blogs have made me want to travel more and more. Katie at Mummy Daddy Me and her adventures with her three little ones have made me feel like it could be possible with small children in tow and Lucy at Capture by Lucy's post about their ski holiday made me think that type of holiday could really be for me. My wanderlust was certainly fuelled by their beautiful photography!
I am now filled with such a joy for travel that I want to book a new break as soon as I return from the last one. We work so hard every day, it is wonderful to have something to look forward to, and what better than some quality family time on holiday while taking your children to experience what wonderful things the world has to offer.
We have so far made two trips this year, one to Disneyland Paris and the other to a forest lodge in Cornwall. Both remarkably different holidays but both so special in their own way. Not every holiday will be the same, nor do I want it to be, but when I am planning travelling somewhere there are some things that I am looking for. Not necessarily all of them at once, but these are the holy grail - my real 'must haves' when I'm looking to travel, and I've put these things into a little 'mood board' to share with you. You won't find sunglasses or suntan lotion on this list, it is a list of dream elements, the things I want to experience. It's a list of things I want to share with the children on a holiday, the things that make a holiday different from home - the reason for us going. Of course my mood board is modelled on Instagram's tiny squares - little squares that can really inspire.
- Comfy bed - my husband says there is no place like home when it comes to his bed! A comfy bed is a must have, although it doesn't have to be the height of luxury, it might just mean a blow up bed in a tent, as long as we are warm and comfy!
- Nice food - we like to indulge our senses on holiday and that stretches to enjoying the wonderful food a different place has to offer. We love tasting local cuisine and eating all the ice creams that we can fit in. Holidays are definitely a time for excess food wise for us!
- Beauty - the world is such a beautiful place. I love taking photographs and it is always lovely to visit somewhere where there is something pretty to take a photo of!
- Learning experience - I really like it when a holiday is the best of both worlds - a relaxing experience, but also a chance to broaden our horizons and learn something new. Be that visiting a museum, learning local history, grasping a few words of a new language or learning a new skill like snorkelling. It's wonderful to be able to come home and say that you have learnt something new.
- View - I do love a beautiful view to wake up to. It makes me feel so contented and peaceful. I could take a million photos of a beautiful sunrise or sunset if there is a wonderful view.
- Snow - If we are going on a winter holiday it is lovely to have some real snow! We don't get much snow here so it is a real novelty - and quite essential if you are going skiing like we want to one day.
- Hot tub - We recently went on our first holiday to somewhere with a hot tub. Boy was it a treat! It's the little luxuries like this that make a holiday so special.
- A Pool - Again, if somewhere has a pool the children will be happy and content. They love cooling off in the water, swimming and playing games. We always come back from a holiday with a pool with their swimming skills much improved which is wonderful.
- A Beach - we love the beach, walking along the warm sand, building sandcastles and burying each other. I always think if you have a beach the children will be content for the day just playing with a simple bucket and spade and running in and out of the sea. Now they are a bit bigger I'm looking forward to taking them into the sea snorkelling, windsurfing and jet skiing.
- Hot chocolate - This one is probably a little quirky one specific to us, but wherever we go, we enjoy a hot chocolate in the evenings. This might be the perfect warmer after a day in the snow or a tiring day in the city. But even on a sunny holiday we like to snuggle up at the end of the day as a family with a warm drink and reflect upon the day.
This post is an entry into the Mark Warner Holiday's Family Ambassador Programme. I'd definitely recommend taking a look at the holidays they offer - they look absolutely amazing, and brilliant for families. They really do offer the complete package - I can imagine one of their holidays would tick most of my 'must-have' boxes.
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Sarah Bailey says
I like your list of must haves for travel, many of them are ones I like to have when going on holiday as well. A comfy bed is a great place to start, so that you can be well rested for your travel adventures. A beach or pool is usually on my list of wants for a holiday destination too.
Donna Ashworth says
I agree with most of your list, perhaps not the hot Chocolate! Ha. We take our own pillows and night clock everywhere though so I guess that is our quirk!
GodlyDivaGal says
i would add my IPod to that list 🙂
Jess says
Oh gosh I don't think I'd be brave enough to take three little ones around the world haha. However, it's probably the perfect time to open their eyes and show them new cultures. They'd learn so much! I loved your must have list - you definitely need a comfy bed to rest your head after all that exploring!
Lisa prince says
i have to agree with most of these , i even bought myself a hot tub for my garden for the holidays we couldnt make x
Madeeha says
I will add a good book to the list as well. Love your list
Sarah says
Good luck lovely! These are great must haves! I totally agree with you
Ana De-Jesus says
Good luck! My favourite kind of holidays are beach holidays because I love to tan and swim so this would be awesome x
Megan Elliott (@LushtoBlush) says
Those are some great essentials for sure! Traveling truly is wonderful and creates memories like no other.
hann182014 says
Depending on where you go too, i think air con is a must have. I went to Greece a few years ago and our room didn't have air con, it was very hot x
Rhian Westbury says
Comfy beds and a pool are two must haves for a summer holiday for me too x
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
Great list of essential must-haves, I think a comfy bed is top of my list too 🙂
Jenny (@midwifeandlife) says
Fab mood board, I've entered too. It's amazing to be able to travel with our children and show them new places to see it fresh from their eyes.
Jo Wiggins says
A comfy bed is a must, as is a pool. Good luck with your entry x
Emily Leary says
Making a 'must have' list of what you want out of traveling, then working out what fits the bill sounds like a great way to find a place you really want to visit.
Dannii says
Food is probably our top pritority when travelling. We love food and like tasting all the local food.
FitSlowCookerQueen says
I'm with you on the pool. I absolutely need a pool when I'm on vacation!
beautyqueenuk (@beautyqueen_UK) says
I think Food and a beach would be in my top two for sure. I just love being by the sea x
Sarahjane Wood says
I used to think a comfy bed was a must but I am now a fan of camping so really as long as I am somewhere interesting or with amazing people I am happy!
Kira C says
I love learning something new on holiday! I prefer to go places where I can visit ruins or museums, somewhere with history or full of culture!
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
Love the diagram. I think good food, something for the kids and and a beach are a must.
Tanya Brannan says
Oh I love your top ten! Even though my children are grown I still want the same kinds of holiday cx
Ayesha Farhad says
the beach and hot tub do sound alluring! We are booking our trip to disneyland as well! Cant wait for it! I think i am more excited than my little one hah! x
Jenni says
This is a great entry, good luck x
Just Only Home says
You have such a beautiful family. Great post. I look forward to reading more.
Daniella Keating says
A beach holiday is definitely a must for me - I love relaxing.
RachelSwirl says
OMG a hot tub makes sooo much difference. Total relaxation!
BattleMum says
I love your list! I have to agree with your hubby about the comfy bed. To not have a comfy bed would detract from a holiday for me! And a pool is a must for me on a sun holiday. I love discovering new cultures when I can and always have a camera with me to capture those new moments and adventures with our boy. Best of luck with your entry and thanks for linking up with my first #wanderlustkids. Xx
Kellie Kearney says
A beach, a book and a cocktail would be my must haves lol. Great list. And yes, a comfy bed is a big must have. Nothing worse than going away to relax and ending up on a rock.