New trend: Families want more from their travel

10 years ago we wouldn’t have dreamed of going to these places, but a recent rise in popularity has signalled a change in family travel attitudes - and it’s adventurous to say the least.

Take the kids to see animals in their natural habitat, like these zebras on the road in the Serengeti National Park.

Travel-loving types once got all their adventures out of the way before having kids. But plenty of Aussie families aren’t letting kids change their holiday style, instead bringing them along on everything from mountain trekking to African safaris – and experiences they’ll remember long into adulthood.

FIJI SOLVES NO.1 FAMILY PROBLEM

NEWEST TRAVEL TREND INSPIRING AUSSIES

GOLD COAST THEME PARKS: 5 TOP TIPS

Intrepid Travel’s family bookings to Morocco have risen 307 per cent this year, for example. “We are seeing families become so adventurous that they are even tubing in caves in Belize – talk about giving the kids bragging rights for show and tell,” says Dyan McKie, Intrepid Travel’s family product manager.

More tour companies are catering to family experiences in remote places, like here in the Sahara Desert, Morocco.

“Families are growing increasingly curious and confident to visit more exotic destinations like Turkey and Morocco with kids, which may be difficult to arrange on your own due to language barriers. These trips take the stress of logistics out of travel, so parents can relax and enjoy the trip, while kids learn about a new culture from a local and make instant friends with other children in the group.”

Intrepid Travel has trips designed specially for families, including to Turkey, Morocco, Spain, Greece and America. On the Morocco adventure, families camp under the stars in the Sahara Desert and ride a camel, while in Belize and Guatemala, parents and kids walk through Tikal National Park to jungle pools and go cave tubing at St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park.

Shaniah Smoje from Helloworld Karratha in Western Australia, says families are seeking experiences, rather than relaxation for holidays.

“Skiing is a big one for families and there’s growing interest in Africa, among many others,” Shaniah says.

“Things like seeing the terracotta soldiers in China – it’s so interesting and diverse to have your family see another culture and things that are thousands of years old. We are travelling to places now that 10 years ago we would never have dreamed of, and that we feel safe to go to.”

More than 8,000 terracotta statues stand sentinel in China, guarding the tomb of the first Emperor.

Capitalising on the trend, National Geographic and G Adventures and will next month expand their culturally immersive, small-group adventure holidays to appeal to children aged seven and over, as well as their parents and grandparents.

Adrian Piotto, G Adventures Australia and New Zealand managing director, says the move to cater to the family market was a natural growth of its partnership with National Geographic, a brand synonymous with exploration and education.

“This new program of trips is perfect for adventure-loving families looking to discover the world together,” Adrian says. “Itineraries inspire travellers of all ages to uncover a destination’s diverse characteristics such as wildlife, conservation, history, culture, exploration, photography and storytelling.”

Exodus Travels has also recently launched a new collection of family tours that coincide with school holidays and offer active adventures full of wonder, education and experiences in a safe environment.

Australasia manager Louisa Day said Exodus noticed customers putting travel on hold to have children as they didn’t think they could enjoy active travel with them in tow – something Louisa says couldn’t be further from the truth. “It’s a very special opportunity to discover the world with your children, and we’re thrilled that our family offering is so strong and so diverse,” she says.

With activities like climbing 15m rigging, and water skiing, tall ship cruise company Star Clippers caters for kids aged 10 and over. Spokesman Roger Condon says its family customers are looking for active days and new experiences. “These are small enough not to lose sight of each other but, rather like a vast private yacht, there’s plenty of space and enough going on with the sailing activities and port calls to keep everyone occupied.”

For more travel advice and inspiration sign up to Escape’s newsletter.

Originally published as New trend: Families want more from their travel