We put the call out on Instagram to find Plane Pal's Most Adventurous Family for the year and we were delighted with all of the AMAZING family travel pics. The Most Adventurous Family will win a $200 Accor Hotels Voucher with 2nd and Third getting prizes too. In no particular order, here are the top 4 families for 2018.
@5FTMAMA
Who makes up your adventurous family?
My husband and our 18-month-old son.
What's your most adventurous destination so far?
Zakopane, Poland. We had to walk uphill for 2.5 hours one way and got caught in the rain! We were soaking wet, seeking shelter under the trees while breastfeeding my son too. It was the most challenging and adventurous so far!
What tip do you have for other families traveling there?
It is very doable with kids. You can even bring a stroller as it is tarmac road all the way up. Bring some toys, books and any convenient activities that can be used while your child is in the stroller. You can pay for a ride up in a cart pulled by horses if you don't feel like doing the hike.
What do you love most about traveling as a family?
Seeing how my son reacts to new environments. His energy is always different when we visit new places. Also, to show other families that it is possible to travel with your little ones and the result is pretty rewarding.
Where's next on your family travel bucket list?
Oh dear, the list is never ending! Definitely, Asia - Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Borneo, Indonesia and so on.
@TRELOWETH
Who makes up your adventurous family?
We're Sophie, Paul and our two little adventurers are Henty (3) and Otto (1).
What's your most adventurous destination so far?
We've been really blessed to travel to some amazing places over the last couple of years but this Summer we traveled through Vietnam and then on to Cambodia.
It was an amazing journey to experience with the boys and our flexible schedule (as in we didn't plan more than our flights in and out of our first night's accommodation) meant we were able to see so much and listen to the boys' needs too when they needed a rest day. From waking up in Halong Bay to sunrise at Angkor Wat it really was awesome.
What tip do you have for other families traveling there?
Get out on bikes to explore and meet local families, let the children play together. There is nothing more wonderful than seeing children playing together and communicating in their own sweet ways. We love to learn about the locals, eat local and reflect on our own lives as we do.
What do you love most about traveling as a family?
The time all together is precious. We laugh lots and learn so much about each other and our lives each time we go away. As parents, we love seeing the boys soaking up new experiences, new cultures and making friends across the world.
They make us so proud. We hope that these adventures will shape the young men they become and that they will be brave, bold and want to keep exploring.
Where's next on your family travel bucket list?
Later this year we are heading to meet friends in Thailand but we'd like to do some stops on the way, maybe Singapore, Kuala Lumpur & Penang. After that... some ideas on our list are Nepal, Jordan, Philippines, Bali, India & Tonga.
@TIFFJMC
Who makes up your adventurous family?
Mum (Tiffany), Dad (Andrew), Oscar (4) and Louie (2). Our other two sons Jonah (should be 5) and Hamish (should be 1), were stillborn, and have inspired us to travel as a family. We hope our boys will grow up with a love of adventure and seizing opportunities to be wild and free. We live in the Regional VIC/NSW border town of Echuca/Moama.
What's your most adventurous destination so far?
Our biggest adventure was in May/June this year. We spent 6 weeks traveling London, Scotland, and Ireland in a motorhome - Paris, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain. We loved it all! But some highlights were Interlaken, Switzerland.... breathtaking, majestic scenery, Disneyland, Paris... a magical and happy place and Monterosso, Italy.. sun, sand, and gelato!
What tip do you have for other families traveling there?
Plane Pal for the long haul flights! Don't plan or pre-book too much. Research ideas, but with young children it's best to be guided by them each day. Pack light! Plane & train travel is easier when your hands aren't too full or weighed down by large and heavy bags. Post things home if you need to!
Take a travel stroller for toddlers. Take lots of photos and create a photo book of your adventure so you can reminisce as a family in the years to come.
What do you love most about traveling as a family?
Being together! Life is so precious and I love that we have explored some beautiful parts of Europe while we're still fit and healthy and while our boys are still little. Such special memories to treasure. We loved the wonder and excitement of exploring new places, beaches, foods, landscapes, and cultures together. You can achieve this with holidays not far from home too.
Where's next on your family travel bucket list?
We have holidays to Perth & Fiji booked for 2019. We hope to plan some more big adventures as our boys grow.. Canada and Scandinavia are high on the list!
@KATIELOUISEDENHAM
Who makes up your adventurous family?
Mum (Kate), Dad (Chris) and our little travel biddy Isla (15 months old).
What's your most adventurous destination so far?
Last year we traveled through South East Asia for 3 months starting when Isla was 4 months old. We caught local buses and overnight sleeper trains. We saw monkeys, elephants, and water buffalo in the wild. Isla's first foods were colourful tropical fruits and vegetables. We visited countless temples and even got to visit Angkor Wat - the largest religious monument in the world. Most importantly we met some of the most beautiful and happy people I have ever encountered. It was definitely an adventure but one that we will never forget.
What tip do you have for other families traveling there?
Don't be put off from the heat and humidity. Just keep yourselves hydrated and take breaks in the shade but don't let it stop you from exploring. If you have the chance, do a homestay. It will change your perspective on everything. Oh and eat what the locals eat - trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
What do you love most about traveling as a family?
There are so many benefits of being able to travel together but I think the most important one is that when we come 'home' we really appreciate what we have and make the extra effort to make the most of the privilege we were born with. We hope this encourages Isla to grow into a caring and respectful person.
Where's next on your family travel bucket list?
Our next big adventure will be next year. We are planning a road trip around Australia in a converted bus.
We can't wait to hear about all the next adventures. Happy Travels!