My daughter has a friend who just came home from a family holiday in the Galapagos. It prompted a conversation about places in the world we would most like to travel to. We both agreed that secluded Hawaii is high on the list, followed closely by the land of trulli. I’ve been dreaming about Peru, Chile and Venezuela ever since my best friend gap year-ed there in the late 90s. Iole likes the sound of California ever since her best friend told her it’s where Ellen lives. And we both love the idea of returning to Folegandros, where I got married and where Iole was christened. I admire families who travel to far flung locales, and I understand the ones who choose an all-in resort in Florida. Travelling with children is challenging, mostly because we have to adjust our expectations to fit their needs. But when you’re able to do that, and surrender to the experience, it can be quite amazing. Jason and I have moved around a lot with our three small children. Our most successful holidays –– six days in Tuscany, four days on the Gulf Coast and ten days road tripping through Eastern Canada –– were the ones when we were present, realistic and full of voglia, as the Italians say. You can pack everything and the kitchen sink, but if you haven’t got that, you may as well stay home.
