FAQ -- Travel Questions Answered
We get asked the same questions repeatedly, so here's everything in one place. These are honest answers based on our actual experiences dragging two kids around the world. No corporate waffle, just practical advice from parents who've made every mistake so you don't have to.
About This Blog
Who writes this blog?
We're Marcus and Sophie Reid from the UK. I'm a former software developer who escaped the corporate world, Sophie's a teacher. We travel with our kids Leo (9) and Isla (6). I write the posts, Sophie takes most of the photos and keeps us vaguely organized.
What's your sponsored content policy?
We're brutally transparent about this. If a post is sponsored, we say so at the top in plain English. We only accept partnerships with brands we'd actually use ourselves, and we maintain complete editorial control. If something's rubbish, we won't recommend it regardless of payment. Most of our content is completely independent -- we pay our own way and write what we genuinely think.
Do you accept press trips?
Occasionally, yes. When we do, we disclose it clearly. Our opinions remain our own -- if a hotel puts us up for free but the wi-fi's terrible and breakfast is grim, we'll say so. We've turned down more press trips than we've accepted because we prefer to maintain independence.
Can I submit a guest post?
No, sorry. This is our family's authentic travel diary. Guest posts would dilute that voice and frankly, we don't have time to edit other people's content when we're barely keeping up with our own.
Destination Questions
What's the best family destination for first-time travellers?
Portugal, hands down. English is widely spoken, it's affordable, the food's excellent, beaches are stunning, and Portuguese people are genuinely lovely with kids. Start with the Algarve if you want beaches, Porto if you want culture. Our guide to Portuguese surf camps covers the coastal areas brilliantly.
What about long-haul with young kids?
We waited until Leo was 5 before attempting Japan, and that felt right. Tokyo with kids is exhausting but incredible. The infrastructure is so good that even jet-lagged toddlers can manage. We wouldn't attempt it with children under 4 unless you're exceptionally brave or slightly unhinged.
Which is better for families -- Greece or Italy?
Different strengths. Greece wins for beaches and value, Italy for food and culture. We prefer Greece in shoulder season when it's quieter. Italy's magical but more expensive and more crowded in summer. Our Italy summer guide helps navigate the chaos.
Practical Travel Tips
What travel insurance do you use?
We use World Nomads for longer trips and our bank's annual multi-trip policy for Europe. Key things: make sure it covers adventure activities if you're doing anything beyond lying on beaches, check the medical coverage limits are substantial (minimum £2 million), and read the small print about pre-existing conditions. Boring but essential.
How do you deal with jet lag in kids?
We don't fight it the first day -- if they want to sleep at 3pm, fine. Then we force them outside in daylight the next morning regardless of protests. Natural light is magic for resetting circadian rhythms. We also keep regular meal times no matter how weird it feels. Usually takes 3-4 days to adjust properly.
What's essential for flying with kids?
Snacks. Ridiculous amounts of snacks. Download entertainment before the flight -- don't rely on airline wi-fi. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security. New cheap toys from Poundland work better than expensive ones. Accept that you'll be the annoying family in row 23 and stop caring what other passengers think.
Do you travel with car seats?
Yes, and it's a pain but worth it for safety. We use padded car seat bags to protect them. Most budget airlines count them as free checked baggage. The alternative is trusting rental company seats which range from "dubious" to "absolutely not putting my child in that death trap."
Gear & Packing
What's your essential packing list?
First aid kit with children's paracetamol and plasters. Reusable water bottles. Universal plug adapter. Portable charger. Sun cream (bought at home -- it's expensive abroad). One nice outfit each for restaurants, everything else washable and quick-dry. We pack half what we think we need and still bring too much.
Do you bring a stroller?
Not anymore now the kids are older, but when we did, we used a compact umbrella stroller and protected it in a proper stroller bag. Gate-checking without protection is asking for damage. Lightweight strollers are better for travel than massive three-wheelers, even if they're less comfortable.
What about electronics?
Each kid gets a tablet loaded with downloaded content. We bring a small Bluetooth speaker for hotel rooms. Kindles for us adults. Everything goes in carry-on because checked baggage handlers treat luggage like it insulted their mother.
Family Travel Philosophy
What's the best age to start travelling?
Whenever you're ready. We started when Leo was 18 months. Younger is easier in some ways (they sleep more, need less entertainment) but harder in others (naps dictate your schedule, you need more gear). There's no perfect age -- every stage has trade-offs. Just start somewhere and learn as you go.
How do you balance kid activities with adult interests?
Badly, mostly. We aim for 60-40 split favoring kids because otherwise everyone's miserable. Morning beach or pool, afternoon museum or wandering. We bribe shamelessly with ice cream. Sometimes we split up -- one parent does something cultural while the other stays at the playground. It's not ideal but it's realistic.
Do your kids actually enjoy travelling?
Sometimes yes, sometimes they'd rather be home playing Minecraft. Leo loves new places and experiences. Isla just wants to find playgrounds and make friends. We force them on planes and they usually thank us eventually. If nothing else, they're building resilience and learning that the world is bigger than their school playground.
Any final advice for nervous parents?
Just book something. You'll never feel completely ready, there'll always be reasons to wait. Start small if you're nervous -- a weekend somewhere close. Accept that family travel is different from pre-kids travel and that's fine. Lower your expectations, embrace the chaos, and remember that the disasters make the best stories later. Also, wine helps.