Vibrant and chaotic, Hanoi is one of our favourite cities in Southeast Asia. Although it’s well set up with tourist infrastructure, it doesn’t feel as though you’re in a tourist trap – it still feels utterly authentic. The old quarter oozes charm, from the faded-yellow facades of the remaining colonial-era buildings and the impressive fig trees with their curtains of filamentous roots to the women in their traditional conical hats, grilling pork in the gutter, wheeling bicycl

"You're DRIVING to Uluru? Why don't you fly?" ​ No way. Driving to Uluru (previously known as Ayers Rock) is the only way to get there. Our girls haven't lived in Australia very long and what better way to get to know the country, and get a real sense of the vastness and geography of the Outback than by driving into the Red Centre? ​ It's around 2800km each way from Sydney (nearly 6000km return trip), which is a long way. However, the roads are great, and it's definitely an a

Make sure to take a handbag that you can wear across your body. This will allow you to have both of your hands free and the bag close to you. Always choose one that you can zip closed. It doesn't have to be a particularly big bag - in fact, the smaller the better. My 5 essential handbag items when you're on the road: 1. A pouch with lip balm, hair elastics, antiseptic cream and band-aids (plasters) 2. A pack of cards 3. A pen and a notebook 4. A small roll of toilet paper and

1. Facebook: for keeping in touch & family groups Families on the Move is a Facebook group dedicated to families that are planning to travel, or who are currently travelling, for a period of six months or more. If you want to join, you have to message the administrators as it's a closed group. It's well worth doing so, however, as it's an invaluable source of for advice on anything and everything related to long-term family travel 2. Skyscanner Amazing for checking flight pri

1. Research activities in the area in which you're staying and visit the museum, visitor centre or local celebration parade, even (especially) in smaller towns. Many are free or have a nominal entry fee and even though you might not be able to read the interpretive signs, you'll be welcomed and you'll get the general idea. 2. Buy an e-reader such as a Kindle for your child and load it up with a mixture of fun and educational books. Set reading times. 3. Register with Khan Aca

1. Great Wall of China Yes, this is incredible. We couldn't resist the opportunity to take the cable car to the top and then toboggan down. It wasn't busy, and you can walk for as little or as long as you like. Read about our visit here. 2. Pompeii, Italy Walking through the ancient city of Pompeii is an excellent living history lesson. The site is extensive and you can easily fill a whole day exploring. You can walk the streets, and visit ancient theatres, baths, shops and h

​ These days there are plenty of opportunities to work for your room and board. It could be on a farm, for a lodge or on an environmental project. It's potentially a great way to save on accommodation and immerse yourself in the local area, but you may need to plan a fair way in advance as there are fewer opportunities for families than there are for singles of couples. ​ We haven't done this yet and have heard mixed reviews from families who have. Some have loved their exper

​ 1. Make time for things they love It can be easy to think that you're travelling as a family because that's what you all want to do. But in reality, it's what you want to do... and you're taking your children along with you. ​ This isn't to say that they won't love the experience - it's a reminder that they're living your dream, not theirs. Hence it's important to infuse your journey with things that they enjoy. ​ This could be making the most of the more obvious, and expen

1.Orangutans & gibbons: Bukit Lawang, Sumatra, Indonesia This is an amazingly friendly village where you're virtually guaranteed sightings of orangutans on your jungle walks. Yes, they are mostly semi-wild, having been released years ago, but at least you're walking through a national park and coming across them as you go, so it's a good compromise between visiting a rehabilitation centre and trying to find completely wild animals. Practicalities: Arrange for someone from you

Our absolute favourites are: 1. booking.com 2. hotels.com 3. expedia.com 4. venere.com 5. agoda.com (best for Asia) We found these to be the best for a combination of price, customer service and choice for families (a room that sleeps four or good value for two rooms). Best comparison sites (for accommodation) Hotels combined Skyscanner trivago #familytravel #travellingwithkids #travelwithchildren #toptips #toptipstravel #bookingaccommodation #bestwebsites