Jane Anderson has been travel writing for 20 years and is now editor at Family Traveller magazine, travel editor at Prima magazine and editor of 101Honeymoons.co.uk. She also writes guidebooks including Dorset, New Forest and Isle of Wight with Kids and Brittany with Kids for Footprint Books.
What is your first childhood memory of travel?
Going on a long stuffy car journey in our old Hillman to Edinburgh to visit my granny. My first trip overseas was to a campsite near St Tropez aged 11 with my parents and my older sister. I can still remember that feeling of being somewhere properly hot, the lovely exotic smell of olive trees and feeling my skin change as I got an impressive tan (before the days of proper sun protection!)
Where have you had your best holiday to date?
Pre children, I would say Bali was a revelation when I first went there – so beautiful and spiritual. But I’m also a sucker for a good city. New York is probably my favourite. Now all my focus is on taking my kids around the world, but that doesn’t have to mean long-haul. We’ve had the best times with friends in Polzeath, Cornwall and glamping at Dandelion Hideaway in Leicestershire where the kids get to collect hens eggs, groom ponies and sleep in tree houses.
How do you find the experience of travelling with children generally?
I guess I’m just one of those people who roll with any stress while travelling. If we’re all safe and sound, I can cope with any delays or hassle and keep morale up. I’m always up for travel with my kids and find it the most fulfilling thing in the world. I’d travel non-stop with them if it weren’t for the fact they had to go to school and I had to do some work!
Where was the best holiday with your child?
I had the good fortune to take my daughter Scarlett to Venice to try out the new kids’ club at the legendary Cipriani hotel. The weather was glorious, the staff were over-the-top accommodating, Venice was splendid and we were spoilt rotten. Venice was thoroughly brought alive for Scarlett. She even went fishing in the lagoon. Another memorable trip was to the Cayman Islands with Scarlett and her brother, Finlay. They have also been to Antigua which has gone down in Fin’s mind as the best place EVER.
And the worst?
I find that only when kids are ill can things go wrong. I once had a terrible flight back home from Corsica when Scarlett had an ear infection and screamed most of the way.
What is your must-have travel accessory when away with children?
Snacks, water, books, drawing materials, and forward planning all come in handy. I’d like to claim we ditch the iPad but it does come in handy at times.
And top tips for travel with kids?
Remember kids are resilient and inquisitive and, as long as they are with you, they can adapt to most situations so don’t be afraid to travel.