Bryony Gordon is a columnist and interviewer at the Telegraph, runs the One Fat Mother YouTube channel, and is author of The Wrong Knickers. She lives in south London with her husband and two year old daughter.
What is your first childhood memory of travel?
I remember going to Spain and being so excited about going on a plane – I wish I still got this excited about air travel but, alas, I started finding it terrifying at about 21. I’m less scared about it now I’m a mum. The only thing that worries me is the idea of a long haul flight with a toddler in economy.
Where have you had your best holiday to date?
My husband and I went on a babymoon to Barbados when I was six months pregnant. We flew business (!) and when we left the UK it was snowing. The whole thing was bliss – we snorkelled with turtles and ate delicious food and slept in. Lush.
Where was the first place you went with a little one in tow? How did it go?
We went to Devon to an amazing place called Flear Farm Cottages, which I can recommend heartily. It’s run by a lovely couple called Barney and Camilla who have two young kids, and has everything you could ever hope for – ponies, an indoor swimming pool, a massive play barn. We have been four times in two years (I wrote a lot of my book there) and just went back in June.
How do you find the experience of travelling with children generally?
I found travelling with a newborn exceptionally easy. Now my daughter is two, it’s more of a military operation. She’s quite well-travelled – she’s been to the Maldives twice, and Mauritius too – and I’ve learnt that, as long as you are super-organised, it’s ok. Children are far more adaptable than adults. I always feel incredibly proud when I get off a long haul flight with a child who has behaved well, though on our first long haul flight, to the Maldives when she was 11 months old, we were delayed on the plane for several hours and she screamed and squirmed for all of it. We found out it was delayed because the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were on board – without Prince George. I think they had the right idea!
Do you ever travel with your child for work?
Only when writing travel pieces!
Q: Where was your best holiday with your child?
We went to the Maldives to a place called Niyama, which has just opened an island for children. There was a mini water park and a cinema that showed Finding Nemo when it got too hot. It was bliss.
Q: And your worst?
Going to Yorkshire and watching her roll off a chair on to a stone floor in slow motion. Not fun.
What is your must-have travel accessory when away with children?
On the plane, a flat bed. If not an option, lots of toys, books and snacks. I always bring my Braun thermometer, just in case.
And top tips for travel with kids?
Remember that children are much better at adapting to jet lag, because they tend to nap erratically anyway. Pack more sun tan lotion than you think you need. Take a sling for the long walk between plane and baggage reclaim. If you’re going long haul, fly Qatar or Emirates or Etihad – they fly almost everywhere from Heathrow. There’s more space and the service is immaculate and Etihad even have on board nannies.