The Five Emotions of Family Travel

Few things compare to the thrill of gathering your family, packing up and embarking on a journey to somewhere new. Travelling as a family is more than a checklist of destinations—it’s a collection of emotions. We caught up with travel writer Jordi Lippe-McGraw on the five core emotions that define family travel.

27 December 2024

The Five Emotions of Family Travel

Why do we take young kids on big adventures? It’s the joy of seeing your children light up with curiosity, the warmth of shared laughter, the awe of stepping into the unknown and the sense of accomplishment when you tackle challenges together. And long after you return home, the nostalgia of those cherished moments becomes part of your family lore.

The Electric Rush of Excitement

Children playing in the forest in Canada

Can you recall the first time you saw pure wonder in your child’s eyes while travelling? Maybe it was their first glimpse of an elephant on safari or their victorious cheer after zip-lining through a lush forest. As a family, these moments take on even more meaning. Seeing your children marvel at new landscapes or dive headfirst into an adventure doesn’t just inspire them—it bonds you. Whether trekking through ancient ruins, snorkelling among colourful reefs or floating in a hot air balloon, every thrilling experience becomes a story you’ll recount for years to come.

Curiosity as a Compass

Young child standing on the dunes iwth binoculars in Morocco

Children are wired to ask questions, and few things fuel their curiosity quite like travel. Every destination opens doors to new discoveries, from sampling handmade pasta in Italy and watching orangutans swing through Borneo’s rainforests to learning local crafts from a friendly artisan in Morocco. And at Scott Dunn Explorers Kids Clubs, the extensive activity programme is designed to spark curiosity, whether it’s through a visit to a Cretan olive farm or cycling to a nearby lake. Suddenly, the world becomes their classroom. These experiences don’t just entertain; they expand their minds and foster empathy, offering a broader perspective that sticks with them well beyond the trip.

Playfulness in the Moment

Cooking class at a kids club

Travel has a way of letting everyone—parents included—rediscover their playful side. Whether it’s racing to build the tallest sandcastle, flying down a snowy slope, or giggling uncontrollably while navigating a local market, these moments of light-hearted fun are priceless. Scott Dunn Explorers Kids Clubs enable little explorers to get truly stuck into playtime. Through activities ranging from sports to crafts and cooking to cultural visits, kids are invited to embrace play every moment of the day. Playfulness is often where the best memories live, and when everyone is free to let loose, the bond between family members deepens most joyfully.

A Sense of Accomplishment

Kids tennis lession at a Kids Club

As a family, conquering challenges becomes part of your shared story. Hiking up to a stunning vista, mastering a new skill like paddleboarding, or navigating a bustling foreign city can be daunting—but together, these experiences build resilience and pride. The shared high-fives and “we did it!” moments remind everyone that challenges are easier to face as a team. For kids who love sport, Scott Dunn Explorers provides the opportunity to have sporting lessons with real pros, teaching them skills and techniques for tennis, golf or football that they can bring home to impress their friends.

Connection on a Deeper Level

Father and daughter on the beach in Okinawa

The daily grind has a way of pulling us in different directions. Travel is the antidote. When you’re away from your routine and the ever-present distractions of work and screens, you’re left with each other. Maybe you’re sharing whispered stories under a canopy of stars, belly-laughing over a travel mishap, or simply soaking in the stillness of a shared sunset; travel carves out space for moments that bring you closer. Even the smallest moments—a sibling helping another up a rocky trail or a spontaneous family dance-off—help forge the strongest of connections. And in a wider sense, travel helps children engage meaningfully with different cultures, connecting them with the world around them.

Let Us Show You Travel You Feel

Travel isn’t just something you do; it’s something you feel. The joy of exploring new places, the laughter shared over unfamiliar foods, the pride in trying something daring together—all of these emotions create a lasting impact.

So, gather your crew and pack your sense of wonder. Travel can be your playground, your teacher and your inspiration. The best family adventures are the ones that bring you closer, ignite your imagination and give you a treasure chest of memories to revisit for years to come.

Interested? Let us plan you a trip that inspires awe, connection and curiosity—one unforgettable emotion at a time.

Jordi Lippe-McGraw

Travel Specialist

Jordi Lippe-McGraw is a copywriter for Scott Dunn and freelance travel writer and editor who has explored over 60 countries and all seven continents, including Antarctica while five months pregnant.

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