Traveling as a family has always been important to us, but since Rebecca was born our travel has been restricted because of her health: Provence was our first real (though small) trip as a family of five. It turned out so well, and reminded us what family travel is all about: the relaxed rhythm and lack of a fixed schedule, the discovering new places and learning new things together, and simply spending all that time with each other.
We tend to travel light, bringing no toys and such for the kids (except the magnetic chess board on intercontinental flights), partly because of our aversion to carrying stuff and gear - as I explained here - and partly because we found there's always so much around us to intrigue and entertain the kids if we look (and Tom has a wonderful ability to engage even the crankiest, tiredest, most jet-lagged child!). In this trip we were very lucky, and wonderful entertainment was often available just in the street: a man playing the accordion who showed Jeremy his instrument, a little choir singing in a shady square, and several other street concerts that we we stopped to enjoy.
Still, when we travel as a family we do make many compromises to take everybody's needs into account: we mix sightseeing with local treats (ice cream being the universal favorite), and road trips with a good dose of play breaks. We blend culture and nature, alternating museums and cathedrals with outdoor walks and water fun (streams, the sea or a swimming pool are a must in summertime). For dinner we try to find a restaurant with some outdoor space that will serve dinner early, even if they serve ... French fries!
It works well for us, and our kids have thoroughly enjoyed our family trips. I like to think that even if they won't remember some of the places we've visited, they will remember that travel is a special experience, and that there's always more to see and learn, if you remain curious and keep your eyes open.
