We, at Stubborn Mule, believe in telling it like it is. If we don’t think a destination or activity will suit your family, we’ll let you know. It’s our number one goal to achieve customer satisfaction. ALWAYS.

In the spirit of transparency and honesty, we felt it only fair to bring a few things to your attention – important things like transport, accommodation and food. Before you book your next family holiday, please have a look at this warts-and-all overview of what an adventurous family holiday is really like.

1. The landscape can be dull and uninspiring

Long haul family holiday - a family standing on the Great Wall of China

What’s so ‘Great’ about this wall in China, anyway?

Long haul family holiday - a young boy looking out over Lake Titicaca

Pre-teen definitely not contemplating Titicaca in Peru, the highest navigable lake in the world. Actually looking at feet.

2. Teenagers can get really bored *stifles yawn*

Long haul family holiday - on safari in Sri Lanka

Trying to make the time go faster on safari in Sri Lanka…

Bathing elephants in Burma on a long haul family holiday

…or by (get this) washing rescued elephants in a Burma sanctuary (Note the complete absence of place to charge phone).

3. What’s the point of even bringing a toddler? It’s not like they’ll enjoy it.

Father with kids on budget family holiday in Morocco

This toddler is actually trying to run away whilst exploring ruins in Morocco…

Long haul family holiday - toddler on beach in South Africa

Whilst another completely ignores the penguins on Boulders Beach, Cape Town.

4. You have to engage with the locals.

Playing cards on a home stay on a long haul family holiday

Not Snap. Playing Solitaire in Vietnam.

Long haul family holiday

Learning how to be a Masai warrior in Kenya. Meh.

5. There’s no chicken nuggets.

Long haul family holiday - two girls look at the menu in a cool Cuban bar

Does the Beef Carpaccio come with ketchup in Cuba? We doubt it…

Long haul family holiday - Vietnam food

…whilst your dinner may eyeball you back in Vietnam.

6. Transport leaves a lot to be desired.

Burma family holidays - travelling by horse and carriage

This Burmese horse and cart is taking us to the Metro, right?

Family road trip - family in a hired classic car in Havana

Slumming it in Havana, Cuba

7. Sometimes, they make you sleep outside!

Family on a felucca on the Nile, on a long haul family holiday

Er, hello? We think you might be missing some windows and AN ACTUAL ROOF on this Egyptian felucca.

Safari tent in South Africa - long haul family holiday

‘Go Glamping in South Africa’, they said. “You’ll love it,” they said. Why anyone would want to view the animals last thing at night and first thing in the morning is anyone’s guess.

8. Spending 24/7 with your kids can be a trial.

Yoga in Sri Lanka - Long haul family travel

Yoga poses in the warm (eugh ) Sri Lankan sea.

Long haul family travel to India - a family enjoy an evening together

Not family fun in India, but endurance…

9. There’s no nightlife…

Fire eater in Sri Lanka - seen on a long haul family holiday

Once you’ve seen one person eat fire in Kandy, Sri Lanka, you’ve seen ‘em all. Next!

A bustling street scene in China with a mum and two children exploring on a long haul family holiday

Nothing to see here, in this typical Chinese street scene, either.

10. Give us Clacton any day!

Girl jumping into an azure sea in Cuba on a long haul family holiday

Having an absolutely rubbish time jumping waves in Cuba.

A sincere THANK YOU to everyone who sends us their photos. We never tire of seeing them and we couldn’t have put this very tongue in cheek if one-off gallery together without them.  We do hope they give you a giggle, every bit the intention behind the piece.

With love from the Stubborn Mule team, who enjoy laughter almost as much as family travel.

Liddy Pleasants, MD Stubborn Mule Travel
For the low down on any of our wonderful destinations, just get in touch. We’d love to help you plan a long-haul family holiday to Asia, Latin America, North America, or Africa, as well as adventures in Europe. You can contact us via our website form or ring us on 01728 752751.

Liddy Pleasants, MD
[email protected].