I never pack without including:
Double the number of plug converters that I initially think we need. And a sarong.

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
It’s properly fun. You get to spend time together in a way that can be difficult to fit in at home. They find humour and interest in the smallest things and my kids constantly surprise me with the ease with which they embrace life in all its wonderful variety.

Also, travelling with children opens doors that would never otherwise have been opened. Locals are so delighted that you have brought your children to their country that you really are welcomed with open arms – we’ve experienced this in so many different countries.

And worst?
Turning up at an amazing restaurant and having to trawl through the menu to find something (….anything!) that my fussy child might consider eating.

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
Getting the post-trip feedback and hearing about all the adventures and amazing experiences that our Stubborn Mule families have had.

I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to adrenaline fulled activities and managed to avoid zip-lining in Costa Rica but I have to say, the tubing there was the most fun thing I’ve ever done!

Most recent holidays:
Most recent holidays – Vietnam with my daughter in tow – we did an action-packed itinerary from North to South including trekking, cruising, cycling, kayaking and cooking! Also, Zimbabwe which blew my mind in terms of how much incredible wildlife and national park you get to yourself – the wild dogs here were just so special to see and the community experiences really stood out too.  Next up are two more islands in the Cyclades, we had such an amazing family trip to Naxos and Amorgos that we’re going back to check out some others!  Oh and Brazil too! I have an upcoming recce trip to check out Rio and the Emerald Coast – can’t wait!

I never pack without including:
Far too many books! I’m a sucker for guidebooks and often buy 2 or even 3 for each destination.

Suitcase or backpack?
I have a really unpractical holdall that I love because it’s orange and because its now been to so many places with me, I can’t bear to leave it behind!

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids? And worst?
The best and worst thing is their enthusiasm for the tiniest things and the strangest thing – “look Amy, isn’t this temple incredible?!” her reply – “Mum when can we go back to the hotel, I love the café/shower/slide there so much?”

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
That no two itineraries are ever exactly the same, it really is 100% designed just for your family.

I never pack without including:
High-factor sunscreen – redheads and strong sunshine don’t mix well! Also, my filter drinks bottle for freshwater wherever I am, and binoculars.

Suitcase or backpack?
I like both! Suitcase for plenty of room and ease of pulling it along. Backpack for leaving my hands free while walking around. I have to admit, the older I get, the more I value my suitcase…

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
Seeing the world through their eyes and giving them those incredible ‘firsts’. Watching them learn to bargain for souvenirs and say hello in another language. Their realisation that the world is fascinating and so very different to their home.

And worst?
Difficulties when they are very fussy eaters, worrying about them getting sick, being in charge of *everyone’s* packing and sometimes just accepting that you won’t see everything you want to see before the children have had enough.

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
I love our down-to-earth approach, flexibility and understanding that when travelling with children you may not have the inclination to try and do it ALL (and accepting that that’s okay). Our tight-knit team constantly sharing information with one another and keeping up to date on the best places and activities for our guests, in such great detail. And the most special? Getting feedback from our clients after they have travelled and seeing how their special holiday was actually the trip of a lifetime – that’s the best.a

Suitcase or backpack?
A constant source of amusement in the office – I am backpack through and through – replete with buff, hiking boots and waterproofs. One simply cannot roll a suitcase along the trails of the Himalayas after all.

Most recent trips?
The Galapagos, Bali and the Komodo Islands, Morocco, Argentina and Belize (all with the kids), and Brazil, Namibia, Colombia and Norway (for ‘work’).

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
Talking to adventurous families about exciting adventures in far-off places (theirs and my own), sharing a laugh over email with our wonderful local partners around the world, putting together fabulous new itineraries for fantastic new destinations, working with a brilliant bunch of like-minded mums in deepest, darkest Suffolk (yes, I know that makes us sound like a witches coven) and the minor appeal of heading off on regular recce trips and family holidays to test our trips out.  It’s a hard life….

Best boredom buster for keeping kids happy on a long-haul flight?
I guess I’m not allowed to say sleeping pills or a catapult… after our 17-hour epic to Borneo I can happily advise that it is all manageable, connecting flights are actually quite painless and any flight will inevitably involve electronic devices, colouring pens (non-permanent!) and endless snacks along with the threat of getting some sleep otherwise there will be none of the above!

What is your secret to achieving family harmony on a trip?
Making sure the kids have had their daily fix of swimming (rivers, pool, sea, waterfalls, wherever) and the parents have had their cold beer.

I never pack without including:
Passports & travel insurance, obviously. Wet wipes, sarong, insect repellent and sunglasses/sun cream… I’m a practical person!

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
Best thing is experiencing new and old experiences through the eyes of your child … making memories that they’ll speak of for years to come and will leave a lasting impression on them.

And worst?
The pressure you feel in making sure everything is just right. When it was just yourself (and hubby), you would go anywhere and do anything … now that you have children, you feel this enormous responsibility and double-check everything 100 times… visas, flights, medication, etc.

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
We are experts in arranging holidays for families… holidays that we ourselves do – and would love to take our own families on … tried and tested! And the feedback we get from our clients is just magical – confirmation that we’re doing the right thing.

I never pack without including:
Baby wipes

Suitcase or backpack?
Suitcase – it’s easier to live out of a suitcase than a backpack.

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
Best – Sharing priceless memories that will last a lifetime.

And worst?
The ‘ Are we there yet?’ syndrome.

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
The passion and enthusiasm of everyone who works here. We all know how important family time is – so we have a big onus on getting it right.

I never pack without including:
Teabags and a small flask. So many places don’t do proper tea!!!

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids? 
It is such an incredible privilege to see the world through a child’s eyes. Even things we had done, and seen before we took the children, were so special. We have only travelled once at Christmas but as we bumped along a muddy dirt track in the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia my son looked at me with tears in his eyes and said “This is the best Christmas ever” and there wasn’t a present or bit of tinsel in sight.

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
Helping people to plan their amazing trips and hopefully using my experience of travelling with children to help them to have a really special time of their own. There are so many countries out there that I love, and it is wonderful to share that passion with clients and persuade them to try out places and experiences that my family have loved.

I never pack without including:
Hair mousse – essential when air drying my curly head in a remote location. And my kindle!

Most recent holidays:
Two adventures with my youngest teenage son – exploring Japan by bullet train and a fantastic recce trip to Thailand. Slovenia with the older teenager, trying out all the extreme activities eek! Discovering the Croatian Dalmatian coastline on a self-drive trip. My favourite family holiday was a road trip in South Africa from Cape Town along the Garden Route, ending with a safari in the Eastern Cape – just brilliant from start to finish.

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
Being able to say yes a lot more. Spending time away from everyday distractions and not having a schedule to stick to.

The worst?
That they often want to stay up later than me!

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
Every family is different, and we love using our experience to get each trip just right, no detail is too small.

I never pack without including:
Extension cable and adapter, laundry sachets/stain remover – I’ve always drop food down me 😂, water bottle – got to do my bit for the planet

Suitcase or backpack?
My go-to is a soft holdall with wheels that also can be a backpack…best of both!

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
Sheer joy when you say yes to whatever they want and the excitement of discovering new places and things to do!

The worst?
Entertainment on long journeys, how many sticker books can I bring!?

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
The knowledge of all my colleagues is mind-blowing and hearing them describe various destinations to families with such detail and ease is amazing and aspiring.

I never pack without including:
Passports, paperwork, Earl Grey t-bags (and builders’ tea for my husband), wet wipes, hair straighteners (even if I end up not being able to use them!

Suitcase or backpack?
Always a suitcase, I am a neat freak and like everything to be ordered, folded, and put in its place. I pack for everyone, I let my husband pack himself, then repack his case.

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
Experiencing new places, cultures, and food. Food is the biggest draw for my children, as long as they are being fed, they are happy and they will try everything!

The worst?
Making sure everyone is happy!

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
Working as part of a team who embrace travel and everything it offers you. I lived overseas for 19 years, and when I came back to the UK no one was interested in where I had come from, now I’m not afraid to talk about it.

I never pack without including:
Suncream – and make up of course!

Suitcase or backpack?
Best of both worlds. I always use a soft suitcase with wheels. I can never find what I need quickly in a backpack – too many different compartments and zips.

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
Seeing them enjoy new experiences, getting out of their comfort zones and trying new foods. And just spending time together without the normal day-to-day distractions and commitments.

The worst?
 “Are we nearly there yet?” on long road trips. And trying to get them to sleep at night because they are over-excited and we have an early start the next day.

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
Working with colleagues who love travel just as much as me, planning exciting holidays for families. And best of all the amazing feedback when they return – ready to book their next trip!

I never pack without including:
I pretty much pack everything. I’m always afraid I will need something and end up not having it available.

Suitcase or backpack?
Suitcase (see above 😊)

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
I have 2 kids (my daughter is 28 and my son is 20). When they were younger and we’d go someplace, I loved seeing their faces and hearing their laughter when they get to try new experiences.

The worst?
The whole ‘are we there yet?’ scenario, lol…

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
I work with the most friendly and dedicated group of people. They go above and beyond to make clients’ dream trips come to life. I also love to read the feedback from the families after they’ve taken these trips.

I never pack without including:
Noise-cancelling headphones – from strangers snoring on the plane to loud conversations on a train, you never know when you’ll need to tune others out and get some shut-eye.

Suitcase or backpack?
Both – Maximise that free baggage!

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
With no kids of my own I can’t comment – however – having previously worked as an au pair there’s no better icebreaker than travelling with kids!

The worst?
Being caught out without wet wipes. You never know when you’ll need them, but you will need them.

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
There’s no interest in selling a trip that we genuinely don’t think the family will enjoy, and there is always someone in the office who has done the trip themselves. Another bonus is you get great ideas for your own travel experiences, a downside is you never want to stop.

I never pack without including:
My portable charger and lots of aftersun!!

Suitcase or backpack?
Definitely a suitcase – I recently made the mistake of lugging a 20kg backpack around the States in 35-degree heat!!

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
Although I don’t have kids yet,  I can’t wait to share the experiences and adventures that come with travelling!

The worst?
I’m yet to find out…

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
There’s never a place in the world that someone in the office hasn’t been to! The team feels like a family, and I love hearing about everyone’s exciting experiences from all around the globe!

I never pack without including:
My Kindle, and chargers for everyone

Suitcase or backpack?
Suitcase

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
There are so many. Spending quality time together, them being enthusiastic about the simple things that we can never get them to do at home like going on a walk or playing a game of cards, witnessing their excitement as they get to experience new things, all of us being able to reminisce about those holiday memories over the dinner table for many years after.

And worst?
Their energy levels never dip, but mine do!

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
There are so many people here with a wealth of knowledge about the destinations we travel to, and I love listening to them and discovering places I had never previously considered visiting.

I never pack without including:
Everything! I’m that person who packs for all eventualities.

Suitcase or backpack?
As I pack everything, I need a suitcase – one with four wheels, of course!

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
Hearing everyone’s travel stories in the office and their amazing knowledge of all our destinations. Plus all the wonderful feedback and photos of holidays that our clients send us.

I never pack without including:
Wet wipes and a small (but very comprehensive) first aid kit.  I like to be prepared for any eventuality.

Suitcase or backpack?
Backpack – I travel light whenever possible. 

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
Their boundless enthusiasm for all things new.  I love to learn about new places and new experiences with young people because they always have a different perspective on things. 

And worst?
Their never-ending desire for shopping – or maybe that’s just my kids?!

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
The passion and enthusiasm that everyone has for travel is absolutely infectious.  As a recent addition to the team, my wish list of places to visit grows by the day, fuelled by my colleague’s tales of adventures in other countries.  I also love talking to our local teams in their destinations because they are such incredible advocates for their home countries and cannot wait to welcome new travellers.

I never pack without including:
Some brightly coloured and comfortable shoes, plus a boatload of curiosity.

Suitcase or backpack?
My trusty Eastpak wheelie bag.

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
Seeing their confidence and resilience bloom through new experiences and challenges.

And worst?
I couldn’t possibly say – my kids will read this!!!

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
Sharing and hearing travel stories with the team, as there’s such a wealth of knowledge and experience in the office. It’s a joy to spend time with people so passionate about what they do.

I never pack without including:
My own pillow from home! I can’t sleep without it.

Suitcase or backpack?
Suitcase at the moment, although one day I would like to backpack through Thailand!

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
The excitement they find in the smallest of things and participating in activities you may not have considered if they weren’t there, but then enjoying them as much as the kids!

And worst?
We love to really explore any country we go to and always hire a car so the “are we nearly there yets” are probably the worst. If the scenery is interesting our youngest son is pretty good but if there isn’t much to see outside the window he can get restless. We covered a lot of ground in America so learnt quickly to find as many points of interest on them longer legs of the journeys.

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
It really is like being part of a family who are all passionate about the same thing. Travel! I love listening in to the sales team speaking with clients giving such in-depth unique knowledge; it also means a new destination gets added to my bucketlist every other week!!!

I never pack without including:
Things the children forget to pack, Top Trumps and Backgammon.

Suitcase or backpack?
Suitcase now.

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
Doing things together, time out together, excitement together.

And worst?
Fighting over the one pair of goggles.

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
The people and being surrounded by travel talk.

Most recent holidays:
Oman, Nepal, Crete, and Jordan at Easter

What’s the best thing about travelling with kids?
The wonder with which they can experience the most mundane things. Simply walking into a local grocery store and the greeting both they and the patrons give is amazing.

And worst?
That the experience for them is only fleeting. You just hope that they can remember some of what they are experiencing.

What’s your favourite thing about Stubborn Mule?
It is a family run, family driven, quality over quantity relationship with the client. We are passionate about what we do and are always striving to give our clients something unique and memorable.

What is your secret to achieving family harmony on a trip?
Don’t Panic. There is nothing that cannot be dealt with and nothing that cannot be altered. Flexibility both before and during the trip is key. Communication.