The Stubborn Mule Team

Here at Stubborn Mule, we are parents as well as experienced travel consultants, so we know the challenges and joys of an adventurous family holiday. Together our sales team has more than 60 years of experience in operating and leading tours throughout the world. We have organised every type of holiday for every age group, from toddlers and teens to intergenerational holidays with babies, adult kids and grandparents.

Who you’ll talk to

When you ring up or email you’ll be dealing with our frontline team. Planning your trip with one of our travel consultants couldn’t be easier – you tell us where you want to go, what your interests are and we do the rest.

Team - MD of Stubborn Mule Travel with her kids in Guatemala

Liddy Pleasants

Managing Director
Favourite destinations
China, Sri Lanka, Oman, Laos, Mongolia
Favourite holiday activities
Cycling, anytime, any place. Cold beers at sunset. Sand between my toes. Mountain views. Food… especially in Sri Lanka and China. Bouncing around on a bumpy road with the windows open and a warm wind in my hair. Laughing like a drain when I look in the mirror after the aforementioned bouncing. Swimming in the sea. Hiking. Temple visits. Should I stop now?

Most recent holidays:
Two weeks in Belize and Guatemala, Oman – genuinely one of our best-ever family holidays – Kenya, Nepal, Jordan and Crete, all with the family. Brazil with my eldest, Iceland with my two youngest, and Mexico and Croatia with my mother. Montenegro, Malaysia, and Madagascar on my own.

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.

Charlotte Hamilton portrait, Sales Manager, Stubborn Mule Travel

Charlotte Hamilton

Sales Manager
Favourite destinations
India, Namibia, Cambodia, Zimbabwe, Greece and Vietnam
Favourite holiday activities
Cycling the back streets of Jaipur and sampling some amazing street food en route.  Markets – any type, anywhere – from wholesale fruit and veg in India to fish in Istanbul, arts and crafts in South Africa, silk in China and souks with everything under the sun to buy in Egypt and Morocco. Safari and sundowners in Africa – enjoying that golden hour of sunshine with a G&T in hand whilst watching giraffes amble nearby – unbeatable!

What else do you like doing on holiday:
Eating! 10 days of curry in Rajasthan was heaven for me. I always make sure to try the local delicacies too – pigeon pastilla in Morocco was quite nice but the sheep’s “bits” in Beijing less so!

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.

Kelly profile photo - all the family in Borneo on boat trip

Kelly Perks

Product Manager
Favourite destinations
Japan, Costa Rica, Borneo, Peru, Laos, and Cambodia… (I’d have all the Stubborn Mule destinations if I could!)
Favourite holiday activities
Walks and boat rides in the jungle looking for tarantulas and other wildlife, trying the local beer, cycling, exploring ruined temples, hiking to amazing viewpoints (then trying to capture it in a photo), and watching the world go by in a street café.

Recent holidays
Borneo with the family – the most incredible trip and truly life-changing for the kids. We still look back on our family Jordan trip from several years ago as being just amazing. With Stubborn Mule: Laos, Costa Rica and Canada were all completely brilliant in very different ways. Looking ahead to this year’s adventures… Watch this space!

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

Stubborn Mule Consultant, Helene Cooper with her kids surfing

Helene Cooper

Travel Consultant
Favourite destinations
Ecuador, Borneo, Nepal, Jordan, Alaska, Chile, New Zealand
Favourite holiday activities
Summiting mountains! Or volcanoes (not fussy). Having madly busy days doing as much as we can fit in and then chilling with a beer watching the kids dive-bombing each other in the pool. Trying as many local delicacies as possible preferably in night markets (and attempting to get the kids to do the same). Snorkelling with turtles and sea lions (Galapagos), going on night walking safaris in the rainforest (Borneo), falling asleep under canvas pretty much anywhere (even in a rainy Lake District).

What I do on my time off
Summit mountains (when I can escape beautiful but rather flat Suffolk). Run. Run around after three kids with their rugby, hockey, football, cricket matches. Sea swimming, SUP, family BBQs on the beach (summer), board games in front the fire (winter), long hikes in Snowdonia or the Lakes followed by a good local pint in the pub.

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.

Lee Douglas with family by a Sphinx in Egypt

Lee (Lee-Anne) Douglas

Travel Consultant
Favourite destinations
South Africa, India, Vietnam, Costa Rica and Sri Lanka
Favourite holiday activities
Immersing yourself in a culture, getting to grips with what it’s really like, not just on a tourist level – including learning about local traditions, customs, festivals and local cuisine. Wildlife. Adventures on local transport. Fun activities, such as zip-lining, kayaking and riding donkeys.

Most recent holidays:
Azores Islands, Morocco, and Mexico … sorry, they were WORK!  As was Borneo before that. And Egypt with the family.

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.

Caroline and family - Stubborn Mule Travel

Caroline Dolby-Bingham

Travel Consultant
Favourite destinations
Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tuscany & Sicily
Favourite holiday activities
Cycling off the beaten track (nothing too arduous!), snorkelling in the Red Sea, sitting amongst the penguins at Boulders Bay and exploring local markets for the ultimate souvenirs… (my daughters have inherited the shopaholic in me!)

Most recent holidays:
Namibia and Canada for ‘work’, Cambodia and Singapore with my teenagers 

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.

Claire and family - Stubborn Mule Travel team

Claire Gray

Travel Consultant
Favourite destinations
South Africa, Namibia, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya
Favourite holiday activities
Wildlife, wildlife and yet more wildlife! Walking in nature where I can observe wildlife and animal interactions.

Most recent holidays:
In the last couple of years, I’ve been lucky enough to go to Vietnam, USA, Jordan, Antigua, Norway, the Norfolk Broads, Uganda, Sri Lanka, Morocco and Namibia. And recently Turkey, India, Greece, Madeira and Guyana.

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.

Expert team at Stubborn Mule Travel - Sinead Bailey

Sinead Bailey

Travel Consultant
Favourite destinations
Tanzania, Botswana, Jordan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Slovenia & Thailand
Favourite holiday activity:
Kayaking, sailing, watching the kids snorkelling (not my cup of tea!). I love going for a wander and finding a local café to watch the world go by.

Suitcase or backpack?
Either as long as it has wheels.

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.

Robyn Glenn, Travel Consultant at Stubborn Mule Travel

Robyn Glenn

Travel Consultant
Favourite destinations
New Zealand, Canada, Costa Rica
Favourite holiday activity:
I am all for a gentle stroll or a strenuous hike for an amazing view of stunning scenery, especially if I am rewarded with a cold beverage, ideally a beer! Cycling and any activity that involves water, like rafting or kayaking. People watching whilst grabbing a bite of the local delicacy like reindeer or key lime pie!!

Most recent holiday:
City Break in Helsinki and Costa Rica for Stubborn Mule

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.

Emma Linnitt, Travel Consultant at Stubborn Mule Travel

Emma Linnitt

Travel Consultant
Favourite destinations
Anywhere in Asia and a passionate Egyptologist! Looking forward to dabbling in South America when I go to Peru in June.
Favourite holiday activity:
Pool time, food, hiking, boat trips, yoga

Most recent holiday:
France, eating, drinking, relaxing with family and friends. And a work trip to Egypt.

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.

Family photo - Emma Magnus

Emma Magnus

Travel Consultant
Favourite destinations
Thailand, Japan, South Africa, Australia, Croatia
Favourite holiday activity:
Anything to do with wildlife! Watching humpbacks breaching in South Africa, penguins waddling in New Zealand, snorkelling (anywhere that is warm!), leisurely walks, kayaking, swimming and tasting local delicacies.

Most recent holiday:
Maldives

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!

Tracy Bowling-Hayfield with family

Tracy Bowling-Hayfield

Sales Administrator
Favourite destinations
The Bahamas, anywhere in the UK
Favourite holiday activities
I love to swim and soak up the rays on a white sandy beach or go for walks in England’s countryside.

Most recent holiday:
It’s been a while since I’ve had a holiday but I’m a new resident of the UK. I’ve recently married and moved here from America (Texas) in November 2020. Due to covid lockdown, we’ve only recently hit the roads here in the UK to see some sites that I’ve been wanting. We’ve ventured into Scotland a bit then down to see Stonehenge. My favourite destination here so far has been Liverpool (I’m a HUGE Beatles fan).

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.

Stubborn Mule team member, Molly

Molly Smith

Sales Administrator
Favourite destinations
Japan, Albania and Iceland
Favourite holiday activities
Discovering the less touristy areas of a city – meeting local people and trying new foods and experiences. Local transport is always a fun thing to immerse yourself in on day number one! A good market whether it be food or trinkets will always grab my attention.

Most recent holiday:
Portugal — exploring the coastline between Porto and Lisbon and trying my hand at local crafts and various adventurous activities along the way.

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.

Jess Haywood, New York

Jess Hayward

Sales Administrator
Favourite destinations
USA, Canada, Spain, Iceland, Canary Islands, Poland
Favourite holiday activities
I love swimming, snorkelling, trying new food, looking at all the different things in the supermarkets that we can’t get in the UK, and going into every single souvenir shop!

Most recent holiday:
A six-week trip around the East Coast of America and Canada

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!

Sarah-SMT team photo

Sarah Jennings

Sales Administrator
Favourite destinations
Jordan for its landscapes. The USA, particularly San Francisco and Chicago/Lake Michigan. Italy for the food! Croatia for its islands and Thailand for its culture.
Favourite holiday activity:
A food tour, where we can combine trying out local delicacies with a guided tour of the area we are staying in. A segway tour is always fun. Finding a waterfall to explore or a lake to swim in.

Most recent holiday:
Jordan on a Stubborn Mule trip with my partner to experience why it’s a favourite with our customers. And back in the Spring, a visit to Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam to see the tulips (no children on that one!) Last one with children was a USA “planes, trains and automobiles” trip including Boston, New York, Chicago, and New Orleans – a real adventure.

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.

Holly on holiday - Stubborn Mule Travel Admin support

Holly Gilbert

Sales Administrator
Favourite destinations
Sweden, California, Iceland, France and Spain
Favourite holiday activity:
Pool time, boat trips, enjoying local food and culture

Most recent holidays:
Nine days spent exploring Sweden and Denmark, from travelling around the Arctic Circle by dog sled to enjoying the cafes and shopping in Copenhagen.

Next up Portugal & Morocco!

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.

Debbie profile photo

Debbie Spencer

Sales Administrator
Favourite destinations
USA, Canada, Caribbean, Lake District, Forest of Dean
Favourite holiday activity:
Anything involving water. I love swimming in pools, seas, lakes and rivers and I enjoy snorkelling and ghyll scrambling!  On top of the water, I am not so good – I’m useless in a kayak! Give me a long hike, especially if there is a flask of tea in my rucksack and some sweets in my pocket to keep me going.

Most recent holidays:
I recently took my daughters to Ireland for the first time.  It was their first flight, and we had such a great time exploring Dublin.

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.

Stephanie Sands profile for Stubborn Mule Travel

Stephanie Sands

Sales Administrator
Favourite destinations
Sri Lanka, Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia
Favourite holiday activity:
That feeling of being on an adventure is still a genuine thrill for me. Plus, a beautiful view with something delicious to eat is always a winner.

Most recent holidays:
Sri Lanka with the kids. They loved Wilpattu, where we saw bears, and surfed at the the coast. I was stunned by the Kandy Botanical Gardens and rafting on the Kelani Ganga.

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.

Emma M, Stubborn Mule Staff photo

Elaine Felton

Systems Administrator
Favourite destinations
USA, Iceland, Mauritius, Portugal
Favourite holiday activity:
Hiking, swimming and snorkelling in the ocean (Mauritius and Egypt were fantastic for this), anything involving wildlife (not so much the creepy crawly type), and history. I love hiking and recently visited Yosemite National Park which really has to be one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places I have visited.

Most recent holidays:
For my 40th birthday, we travelled from Arizona to San Francisco. We visited Sedona, The Grand Canyon, Vegas, LA, Monterey and Yosemite to name a few. It really was a holiday of a lifetime. I wish I could do it all over again!

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!!!

Priscilla Howells, Stubborn Mule Travel

Priscilla Howell

PA / Support Team
Favourite destinations
India, Argentina & South of France
Favourite holiday activities
Arriving in the dark and waking up the next day to an entirely new view. The excitement of being in a new hotel or destination. Extracting the children from their screens and introducing them to the real world.

Most recent holidays:
India and Morocco for work. Malta with the family, and a lovely weekend in West Wittering!

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.

Stubborn Mule team - Mike

Mike Pleasants

Accounts Manager
Favourite destinations
Oman, Syria, Goa, Jordan & Laos
Favourite holiday activities
Walking and food.

I never pack without including:
My IPOD and a good book.

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.

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Call us and we will be happy to provide you with a free-of-charge no obligation itinerary and quotation designed for you.

01728 752751