World ExpeditionsBig Adventures. Small Footprint.https://assets.worldexpeditions.com/BlogTrekking with Kids: 7 Helpful Tipshttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/4932/7-trekking-with-kids-tipsActivities,Family TravelSun, 22 Nov 2020 03:57:00 GMT<p style="text-align: left;">Hiking is a great way to get kids connected to the outdoors at a young age and if it’s your first time bringing the whole family on a trek, there’s a bit of planning to consider. </p> <p style="text-align: left;">Here are 7 handy tips for trekking with kids, from about age 8 to 16, on a family wilderness adventure.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>1. Understand the benefits of trekking as a family </strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">Going on family trekking holidays with your children can provide a fun and interactive way for them to gain a deeper understanding of nature, wildlife, and their place in the world.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The trail provides many teachable moments you can have with your children, including educating them about preserving wilderness for future generations, as well as giving them the opportunity to learn about nature, their environment and wildlife in a way that’s more difficult to foster in a classroom.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="embed-responsive-item" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ROQEyf9cECA?rel=0&controls=1"></iframe></div> </div> <p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" class="responsiveImageLimited" src="/Portals/Australian Walking Holidays/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Waterfall.png" width="650" /></p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>2. Choosing where to go</strong></h3> <h4 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Places with lots of natural features </strong></h4> <p style="text-align: left;">Entertaining children can be hard – especially when you have to compete with video games, social media and Netflix. </p> <p style="text-align: left;">If you want to educate and inspire your children with all of the stunning natural features of the land, consider visiting areas that have exciting or interesting natural features such as waterfalls, caves, wildlife or interesting rocks. This can provide a unique and interesting ‘classroom’ experience, giving them the chance to learn about geology, ecology and wildlife first hand. </p> <p style="text-align: left;">Plus – you get a break from being the ‘teacher’ as our guides have extensive knowledge on the areas we visit, and delight in relaying the history and stories of the landscape. </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Trips with exciting activities </strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Alternatively, choose trips that have interesting activities which can make the trip more memorable. Including different activities on trips can help your children develop new skills, potentially setting them up for new hobbies or sports that they might not have otherwise considered.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Custom Trips / private departures </strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">If you’re unsure of what trip is suitable for your family, <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Private-Groups/Family-Adventures" target="_blank">start on this page</a> and tell us your children’s age and your families interests, and we can guide you to a suitable trek for your family.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" class="responsiveImageLimited" src="/Portals/Australian Walking Holidays/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Family.png" width="650" /></p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>3. </strong><strong>Pre-trip planning – getting kids used to walking </strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">While children typically have boundless amounts of energy and enthusiasm, in today’s digital world, a lot of that energy goes into video games, homework and internet browsing. </p> <p style="text-align: left;">Prior to your trip departing, spend a few days with your children outdoors, going on bushwalks in some of the local national parks. These walks don’t have to be very long- you could start off with a few hours and work your way up to half day bushwalks to get them used to spending a day out on the trail. </p> <p style="text-align: left;">Let them carry their own light day pack, increasing the weight over a couple of outings. This is also a good time to ensure they have appropriate footwear that they can ‘break in’ prior to the trip.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Wandering the tea plantations of the Western Ghats, a richly rewarding experience for young and old | <i>Kate Baker</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="2676288" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/India/IMG_3139-2676288-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/India/IMG_3139-2676288-###width###px.jpg" /></div>   <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>4. </strong><strong> Practise camping at home </strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">Camping in the remote wilderness with nothing but the sounds of nature to fall asleep to is one of the many highlights of a family wilderness adventure.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">However, if your children haven’t been on a camping adventure before and are nervous about their upcoming trip, consider introducing them to camping by pitching a tent in your backyard and spending the night with them. This will help them to get used to sleeping under the stars and falling asleep to the sounds of nature.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" class="responsiveImageLimited" src="/Portals/Australian Walking Holidays/LiveBlog/WP-Images/swimming.png" width="650" /></p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>5. </strong><strong>Pack plenty of clothes </strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">All of our trips have packing lists, and recommend you stick to them. </p> <p style="text-align: left;">While your trip may involve camping in the tropical top end’s warm spring nights, or staying in comfortable accommodations<a href="https://www.australianwalkingholidays.com.au/North-West-Tasmania/Guided/Cradle-Mountain-Family-Adventure">,</a> a good trip can easily be spoiled by being cold and under dressed. Regardless of how warm the weather is forecasted to be, it’s worth packing a few extra pieces of clothing in case of cold weather or rain. </p> <p style="text-align: left;">Remember – it’s all about layers!</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>6. </strong><strong>Get them involved with the planning of the trip </strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">Nothing makes children feel more important than asking for their opinions.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Involving children in the planning or choosing of a trip by asking what they want to see and do will help narrow down a trip that the whole family can enjoy. Once on the trip, delegate roles to them such as being in charge of ensuring all litter is collected, or even being in charge of sighting wildlife. This can help teach them responsibility from a young age, and keep them involved in the day to day activities during the trip.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Father and son in front of Dhaulagiri | <i>Brad Atwal</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="2690293" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Annapurna-Dhaulagiri-Nepal-2690293-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Annapurna-Dhaulagiri-Nepal-2690293-###width###px.jpg" /></div>   <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" class="responsiveImageLimited" src="/Portals/Australian Walking Holidays/LiveBlog/WP-Images/rockhopping.png" width="650" /><strong>7. </strong><strong>Show an interest </strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">Children are naturally inquisitive, and may stop to look at rocks, insects, flowers or wildlife during the trip that you may typically walk past. </p> <p style="text-align: left;">Try to encourage their curiosity in the land by taking an interest in what they are looking at, giving clear answers when they ask questions and showing your enthusiasm for their willingness to learn. If you’re unable to answer their questions, don’t worry, our guides know the areas like the back of their hands and will happily provide insight into the flora, fauna and geology of the land throughout the trip.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>8. </strong><strong>Adjust your expectations and take plenty of rest stops </strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">While kids typically have bounds of energy, they can also get tired faster and thus require more rest stops than what adults require. </p> <p style="text-align: left;">On <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Family-Adventures">our family adventures</a>, we encourage short breaks every 60 minutes to hydrate and snack. Remember that attempting long and difficult off-trail expeditions can be challenging for a child. If the trip becomes unpleasant children may remember the negative feelings associated with trekking and hold onto that attitude for years to come, so ensure you are creating a welcoming and fun experience by adjusting your expectations of your trip.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" class="responsiveImageLimited" src="/Portals/Australian Walking Holidays/LiveBlog/WP-Images/lunch.png" width="650" /></h3> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>9. Embrace learning opportunities </strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">There are many moments on the trail which can leave a lasting impression on your children. We recommend that the below three elements is incorporated into your conversations with your children.</p> <h4 style="text-align: left;">- <strong>Leave no trace policy </strong></h4> <p style="text-align: left;">Teach your children to respect the land that they are walking in by acquainting them with the Leave No Trace policy:</p> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Plan Ahead and Prepare</li> <li>Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</li> <li>Dispose of Waste Properly</li> <li>Leave What You Find</li> <li>Minimise Campfire Impacts</li> <li>Respect Wildlife</li> <li>Be Considerate of Your Hosts and Other Visitors</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: left;">This will help them mature into adults who respect the outdoors and actively conserve the environment. In some campsites may come across litter from previous trekkers. Teach your children that all litter should be collected together and disposed off correctly, and the after-effects of litter can kill the animals, fish and fragile ecosystems in the environment.</p> <h4 style="text-align: left;">- <strong>Trail history </strong></h4> <p style="text-align: left;">Each trail has a history of its origin. Our guides are able to share the historical stories from how the trail came about, as well as some of the Indigenous stories from the Traditional Owners of the land. These stories add another dimension of interest and learning to your trip.</p> <h4 style="text-align: left;">- <strong>Open air classroom (learn about flora, fauna, wildlife) </strong></h4> <p style="text-align: left;">On our walking adventures, it’s not uncommon to spot lizards, small mammals, birdlife and interesting plants and flowers along the trail. Our guides will happily provide insights into wildlife ecosystems and the relationship between the plants and the animals.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> 49323 reasons for an Australian family holidayhttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2381/3-reasons-for-an-australian-family-holidayActivities,Family Travel,Destinations,Australia, New Zealand &amp; the Pacific,AustraliaSun, 03 May 2020 23:34:00 GMT<p>This summer, why not escape the typical family holiday and have a family adventure instead? These adventures are the perfect way to excite, educate and entertain all of the family. Explore some of the most stunning, rugged and remote areas of Australia and Tasmania on a multi-day walking adventure, spending evenings camping under the moonlight, sharing stories and making memories.</p> <p>Travelling is more than just sight-seeing, so our <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Family-Adventures" target="_blank">family trips</a> have been crafted to immerse you deep into the wilderness. Most are tailored with a young traveller in mind and the minimum age is typically 8-11 years old. The pace of these holidays is more relaxed, giving you time to explore a destination, spending your days walking in stunning locations off the beaten track.</p> <p>For families with younger children who are yearning for adventure, we also offer tours as private groups, which cater for children between 2-10 and are customisable to your needs. All you need to do is <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Contact-Us" target="_blank">contact us</a> and speak to one of our friendly consultants, and we can work with you on an adventure perfectly suited for your family.</p> <p><strong>Check out some of the benefits of embarking on a family adventure.</strong></p> <h2><strong>The family that plays together, stays together</strong></h2> <p>Most families have busy schedules, full of work, school, extra curricular activities, friends parties, the list goes on... So how can you spend time as a family and really get to know each other during the holidays? Simple! Make use of your holidays and have a family adventure instead! Find an activity that allows you to spend time as a family and get to know each other - without the daily distractions. Better yet, combine this activity while exploring some of the most stunning landscapes that Australia has to offer.</p> <h2><strong>An education like no other</strong></h2> <p>School may teach your children about maths, science and English, but when it comes to gaining a real-world appreciation of nature and the environment, some things are better experienced than taught. Trekking gives your children the opportunity to learn first hand about things they may have learnt in school, creating an interactive learning experience that will teach children about geography, climate, the environment, history and so much more. The cherry on the top? Learning through experience is way more fun for them than learning it through homework.</p> <h2><strong>An adventure is just around the corner... literally.</strong></h2> <p>One of the best things about our family adventures is that you don’t even need to leave the country to have one! Australia’s safe, remote and rugged wilderness is perfectly explorable, and teaching your children from a young range how diverse, stunning and beautiful their own back yard will give them a newfound appreciation for their home land and champion for its conservation in later years!</p> <h1>Top Family Adventures</h1> <h3><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Australia/Trekking-Hiking/Cradle-Mountain-Family-Adventure" target="_blank"><span style="color:#949e17;">Cradle Mountain Short Escape</span></a></h3> <p><img alt="Family enjoying a walk in Cradle Mountain National Park | <i>Sue Badyari</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="632998" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/Mixed-pics_0331-632998-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Tasmania/Mixed-pics_0331-632998-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <p>What better way to explore the rich diversity of Tasmania’s Cradle mountain National Park than with your family on a short escape? This three day adventure involves carrying just a day pack, with achievable challenges like a summit of Cradle Mountain, exploring the fascinating caves of the Mole Creek Karst National Park, and best of all, the whole family will enjoy it! With a level 2 grading, and priced at great value for children, the Cradle Mountain short escape is a family favourite. <a href="http://worldexpeditions.com/Australia/Trekking-Hiking/Cradle-Mountain-Family-Adventure" target="_blank"><strong>View trip ></strong></a></p> <h3><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Australia/Family-Adventures/Family-Kakadu-Explorer" target="_blank"><span style="color:#949e17;">Family Kakadu Explorer</span></a></h3> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="Create memories in Kakadu's idyllic tropical surrounds and dramatic escarpments" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="633021" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Kate-Baker/kakadu/Kakadu-Family-Adventure-633021-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Kate-Baker/kakadu/Kakadu-Family-Adventure-633021-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Enjoy a complete adventure that's active and educational" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="633018" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Kate-Baker/kakadu/Kakadu-310-633018-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Kate-Baker/kakadu/Kakadu-310-633018-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Family fun in the Top End waterholes | <i>Kate Baker</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="633015" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Australasia/Northern-Territory/Litchfield-27-633015-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Australasia/Northern-Territory/Litchfield-27-633015-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div>   <p>Explore the Top End's secret spots on a 6-day walking tour that reveals the magic of Kakadu. Wander past sparkling waterfalls, remote gorges and ancient indigenous rock art sites on this series of day walks that combine active adventure with comfortable wilderness camping in our semi-permanent campsites. Throw in a river cruise down the Yellow Waters to spot saltwater crocodiles and wild brumbies and you have a family adventure that everyone will love! This trip is a must for any active family looking for a great summer adventure! <a href="http://worldexpeditions.com/Australia/Family-Adventures/Family-Kakadu-Explorer" target="_blank"><strong>View trip ></strong></a></p> <h3><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Australia/Trekking-Hiking/Larapinta-Trek-Family-Adventure" target="_blank"><span style="color:#949e17;">Larapinta Trek Family Adventure</span></a></h3> <p>Enjoy a family focused trip of Australia's iconic desert trek. Fully supported and enjoying many outback comforts, you walk with just a day pack to explore the best sections of the Larapinta brimming with history, ancient rock art and incredible landscapes. From the dramatic colour changes in the rock formations at Simpsons Gap to the vast plains atop of Mt Sonder to watch the sunrise, it makes for an incredible family adventure.</p> <p>But the best part is that at the end of each day, the whole family can relax in comfort at our architect-designed camps – including hot showers, comfortable lounges and heated dining shelter – as our guides prepare gourmet 3-course dinners around the campfire. <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Australia/Trekking-Hiking/Larapinta-Trek-Family-Adventure" target="_blank"><strong>View trip ></strong></a></p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="embed-responsive-item" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fVY1rgViHmY?rel=0&controls=1"></iframe></div> 2381Chachapoyas and the hidden treasures of northern Peruhttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2521/chachapoyas-northern-peruActivities,Family Travel,Destinations,South America,PeruThu, 27 Dec 2018 01:03:00 GMT<p>The pre-Incan Chachapoyas culture, also known as the Cloud Forest people, were one of the most advanced to develop from the jungle regions of Peru. The Chachapoyas have left behind some of the most impressive pre-Incan buildings anywhere in the Andes and very little is currently known about them.</p> <p>Discover these <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Peru/Adventure-Touring/Hidden-Treasures-of-Northern-Peru?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=HiddenTreasures_vid" rel="noopener" target="_blank">hidden treasures of northern Peru</a> on a high quality adventure with World Expeditions, the adventure travel specialists since 1975.</p> <p> </p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="embed-responsive-item" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pJ70gpYZt2o?rel=0&controls=1"></iframe></div> 2521