Cover Amanda Griffin-Jacob and her family travel to Hokkaido, Japan (Photo: courtesy of AXA)
Amanda Griffin-Jacob and her family travel to Hokkaido, Japan (Photo: courtesy of AXA)
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6 travel tips from Amanda Griffin-Jacob
The new year has arrived, bringing with it opportunities to make new memories and explore the world with our loved ones. Of course, this includes reuniting with family abroad and visiting all the beaches, museums, and theme parks that await. It’s no easy task making sure that our flights, accommodations, and itineraries are all in proper order, but in its own strange way, these preparations are part and parcel of what makes travelling the enjoyable undertaking that it is.
An avid traveller, Amanda Griffin-Jacob finds that the time spent with her family is more important than the places they visit. She knows the challenges involved in making these overseas trips a success, so she shares these six tips to make sure yours go off without a hitch.
See more: The cultural wanderer’s guide to Bangkok, Thailand
Above The Jacob family on the shores of Bali (Photo: courtesy of AXA)
The Jacob family on the shores of Bali (Photo: courtesy of AXA)
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1. Ask the kids what they want
Remember, it’s a family vacation, which means everyone should get a say on what they want to do. “My husband and I don’t always agree on where we want to go—he’s a beach lover, I prefer colder places, and our kids are all about Disney cruises, so we all take a vote,” Amanda shares. By considering everyone’s preferences, this ensures that the trip is one that they can enjoy.
2. Plan, but be flexible
Itineraries provide structure, balancing tourist attractions, dining spots, and cultural experiences. But plans rarely come perfectly together, and Amanda reminds parents to remain flexible and leave room for the unexpected, especially when travelling with children. “You need to be ready to adjust and not get too attached to your plan. It will only cause stress,” she advises.
3. Do your due diligence and research
Research the country you’re visiting ahead of time, keeping in mind the unique needs of your family and of course, yourself. Consider dietary restrictions, activities your kids can enjoy, safety concerns, and the distance between your accommodations and the places you’ll be visiting. Language barriers may also be a problem that needs to be overcome, and it’s crucial to note the nearest hospital in case of emergencies.
In case you missed it: The cultural wanderer’s guide to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Above The Jacob family in Whisker, Canada, with an inuksuk stone structure (Photo: courtesy of AXA)
The Jacob family in Whisker, Canada, with an inuksuk stone structure (Photo: courtesy of AXA)
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4. Think outside the box
When in Rome, do as the Romans! Amanda believes in the great value in exposing her children to a myriad of cultures and perspectives. When planning their vacations, she and her husband always aim to choose destinations that they have yet to visit, and South Africa is currently at the top of their list.
“When we travel to new places, I make sure I have plenty of information about the unique experiences that are truly special to that place.” To her, it’s important that she and her family enjoy their destination just like the locals.
5. Homes over hotels
For large families, Amanda suggests home rentals over hotels. The former can offer significant advantages with regards to affordability and flexibility, though she recognises that some may have needs only hotels can accommodate.
In her case, rentals offer the space and convenience that she appreciates. “I love being able to cook meals for my family, especially breakfast,” she shares. “Having a well-equipped kitchen is a huge plus for me, and the kids can run around and be as rowdy as they want without worrying about disturbing other guests.”
6. Travel with peace of mind
Flying to faraway lands means we’re far from home and our usual comfort zones. The unexpected can always happen, like sudden illnesses, injuries, or missing luggage. Having insurance to insulate one’s self from these scenarios can be a life-saver: Amanda recalls one incident 13 years ago in New York, when her then-fifteen-month-old son, Kieran, was injured when he slipped in the bathtub. Thankfully, she had help.
“I have been using AXA Smart Traveller, [which is] AXA’s highly-awarded travel insurance, for years. It is the ideal choice for families or large groups planning a trip,” she shares. With exceptional medical benefits and coverage of up to PhP 3.5 million, it’s become her essential partner for her travels.
Above Amanda and her family in Alaska (Photo: courtesy of AXA)
Amanda and her family in Alaska (Photo: courtesy of AXA)
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Preparation is key in all aspects of a vacation, whether you’re travelling with your family or alone on business. It matters to always safeguard yourself, especially when you’re away from the comforts of your home and community. So as you step into new lands, you can do so knowing you’ll be safe and sound.
Learn more about #AXASmartTraveller by clicking here. Be a #SmartTraveller and know you can go big with your adventures.
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About
Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles.
He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.
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Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.
