Think luxury travel and tiny tots don’t go together? Take a trip around the world’s top designer destinations with well-seasoned wanderluster, Thanh Törringer of @thetravelnova. With 69 countries under her belt – and 33 with tots – read on as she takes us from South Africa and Oman to Indonesia in yummy mummy style.
What’s been your favourite vacation spot so far?
I spent a month travelling around South Africa and Lesotho, the country encompassed by South Africa. I’ve got fond memories of cycling around the vineyards in Franschhoek. Nestled in the valley between mountains, the scenery is breathtaking. If you’re in Franschhoek, pop by the Graham Beck winery to sample their Brut NV. Both Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama toasted their election wins with their bubbles.
While there, another unforgettable experience was going on safari in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. One cheeky leopard sauntered by our 4×4 and farted, and that was the moment I learnt that leopard farts smell of popcorn.
How about your top tropical escape?
Bali! Other than the fantastic snorkelling, spending days exploring the different coral reefs, we love the cuisine. We’re massive foodies and that has rubbed off on the little ones too. They love cooking classes, especially tasting their creations.
Rumah Desa, a beautiful village set among picturesque rice fields, has brilliant hands-on activities for children. They can learn to plough a field with some cows, plant rice and do a spot of Balinese dancing, on top of all the local food. It was so much fun!
With the tots around, which destinations have been the most memorable?
Oman – the little monsters had their hearts set on camel riding in the desert, and their faces lit up when we were strutting around the sand dunes. The country has a lot to offer – vast canyons, green valleys, pristine beaches and islands, and of course the endless deserts. We recommend an extended stay.
During our trip, we spent a couple of days in the Jebel Akhdar (the Green Mountain), where we went on a hike full of fossils. The little ones were so chuffed to see them with their own eyes. Our base was the Ritz Carlton in Muscat for their family-friendly facilities. It has a huge kids pool complete with a pirate boat, zipline and water playground.
When you need downtime with your partner on vacation, how do you keep the little ones entertained?
It’s a no-brainer, but hotels with kids clubs and babysitting services are brilliant. We always add that to the travel checklist. It’s important to strike a balance on family holidays. These programs allow the kids to be independent and make new friends. Not to mention, mummy and daddy get some R&R occasionally as travelling with kids can be exhausting.
Where are you dreaming of travelling to next?
There are so many places I want to explore, but two Bs are at the top of my list: Bhutan and Bora Bora. I should really say 3Bs, right?
Follow Thanh on Instagram @thetravelnova for all manner of blue skies, deep-green hues and designer destinations.
Hero image: Courtesy of Thanh Törringer
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