I wanted to replace Martine en avion. I had brought back from Paris a large, colourful book entitled Animaux du Japon. My way of waking her up to my world. In my little Jeanne’s library, by dropping off this new travel inspiration (at least, I hoped so), I had fallen back on the stories that fueled my childhood dreams. I had left my childhood fantasies there as a legacy, neatly lined up on her shelves. A bamboo geisha rubs shoulders with Treasure Island, Tintin in Tibet, an Air France 747 plushie, and The History of the World for Ages 7-9. Sharing my irresistible passion, the words, images, and authors that made me tremble… an obsession, a quest to instill in her the same curiosity that still eats at me today. A legacy. I remember the desire, the expectation, when I was a child, of the next departure. Even more than the destination, it was the eagerness to be at the airport that consumed me for months. Already, relief only came once I was in the cabin of an airplane, ready to experience new memories with my family.
Taking a step back
As the big departure for Brittany approached this summer, I decided to leave behind what was holding me back: control over my children’s vacation. I did the housework to move forward better and let go of the pressure of “not forgetting anything.” My new dream to make come true? Theirs. Letting the unalterable magic of travel take effect, without intrusion. Their spontaneity, their looks of wonder, their zany desires…children make us see the world differently with their sparkling eyes. Above all, beyond what awaits us when we get off the plane, the idea of finding myself with them in another world surpasses all other expectations. Yes, it’s quite possible that they will get bored, fall ill, argue with each other… is that really so serious? What does it matter, after all, if they don’t fully grasp the centuries of history that look down on them from the top of the bell towers of Finistère; they will inevitably remember something. I see them again with emotion, caught up in the calm of the churches, their feet treading the sacred ground. Their questioning looks were then absorbed by the riches of Breton devotion. Paul suddenly stopped making a sound and Jeanne had fun finding her name engraved under certain statues. A little fur- ther along, seeing them enter and run through the narrow stone tunnels of the Barnenez cairn was exhilarating. Stuck in my head like a song on repeat was their laughter echoing as they shouted toward the horizon, the wind blowing through their hair with a view of the sea. Being in the oldest human construction in Europe was far from interesting to them. One day while reading Asterix and Obelix, maybe this moment will come back to them. Those looks and laughs remain the most beautiful souvenirs, moments that won’t gather dust on a shelf or in our hearts as parents.
This quest for memorable moments, encounters, the unusual, and the “nice surprise” could only succeed with a certain letting go, we who are conditioned by so many things to control in our daily lives as parents. Letting yourself be carried away by spontaneity alongside your children—could this be the secret? I remember a drizzly day in New Brunswick visiting Fort Beauséjour, where I went back in time in my head. Meanwhile, two little blonde heads were simply having fun rolling around on the wet grass at the foot of the ramparts before starting to pick daisies for their mother.
Sharing, getting together elsewhere, disconnecting from everyday life, living differently… Family trips have so many positive qualities. And in particular, an unparalleled educational virtue to getting out of your world, meeting others, and having experiences together far from constraints and screens. On the return flight, Jeanne gives me a knowing look before whispering in my ear, “Dad, when are we going to Japan?”
Travelling (well) with children
Travelling with children is never an obstacle, as long as the organization is both well-anticipated and flexible. Our role is to free you from this essential task, before and throughout your journey. In our opinion, the success of this particular trip rests on two pillars: on one hand, logistics (routes, flights, accommodations, assistance), and on the other, personalized content according to age (activities, learning, encounters).
The schedule of the flights and connections, the number of stop-overs, the time spent on the road each day… Each logistical detail will have an influence on their fatigue and patience, and therefore on your peace of mind. We always make sure to adapt your schedule to the age of the crew.
Depending on the destination and the tastes of each little traveller, we offer you a host of ideas to keep them busy during your stops. Activities tailored to their age, to be experienced by their side: nighttime outings to observe wildlife in Costa Rica, donkey rides in Sicily, surfing in the Philippines, scavenger hunts in Bangkok, baking classes in New York, graffiti lessons in Melbourne… A list as vast as their imaginations.
Finally, our French-speaking concierges at the destination are also attentive to the specific expectations of family travellers: finding a birthday cake or a carseat, seats for a show, a babysitter for the evening, a pediatrician… With just one call, they respond to your last-minute requests. In case of emergency, 24/7assistance can take over. You can rest assured that you will always be in good hands.