03 July 2025

The Best Safari Destinations Around the World: Your Ultimate Guide to Wildlife Adventures Safaris are the ultimate invitation to step into the wild and witness nature in its purest form. Beyond the thrill of spotting iconic animals in their natural habitats, safaris immerse you in breathtaking landscapes and unique ecosystems. While Africa remains the quintessential safari continent, incredible wildlife experiences await across the globe — from Asia’s dense jungles to North America’s rugged wilderness, and the diverse wetlands of Australia. This guide highlights some of the world’s most outstanding safari destinations, each offering a distinctive adventure and unforgettable encounters. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania The Serengeti is synonymous with the classic African safari experience. Spanning nearly 15,000 square kilometers, this vast savannah ecosystem is famed for its abundance of wildlife and stunning open landscapes. The Serengeti is the perfect place to witness the legendary "Big Five" — lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo — roaming freely across the plains. What truly sets the Serengeti apart is the Great Migration, a spectacular annual event where over two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles traverse the ecosystem in search of fresh grazing lands. This awe-inspiring journey is filled with moments of raw drama, as predators like lions and cheetahs stealthily track the migrating herds. Most visitors explore the Serengeti on jeep safaris, which allow access to wide areas and provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. For a once-in-a-lifetime perspective, a sunrise hot air balloon ride floats silently over the golden plains, offering panoramic views of animals scattered beneath the expansive African sky. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka Often overlooked as a safari destination, Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts. Home to one of the highest densities of wild leopards anywhere on Earth, Yala offers an exceptional chance to see these elusive big cats in their natural environment. The park’s diverse landscape — a mix of dense jungle, tranquil lagoons, and sandy beaches — supports a rich variety of wildlife including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and vibrant bird species like peacocks and hornbills. Jeep safaris with expert guides increase your chances of spotting leopards basking in the sun or stealthily moving through the undergrowth. Beyond the thrill of big game sightings, Yala impresses with its rich birdlife and stunning scenic beauty, making it a rewarding safari destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. Ranthambore National Park, India Ranthambore is India’s premier tiger reserve and one of the best places in the world to see the majestic Bengal tiger in the wild. Situated in the dry deciduous forests of Rajasthan, the park is renowned for its dense population of tigers and other wildlife such as sloth bears, leopards, and various deer species. Adding to its allure are the ancient ruins and forts scattered throughout the park, offering a unique historical backdrop to your wildlife adventure. Visitors typically explore Ranthambore on jeep safaris, with early morning and late afternoon drives providing the best chances of tiger encounters. The park’s rugged terrain and diverse habitats make every safari a thrilling and unpredictable experience — a true highlight for any wildlife enthusiast visiting India. Yellowstone National Park, USA Yellowstone redefines the concept of safari in the context of the American West. As the world’s first national park, it encompasses over 2.2 million acres of pristine wilderness, geothermal wonders, and abundant wildlife. Iconic species like bison, elk, grey wolves, and grizzly bears roam freely across Yellowstone’s valleys, forests, and geothermal basins. Spring and early summer bring the chance to see newborn animals, adding a heartwarming dimension to your wildlife viewing. Yellowstone offers a range of ways to explore: self-guided or ranger-led vehicle tours provide access to prime wildlife spots, while walking trails invite you to immerse yourself in the peacefulness of the natural surroundings and get up close to elk herds and other animals in their habitat. Kakadu National Park, Australia Kakadu National Park offers a safari experience unlike any other, combining Australia’s unique wildlife with breathtaking landscapes of tropical wetlands, ancient rock formations, and rugged floodplains. The park’s diverse ecosystems support saltwater crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, and an array of colourful birdlife including cockatoos and kingfishers. Visitors often embark on boat safaris along the Yellow Water Billabong, where you can see crocodiles basking on the riverbanks and spot a wealth of bird species. On land, walking trails wind through varied terrain, providing opportunities to observe wallabies hopping among the rocks and birds flitting through the trees. Kakadu’s blend of wilderness and cultural heritage, including ancient Aboriginal rock art, makes it a compelling destination for adventurous travelers and nature lovers alike. No matter which safari you choose, these destinations offer extraordinary wildlife encounters and the chance to connect deeply with the natural world. Whether it’s the sweeping African plains, dense Asian jungles, or the wild frontiers of North America and Australia, your next adventure awaits. Ready to experience the magic of the wild? Let’s start planning your unforgettable safari journey today!

27 June 2025

A few years ago, we packed up our little circus—when it really was still little (just a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old!)—and flew to Sani Beach in Halkidiki, Greece, for a springtime escape. Honestly? It was one of the best travel decisions we’ve ever made. People often ask if April is too early for a beach break—especially with little ones. But Greece in spring? Absolute perfection. Think gentle sunshine, around 20–23°C most days, ideal for toddlers who run hot just from putting on shoes, and zero stress about overheating. We weren’t tied to term-time yet, so going in April meant huge savings compared to July or August. Plus, no intense summer crowds. No queues. No fighting for sunbeds. And bonus? The sea was fresh, yes, but our kids didn’t mind at all—they were straight in like baby dolphins. Welcome to Sani Beach: The Resort That Thinks of Everything If you’ve never heard of the Sani Resort, imagine a cluster of five luxurious hotels inside a private ecological reserve—lush greenery, a stylish marina, kid-friendly beaches, spas, shops, and Michelin-star-level dining. It’s like its own little bubble of bliss. We stayed at Sani Beach, which is the most family-focused of the five hotels—and honestly, it blew us away. Some highlights: A Babe Watch service (yes, someone literally watches your child while you swim). Thoughtful touches like highchairs, toddler-friendly menus, and bottle-warming stations. A world-class Dine Around programme that kept mealtimes fun and stress-free. We stayed in a Junior Suite, which gave us the perfect balance of luxury and practicality. It had a comfy seating area, a big bed, and a private terrace where we’d sip morning coffees while the boys raced scooters in the early light. Daily Rhythm: Sand, Swims & Siestas Our days quickly found a rhythm: leisurely breakfasts, playtime on the beach or by the toddler pool, siestas (for them… and often for us too), and scooter races to dinner in the marina. There were bikes to hire, little nature walks to explore, and even a mini train that our toddler obsessed over. We didn’t use the crèche or kids’ club, since they were so young, but it was comforting to know they were there. One favourite meal was at Psaroyannos, a traditional Greek taverna—super seafood-heavy, and so authentic we felt like locals. We used the Dine Around programme included in our full board and got to explore different dining spots almost every day. What Made Sani So Special Here’s what made it stand out from other family resorts: The staff just get it. They were kind, proactive, and seemed to anticipate what we needed before we even realised it.No pool towel wars. Seriously. If you left a towel unattended for too long, staff would remove it. No stress, no racing to reserve beds. Kids’ disco done right. It was sweet, not chaotic. Started early, ended early, and sent the kids to bed happy and exhausted. Collection of beach toys ready to play with so you don't have to buy or bring your own. Best sun loungers ever. Proper padding. It sounds silly, but it’s a total game changer. Scooter hire = toddler freedom. The boys zipped around the marina each night before dinner. Less whining = more wine. Poolside mojitos while the toddlers splashed nearby. Heaven. Stunning views, soft sunsets, and pure calm. The whole resort is just… gorgeous. Think Pinterest, but real. The Toddler Whisperers of Sani One afternoon, our 2-year-old was in full "no" mode. The day was unravelling. Then out of nowhere, a Sani staff member gently scooped him up and took him for a calming beach walk—just her and him. They returned laughing, sandy, and calmer than ever. We were stunned. That’s what Sani does best. They see you. They help before you even ask. And in that moment, it wasn’t just service—it was sanity-saving magic. Stories to Remember The Squid Incident Our 2-year-old basically lived on olives and ice cream (his personal food pyramid), and nobody judged. That was it… until one unforgettable dinner. We ordered a big sharing seafood platter, and as we were admiring the spread, our 2-year-old spotted a baby squid. “My friend,” he declared! Over the next two hours, he prodded, sucked, and eventually ate said friend — tentacle by tentacle. All was well… until he noticed his best friend had gone. The meltdown? Absolutely Epic. Us? Tears of laughter running down our faces, just grateful he ate something other than olives and ice cream! RIP Squiddy! The Baywatch Moment One heart-stopping moment came at the toddler pool. Our youngest, loaded up with armbands and a rubber ring, jumped in and flipped upside down—completely stuck. Hubby sprinted and dived in to save him while I very ungracefully face-planted on the deck trying to follow. He was okay, thankfully. But it reminded us: even in paradise, toddlers can find chaos. What Was Missing? Even paradise has room for improvement: No drinks package upgrade. We were on full board, but all drinks (even soft ones) were extra unless you stayed at the all-inclusive hotel. With toddlers constantly needing juice, milk, and snacks—and us wanting the odd cocktail—it added up fast. Less action for older kids. Our boys were happy at 2 and 4, but now that they're older, they’d probably want waterslides and more structured pool games. Cold main pool in April. The toddler pool was lovely and warm, but the big pool was brisk. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing. What We Learned: Book early. Especially if you want babysitting or specific dinner spots. Bring a stroller. Even for older toddlers. The resort is huge. Don’t over plan. The magic is in the slow mornings, beach play, and unscheduled naps. Trust the staff. They’re amazing. Let them help. Let go of the idea of ‘perfect’. The squid might get eaten. You might face-plant. It’s still magic. Would We Go Back? In a heartbeat. The luxury, attentive service, and stunning surroundings make Sani an absolute dream. So, while Sani is absolutely perfect for families with preschoolers or for those with slightly older kids who prefer a more relaxed pace, I’d recommend it especially for families seeking a peaceful, luxury vibe without the hustle and bustle of constant activities. For families with high-energy older kids, a more active resort might better match their needs. Sani’s calm elegance and incredible staff make it a place we’d happily return to. We still talk about that holiday. We still dream of those mojitos. And we still miss Squiddy!

20 June 2025

Meet the Travel Mum Family We’re the kind of family that brings the energy wherever we go — not by choice, but because we’re a team of seven! I’m Lauren, the mum behind Travel Mum, and I travel with my five boys (ages 12, 10, 7, 5, and 2) and my incredibly patient husband. We’re not full-time travellers — just a regular family who makes the most of school holidays and long weekends to explore the world together. Our favourite things? • Bike rides in nature (especially when there's a good ice cream stop involved and pub at the end!) • Animals of all kinds — farms, zoos, wildlife parks, we love them all • History — from castles to ancient ruins, we’re always up for a walk through the past • Disney — we are full-blown Disney lovers (and proud of it!) Meet the Kids M - 12-year-old Our eldest is into gaming, football, and hockey. He’s sporty, competitive, and always looking for the best Wi-Fi (and the nearest football pitch!). G - 10-year-old Curious and thoughtful, our resident history buff. He’s happiest in a castle, up a tree, or checking in on his ant farm. Quietly curious and always asking brilliant questions. R - 7-Year-Old A gentle soul who finds his peace with animals — especially his beloved horses. Calm, kind, and deeply connected to the world around him. L - 5-Year-Old Full of energy and imagination. He’s smart, hilarious, and totally into Spiderman, cars, and bike-riding adventures. Our little action hero and stand-up comedian in one. A - 2-Year-Old The Toddler-in-Chief. Loud, bossy, and fully in charge. He makes everyone do everything for him — and honestly, we’re all just living in his world. Our holidays aren’t perfect. They’re real. Packed with laughs, sibling squabbles, and “why didn’t I pack that?!” moments. But every trip brings us closer, teaches us something new, and gives us stories to tell forever. Why I’m Starting This Blog I work in the travel industry — planning dream holidays for other families. But planning holidays for my own gang of five? Let’s just say it’s been its own learning curve! Because the truth is: traveling with five kids at different stages of life is a challenge. There’s the emotional rollercoaster of a toddler, the energy of early school kids, and now… a pre-teen who’s very much “over it” when we’re only 10 minutes into a day trip. But there’s also magic. I’ve seen all five of them: • Swim in the ocean together in Spain • Try gelato for the first time in Italy • Sleep like angels (finally!) after a long travel day • Ride the Tower of Terror in Disneyland There’s nothing quite like seeing the world through your children’s eyes — watching them try new foods, splash in foreign seas, or ask questions about cultures completely different from their own. This blog is my way of sharing what I’ve learned along the way — both as a mum of five, and as a holiday expert. What You’ll Find Here I created Travel Mum for families like yours — especially if you have more than the usual 2.4 kids and feel like most family travel advice just doesn’t apply to you. Here’s what you can expect: Honest Do’s and Don’ts - Not every hack works when you’ve got five suitcases, five snack preferences, and one mum trying to stay calm in passport control. I’ll share what’s actually helped us — and what I’ll never do again. Travel Planning Tips - From booking flights that won’t break the bank to finding accommodations that actually fit all of us — I’ve learned a lot through my job and real-life experience. I’ll break it down so you don’t have to stress. Destination & Hotel Reviews - I’ll give you the real scoop on where we go — the good, the bad, and the “this place said it was family-friendly but forgot families come in packs of 7.” Packing & Prep Advice - What to pack (and what to leave at home), how I organise 5 boys' stuff, and how to prep for a trip without needing a holiday from the holiday. Behind the Holiday - Because let’s be honest - the stories that don’t make the brochure are usually the most memorable. Think: toddler vomiting on a ferry. Or all five boys deciding to sprint through an airport. Those stories live here too. Why Big Families Deserve More Support? I know how hard it is to find advice that actually applies when you’ve got a big family. You need more space, more snacks, more patience, and usually a bit more wine. You don’t need perfection. You need realistic, practical ideas and someone who gets it. So whether you're planning your very first family holiday or you're a seasoned pro who just needs new ideas — you’re in the right place. Let’s share tips, swap stories, and figure this big-family travel thing out together. Join the Journey I’d love for you to stick around, comment, and even share your own travel wins and fails. You can also find me on Instagram @LaurenPage_TravelCounsellor and Facebook @LaurenPageTravelCounsellor. Have a question? Want me to cover something specific? Pop it in the comments or send me a message! Thanks for being here Here’s to less stress, more stamps in the passports, and building wild memories with our families.