Whether parents like to admit it or not, children have more of a say than ever when it comes to family holidays. Intrigued by this phenomenon, we set out to explore what exactly children want. And who better to ask than the children themselves? In partnership with our friends over at the ever-popular children’s party planners, Sharky & George, we sent out a survey and then held an event to help us determine what makes a great family holiday. When asked what inspires their love of travel, children (and their parents) cited everything from friends and hobbies to films and books. Using this data, we’ve rounded up a list of the top four children’s books to visit in real life. We can’t ignore almost 64% of children who said a book had made them want to visit somewhere on holiday…
1. The Thieves of Ostia, Caroline Lawrence – Ancient Rome
2. The Explorer, Katherine Rundell – Brazilian Amazon
3. The White Giraffe, Lauren St. John – South Africa
4. A Bear Called Paddington, Michael Bond – Andes, Peru
The Thieves of Ostia, Caroline Lawrence – Ancient Rome
Following the adventures of Flavia Gemina, a Roman sea captain’s daughter, and her three friends, The Thieves of Ostia takes young readers on a journey to ancient Rome, set in 79 AD. The first instalment in The Roman Mysteries series, Lawrence’s tale takes place in the ancient port of Ostia's courtyards, marketplaces and graveyards.
The good news? Your little ones can visit real-life Ostia on your next holiday. Located just a 30-minute train ride from Rome’s city centre, Ostia Antica is today a fascinating archaeological park nestled on the mouth of the Tiber River. Step back in time as you marvel at ancient mosaics, the exquisitely preserved theatre, thermal baths and more. It’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon wandering the ruins and tall Aleppo pines in the sun as the children act out their favourite chapters. Head back into Rome for platefuls of pasta and bowls of creamy gelato in the evening. Bellissimo!
Image by Jerome Galland
The Explorer, Katherine Rundell – Brazilian Amazon
Next up on our list of children’s books to visit in real life takes us deep into the heart of the Amazon. Katherine Rundell’s The Explorer tells the story of four friends travelling back to England from Manaus, Brazil. After their plane crashes in the rainforest below, the children find a map and follow the river to Manaus aboard a raft.
Excited little readers can experience Rundell’s vividly portrayed setting on a family holiday to the Brazilian Amazon. Discover the rich flora and fauna of the rainforest, from the colourful toucan to the sleepy sloth. Listen to the jungle’s soundtrack from the comfort of a cosy lodge before tracking the elusive jaguar by nightfall with an experienced guide. Head out on a boat trip – swapping the raft in The Explorer for a sturdier canoe – and look out for sleek pink river dolphins, giant otters and lurking black caimans. One thing’s for certain: there are plenty of adventures to be had by budding explorers in Brazil…
The White Giraffe, Lauren St. John – South Africa
The third children’s book on the list takes us to the savannahs of South Africa. The White Giraffe tells the story of an orphaned 11-year-old, Martine, who goes to live with her grandmother on a game reserve. St. John’s fantastical story follows Martine’s adventures after discovering a mystical white giraffe on the reserve.
While (spoiler alert) you might not spot a white giraffe on a South African safari, little travellers will find brown-coloured varieties aplenty. Aside from our long-necked friends, see who can tick off the famous Big Five animals (lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos and leopards) first, with the help of seasoned rangers. South Africa is one of the best family-friendly safari destinations and is one that all animal enthusiasts, little and large, will enjoy. Head to the likes of Madikwe and Kwandwe Game Reserves to get the chance to glimpse some of the nation’s abundant wildlife (with the added benefit that both of them malaria-free). Beyond the big game, adults can wind down with a glass of local wine or two from South Africa’s famed Cape Winelands.
Image by Olivier Romano
A Bear Called Paddington, Michael Bond – Andes, Peru
The marmalade-eating, duffle coat-wearing Paddington bear from ‘deepest, darkest Peru’ has been capturing the hearts of children and adults for decades. Telling the tale of the bear’s adoption by the Brown family in London, young readers are inspired by the bear’s mythical homeplace, the Peruvian Andes.
From the must-see ancient Inca settlements of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley to the vast Lake Titicaca and the Mountain of Seven Colours, it’s an unbeatable destination to ignite a passion for travel in would-be globetrotters. Around two-thirds of the species found in the Andes – the longest continental mountain range in the world – are endemic to the region. As well as being home to the spectacled bear (Paddington’s inspiration), animals such as the vicuña, mountain tapir and Andean mountain cat can be found here. Why not combine an Andes trip with a few days' exploration of the country’s capital, Lima? After all, this is where Paddington’s Aunt Lucy lives in the ‘Home for Retired Bears’…
Written by Hannah Whitehall | Header image by Olivier Romano
