Live chat with William Gray, award winning family travel journalist - Mon 7th July 1-2pm

[CatherineMumsnet]

Hello all,
Just to let you know that we'll be welcoming William Gray for a chat on all things family travel related on Monday July 7th between 1-2pm.

Will has been a travel journalist for over 15 years. He's travelled extensively with his children, Ellie & Joe - now 7, whilst researching his family travel guide Travel With Kids.

So if you're still undecided about your summer and are looking for something a bit different, or if you'd like to know the top 5 destinations at half term and if you'd take toddlers to South America/ india etc, then please come along.

If you can't make it on the day, please post your questions in advance here. Otherwise - see you on Monday.

MNHQ

Okay PPH. You're on. You do remember that I have wee weapons of mass destruction aged 4.5 don't you?

I think marslady deserves an answer!

Well that will make three, since I have a 4.5 year old in my collection as well he he he

Hi everyone

Wow - that hour went by fast. Thanks so much for all your questions. I WILL go through everything above and answer all the questions that have been posted... please bear with me. Thanks again and have a great holiday wherever you decide to go.

Best wishes
Will

Thanks very much to Will for his time and his advice. We'll ensure the remaining answers are put up on the thread. Thanks to everyone who posted questions too.

sorry if I am repeating any questions above but I have to fit this in to the last 3 mins!

we try and offer very family-friendly holidays, supplying equipment and offering advice on everything before and during the holidays, and ensuring thr trips fit in around the childrens' needs. However, the ocuntry we work from is still very new to holidaymakers. Any suggestions for encouraging families to take the first step, to travel to new places? Or do we have to wait for the more adventurous child-free travellers to 'open' it up?

Thanks

bugger!

Hi sara75. Wow, sounds like a great trip!

With a five-month-old (not yet crawling or walking), you?ll need to consider the best way of getting around New York. Obviously you?ll want your buggy/stroller, but I?d also suggest a papoose/baby carrier for extra maneuverability and also to get her above ?exhaust pipe level? as much as possible.

With a child of this age, city breaks can still be quite ?grown-up?. Your daughter will (hopefully!) be content to be wheeled around the odd gallery or museum ? perhaps during her daytime nap. Many of the city?s child-friendly attractions are geared for slightly older children (toddlers and up) with, for example, the American Museum of Natural History and Children?s Museum of Manhattan full of interactive activities. One place I?d definitely make a beeline for, however, is Central Park (www.centralpark.com) where you can visit the Children?s Zoo (64th St) or simply find a shady spot to roll out a rug and relax.

For restaurants, I?d recommend reading Frommer's New York City with Kids by Holly Hughes.

oh good, you're doing over-time...

As you can see, Will is showing extraordinary dedication here and has promised to answer all queries posted... but please don't post any new ones! The man does have a home to go to at some point.

is he taking a break?

stop brewing up for the man, he has work to do

Well tell him that Mumsnet's unofficial luxury travel expert (ie me) thinks he is doing a great job, and clearly knows his stuff....

I reckon he's stuck on my question custy! After all aren't holidays meant for 2 adults and 2 children only? sigh...

Don't try jumping the queue PPH with your compliments.

i happen to think he is v. good looking.

mars, i think you should go to portaventura

Now now custy, calm down. I haven't asked a question, so there is no queuejumping involved. I was just flinging out gratuitous (but well deserved) compliments because I am Such a Nice Person....

PMSL!!!!!!!!

Hi MarsLady
Thank you for being so patient ? and apologies for overlooking your question earlier (these live chats get a bit manic don?t they?!?!).

Sounds like you?ve got your hands full with five aged 4-16. You?re obviously going to be watching your budget so look out for companies that offer single-parent holiday discounts. I know I?ve already mentioned Eurocamp on this chat (I?m not being biased, honest!), but they not only offer such discounts, but they also might well provide the kind of holiday that will keep your tribe happy. They?ve got kids clubs for children aged 5 to 13+, some great locations across Europe and some late availability for this summer. Their packages can be combined with rail travel so you don?t have to drive either.

Hope that?s of some help.

... and I'm trying to put off doing the packing involved for 2 adults and 4 kids going to Greece for a fortnight. (An island in the Cyclades, flight to Athens and then 2 hour ferry, private villa, in case William is interested )

this is true PPH i have noticed that about you. bloody selfless you are SELFLESS! no one appreciates you.

Mars, there's an idea - farm each kid off individually to a different country. then go somewhere with lots of wine

( i live near a vinyard!) shit - you not

I was afore marslady - and she didn't compliment you!

Thank you William. I heart you!

So now I have EuroCamps, PPH's castle and Custy's vineyard. What more could a woman want?

(well, I wouldn't say NO ONE appreciates me...)

you are appreciated PPH

see...see how i do that? i do that all the time... was trying to be NICE!