Madagascar: A Family Adventure That Shapes Young Minds | Child Friendly Travel
By Robin Swanepoel on 14th August, 2024
Child friendly travel to Madagascar – has it crossed your mind?
Madagascar is often overlooked as a family holiday destination, but it’s a hidden gem that offers an extraordinary and transformative experience. My recent trip with my 10-year-old son was an eye-opening adventure that left a lasting impact and has hopefully shaped his mind.
Here are my five takeaways from the trip and why I recommend you travel to Madagascar.
Child friendly travel to Madagascar means: Life-Changing Experiences Beyond the Beach
While the allure of pristine beaches and exotic wildlife is undeniable, Madagascar offers so much more. It’s a place, where everyday experiences, can shape a child’s perspective in profound ways.
My son, for instance, became a self-proclaimed vanilla connoisseur after tasting the real deal. We brought home a bunch of vanilla pods and some artisanal vanilla extract. In a father and son bonding session, we set out to make custard-style homemade vanilla ice cream (with choc chips). The difference between this and store-bought ice cream was night and day and has sparked a newfound appreciation for authentic flavours. Sadly, it didn’t last long enough for photos to be taken, as it was devoured within minutes… and yes, you guessed it, it was quickly followed by “Daddy, when can we make more?”. Such post-holiday interactions leave a lasting mark for years to come. Not only do they reinforce the holiday memory, they create fun family bonding sessions, whilst learning (tasty) new skills.
Embracing Cultural Differences
Madagascar is a melting pot of cultures, and experiencing this firsthand can be incredibly enriching for children. Aside from being the global leader in vanilla production, it is a developing nation, struggling with its unique challenges. For instance, vanilla orchid flowers require hand pollination within eight hours of blossoming, or else they whither. Vanilla farmers are some of the poorest and most hard-hit globally. The price of vanilla pods plummeted in 2023 to £1.8 per kilogram, whereas the cost of living is £1.9 per person per day. This is mindboggling as only approximately 350kg of green vanilla can be harvested per 1 hectare. And that is the wet weight! Acknowledging the economic disparities between our lives and those of the Malagasy people. My son gained a deeper understanding of gratitude and empathy by witnessing the warmth and resilience of the local community.
Child-friendly travel in Madagascar for Building Confidence
My son had an unforgettable encounter with lemurs on Nosy Antshoa. Our guide pulled a banana out of his pocket, peeled it and gave it to my son. Within a flash, my son had several lemurs clambering all over him eager to get to the tasty treat. Initially hesitant, he gradually warmed up to these gentle creatures and developed a newfound respect for wildlife. This experience helped him step outside his comfort zone and build confidence, and now desperately wants one as a pet.
Discipline on Holiday: An Unexpected Ally
Discipline isn’t a word often associated with holidays. It’s more synonymous with early mornings, strict routines, and self-denial. But as it turns out, discipline can be a surprising ally when embarking on a family adventure.
Our recent trip to Madagascar was a testament to this. Long flights, car journeys, and the inevitable adjustments to a new time zone can test even the most patient parent. Yet, amidst the chaos, I discovered a surprising source of calm: my son’s unwavering fascination with the world around him.
The moment we stepped off the plane, he was captivated. Every new sight, sound, and smell was a source of endless wonder. There was no need for the usual distractions of screens or toys; the real world was far more captivating. As we journeyed through the island, hours spent in the car were transformed into opportunities for discovery. The ever-changing landscape, from lush rainforests to arid plains, unfolded before his eyes, a living, breathing storybook.
It was in these moments that I realized the true value of discipline. Not in the restrictive sense, but in the ability to focus, be present, and appreciate the world’s simple beauty. And in doing so, I found myself equally captivated, reconnecting with a sense of wonder I thought long lost. Who’d have thought that child-friendly travel to Madagascar would materially change how I approach each day.
So, while discipline may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a family holiday, it’s a quality that can enrich the experience in unexpected ways. It allows us to fully immerse ourselves in new environments, to connect with our children on a deeper level, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Developing Essential Life Skills
Beyond the fun and adventure, child friendly travel to Madagascar offers invaluable opportunities for personal growth. My son learned about adaptability, acceptance, and social skills. These experiences will undoubtedly shape him into a well-rounded and compassionate individual.
I believe that travel is an investment in our children’s future. Madagascar has given us a lifetime of memories and instilled in my son a sense of wonder, curiosity, and empathy that I hope will stay with him forever.
Have you ever considered taking your family to a destination that’s off the beaten path?
If a Family Adventure to Madagascar sounds like a great way to shape young minds, email Robin at madagascar@fleewinter.com or call us at (UK) 020 7112 0019. We specialise in private, bespoke holidays to ensure you make the most of your time on this magical island.
Written by Robin Swanepoel
Top Travel Tip
I only have one piece of advice, “travel with loved ones“…
Travelling with loved ones is more than just a vacation; it’s an investment in relationships. Not only does it broaden your perspective, these shared moments become a treasure trove of shared memories. When life’s complexities arise, revisiting these memories can provide solace, laughter, and a renewed sense of connection.
