We talk to Richard Liddle, CEO of new family travel company two point four
When did two point four launch?
We launched in September last year, so are still very new. We will be running our first family trip in May.
Why the family travel market in particular?
I was working in adventure tourism in Oman and we were approached by families who wanted to continue that level of adventure with their kids. In September 2017, we left Oman and went travelling for just under a year with our two-year-old son. It was during this time that I realised the travel industry caters for everyone but families with young children – unless you want a typical fly and flop. For us it was about bridging that gap.
Which destinations are you offering?
We are offering South Africa, Costa Rica (pictured below) and Bali to begin with; we are hoping to add Croatia and Morocco in the coming months. We don’t offer flights so the trip starts on the ground.
What does a typical trip look like?
We take three or four families away for 10 to 12 nights. Trips are about adventure, wellness, food experiences and immersing yourself in the local culture. Children aren’t in kids’ clubs - where they could be anywhere in the world – but experiencing the region first hand. We move around but typically spend three to four nights in each location. Transfers are via small, high end buses with three-point seat belts and isofix for car seats.
You mentioned the childcare – how does that work?
We’ve teamed up with a company called Worldwide Kids who do childcare for resorts around the globe. They re-wrote their policies and procedures for us so that one of them could come on each trip to oversee the childcare. If the parents are doing a hike in the morning, the kids will do another activity. Within a 10-12 day trip, we would offer two to three babysitting nights but holidaymakers can pay for more if they want. The ideal age range for children is two to five because of the childcare we have in place, but older siblings are welcome too.
What about meal times?
In Bali (pictured below) one of the activities is a cooking lesson - the kids will watch and then eat. When they go to bed, the adults can have a glass of wine and eat what has been cooked. It’s getting that balance of spending time with your children and being a grown up.
What type of activities do you offer?
Hiking, stand up paddle boarding, snorkelling, surfing and cycling; we also organise visits to local farms, dance classes, family yoga and massages for adults. Shared experiences for parents and children include ranger programmes, cooking classes and scavenger hunts. We factor in plenty of downtown too so parents and children can relax.
What’s the accommodation like?
Mainly four star small, homely resorts like farm stays, boutique properties or game reserves (for South Africa). We try to avoid big chains where possible, although all properties will have a pool.
Do you cater for solo parents?
Yes we run trips especially for solo parents – there are a lot of challenges in this demographic so aim to be that extra pair of hands; even moving luggage at the airport can be challenging. Parents can talk to the childcare provider on Whats App before the trip to feel fully at ease and meet other like-minded parents on the trip.
How much does a holiday of this nature cost?
A 12-night trip to Bali costs from £2,595 per adult and 2,195 GBP per child including airport transfers, 11, nights’ four-star accommodation, local transportation, an English speaking guide, childcare, all activities, three babysitting nights and most meals.
What’s would be your message to readers of Baggage magazine?
Don’t get caught up in the things that children do or don’t do, like fussy eating, tantrums, etc – let us worry about all of that. We want the whole family to be fully immersed in culture while also getting a break. Our job is to focus on that bigger picture.
twopointfourtravel.com