EDITOR'S LETTER:

Throughout my 44 (young) years, I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively, from family holidays in Belize, Tunisia and caravans in Cornwall when little, to more intrepid trips around Sri Lanka, Brazil and Costa Rica when old enough to choose my own destination. But it’s the memories of those early adventures that ripple to the surface most frequently and vividly, often more so than recent trips. Perhaps for the wide-eyed wonder children approach adventures and their brains, like little sponges, soaking up every droplet of each experience.

Now, I enter a whole new phase of my travels – travelling with my own child. It certainly adds a different dynamic – more suitcases, millions of snacks, a slower pace, and a well-executed itinerary to avoid the ‘I’m bored’ soundtrack. But it also brings joy at seeing the world through her unjaded eyes, watching as she drinks in new cultures, places and people and learns about life outside her Dubai bubble.

So, with family adventures in mind, this month we go slow in the Seychelles, learning to reconnect as a family; explore some of the world’s best theme parks through a luxury lens; and venture to the Galápagos Islands on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to seek out sea lions.

We also take you to Japan, Andalusia, Azerbaijan and AlUla and explore some of the region’s most beautiful staycations, such as the new family-friendly Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai.

Happy travels until next month...

Emily Baxter-Priest