Over the years, we've travelled extensively with our children to destinations across the world. Looking back, I've realised that the holidays we still talk about today all have one thing in common.

They weren't memorable because of the hotel, or because we managed to see every attraction. They were memorable because they struck the right balance.

When our children were 4 and 6, we went to Germany for our summer holiday and it was a turning point in how I planned family travel. Instead of spending our holiday in one resort, we combined Munich with a high-speed train to Nuremberg, a visit to Playmobil FunPark, and a relaxing stay beside Lake Tegernsee in the Bavarian Alps.

That holiday showed me that family trips didn't have to be either sightseeing or beach holidays. They could be both active and relaxing, educational and fun.

Since then, every itinerary I've created for my own family has been built around the same four elements.

1. Shared Experiences

The best family memories are usually created when everyone is involved.

It could be white-water rafting in Bali, a cooking class or gardening in Vietnam, a wildlife tour, or even learning a traditional craft together.

The activity itself is less important than sharing the experience.

2. Learning Something New

One of the greatest benefits of travel is discovering something you simply couldn't learn at home.

Whether it's learning how maple syrup is produced in Quebec, doing a guided nature walk in Bali, or understanding the history behind a destination, these experiences add depth to a holiday and often become the stories children remember years later.

3. Connecting with the Local Culture

Every destination has its own traditions, history, and way of life.

For our family, this meant experiencing matsuris (summer festivals) in Japan, rice planting in Thailand, and tours through the medinas of Marrakech and Fez, led by local guides.

Experiencing a destination, rather than simply observing it, helps create a much stronger connection to the places we visit.

4. Downtime

This is one that is often forgotten about or not thought through enough – and I’ve been guilty of this myself.

It's tempting to fill every day with activities, especially on a long-haul holiday, but some of our favourite memories have come from afternoons by the pool or relaxing at the beach.

Building downtime into an itinerary means everyone returns home refreshed rather than exhausted.

The Destination Changes. The Formula Doesn't.

Whether we’ve travelled, I've found that the same four elements consistently create the most memorable family holidays.

Every family is different, so the experiences themselves will change depending on your children's ages, interests, and the destination you choose.

But aiming for a balance of shared experiences, learning, cultural connection, and downtime is one of the simplest ways to turn a good family holiday into one you'll still be talking about years later.

If you're planning a family holiday and aren't sure where to start, think beyond the destination. The most memorable trips aren't measured by where you go - they're measured by what you experience together.