Travel Hacks for Families with Young Kids

roadtripping with kids

Originally Published on Protea.marriott.com

For most parents, just surviving a restaurant trip with an active toddler can prove quite daunting. So when the prospect of an overnighter, road trip or flight comes up, it’s no wonder that the thought alone sends many a parent into a sweaty mild panic.
Here are some travel hacks that have helped me survive and even thrive with my son during his 17th months:

Sea La Vie | Coastal Getaways

south africa coastal getaways

Originally published in Sawubona Magazine, March 2022.
As the last of summer stretches out over the southern hemisphere, savour sunny shores and long days with your family at some of these seaside spots.

Reconnecting Humanity

reconnecting humanity

Originally Published in OutThere Mag, 2022.
Realising that to be truly inclusive, you have to create belonging, this new breed of experiences – by people of colour, for people of colour and their friends – seeks to reconnect individuals with and reimagine what black spaces in Cape Town should really be.

Building a Bridge through Wine

khayelitsha wine

Originally Published in House & Leisure SA, 2022.
Lauren Manuel McShane engages with a new narrative surrounding Cape Town’s wine culture, and chats to tenacious entrepreneur, Lindile Ndzaba whose brand, Khayelitsha’s Finest Wines, is paving this connection

Where the Wild Things Are | South Africa

Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal

Originally published in Juice Mag, 2016.
While road tripping through Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal expecting only solace and deserted coastline, I was met instead with the wild, fearless beauty of a region thriving with life in abundance. 

Top 10 Quirky Stays | South Africa

quirky stays south africa

Originally published in Sawubona Magazine, 2019.
Life is too short for boring accommodation, so if you’re going to travel, why not try something truly out of the ordinary like a wigwam, train, tipi, castle or a container?

Experience a Transformation | South Africa

transformational travel south africa

Originally published in Juice Magazine, Oct 2019.
The Transformational Travel Council believes in travelling to intentionally stretch, learn and grow into new ways of being and engaging with the world. 

Time Out | South Africa

south africa retreats

Originally published in Juice Mag, Dec 2019.
As you bid farewell to 2019, allow yourself to withdraw from life and its endless demands for a while. Lauren Manuel shares a few retreats for some precious ‘me’ time.

The Heart of an Activist

Lucina evans

Originally published in Sawubona Mag, 2020.
Lucinda Evans of the gang-ridden Lavender Hills in Cape Town was named one of BBC’s List of 100 Inspiring and Influential Women around the World 2019.

Malaria-free Game Reserves for Families | South Africa

Malaria-free game reserves south africa

Originally published in Juice Magazine, Aug 2019.
Wondering what to do with young kids on a bush holiday and not keen on the hassles of malaria medication? Lauren Manuel suggests child-friendly stays at malaria-free game reserves throughout South Africa.