G Adventures and National Geographic launch Family Journeys partnership

National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures start from £1,349pp (excluding flights) and span 12 countries across five continents, ranging from eight to 13 days in length, with reduced pricing for children aged 12 or below.

Destinations include Morocco and the Sahara desert, the rainforests and coastal regions of Costa Rica, Iceland’s geysers, glaciers and fjords and the wildlife of South Africa, among others.

Each small group tour will be led by two specially trained chief experience officers, with itineraries inspired by National Geographic’s output.

The partners say each trip will feature activities “to best meet children’s and adults’ interests”.

Each activity has been designed around four National Geographic themes: photography and storytelling, history and culture, wildlife and conservation, and exploration.

Family activities include wildlife spotting in Alaska’s national parks where children can earn junior ranger badges; pasta-making and a gladiator school in Italy; sumo wresting and samurai swordplay in Japan; and joining acrobats and circus performers in Cambodia.

The Family Journeys partnerships follows G and National Georgraphic’s Journeys launch in 2015, citing the opportunity to expand into the “ever-growing” family travel market.

“National Geographic Expeditions is thrilled to share the itineraries for the launch of this new line of family trips,“ said Heather Heverling, National Geographic senior vice-president product management.

“These trips reflect National Geographic’s mission to ignite the explorer in all of us and provide unique travel experiences that help us feel more connected to the natural world and the many different cultures in it.

“This expanded partnership with G Adventures has given us a new opportunity to provide one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences to travellers who want to make meaningful, lifelong memories with members of their family.”

Together, G and National Geographic surveyed 569 family travellers late last year to find out what they look for most in a family trip.

Some 85% of respondents said they preferred activities the whole family can enjoy together versus those allowing for separate adult relaxation time, with the research having since guided the development of National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures.

Elsewhere, 81% said they “loved to learn” while travelling; another 73% said they loved the outdoors; while more than 90% of multi-generational travellers said “bonding”, “creating long-lasting memories” and “having fun” were their holiday priorities.

“What really excites me about this new family travel style is how much learning, bonding, adventure and enjoyment is included, for every member of the family, at such an accessible price,” said Brian Young, G Adventures’ managing director EMEA. “Between National Geographic’s rich storytelling and G Adventures’ local expertise, families will discover there is no need for compromise.

“Parents and children will each find something to look forward to from pre-trip materials like family field guides and photography tips to spark a child’s imagination, to unique destination experiences that will impress even the most seasoned adult travellers.”

All 12 trips are bookable through the trade now.