UAE mum: ‘Pre-COVID-19, we spent six months travelling’

Before COVID-19 stalled flights and created roadblocks, British expat Amanda Ashworth and her family would spend almost 6 months out of 12 travelling. “So we've [her partner and three children, aged 2, 4 and 13] done long trips in India and Australia. We might immerse ourselves in a community or do road trips.

“A few years ago we had a recreational vehicle and we went from Melbourne to Sydney,” says the soon-to-be Dubai-based mum. “We've done day trips [while in the UK]. And then, we've done a combination of road and train trips throughout Europe.”

Now, says the enthusiastic e-commerce site owner, “We’ve relocated to Dubai, it will enable us to travel in that region more.”

This passion for travel was given wings about six years ago. “I took my son out of school, which enabled us to travel more. So for the last six years, we've been able to travel throughout the year because none of the children had been in school. But as of September, two of them are going into school.”

The way it works, she explains, is by following the British curriculum; having tutors and classes online; and taking advantage of learning opportunities that travel affords. “So, for example, when we were in Japan or in India, he [the eldest] did lessons with an art teacher there,” she explains. This fosters learning is various contexts. “My eldest has just done some of his exams. He's done some of his exams two years early,” she says.

Her husband works full-time, but he is able to work remotely. “That gives us a bit more flexibility. But it also means that we can only travel slowly if he's with us. And we have to have good internet connection. And I spent COVID-19, building up online businesses, so I could work from anywhere. So I generally work in the evenings when the children are asleep.”

The first time Ashworth’s daughter went on holiday was when she was a month old. “We travelled with my little one, Aarthi, when she was a month old. So we delayed my husband's paternity leave, so he could come with us then. Luckily, because of the age gap, my 13 year old is very, very helpful. But obviously, the more children you have, I think the tougher it is.”

Family friendly recommendations

Ashworth says her top choices for travel with the kids are:

1. India: “We love India. In terms of having children in India, everybody is so, so friendly and so receptive to children, it does make it a lot easier,” she explains.

2. Barcelona: The Spanish city, she says, has really good facilities, it has an excellent science museum. And lots of history to share with the children.

3. Bruno: “One of the places that surprised us in terms of museums and things of children was Bruno,” she says.

Want to try travelling as a family for months on end?

It’s certainly not for everyone. However, if you think it may be just the thing your heart desires, here are some things to bear in mind.

Do a trial run: “Take smaller trips prior to making the big decision to make it full time. We've been we've been working up to it for a few years now,” says Ashworth. For the UAE’s residents, the upcoming break in July may be a perfect time to test the waters.

Upskill yourself: “If you're wanting to move away from conventional work, start upskilling yourself, so you can move to online work,” she adds.

Be prepared for mishaps: There’s lots you have to be able to deal with, flight cancellations and lost baggage and changes, she says. “I was denied a flight when I was eight months pregnant. And suddenly we had to go to a hospital and get a doctor's letter. And so you have to be able to cope with changes. And I think, just embrace it,” she says.

The rewards are mani-fold: “Travel really has shaped our children. Even our four-year-old still talks about traveling, even though we've only recently just taken our first trip again since COVID-19,” she says.

Bonding time: It's made them stronger as a family unit, she explains. ‘‘Obviously, we've created a lot of memories together. So the bond between the children and the time that I get to spend with the children is amazing.’’

Confidence topper: The kids are really happy to go up and speak to somebody and ask for directions. They're really open-minded to trying new foods, and they just really embrace new cultures, says Ashworth.

It was a cheerful morning in Goa about three years ago, when Ashworth realised why her nomadic lifestyle just seemed to work. “I was walking on the beach with my daughter in the morning before breakfast, and we'd actually travelled with just hand luggage. And it made me realise that I didn't need anything else. The material things I had in my life didn't make me happy. And that was probably the happiest I've been right then,” she says.

Two weeks from now, the traveling family arrives in Dubai; the summer will be spent exploring the Emirates. “We want to go to Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah. We want to see Oman. We're going to Australia at Christmas. We are possibly going to be going Sri Lanka. We love Asia – this move will enable us to explore it more,” she adds.

Like the thought of the lifestyle but unsure of where to head? Here’re some family-friendly hot spots to check out over the next Eid break (which is expected in the first week of July).

Goa

Travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes (fastest, without stops).

Flight requirements: India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on its website explains that all travellers should:

a. Submit complete and factual information in self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal.

b. Upload a negative COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) report. The test should have been conducted within 72 hours prior to undertaking the journey.

OR

Certificate of vaccination against COVID-19

c. Each passenger shall also submit a declaration with respect to authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution, if found to be lying.

Why should you take the family: Sun, sand and nips of cool wind await travellers looking for something to do here. But besides this, there are also a number of churches and forts that are sure to excite history lovers. Then there’s the Wildernest Nature Resort, where one can take a family-friendly trek, and spice plantations where you get a close-up of how masalas are grown and processed and sold.

Mauritius

Flight time: 6h 35m (non-stop from Dubai)

Flight requirements: You don’t need a negative PCR test before flying to Mauritius.

However, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, says that before taking off, travellers must fill:

Note: You will need to have a mandatory antigen test on arrival at your hotel (day 0). This may be chargeable. If you are vaccinated with Sputnik Light, you will be required to take a PCR at the airport, says the ministry on its website.

Why you should take the family: Among reasons to land up here is the snorkelling you can do at Blue Bay marine park; the swimming you can do while exploring Dalblair shipwreck at Point d’Ensy, which dates back to 1902; and the lush flora at the National Botanic Gardens.

Salalah, Oman

Flight time: 1hr 55 mins

Flight requirements: Oman is now open for tourism, but visitors meet the COVID-19 health requirements. These are:

1. COVID-19 vaccination certificate: Oman’s approved vaccines in 2022 are

The last dose must have been received at least 14 days before arrival. The certificate needs a QR code and must be approved by authorities in the country of departure.

Oman nationals and travellers under the age of 18 are exempt from this requirement.

2. Proof of medical insurance to travel to Oman: The health insurance must cover at least 30 days of treatment for COVID-19.

Nationals of Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are exempt.

3. Online registration for passengers: Passengers are no longer required to register online before traveling to Oman.

Why you should take the family: When in the very, very green Salalah, look at the thriving indigenous flora and fauna at the wildlife reserve of Jabal Samhan, which is home to the endangered Arabian leopard. Also check out the small fishing village, Taqah, about 33km away. It’s home to a 19th century castle that houses museums and glimpses of traditional Omani lifestyle.

Sri Lanka

Flight time: 4h 30m

Flight requirements: According to Emirates Airline, fully vaccinated travellers don’t need to take any COVID 19 tests before travelling to Sri Lanka.

However, travellers who have recovered from COVID 19 between seven days and six months before the date of departure, and who have been vaccinated at least with a single dose of a two-dose vaccine 14 days before travel must present a positive COVID 19 PCR or rapid antigen test result in English as proof that they were previously infected.

Children below 12 years old are exempt from the pre departure COVID 19 testing requirement.

All other travellers over 12 who are not fully vaccinated must have a negative COVID-19 test certificate in English for a PCR test conducted within 72 hours of departure or a rapid antigen test conducted within 48 hours of departure.

On arrival: Passengers who have received the recommended doses of any COVID 19 vaccine 14 days before travel are exempt from the on arrival PCR testing requirement. Passengers over 12 who are not vaccinated or who have not completed the recommended doses of an approved vaccine must undergo a day 1 COVID 19 PCR test at the airport at their own expense of $40.

Foreign nationals are allowed entry if they have obtained an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), landing endorsement or residence visa. Have a copy of your ETA with you at all times to avoid delays on arrival.

All Foreign National Passport Holders require travel insurance with an adequate cover for COVID-19 hospitalisation up to 14 days in addition to planned duration of stay in Sri Lanka.

Health declaration forms:

Why you should take the family: Does your child know how to ride the waves yet? Head over to one of the surf schools around Arugam Bay or Pottuvil Point for an epic lesson. Try a safari at the national park Yala, where you can see crocodiles, elephants and even leopards. Take a train ride in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country – the cool air and picture-perfect route will mesmerize even the fussiest child.

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