When I was approached via my blog by another blogger, Su from Ethan and Evelyn, seven months ago about setting up an Instagram hashtag together I jumped at the chance. Su had this idea that the hashtag would include children and travel and - after much brainstorming via email - we came up with #ExplorerKids.
Recently it has really started to pick up - actually I've just checked the stats and we have had 5543 images tagged!
This amazing community lead to us being invited along to The Family Travel Show in Olympia, London at the weekend.
This is the UK's only event dedicated to family holiday inspiration and boy there was lots of inspiration!
As well as holiday providers and specialists there were lots of interactive activities for the children to take part in. We spoke to a man from The Woodland Trust who was very impressed with our kids and their knowledge of trees.
Each stall had a either some freebies or a competition - we came away with bags and bags of goodies, so if you are planning on visiting next year maybe take a little suitcase on wheels.
The children loved the playhouses from Win Green - they have entered a colouring competition to try and win one.
Finley loved the Go Jetters stand they had colouring activities for the kids as well as a free magazine.
We picked up a Ski Olympic brochure who have a special offer going at the moment and the children also tried on some scuba gear and entered a competition to win a scuba experience with Oyster Diving.
I have to say Tenerife looks very beautiful, we have never been before but there seems like so much to do there, even whale watching and hiking. The kids were also very pleased with their yellow baseball caps and goodie bags too.
Lonely Planet Kids had a great little dress-up area with a polaroid camera. The children all received a book called You Rule! and some top trump cards with facts about countries.
Sharp Shots had set up an area where children could have a photography workshop and try out some digital cameras.
Fly Baden have some great family trips available in the Black Forest in Germany and Hurtigruten do some fantastic Norwegian adventures including Northern Lights trips - if we win that competition I will be over the moon.
My girls had a go in the Mark Warner photobooth whilst Fin chilled out on a deckchair. Mark Warner seem to have a huge variety of family holidays on offer.
Overall I was really impressed with what The Family Travel Show had on offer. It was only £10 per adult and children went in free. We have discovered some great new magazines to read: Absolutely Mama, Smallish and Outdoor Enthusiast.
Two other companies which really stood out were Novasol and KE Adventure Travel
Novasol have over 40,000 holiday homes all over Europe and KE Adventure Travel cater for family hiking and trekking adventures.
Some of the other companies which were there were: Angsana Velavaru, All Points East, Catalan Tourism, CEWE Photobook, Club La Santa, Crystal Cruises, Explore Worldwide, Farmer Palmers and Poole tourism.
It was great to also finally meet (in person) Su from Ethan and Evelyn, my #ExplorerKids co-host. This is is us - Hello!
The kids also really enjoyed themselves and I am now full of wanderlust and am dreaming of finally booking a holiday next year.
I must have entered at least 15 competitions - so I am keeping everything crossed. Now for some light reading.
