Editor’s Letter.

MY HOLIDAY memories are probably not so different from those of other children of the ’70s. Twelve-hour car trips, an invisible line in the back seat between my sister and me (woe betide anyone who dared to cross it) and a beach holiday at the Gold Coast that seemed to last forever.

But when I took my daughters on their first overseas holiday for our wrap-up of the best family-friendly islands in Fiji (page 98), it struck me that their holiday memories have the potential to be vastly different to mine.

For a start, they’ve never been in the car for longer than three hours. Each Christmas, we fly north (yes, to the Gold Coast) or south (to Hobart). They’re both members of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program and while they won’t be appointed Platinum any time soon, they’re slowly racking up a few points.

They’re not alone. Almost half a million children under 18 are members of Qantas’s Frequent Flyer program. And countries like Fiji not only pride themselves on being kid friendly, they also rely on the family dollar to boost tourism.

There are obvious benefits for children who have the opportunity to go overseas. International travel teaches kids perspective and gives them life skills. It’s fun and enriching. It exposes them to different cultures and languages – and can give them an appreciation of how lucky we are.

Most important of all are the memories that are created. As a child, most of my holidays were spent at my grandparents’ house and whenever my family gets together, we often recall the adventures – and the mishaps – we had.

My daughters’ holidays may be more varied. They may learn more about the world around them. But I suspect the feelings evoked by us being together and sharing experiences as a family will be much the same.

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Kirsten Galliott Editor-in-Chief