Famous Flyer

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This was published 10 years ago

Famous Flyer

Family-friendly: Silver Star Resort in Canada.

Family-friendly: Silver Star Resort in Canada.

With six children, Antonia Kidman knows how to plan family holidays.

WHERE'S THE MOST MEMORABLE PLACE YOU'VE HOLIDAYED WITH YOUR FAMILY?

I like familiarity when it comes to travelling with my six kids - I prefer to leave the adventure stuff for when I travel on my own or with Craig [Marran, her husband], which these days is rare! Phuket's a family favourite - we go in February when the weather's beautiful.

"Stay in the destination for at least 10 days to make it worth the effort": Antonia Kidman.

"Stay in the destination for at least 10 days to make it worth the effort": Antonia Kidman.Credit: Getty Images

AND THE BEST HOTEL YOU'VE STAYED IN WITH THEM?

When we travel as a family we don't stay in hotels, as logistically it just doesn't work. We usually choose self-catering accommodation. This year we're going back to Silver Star Resort in Canada for Christmas - it's very small and family-friendly with great snow.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A RESORT?

Familiarity. With young kids it means a lot not to have surprises and not to be disappointed, and it makes such a difference returning to a place and having people there who know you and what you like. That kind of intimacy is rare in most large resorts, which is why I prefer smaller places.

WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR FLYING WITH KIDS?

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Avoid long-haul flights - if I could I would! But if you're going to do it, stay in the destination for at least 10 days to make it worth the effort.

AND YOUR WORST FAMILY HOLIDAY?

A trip to Indonesia's Bintan Island. Craig and I travelled there for a triathlon but both he and I fell sick. But the kids loved it and to this day talk about it as though it was the greatest place on earth!

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR KIDS NEXT?

Cradle Mountain, O'Reilly's in the Gold Coast hinterland, or some kind of horse-riding lodge.

The Simple Things by Antonia Kidman and Sally Collings is out now through ABC Books. $35, e-book available.

Interview by Nina Karnikowski

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