Pelorus launches 'Junior' division
Pelorus has launched a dedicated family division featuring 'shadow itineraries' that echo grown up experiences with kid-friendly variations. Olivia Palamountain reports
After observing a 45% rise in family travel bookings since 2023, Pelorus has taken steps to move into the family travel space with the launch of Pelorus Junior.
These trips involve Pelorus’ Junior Adventure Hosts, passionate educators and adventure enthusiasts who will deliver personalised experiences for each child whilst opening their eyes to different cultures and the importance of protecting the planet.
Whilst planning these hyper-personalised private trips, Pelorus’ designers and adventure hosts collaborate with families to create specialist "shadow itineraries" – parallel travel plans curated specifically for children.
Pelorus CEO and co-founder Geordie Mackay-Lewis says: “Pelorus Junior is born out of a need to cater to and inspire the ever-growing Generation Alpha. As well-travelled millennials explore the world with their children, this youthful demographic will undoubtedly exert more influence over travel decisions and at Pelorus we have seen booming demand for educational family trips.”
Created with the differing interests and energy levels of young travellers in mind, these maximise engagement for younger travellers while giving parents the opportunity to enjoy their own moments.
Example of the activities include a magical sleigh ride listening to fairytales from the local Sami culture, parallel to a thrilling snowmobile experience in Finnish Lapland; taking part in vital ocean research, parallel to trekking in Madagascar; meeting local children and learning about different ways of life, parallel to exploring monasteries in Bhutan and meeting the monks who live there.
“Many clients are putting their children at the heart of the trip planning process,” adds Pelorus co-founder, Jimmy Carroll. “Our travel designers and Junior guides are working with the children to build experiences around their imagination, their passions and what they’re learning at school.
“As more millennial parents are now travelling with their kids, their needs have changed. We realised we need to plan itineraries for different age groups and different energy levels in order for each member of the family to truly enjoy their holiday.
“We present the Junior itineraries to the kids so they can have input, which makes the trip more meaningful and helps to create a seamless experience for the entire family. And as we all know…happy kids, happy parents!”
Four sample itineraries:
Exceedingly diverse, Morocco is home to dramatic mountains, ancient villages and sweeping deserts; the perfect location for a family adventure. Start in Marrakech in two vintage motorcycles, complete with sidecars, for a view of some of the more exclusive sights. Next on the agenda, a hot air balloon flight over the Haouz Plain for aerial views over the stunning High Atlas Mountains.
From here, it’s off to the Toubkal National Park for trekking, lunch and a high-octane dune-buggy adventure deep into the Agafay stone desert. Finally, continue down to the Sahara Desert before enjoying valley hikes, lunch in a local house with a family, and visits to Berber markets. Visit between March – May or September – October for the ultimate taste of Moroccan life.
From £18,500 pp based on 2 adults and 2 children, for 5 nights including the Pelorus Junior Adventure Host
A family winter adventure in Sweden and Finland
Between November – April, go in search of the Aurora on this magical family journey through Lapland’s winter wonderland, exploring the beautiful snowy forests of Sweden and the festive marvels of Finland. Begin in the northern region of Swedish Lapland and witness the incredible Northern Lights, with nightly privately guided adventures to spot the Aurora Borealis amidst the starry Arctic skies. Expect everything from dogsledding, snowmobiling and reindeer sleigh rides across winter landscapes, to meeting with indigenous Sami communities. Next up, head to Finland for a series of ultra special festive family encounters, including visits from Santa’s elves, trips to a secret toy factory, explorations of Santa’s workshop and even a personal meeting with Santa Claus himself! All the while, stay in ultimate luxury, from cosy log cabins in secluded forests to stunning glass-fronted suites with dramatic views, perfectly situated for easy access to all the best winter activities.
From £20,500 pp based on 2 adults and 2 children, for 8 nights including the Pelorus Junior Adventure Host
A family yacht adventure in Madagascar
Explore West Madagascar’s oasis-like canyons, sandstone plateaus, and towering rainforests on an epic adventure by yacht charter – be it Suri for up to 12 guests or Bleu de Nimes for up to 28. Start by exploring the ‘Perfumed Island’ of Nosy Ve by a submarine before heading to Isalo National Park by helicopter. Next, visit the Mikea Forest to meet Madagascar’s last nomadic ethnic group and afterwards, a real pirate! More exploration via helicopter awaits, including to the Makay Massif, Mangoky river, the Tsingy de Bemaraha, the Betsiboka river, Sahamalaza Peninsula and the country’s highest peak – the Moromokotro. Additional highlights include kayaking through the mangroves in Baly Baly, discovering the lost paradise of Anjajavy, diving in Greg Wall and uncovering a Ylang-Ylang, cocoa, and vanilla plantation.
Price on Application
A family adventure on the Peruvian Amazon
Set off to the Peruvian Amazon between June – October and experience one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet. Head deep into the dense lowland jungle of Peru to embark on an adventure filled with fascinating wildlife encounters and unique experiences starting in Iquitos. Expect to discover plenty of rivers and lakes, including the Yarapa River, Nauta Caño, Tapiche River, Yanalpa River and Clavero Lake – experienced by skiff, paddleboard and kayak. Delicious lunches and local markets await, alongside visits to remote Amazonian villages and the fantastic Manatee Rescue Centre.
Price on Application
