Olympic Champion Greg Rutherford Shares Secrets to the Ideal Family Holiday: Let the Kids Take the Lead
Poinews.com – Family vacations demand a careful blend of excitement and ease. How can parents ensure outings remain enjoyable for all ages while keeping stress at bay? Olympic gold medalist Greg Rutherford, once a standout in long jump, has a compelling perspective on this. After retiring from elite sports in 2018 due to injury, he shifted focus to a new role: promoting child-led holiday planning.
A Legacy Beyond the Track
Rutherford’s athletic achievements span multiple continents, including gold at London 2012 and bronze at Rio 2016. He has also competed in the Commonwealth Games, European Championships, and World Championships. However, since becoming a parent, his priorities have evolved. “Before children, we’d tour cities for hours, visiting historical spots and museums,” he shared with Euronews Travel, highlighting a change in his approach.
Now, his family includes two sons and a daughter, with his fiancée Susie Verrill by his side. “Our youngest is five, and she’s actively involved in deciding our activities,” Rutherford noted, emphasizing the value of collaborative planning. This shift has transformed his travel philosophy, blending relaxation with engaging experiences.
Collaborating with Marriott Bonvoy
Partnering with Marriott Bonvoy, the hotel loyalty program, Rutherford champions the idea of letting children shape family itineraries. “Sometimes the best trips happen when you hand over the reins,” he said in a social media post. During a recent Barcelona getaway, his children led the way in choosing dining spots and activities, with the hotel’s kids’ menu becoming a favorite.
Marriott Bonvoy’s research aligns with this approach, revealing that children prioritize simplicity, freedom, and family time. “They don’t want complex schedules,” explained Andrew Watson, EMEA’s Chief Commercial Officer at Marriott International. “What they crave is flexibility, joy, and moments spent together.”
What Kids Truly Want
The study highlighted key desires: 63% of children dream of unstructured breakfast buffets, while 58% look forward to ice cream at lunch. Staying up late also topped the list for 53% of respondents. “Freedom and control are rare for kids, so having it on vacation makes a big difference,” Rutherford observed, noting how these elements create happier, more memorable trips.
Yet, children also voice specific needs. A large pool with water slides was a top choice for 57% of participants, while 30% disliked tidying their rooms and 39% feared boredom. Additionally, 35% expressed a preference for avoiding adult-only activities. These insights guide the design of family-friendly travel experiences.
Health and Fun in Harmony
Despite his new role, Rutherford remains active. “We’re not a family that sits still for a week,” he said, mentioning activities like bike rentals, local hikes, and water sports. Even during travel, he and his partner prioritize fitness and nutrition, balancing it with downtime.
However, juggling health and relaxation as a father of three is no small task. Rutherford admitted he’s “pretty terrible” at unwinding, often using school hours to exercise. “We save rest for holidays,” he joked, underscoring the importance of intentional downtime for both parents and children.
By involving kids in planning, Rutherford believes families can create more fulfilling vacations. “Letting them choose adds joy and purpose,” he said, offering a fresh take on what makes a holiday truly perfect.
