Winner:JOINT GOLD Best Bespoke Family Travel Company
Who:Stubborn Mule Travel
What:Travel brand for unique family holidays
Why:
Stubborn Mule Travel crafts adventurous, bespoke holidays for families looking for something a little out of the ordinary. With nearly 15 years of experience travelling with their own children, founder Liddy Pleasants and her team team know exactly what families need and create personalised itineraries for hundreds of exciting destinations around the world.
Whether it’s safaris, swimming, rafting, zip-lining, or exploring beaches, markets, and ancient ruins, Stubborn Mule makes sure every activity is well planned and hitch free, factoring in plenty of time for culture, relaxation, and delicious local cuisine on every trip. They carefully plan age-appropriate activities and provide accommodation with family-friendly layouts so that every member of the group is well looked after. Journeys are planned meticulously making sure every step is well thought out and stress free, whether that be by bus, boat, camel, or canoe!
Committed to responsible tourism, Stubborn Mule works with local hotels, guides, and restaurants, fostering low-impact travel that supports communities and celebrates local traditions, ensuring families experience authentic destinations with care and respect.
“Outstanding attention to detail and a level of personalised care that surpasses many larger providers. Strong, consistent feedback from parents and children alike. A highly impressive company—detail is clearly at the core of its success.”
“A lovely company ethos combined with carefully curated itineraries that prioritise balance and fun. Age-tailored activities, meaningful engagement with local culture, and thoughtful high-end accommodation position this as a standout luxury family travel brand.”
"I love the hands on approach of this travel brand who really do research every destination meticulously, considering every family need. The commitment to using local suppliers, giving both a more authentic and eco-friendly experience really stood out to me."
"If authenticity and unforgettable experiences are your vibe then look no further than Stubborn Mule! Everyone who works at Stubborn Mule is a parent themselves and it shows. Itineraries are meticulously planned, taking into account everyones ages and adventure is balanced with downtime. Stubborn Mule plan the kind of holidays that will have you talking about them for years to come."
What makes it Special...
Why Stubborn Mule Travel is special:
-
Real expertise: They know the best destinations for toddlers, teens, and all ages, as well as the right balance of activities and downtime for each day.
-
Insider knowledge: The team personally scouts hotels, excursions, and experiences that families often couldn’t find on their own, ensuring every itinerary is unique.
-
Genuinely outstanding service: From the first phone call to on-the-ground support, Stubborn Mule provides advice, guidance, and peace of mind for every detail of the trip.
-
24-hour care: Trusted local partners manage daily operations in each destination, supported by round-the-clock UK assistance for any needs or questions.
-
Proven loyalty: Almost 50% of clients return, drawn by the consistent, attentive service and personalised approach.
Stubborn Mule boasts a high number of repeat bookings with many clients returning year after year—some having travelled with the company since their children were in primary school and continuing through university. To ensure every trip is truly personalised, Stubborn Mule offers a family Zoom call before planning begins, giving every member of the family a chance to discuss the experiences they would most like to enjoy during their holiday.
Ideal for...
Stubborn Mule Travel welcomes families of all shapes and sizes—from solo parents with a teenager to multigenerational groups with little ones and grandparents. Every itinerary is designed to bring families closer, creating shared adventures and lasting memories.
Their clients are parents who want to truly travel with their children, exploring together rather than leaving them in a kids’ club. Most trips are privately guided, with drivers handling the logistics, though adventurous families can also choose self-drive options in select destinations, giving them freedom to explore at their own pace.
Junior Fact File
Stubborn Mule Travel designs itineraries around each family’s budget, with a typical two-week holiday for a family of four ranging from £8,000 to £20,000+, including flights, accommodation, and activities.
To help families plan, the team has created a helpful Price Guide blog, offering insight into which destinations suit different budgets and inspiring ideas for those ready to start dreaming about their next adventure.
