Winner:GOLD Best Adventure Holiday for Families
Who:Stubborn Mule Travel
What:Travel Brand specialists in creating adventurous holidays
Why:
Stubborn Mule Travel specialises in creating unforgettable holidays for adventurous families. Drawing on first-hand experience and on-site research, the team tailors each trip around children’s ages, family interests, and individual needs, ensuring every journey feels personal and effortless.
The Junior Travel Award judges commented on the fantastic range of options available to families who can choose from a broad range of exciting activities like diving, rafting, zip-lining, or cycling through lush landscapes or for those who prefer a slower pace, beach life, pottering through local markets, or discovering ancient ruins. Every itinerary is meticulously planned, from daily pace to the minimum ages for activities. Accommodation is also carefully thought out with varying options for families who want to stay close. Everything is taken care of so families can focus on being together rather than logistics.
Responsible tourism is at the heart of every Stubborn Mule experience; this travel brand partners with locally owned hotels, guides, and restaurants, supporting communities and low-impact travel wherever possible.
Our judges agreed that Stubborn Mule creates holidays that gives the best of both worlds – thrill and calm, exploration and downtime, cosiness and adventure, giving families a series of magical memories and the chance to stretch their wings and relax along the way.
“I can see that with Stubborn Mule Travel, families are in expert hands, leaving you free to relax while every detail is taken care of. Kids will delight in sharing adventures with their parents - watching mum squeal down a zip line or dad conquer his fear of heights - making it the perfect first family adventure. Tailored for active families who want more than a sunlounger, their tried-and-tested Costa Rica itinerary turns a holiday into an unforgettable experience, creating a taste for adventure and lifelong memories kids will want to relive year after year!”
“An incredible adventure from start to finish - the destination, the activities, the zip-line through the jungle - a truly memory-making holiday. I love that the trips are flexible and can be tailored to a family’s needs and children’s ages, and the bespoke approach really sets them apart. The locations are a big draw, offering a far-flung adventure families will never forget, even if the accommodation isn’t traditionally luxurious - it’s the experiences that truly shine.”
“Stubborn Mule is a wonderfully well-run company, with trips that are clearly researched and curated by a team whose love of travel and adventure shines through. Holidays are tailor-made for each family, taking into account ages and interests, and while some accommodations aren’t luxurious, the settings are stunning and the experiences are what really matter. With social-media-friendly adventures, tested itineraries (often with their own children!), and thoughtful attention to detail, you can relax knowing every part of the trip has been carefully considered.”
“Such an interesting and creative selection of holidays! The itineraries are carefully planned for all ages, from toddlers to teens, with something to suit every kind of family holiday. The creative trips really stand out - dolphin spotting in Uvita sounds particularly dreamy - making this a collection of holidays that inspire adventure and memorable family experiences.”
What makes it Special...
Costa Rica was one of the first destinations Stubborn Mule Travel offered outside Asia and remains a firm favourite. Available year-round, it is ideal for families seeking their first big adventure, combining wildlife, beaches, and outdoor experiences in one seamless journey.
Every holiday is bespoke, with sample itineraries for Easter, Christmas, or summer. In winter and early spring, families explore San José, spot dolphins and whales in Uvita, and wander through Manuel Antonio National Park, where playful monkeys, colourful kingfishers, mangroves, and pristine beaches await. At La Fortuna, beneath the striking Arenal Volcano, white-water rafting, zip-lining, tubing on the Rio Celeste, suspension bridges, horse-riding to waterfalls, and visits to working farms promise adventure, balanced with some restorative beach downtime.
For summer, the spotlight moves to the Caribbean coast, where turtle nesting in Tortuguero, rainforest and volcano excursions, chocolate-making in rural Bijagua, and stretches of sun-soaked beach ensure variety and wonder. Families travel at their own pace, either by private transfer or self-drive, making the experience flexible and effortless.
To craft each itinerary perfectly, Stubborn Mule arranges a pre-trip Zoom call to understand children’s ages, interests, and rhythms. The result is a fully personalised, adventure-filled escape, where families can connect, explore, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Each year, Stubborn Mule Travel staff—often with their own children—visit Costa Rica to test hotels and activities, ensuring every experience meets the company’s high standards. On a recent trip, four team members spent ten days familiarising themselves with itineraries, so every family holiday runs smoothly and memorably.
Ideal for...
Stubborn Mule Travel caters to families of all shapes and sizes, with a clear focus on creating holidays that bring parents and children together.
Their tailor-made Costa Rica experience is a top-seller, popular with children aged six and up, adored by teens, and adaptable even for toddlers. Well-organised and friendly, Costa Rica is ideal for a family’s first truly adventurous holiday. Its wide range of activities—from adrenaline-fuelled adventures to serene wildlife encounters—ensures that no one is ever bored.
Clients are typically parents who want to make the most of their time with their children, sharing experiences and adventures that create lasting memories.
Junior Fact File
Stubborn Mule Travel’s tailor-made Costa Rica holidays are typically 14 nights and 15 days, with prices starting from £14,300 per family—or £3,575 per person, based on a family of four sharing comfortable accommodation.
Packages include return international flights, the choice of self-drive or private transfers throughout, and a wide range of experiences and entrance fees, allowing families to enjoy a seamless, adventure-packed holiday with every detail taken care of.
