Experiences

Before our Oki Islands adventure, we weren't sure if it's a good idea to bring the whole clan, kids in tow, to an area without tourist spots. How to beat the suck of wall-sized entertainment monitor at big city? How else to compete with the YouTube videos on small electronic gagdets?

How children get going on trips, perhaps, depend on their parents' personality, too. Our love for nature sets a tone and inspires Jasmine to savour the lesson on Oki salamander at the museum. She enjoyed the coastal walk - or run - at the caldera formed by volcanic activity as long as we kept our promise to take a detour to playgrounds once in a while.

Another great choice for our trip is looking for a travel buddy. Cabins with two storeys at a pleasant waterfront location are draws, but the fun more than doubles when my daughter explored the areas with her classmate, sniffing here and there for real sea slugs, starfish, or jellyfish.

Be warned. Kids will entertain themselves, but not forever. The only authentic way to enliven a trip is to seize chance for hands-on activities. And whenever I think how smart (ahem) I've designed our itinerary, I keep mentioning the local artists' class of fabric dyeing, seashell painting, making jewellery out of abalone shells.