Starting a family travel website and community with Amy Borg from Seatkickers

I met Amy Borg from Seatkickers when we worked on a website together so it was no surprise when she started her own website and community dedicated to family travel.

We all know that there are so many added elements to travelling as a family so it’s important to get support and advice from people who have done the same.

If you want to start travelling as a family, change careers or start your own website about something you love and know all about, then Amy has you covered!

Young family from the back looking through window while waiting for their flight at the airport.

How would you describe what you do?

I run a website and community called Seatkickers aimed at parents of little kids who want advice about going on holiday. The idea is to empower people to make choices about travel. I know that travelling is daunting to some people, and then when you add kids into the mix it can be bamboozling. There are tips on preparing kids to fly, tips on long car journeys, tips on being more eco on holiday etc. The content is not just by me, it’s by anyone who wants to write for the site. It’s a bit like a more positive Tripadvisor!

How did you get into your career in radio and how has that helped you with your career now?

I started doing travel bulletins for local radio stations, then one asked me to co-host their breakfast show and it went from there. I then discovered a love of writing and moved into digital content production.

What inspired you to set up Seatkickers?

I was on maternity leave and browsing the internet looking for reviews of good prams to take on holiday and couldn’t find one site that had product reviews and travel tips etc, so decided to set up my own. It was also a creative outlet while I was up doing night feeds!

How can parents be involved with the Seatkickers community?

Anyone can join the Facebook group where we all support each other and help answer questions. You can follow us on Instagram and anyone can write for the website – whether you have kids or not. If you want to write about a favourite holiday/beach/hotel etc, go for it!

Why do you think travel with kids is so important?

I don’t think you should stop travelling or going on holiday when you have kids. It’s important for you as parents to get a break and it’s important to spend time together as a family. For kids, it’s also so important to learn about the world, see different cultures, hear other languages, eat different food, see other landscapes, learn about our environment and broaden your horizons. Even a camping trip up the road – that time out to be together and reflect. We all need it, and kids are little sponges. It’s also lovely to see things through your children’s eyes, as suddenly a little paddle in the sea can become the most exciting thing ever.

What have your conversations with other parents taught you about travel with kids?

That anything is doable. I’ve spoken to single parents, parents of kids with extra needs, parents who’ve travelled the world in a campervan. It’s all doable if you plan it right and go with the right attitude!

Did you aim to have a portfolio career and how do manage it?

Yes in a way, I like variety, and now I’m a mum-of-two, I need a career to work around them and work for me, and it’s just about attempting to manage my time right…..easier said than done though.

What are your ambitions for Seatkickers in the future?

To build the community, to get more people writing for the site and to provide a lovely space that gives parents the confidence to go on holiday

How do you think people will approach travel in post-COVID times?

With more thought and more appreciation hopefully. I hear a lot of people now enjoying holidays here in the UK who would normally go abroad and I think we’re all appreciating the little things we’d taken for granted. I hope we all think more about being eco and about sustainability when we travel in future.

Where are your favourite places to travel?

My favourite place in the world is Biarritz in France, I love Cornwall too, and Copenhagen is one of my favourite cities. They are attempting carbon-neutral status and have such great cycle routes and brilliant parks for kids.

What are your top tips for travelling with kids?

PLAN PLAN PLAN! Research, abandon routine, let them run free, don’t panic….just go for it!

What advice do you have for anyone starting a new website?

Research your audience and work with a website builder who really ‘gets you’.

What countries are on your list for the future?

I’d love to see more of the US, visit my best friend in Australia, see more of Italy, but to be honest, I’d also be more than happy staying here in the UK!

Find Amy on Instagram, Facebook or the Seatkickers website.