Share a tip on a favourite family adventure in Europe

The modern family holiday has undergone a significant evolution, shifting from purely relaxation-oriented getaways to experiences designed to challenge, bond, and create enduring memories. This trend towards experiential travel reflects a growing desire among parents to offer their children more than just sightseeing; they seek opportunities for growth, resilience, and a deeper connection with the natural world and each other. Whether it’s navigating a new city on a budget with youth hostelling, learning a thrilling new activity like surfing or climbing, or simply embracing the unpredictability of an off-grid adventure, these journeys foster invaluable life skills and perspectives. The Guardian Travel section, renowned for its reader-driven content, is keen to unearth these inspiring narratives, providing a platform for ordinary families to share their extraordinary escapades.

The stakes are high for this particular edition of the popular Readers’ Travel Tips competition. The most compelling tip of the week, meticulously chosen by acclaimed travel expert Tom Hall of Lonely Planet, will be awarded a coveted £200 voucher to indulge in a stay at a Coolstays property. This generous prize offers a further opportunity for an unforgettable experience, tapping into Coolstays’ impressive portfolio of over 3,000 unique and inspiring accommodations worldwide. From quirky treehouses and secluded glamping pods to historic lighthouses and boutique retreats, Coolstays specialises in curating properties that promise more than just a bed for the night – they offer a destination in themselves, perfectly aligning with the spirit of adventurous and distinctive travel that this competition celebrates.

Tom Hall, a familiar and respected voice in the global travel community, brings a wealth of expertise as the judging panel’s lead. As Vice President of Experience at Lonely Planet, a brand synonymous with adventurous and authentic travel, Hall possesses an unparalleled understanding of what makes a travel experience truly exceptional and how best to articulate it. His discerning eye will be searching for tips that not only provide practical information but also capture the essence of adventure, the joy of shared discovery, and the unique challenges and rewards of stepping outside one’s comfort zone as a family. The winning entries will not only secure a fantastic prize but also earn a prominent feature in the Guardian Travel section and on its website, reaching a vast audience of fellow travel enthusiasts eager for fresh ideas and genuine recommendations.

For those eager to share their family’s adventure, the submission guidelines are straightforward but crucial. Entrants are asked to distil their experiences into approximately 100 words. This concise format encourages evocative and impactful writing, challenging participants to convey the heart of their adventure without unnecessary embellishment. While a relevant photograph is welcome and can certainly enhance the visual appeal of a published tip, it is unequivocally stated that "your words we will be judging for the competition." This emphasis on the written narrative ensures that the quality of the storytelling and the practicality of the advice remain the paramount criteria. A truly winning tip will offer a compelling blend of personal experience, practical details such as location, approximate price, and any relevant website links, all delivered with an engaging voice that transports the reader to the heart of the adventure.

The competition, while celebrating global adventures, is exclusively open to residents of the UK. This geographical restriction is a common feature of many competitions, often due to legal considerations regarding prize distribution, tax implications, and promotional rights. Therefore, potential entrants must be UK residents to be eligible for the £200 Coolstays voucher. The deadline for submissions is set for Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10 am GMT. This provides ample time for families to reflect on past adventures or even plan a new one specifically designed to generate a winning tip. The Guardian encourages early submissions to avoid any last-minute technical difficulties.

The process of submitting a tip is designed to be user-friendly, primarily through an online form embedded within the article. This form guides entrants through the necessary fields: providing their tip (maximum 100 words, including location, price, and website), optionally uploading a photograph, stating their name (first name only is acceptable if preferred), confirming their UK residency, and providing an email address for contact. The form explicitly reiterates that "your responses, which can be anonymous, are secure as the form is encrypted and only the Guardian has access to your contributions." This commitment to data privacy and security is paramount, ensuring entrants can share their stories with confidence.

The Guardian has a long-standing tradition of engaging its readers in travel content, and the "Readers’ Travel Tips" series stands as a testament to this collaborative approach. Past winners and a rich archive of other reader-submitted tips are available for perusal, offering a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice from the community itself. This archive serves as an excellent resource for potential entrants, providing insights into the style and content that typically catch the judges’ eyes. Reviewing previous successful entries can help aspiring winners understand how to balance narrative flair with essential information within the strict word count.

Furthermore, transparency and clarity are key to any competition run by a reputable organisation like The Guardian. Entrants are strongly advised to thoroughly read the full terms and conditions for the competition. While the article provides a summary of the key rules, the detailed terms outline all legal aspects, eligibility criteria, judging processes, and prize redemption procedures. Similarly, links to The Guardian’s general terms of service and privacy policy are provided, reinforcing the newspaper’s commitment to responsible data handling and user rights. These documents are essential reading for anyone considering participation, ensuring a full understanding of their rights and obligations.

In a world increasingly valuing experiences over possessions, the opportunity to share a family adventure that truly made an impact is more resonant than ever. These shared stories not only inspire other families to embark on their own journeys of discovery but also contribute to a vibrant community of travelers who believe in the transformative power of stepping outside the familiar. Whether it was the unexpected camaraderie found in a bustling youth hostel, the serene beauty of a wild camp, the physical challenge of a multi-day hike, or the joy of mastering a new skill together, every family adventure holds the potential for a winning story. The Guardian and its esteemed judge, Tom Hall, eagerly await the influx of inspiring tales that promise to captivate and inform, continuing the rich tradition of reader-driven travel journalism. If you have a story of family resilience, shared laughter, and new horizons, now is the time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and share your journey with the world, with the added incentive of a luxurious Coolstays retreat awaiting the most compelling narrative.