If you’ve ever watched Race Across the World and thought, “We should do something like that,” you’re not alone. We created our own DIY version—a family race to the Isle of Wight, with public transport, a small cash budget, and one big twist: our children were in charge.
The challenge
The rules were simple but exciting:
- No phones (yes, really!)
- Cash only—no cards, no apps
- Public transport only—trains, buses, ferries
- Two teams, one adult and one child each
- Final destination: The Needles Chair Lift lower station
The idea was to encourage confidence, planning, and decision-making in a fun and unpredictable way.
Planning Under Pressure
Before we even left home in Farnham, the kids were given just 20 minutes to plan a route with some basic information and a train map. They didn’t know when the trains left or how to get to the ferry ports. They had to ask for directions, talk to staff, and piece together the journey step by step.
It was eye-opening to see how quickly they adapted. From the very first challenge—finding the train station without knowing the way—they leaned into asking questions, spotting signs, and thinking on their feet.
Parallel Paths
Both teams independently chose to head to Southampton, and we even ended up in the same hotel for the first night. That added a cheeky layer of tension as we tried to dodge one another in hotel corridors and breakfast buffets—fueling the playful spirit of the challenge.
Accommodation wasn’t pre-booked for the first night, so the kids had to ask prices at the front desk and decide what was acceptable. One team even benefited from a lucky room upgrade after chatting to a kind staff member—just one of the many unscripted moments that made the experience so memorable.
Letting the Kids Lead
What surprised us most was how confidently the children stepped into their roles as navigators and leaders. They approached bus drivers, train guards, ferry staff, and fellow travellers with questions, soaking up real-world experience in problem-solving and communication. They took genuine pride in explaining the race to curious onlookers—often with a big smile.
Extend or Condense It
Although this version was based around the Isle of Wight, the concept could be easily replicated anywhere. If you’re in the southeast of England, Woking or London are excellent starting points with multiple onward routes.
Some additional reflections:
- Add an overnight stay to stretch out the fun and reduce stress.
- Pre-book onward accommodation if you’re travelling during peak times—but keep the journey itself unplanned for spontaneity.
- Short on time? You can complete the whole adventure in one day, depending on your starting point.
How to Plan Your Own Family Race
If you’re feeling inspired, here’s how to get started:
1. Choose a Final Destination
Pick a location that’s reachable by public transport and interesting enough to make the journey feel exciting. Coastal spots, national parks, or quirky towns work well. The Isle of Wight was perfect because it required a ferry crossing and had natural waypoints like the Needles to aim for.
2. Set Simple Rules
Our ground rules were:No phonesCash onlyPublic transport onlyAdults supervise but don’t lead You could tweak this to suit the age of your children or group size. For younger children, allow limited phone use for emergencies only or set check-in times.
3. Split into Teams
Two teams kept things fun and competitive. If you’re a larger family, consider more teams or even joining forces with another family for a bigger challenge.
4. Add a Surprise or Twist
We loved not telling the kids the train times. It added a real sense of discovery and required them to interact with the world, not just follow instructions. You could also add a mini-challenge along the way: find a landmark, try a local food, or get a photo with a stranger who’s visited your destination before.
5. Build in Reflection Time
Whether it’s a shared meal at the end or a few days staying on at the destination, make space to decompress, laugh, and reflect on the journey. These are the moments that will stay with everyone.
Final Thought
In a time when everything is mapped, reviewed, and streamlined, this adventure gave us something beautifully unfiltered and real. It reminded us that not knowing is part of the fun—and that sometimes, the most rewarding adventures are the ones we don’t over-plan.
If you’re considering your own family race, I highly recommend giving it a try. You might start with a little nervousness, but you’ll end with a whole lot of pride, laughter, and stories to tell.
And who knows? Your kids might just surprise you—in all the best ways.
Sometimes the best way to connect… is to disconnect.
🗂 Download our original planning PowerPoint
Curious how we set it up? Click here to download our route planning PowerPoint and use it as a template for your own family race
Mindful Trails 