One of my favorite parts of running my travel agency is watching the journeys my clients take—most of them start with a honeymoon. There’s so much joy in planning that first big trip as a couple: charting out romantic hotels in Positano, private dinners in Santorini, and sunrise balloon rides over Cappadocia. For many, it’s the adventure of a lifetime, the official start of “traveling together.” And somewhere, in the whirl of wedding photos and beachside cocktails, the question always comes up next: Can we still travel like this if we have kids?
The answer I give (as a travel agent and as a solo mom)? Absolutely. But travel simply changes—and in some ways, it becomes even more rewarding.
The First Passport, the First Flight, and the Realities of Family Travel
My own son got his first passport at 8 months—he had to, with family in France on his dad’s side. He turned 9 months old mid-air, on an overnight Air France flight from DC to Paris. (He’s now an airplane pro, if you count eating snacks and singing songs at 35,000 feet!) Was I nervous flying alone with a baby? One hundred percent. Did I pack our entire apartment in my carry-on? Possibly. But people were kinder than I expected, the flight attendants made sure we were okay, and wearing him in a carrier meant we zipped through every security line—with bonus smiles from exhausted fellow travelers.
And here’s one of my real tips: change your baby into a nighttime diaper right before you board, especially on long flights. It trims down those desperate, “How do I do this in an airplane bathroom?” moments. Little travel hacks like these are lifesavers, and I share them with every new parent who comes for advice.
Why Family Travel Isn’t Just Resorts and Theme Parks
Sure, I help families book amazing Disney trips and relaxing cruises—these are fabulous, stress-free ways to travel, especially when you want built-in entertainment and kids’ clubs (just double-check pool and kids’ club rules if your little one isn’t potty trained yet). But what I really love—and what shapes my own family trips with my son—is the magic of true cultural experiences.
From my own childhood growing up in Europe, some of my best memories aren’t of souvenir stands or kid zones. They’re of running through Roman ruins, nibbling street pastries in Prague, and giggling with local kids in a village square. Kids don’t need flashy attractions to be amazed; they need freedom to explore, to play, to connect.
With my clients who return for “first” family trips, we plan museum visits with hands-on exhibits, language lessons in a French bakery, or city strolls with plenty of playground stops. I’m here to remind you that Paris with a toddler isn’t about seeing every sight—it’s sitting on the grass by the Seine sharing a baguette, rooting out the best carousel, or listening to live music in a park.
Building Lifelong Curiosity Through Travel
Traveling with kids is a chance to spark curiosity, empathy, and a sense of adventure. Teach them a few local phrases, encourage them to try a new dessert, or let them pick out something special at a local market. Involve them in planning, ask about their favorite part at the end of the day, and be open when your itinerary gets derailed by nap time or a sudden craving for ice cream. That’s real travel.
Travel may look a little different from the honeymoon days—but the stories, the magic, and the memories? They only get richer. If you’re ready for that next chapter—passport applications, snack-filled backpack, and all—I’m here for every step.
