Planning a trip with young kids? Traveling with kids can be a great experience, but if you’re unprepared it can go south fast. For a great trip the time to prepare is before you even leave your own home. I’ve compiled a list of tips I’ve gathered over my 30 years traveling for some family members that are about to do their first trip abroad and I thought I’d share them with you. Pacing Yourself: The Key to Enjoying Your Trip The most important part of enjoying a trip with kids is pacing yourself. The biggest mistake I see travelers making is packing their itinerary so full they don’t have time to make memories of what they’re doing. While you want to make the most of your time, an unexpected bad moment can ruin a whole day, or worse. When traveling it’s hard to plan ahead and know exactly how everyone will feel at any given time, let alone each day. Expect that someone—child or adult—will get hungry, tired, or overwhelmed at some point. Experiencing a new place for the first time together is exciting, but it can also be a lot to take in. Some key tips to keep in mind: The One+ Approach: Planning Without Overloading I recommend using a One+ approach when planning your itinerary. Each day, focus on just one must-do activity—something that’s a top priority for your family. Try to do it early in the day before crowds pick up. Before you go on your trip, sit down and talk about everyone’s most important sights and experiences. Then, plot those spots on a Google Map (or whatever app you prefer). If you like using physical maps, take a backup photo of it in case it gets lost or damaged. Creating a Smart Travel Map Once you have your key locations mapped out, add nearby options that could be helpful throughout the day: Having a map of options near your must-see spots means that when hunger strikes or energy levels dip, you already know where to go. You can even download maps in advance, which is a lifesaver when navigating without Wi-Fi. Speaking of which, don’t forget to check mobile rates before you travel! Familiar But New While traveling is all about experiencing something new, bringing in familiar elements can make a big difference While you travel, especially for kids. There’s nothing kids hate more than hoping from site to site. Pick a few things you know they’ll enjoy. Familiar activities in new places can help everyone feel a little more comfortable and learn how other places do things. In Spain, we happened on an amazing park themed after Gulliver’s Travels—It was a great place for kids to get their energy and parents to rest and recharge. It was also where we got the best photos of the entire trip. Don’t take for granted what you do every day at home. Going to the grocery store for example may seem like a chore at home, but we found that **grocery stores made for great picnics in the park. All the stuff that’s expensive at home (think:baguette, brie, fruit, and sparkling water) was only a few Euros in Spain and France. Just be aware that the reverse is also true (peanut butter was 10 Euro and a small Coke was 5 Euro). For those familiar comforts there’s no shame in visiting a place you’re familiar with at home. And yes, when you’re traveling with small children McDonald’s happens—sometimes, a Happy Meal toy can be the best (and cheapest) souvenir. Plus, familiar food, a place to sit and recharge, and a reliable bathroom can be worth their weight in gold when traveling with little ones. Expect Things to Get Lost—And Plan Accordingly Kids will lose things. It’s just a fact of life. My nephew adored his Happy Meal toy—until he lost it, leading to a meltdown and a second trip to McDonald’s. What to do: Final Thoughts I could go on (and on, and on!), but I’ll stop here for now. Planning a family trip with small children is a lot of work, but with the right approach, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences ever. If you’d like more recommendations or details, don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you an unforgettable adventure!
How to Travel the World on a Budget
How to Travel the World on a Budget Let’s get one thing clear—travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be unforgettable. In fact, some of the best memories are made while picnicking under the Eiffel Tower with grocery store cheese, or riding a local bus through winding coastal roads instead of booking a pricey tour. If you’ve been dreaming of seeing the world but worry it’s out of reach, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of luck. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make meaningful, exciting, and even luxurious travel possible on a budget. 1. Pick Budget-Friendly Destinations Some places stretch your dollar further than others. Portugal, Mexico, parts of Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe all offer incredible food, culture, and experiences for less. If you’re flexible with your destination, I can help you find places that match your vibe and your wallet. 2. Travel Off-Season High season often means high prices. Traveling just before or after peak months—like shoulder season in spring or fall—can save you big on flights, hotels, and excursions. Plus, you’ll avoid the crowds and have a more local, relaxed experience. 3. Book in Advance (When It Counts) Flights and trains often get more expensive as the date approaches. Planning ahead for major transit or once-in-a-lifetime activities can save you serious cash. I can help track prices and find deals you might miss on your own. 4. Embrace the Picnic Life One of my favorite travel hacks? Grocery stores. Pick up fresh local produce, cheese, bread, and snacks for a fraction of what you’d pay at restaurants. Then find a scenic park or square and dine like a local. It’s budget-friendly and charming. 5. Get Creative with Accommodations Think beyond hotels. Hostels aren’t just for backpackers anymore (many are boutique and beautiful!), and vacation rentals can give you more space for less money. I also help clients find LGBTQ+ friendly stays that are safe, welcoming, and unique. 6. Prioritize What Matters Not every moment of your trip needs to be “Instagram-worthy.” Pick a few must-dos and let everything else be flexible. You’ll avoid overspending and discover hidden gems you wouldn’t have found otherwise. 7. Use Public Transportation Skip the taxis and hop on a bus, metro, or train. Not only is it cheaper, it’s also one of the best ways to experience daily life in a new place—and it’s often faster than navigating traffic. You Can Travel More Than You Think The truth is travel is about connection, perspective, and the joy of discovering something new. With a little planning, creativity, and a travel advisor who gets your goals (hi, that’s me!), the world opens up in incredible ways. Ready to start planning your dream trip—on a realistic budget? Click the link in bio or get in touch. Let’s make it happen.
Thrive Global Travel: Your Passport to Inclusive and Unforgettable Adventures
My goal this year, after years of dreaming, planning, and traveling the world, the moment has finally arrived—Thrive Global Travel is officially open for business! I created Thrive Global Travel because I believe that travel should be inclusive, affirming, and transformative for everyone. As an LGBTQ+ traveler myself, I know firsthand the importance of feeling safe, welcomed, and celebrated while exploring new destinations. Whether you’re looking for a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an unforgettable group experience, I’m here to make it happen. And yes, allies, you are more than welcome here too! What Can Thrive Global Travel Do for You? From tailored itineraries to full-service travel planning, I’m here to take the stress out of your journey and replace it with excitement and ease. Here are just a few ways I can help: The #ThriveGT Community Beyond just planning trips, I want to build a travel community where you feel supported, inspired, and connected. That’s why I created the hashtag #ThriveGT—so we can all share our journeys, travel wins, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re trekking through Yellowstone, lounging on a Hawaiian beach, or dancing at a Pride parade, I’d love to see where your adventures take you. Ready to Plan Your Next Adventure? It’s time to turn those travel dreams into reality. Click the link in my bio to get started, or feel free to DM me with any questions. Thank you for your support—it means the world to me, and I can’t wait to help you explore it! Let’s thrive and travel! ✈️🌍 Reach out to alex@thriveglobaltravel.com with questions or trip inquiries. Cheers! Alex Explore. Belong. Thrive.
