Welcome to Travel Diaries!
Hello, fellow parents and explorers, and welcome to the very first post of Travel Diaries!
This blog is dedicated to helping you navigate the wonderful, chaotic, magical world of travelling with little ones. Whether you’re travelling with a newborn, a toddler or older children, we’re here to guide you through every step. From choosing the right holiday and accommodation, to packing tips, flight survival guides and everything in between. Whether this is your first trip, or you’re a seasoned traveller, we’re here to share, tips, tricks and stories that will make your first family holiday stress free and enjoyable (as much as possible anyway 😊).
But first, let me introduce myself. I’m Keren, founder of Great Explorations and mum to two little adventurers, a nearly four year old and a baby who will be one in July. We’ve explored sandy beaches, splashed in swimming pools, wandered through bustling markets and watched sunsets from places that still take my breath away. My eldest has already built up quite the passport stamps for someone who hasn’t started school yet, and my youngest is already a seasoned traveller at less than a year old. This summer we’re heading off for almost a month! Our biggest adventure yet as a family of four.
The moments I treasure most aren’t the big ones, they’re the small ones. The look on my son’s face the first time he felt the sand between his toes, the joy of a swimming pool on a hot afternoon, the tiny summer outfits that are almost too cute to handle. Being away from the routine strips everything back to what matters, just us, together, fully present. Watching little ones experience new things for the first time is one of the most magical things about being a parent, and travel gives you a front row seat to that magic, over and over again.
Now, I won’t pretend it’s always easy. Like many parents, I worried about the challenges that come with travelling with kids. You might wonder if it’s worth all the trouble, or whether it’s better to wait until they’re older, but with the right preparation and mindset, these trips become some of the most cherished memories you’ll ever make. And yes, even on the harder days, you’re still somewhere beautiful. Even travelling with a toddler and a baby is a holiday.
Beyond the beautiful moments, there are so many benefits to exploring the world with little ones. It introduces them to new cultures, foods and environments from a young age, and encourages curiosity and adaptability, skills that will serve them well long after the holiday is over, from their first day at nursery to navigating life as they grow. It creates quality family time away from the distractions of everyday life, strengthening bonds in a way that ordinary weekends simply can’t. And let’s not forget, babies under two travel for free or at discounted rates and often get free accommodation too!
Acknowledge that there will be hiccups along the way, but these moments often become the stories you laugh about for years. Approach every journey with an open mind and a flexible attitude, and you’ll find the pros far outweigh the cons.
In future posts, we’ll dive into specific destinations, share packing lists, review baby and toddler travel gear, and share stories from parents just like you who have embraced the adventure of travelling with their little ones.
Here’s to many happy travels and unforgettable memories.
Let the adventures begin. ✈️
Keren x
