The Beginning
Travel. It's not just a passion; it's a calling, a way of life. My journey began with my family in high school, but it truly took off when I met Brendan. This is where our story, one of wild adventures and lessons learned the hard way, begins.
The Early Days
I did a semester abroad in Ireland, and that's when Brendan joined me for what we fondly call our "make it or break it" trip. Picture this: two 21-year-olds with an extreme budget, limited travel experience, and a plan to backpack across Europe. We were either going to come out stronger or realize we weren’t going to work. Thankfully, we survived and thrived, and today, we've been married for 12 incredible years.
The 2011 Odyssey
So what did 2011 look like? Imagine no smartphones. We had a paper map, printed directions, and a tablet that relied on open Wi-Fi networks. Renting a car under the age of 25 was expensive, and only an option in Italy, so we focused our budget there, and relied on cheap flights and trains for the rest of the trip. In total, we went to France, Italy, Scotland, and England, before returning to Ireland.
Being on an extreme budget brought us to some pretty incredible places, ones we would not normally encounter:
Etruscan Necropolis: Driving from Milan to Rome in a tiny Fiat 500, we opted to sleep in the car to save money. We parked in an Etruscan necropolis, recharged at a nearby Tex-Mex joint, and watched a thunderstorm light up ancient graves from our makeshift bed. It was eerie, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Gretna Green: Known for runaway weddings, this quaint town welcomed us with a stay at a hotel that felt straight out of The Shining. The creep factor peaked with twin girls in flower dresses, but the charm of the town won us over.
Oversized Handicapped Room: After countless cramped spaces, landing a spacious handicapped room felt like hitting the jackpot. Stretching out in that room was pure bliss.
Scottish Full Breakfast: The cheapest inn of our trip, a $20 stay in Scotland, surprised us with the best full English breakfast we've ever had. Sometimes, the simplest places offer the greatest rewards.
Mishaps and Magic
No trip is complete without its mishaps. Ours included a broken camera that miraculously revived after a whack against a bus stop post by the Colosseum, loitering for Wi-Fi at businesses, and a nightmare hotel in Liverpool that left us sleeping at the airport—until my mom saved the day with a booking at a Marriott.
Lessons Learned
Travel is about more than destinations; it's about the journey, the people you meet, and the stories you collect along the way. Here’s what we've taken to heart:
Cleanliness is Key: Budget doesn't mean dirty. We prioritize clean beds, bathrooms, and towels above all else.
Pack Light: Less is more. Traveling light means more freedom, fewer lines, and a clearer mind.
Embrace the Unexpected: Plans will change, and that's okay. Some of the best experiences come from unplanned moments.
The Blog Ahead
This blog will be a treasure trove of tips for traveling with kids, destination guides, stories acquired and tales from the road. With over five continents and over a dozen countries under our belt (with kids!), our adventures continue, now with our little explorers in tow. From short getaways to extended stays, we've seen it all, and we're here to share it with you.
Stay tuned as we dive into the wild, wonderful world of family travel. Here's to embracing the unexpected and finding adventure in every corner of the globe.