During the holidays, I often reminisce about those summers before kids, when I seized every opportunity to explore the world. As a solo traveler, I embarked on unforgettable volunteer trips to Jamaica, Malawi, Ukraine, and the Dominican Republic. My passion for travel—fueled by years running my own travel blog—was insatiable, with press trips to destinations like Israel's Eilat, Spain's La Coruña and Barcelona, Berlin, and even my local Friesland.
Thankfully, my husband shares my love for adventure. We started with camping in Zeeland, followed by an epic road trip through Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Quick getaways to Bruges and our honeymoon on Ameland kept the momentum going. Our mantra? 'You can always stay home later—let's chase wanderlust now!'
We've reached that 'later' phase, a few years on with our one-year-old daughter. Our wanderlust endures, but we've adapted wisely. Backpacking is out; instead, we opt for family-friendly campsites with pools and kids' activities. My main prep? Entertaining our toddler on long drives. 😊
Do I miss the raw simplicity of tent camping with just pegs and a two-burner stove? Old photos spark a twinge of nostalgia. But the thought of three weeks apart from our girl? Absolutely not—my heart won't allow it. Leaving her overnight isn't even an option.
Becoming a mother has reshaped my travel desires, and I'm at peace with that. Future dreams include a Botswana safari, revisiting Poland (which captured my heart), and returning to Jamaica, where I met my husband through a volunteer project. Those can wait. For now, I'm excited about child-friendly campsites and watching our daughter thrive on vacation.
Does this ring true for you—wanderlust tempered by motherhood, or do you still adventure boldly with your kids? I'd love to hear your experiences!
