As we sit down to share our story of stepping into the realm of travel blogging, the feelings of excitement and nostalgia are palpable. Our journey as a family fond of travel has taken us to many beautiful places worldwide. We have also traveled across the diverse landscapes of the United States. We never thought our love for exploration would lead to the creation of this blog. Thus, marking our path to travel blogging.

The Early Days

Our narrative starts long before the pandemic, with the idea of full-time travel simmering in our minds. However, like many families, we faced a challenge. The desire to explore versus the concerns about how our older children would adapt. After much contemplation, and considering their happiness, we decided to go for it. This was only after the older kids moved on to their own adventures, leaving us as practically empty nesters.

A Pause in Plans

But as our plans began to take shape, the pandemic hit, putting a pause on our path to travel blogging. We decided to stay put in a place we’d come to love – Hawaii. Living on the islands, we realized that Hawaii was more than just a temporary stop. It was a part of our story now. Our time there was filled with new friendships, cultural immersion, and great memories. The aroma of plumerias and the charm of the islands will always stay with us.

Traveling full-time with family is an endless adventure, dotted with unexpected turns that often lead to memorable experiences. Take, for instance, our extended stay in Hawaii. Initially planned as just another stop in our global journey, it quickly morphed into an unforeseen extended sojourn due to the pandemic. This unexpected twist taught us the invaluable lesson of flexibility in travel. Being stranded in paradise might sound like a dream, and in many ways, it was! However, it also meant adapting our plans, rethinking our travel strategies, and embracing the uncertainty.

This experience in Hawaii not only enriched our understanding of the Hawaiian culture and landscape. But it also highlighted the importance of adaptability in full-time travel. Whether it’s a global event or a missed flight, the unpredictable nature of travel can sometimes be the very thing that transforms a simple trip into an extraordinary adventure.

Sharing Our Experiences

Through this blog, we aim to share the moments that have left a lasting impression on us.

This blog is more than just a travel diary. It’s a tapestry of experiences, woven from the many places we’ve ventured, both individually and as a family.

Our journey didn’t start together. Long before we met and created our family, we each had our own adventures, exploring different corners of the world. These solo travels were filled with unique experiences and learnings that shaped our perspectives and fueled our love for travel. These early adventures laid the foundation for our future as global explorers.

When our paths crossed, our solo journeys merged into a shared adventure. Traveling as a couple opened new avenues of exploration and brought a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around us. We ventured to new destinations, experienced different cultures, and created a lifetime of memories together.

New Addition

The addition of our youngest family member marked a new chapter in our travels. Welcoming our daughter into the world brought a new kind of excitement and wonder to our journeys. Seeing the world through her eyes has been an extraordinary experience. It’s fascinating to witness her curiosity and joy as she discovers new places, tastes different foods, and meets people from various cultures. Her presence has not only enriched our travels but also brought a fresh perspective to the places we visit.

Traveling with a child comes with its unique challenges, but it’s incredibly rewarding. We’ve learned to slow down, appreciate the small moments, and find joy in the simplest of experiences. Our adventures have become more than just sightseeing; they’re opportunities for learning and growth for all of us.

An essential aspect of our travels with our daughter is world schooling. This approach to education combines traditional learning with the rich educational experiences that travel offers. We believe in the power of learning through experience. Our blog shares resources, tips, and insights on how to incorporate world schooling into your nomadic lifestyle. Whether it’s learning history by visiting ancient ruins or understanding geography by navigating different terrains, world schooling turns the world into a classroom.

Travel Tips

In our blog, we’ll share everything from practical travel tips and guides to personal stories and reflections. We’ll take you on a journey through the bustling markets of San Telmo, the serene beaches of Oahu, and the majestic mountains of Patagonia. We’ll share the joys and challenges of traveling with a family. We will also provide insights into how we balance travel, education, and family life.

Our aim is not just to inspire you to travel but to provide a window into the life of a family that has made the world their home. We want to show that traveling with a family is not only possible but can be an incredibly enriching experience for both parents and children.

So, join us on this journey, as we continue to explore the world, one adventure at a time. Through “On the Road with Red,” we hope to share the beauty of the world, the diversity of cultures, and the joy of discovery that comes with a life of travel.

The Joy and Vibrancy of Traveling with Our Redhead

In our family of eight children, there’s a special spark that stands out – our only redhead, a beacon of laughter and joy in our lives. Her fiery locks are matched only by her lively spirit, making her the perfect companion for our globetrotting adventures. From the moment she joined our family, it was clear she was destined to be an integral part of this journey. She infuses each day with laughter and wonder.

Her presence has brought a unique energy to our travels. Whether we’re navigating bustling city streets or exploring the tranquil countryside, her enthusiasm and curiosity are contagious. She finds joy in the simplest things – a colorful market, a playful street performance, or the discovery of a new favorite local dish. Her laughter is a constant soundtrack to our adventures, reminding us to savor each moment.

Sustainability and Minimalism

Traveling with a large family, especially with children, presents its own set of challenges and joys. It requires a balance between spontaneity and planning, freedom and structure. This is where our approach to sustainable and minimalist travel comes into play. We’ve learned that traveling light and being mindful of our environmental impact not only makes our journey easier but also more meaningful.

Minimalist travel with children might sound like an oxymoron, but we’ve found ways to make it work beautifully. We focus on the essentials, choosing quality over quantity in everything from clothing to toys. This approach teaches our children the value of simplicity and the importance of cherishing experiences over possessions.

Sustainable travel is also a core part of our philosophy. We strive to leave a positive impact on the places we visit. Whether it’s by supporting local businesses, participating in community-led tourism, or practicing eco-friendly habits. Our redhead, with her keen interest in nature and wildlife, helps ensure we respect the environments we explore.

Our blog shares many ideas for sustainable and minimalist travel, even when journeying with children. We provide practical tips on how to pack efficiently, choose eco-friendly accommodations, and engage in activities that support local communities. We also share our experiences in teaching our children about environmental stewardship and the importance of being responsible travelers.

In essence, our redhead’s vibrant presence has been a catalyst for us to embrace a travel style that’s not only fun and adventurous. Our travels are also conscious and responsible. Her laughter and zest for life remind us that the most memorable journeys are those that are shared with loved ones, tread lightly on the earth, and leave a lasting positive impact. Join us as we explore the world, with our redhead leading the way. As we make each adventure a lesson in joy, simplicity, and sustainability.

A Look Into Our Travels

Our journey has been a mix of extraordinary moments and challenging situations, each teaching us valuable lessons. From near-missed flights to unplanned detours, our adventures have been anything but ordinary. Here, we’ll share these experiences, along with tips on travel gear, minimalist travel strategies, and suitable travel attire for every family member.

We have learned the hard way that leaving extra time for travel to the airport is crucial, especially when traveling with kids. It’s not just about packing and getting out the door. It’s about anticipating the unpredictable, like traffic or last-minute bathroom breaks.

Then there was the time we got stranded in St. Louis for three days due to plane crew issues. Initially, it was a frustrating experience, but it turned into an impromptu adventure in a hotel. We had food, a pool, and time to regroup. We made friends, had fun experiences, and made memories. Kaia got to watch massive storms that came through the area. While not something that is typically exciting, the Hawaii girl was fascinated by watching the lighting and clouds roll in. This was not a normal experience in our temperate Hawaii climate. This experience taught us the value of flexibility and making the most out of unexpected changes in our plans. Also, that teaching can happen everywhere. We were master meteorologists for a few days!

Spontaneous Adventures

Our spontaneous, impulsive trips with zero planning have also been enlightening. Like when our then 12-year-old suggested we leave Savannah, Georgia the next day for a 3-day weekend trip to Key West. Did I mention it was the 4th of July weekend and we said yes?! While they can be exhilarating, they’ve also taught us the importance of at least some basic preparation. This is especially true when traveling with children. Knowing key details like where to find child-friendly accommodations or how to access medical care in a new place can be a lifesaver. Also to plan for bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Vehicle issues, like the time our car broke down just an hour into a cross-country road trip, have been another source of learning. We now have a checklist for vehicle maintenance before long drives and always carry an emergency kit. This preparedness has turned potential disasters into minor hiccups.

Expect the Unexpected

Adapting to new environments can also be challenging, as we’ve learned from the long runs of sickness our family has endured. Traveling to new places means exposure to different climates and germs. We’ve since become more proactive about health, ensuring we know how to access healthcare in our new locations and packing a well-stocked first aid kit.

On our blog, we don’t just share the glossy, picture-perfect side of travel. We delve into the nitty-gritty, offering practical advice born from our experiences. You’ll find information on the best travel gear that has stood the test of our adventures, tips for minimalist travel to keep your journeys light and sustainable, and recommendations for travel attire that’s both functional and stylish for every family member.

Our many trips have equipped us with a wealth of knowledge on everything from navigating airport security with kids to finding the best local eateries that cater to fussy eaters. We believe in sharing these insights to help other families embark on their adventures with confidence and a bit of our learned wisdom.

Our blog is a treasure trove of real-life travel experiences, lessons learned, and practical advice for family travel. We aim to help you navigate the highs and lows of traveling with a family, ensuring that your journeys are filled with more joy and less stress. Join us as we continue to explore, learn, and share our world of family travel.

The Lighter Side

In our family’s journey, humor has been a vital companion, a constant presence that lightens the mood, even in the most challenging situations. We believe in embracing life’s quirks with a smile, and this philosophy has been a cornerstone of our travels. On our blog, we’re not just about sharing picturesque landscapes and travel tips; we also share the laughter-filled episodes that make our journey uniquely ours.

Traveling as a family, especially with children, inevitably leads to countless humorous moments. Like the time when we made it through three states before I realized I had worn mismatched flip-flops. Of course, it was the only pair I brought. These light-hearted moments have not only added joy to our travels but also brought us closer as a family.

Our blog is filled with these amusing anecdotes. We share stories like the time I walked into our kitchen in our casita in Brazil to see a bat hanging out…literally. Or a Marmoset coming into our kitchen and stealing Kaia’s chicken nugget.

We also talk about the everyday comical mishaps of travel life. From packing blunders to navigational errors, these moments, though frustrating at the time, often become the stories we laugh about the most. They remind us that travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about the joyful experiences and the funny stories that come from stepping out of our comfort zone.

Perfect Travel Doesn’t Exist

Moreover, we believe that sharing these humorous experiences helps demystify the notion of perfect travel. We want our readers to know that it’s okay to have those not-so-smooth moments because they often lead to laughter and learning. Our blog isn’t just a guide; it’s a real-life account of a family embracing the world with all its imperfections, finding humor in the chaos, and learning to laugh at ourselves.

In essence, our family’s travel narrative is punctuated with laughter, from belly laughs over silly mistakes to chuckles at unexpected turns. We invite our readers to join us in celebrating the lighter side of travel, reminding everyone that sometimes, the best way to navigate this journey is simply to laugh and go with the flow.

Moving Forward

As we forge ahead on our travel blogging journey, the joy and excitement of having you, our readers, alongside us are immeasurable. Our blog, “On the Road with Red,” is not just a chronicle of our travels; it’s a vibrant tapestry of experiences, laughter, and memories that we are weaving together as a family. And now, we extend an invitation to you to be a part of this incredible journey.

Our adventures are a delightful mix of the planned and the spontaneous, the extraordinary and the everyday. We share stories of navigating new cultures, discovering hidden gems, and sometimes, just figuring out how to keep people happy in a tiny hotel room. It’s these moments, both big and small, that make our journey unique and relatable.

But it’s not just about the destinations we visit. It’s about the connections we make, the people we meet, and the stories we gather along the way. Our blog is a platform where we share these experiences, offering a window into the world through our family’s eyes. From bustling city markets to serene mountain retreats, we bring you along on every step of our journey.

Resources for the Road

As we continue to explore the world, we’re committed to sharing not just the picturesque scenes and travel highlights, but also the real, raw moments that come with family travel. The long airport waits, the cultural misunderstandings, the joy of finding the perfect street food vendor (street empanadas, I am talking about you!) – these are the experiences that shape our journey and the stories we love to share.

We also aim to be a resource for you. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first family vacation, we offer tips, advice, and insights gleaned from our own experiences. From how to pack effectively for a family, to choosing destinations that are both fun and educational for kids, we cover it all.

Moreover, we’re excited to bring you more than just travel stories. We’re passionate about sustainable and responsible travel, and we’ll share how we incorporate these principles into our journeys. We believe in traveling with a purpose, in a way that respects and benefits local communities and the environment.

So, as we continue to write our story, one destination at a time, we invite you to join us. Follow along as we navigate the beautiful chaos of traveling as a family, find humor in the unexpected, and create a lifetime of memories. Here we go, embarking on a journey filled with adventure, learning, and laughter, and we couldn’t be happier to have you with us. The road ahead is full of possibilities, and we’re excited to explore every twist and turn with you. Welcome to our journey – let the adventure begin!