The Big Kid-Tween Travel Mom: An In Depth Interview

Looking for a little travel inspiration? Look no further! Travel mom Bernice from Adventures of Belle and Rabbit is my go to resource for all things family travel. I especially love that her kids are a little older so she has advice to offer for challenges I know I’ll have eventually!

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Travel Mom Bernice By the Numbers

Bernice is mom to two children, ages 8 and 12. She’s been to 16 different countries and lived on four different continents. She’s only lived in the US for two years and has been to seven states but is looking forward to doing more exploring locally!

Have you always loved traveling?

No, I actually got my first passport when I was 24 years old! My first international trip was a business trip to Namibia, Africa on my own. After that I was hooked! My love for travel has only grown.

Why Is Travel Important To Your Family?

Going on family trips is just such a HIGH priority for me! It’s what feeds my soul and makes me happy. I am always planning our next 10 trips in my head! I absolutely love seeing and experiencing new places with my children,. And spending time with your family away from the stress of everyday life is just amazing!

What is one piece of advice you would give families who are nervous about traveling with  kids?

My advice is to plan, plan, and plan some more! If you have most of your trip planned out it takes away so much stress. Research family friendly restaurants, family friendly outings, etc. Planning and researching a trip is a huge part of the fun for me! It really builds up the excitement. But remember to be flexible when things don’t go exactly as planned.

Everyone always talks about how hard it is to travel with infants. What are some challenges you’ve faced traveling with bigger kids? And how do you overcome them?

As my children have grown older they refuse to go to kids clubs, so I can’t just drop them off at a kids club for a few hours of “me time” like I use to when they were younger. I really have to incorporate their likes and dislikes into the trip and try to make it work for all of us. That could mean one afternoon we split up and the boys will go surfing while the girls go for a massage. We compromise and take everyone’s happiness into account! 

What’s one travel mistake you’ve made? So we can all avoid it!

Assuming I wouldn’t have to pre-book things at resorts! I thought I could do it when I got there and then was so upset and disappointed when it was fully booked! Lesson learnt, always pre-book at large resorts.

Most unique travel destination or accommodation and would you recommend it for families?

Most unique stay would be our weekend in a bubble tent Jebel Hafit Desert Park. It is set in the Mountains in Al Ain in Abu Dhabi and it is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is pretty spectacular! You feel a little like you are on the moon and we did some awesome hikes in the area! It’s definitely family friendly!

Favorite family travel destination?

This is tough but I would have to say Dubai – because it has it all, city, beaches, the desert, its safe and very kid friendly with so much to do!

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I loved getting to know fellow travel mom Bernice a little better and I hope you did too! Be sure to check out all of her travel resources, guides, and tips over at Adventures of Belle and Rabbit. While you are on Instagram head over to Pattons with Passports for adventurous family travel with a luxury twist!

Love this? Check out my profile of adventure travel mom Priscila.