The Luxury Travel Mom: An In Depth Interview
Looking for a little travel inspiration? Look no further! Celine from Luxury Travel with Kid shares her travel journeys with a toddler to inspire parents to maintain a similar lifestyle to pre-children while raising their kids as global citizens.
Luxury Travel Mom Celine By The Numbers
Residing in the Netherlands, Celine has been to 63 countries primarily in Europe and Asia. In addition to being a world traveler, Celine balances raising a three year old with a demanding corporate job in Corporate Social Responsibility.
Have You Always Loved Traveling?
My parents were expats and I travelled quite a bit with them when I was an teenager. I’m proud to say I travelled alone on an intercontinental plane when I was 12 years old. After my master studies, I joined a multinational company where I got to travel monthly for business and that was another trigger that ignited my passion for travel further.
How Do You Balance Traveling for work with being a mom?
In general, I advise, if you do not plan to leave your 9-5 job then do find an employer that allows work from remote locations! Find a job that is output based and not hour based, which will give you the flexibility to work during flights, across time zones, and at your leisure.
How Do You Find Time For Travel with work and School Schedules?
Thanks to the pandemic, I can work remotely. Only one day in the week in the office is the norm, which I usually can meet easily. Also, in the Netherlands there are many paid leave days, I have 38 leave days to spend annually and that is on top of the public holidays! Our daughter is 3 years old so not in compulsory school yet. My thinking is: let’s travel now!
What is one piece of Advice you would give to families nervous to start traveling?
Just take the first trip together as a family, do it! Once you have done that you will realize it is possible and its enjoyable! You just need to do a little extra planning: nap times, go back to the room earlier in the evening, etc.
What is one travel mistake you have made?
I got to the gate early and sat nearby the gate and was watching YouTube and apparently the gate changed and I missed the flight! I still blame myself today! The take away is: do check the gate on a regular basis if you are watching or listening something!
favorite travel destination?
For urban destinations, I love Los Angeles and Miami. The youthful, energetic, and luxury vibe is felt on the street and in every venue. In terms of natural destinations, I love Norway. The landscape is incredible, from Fjord to Northern lights. We visit Norway each year for various hiking and outdoor activities.
Where are you headed to in 2024?
Too many countries to name but the Faroe Islands and Bhutan will be new destinations for us!
People don’t always equate luxury travel with child friendly. how do you make luxury travel work for your family?
This is a very good question, I completely understand that perception. You have to do a proper search to determine which hotels in the destination you are going to visit are child friendly. Select 5 start hotels and go through the pictures. Some will show that they offer a kids club or they offer special kids amenity kits. What I love about luxury hotels is the turn down service that will for example clean up the bins with diapers! I also love the amenity kits for kids such as soft toys, toddler slippers, and bathrobes.
what is your favorite luxury hotel that caters to families?
My favorite luxury hotels are Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons. The Mandarin Oriental because of the Asian influence intertwined in the decor, service and gastronomy. The Four Seasons because of its impeccable service and attention to details. Their daily amenity kit in room that is tailored to your lifestyle (for example Luxury Candle to bring back to home when you stay as a couple) is a charming touch. Generally, family friendly hotels are usually not the crème de la crème of luxury hotels. But some have nice touches for, for instance some Hilton and Kempinksi hotels have special check-in desks for kids, executive lounges with a kids corner, and glamping tents in the hotel suite.
I loved getting to know Celine more. She has been such an inspiration to me on Instagram, I hope she has made you feel like continuing your luxury travel lifestyle after having kids is within in reach!
