The Relatable Travel Mom: An In Depth Interview
Looking for a little travel inspiration? Look no further! Jenn from Travel Family Style is constantly adding to my travel bucketlist with her fantastic vacations and recommendations.
Travel Mom Jenn By The Numbers
In addition to working as a special education teacher, Jenn is raising two boys ages 14 and 12. Together they’ve been to 20 countries, 30 states, and 42 national parks. Jenn is currently taking a gap year for herself to focus on travel advising, digital products, etc.
Have You Always Loved Traveling?
Growing up, our family did basic local traveling by car but I never actually had my first plane flight until I was 18!!!! As an adult, I vowed to travel more and my husband was all in for the adventure. We did a lot of traveling before kids because we thought kids would change things… but little did we know how amazing it is to travel WITH your kids. We love it!
How Do You Find Time For Travel?
We have been homeschooling for the past 3 years. Previously my kids were in public school. We tend to travel during the typical school holiday breaks. My husband travels for work frequently so we try to tag along with him when we can. Traveling around sports schedules is the biggest challenge!
What Advice Can You Give To Families Who Want To Start Traveling but are nervous?
It doesn’t have to be fancy or far, just start. Local day trips will eventually turn into overnights, then to 2 day-ers, and so on. If you don’t start, you won’t start. The incredible memories you will make as a family are priceless.
Any tips for families traveling with Teens and Tweens?
We did road trips until our kids were out of diapers, then progressed to longer and farther drives across several states. Started flying the US around age 4, then around age 7 we started traveling to Europe. The progress of travel with our kids has been incredibly fun. We have loved the journey and have created so many memories. Each stage is so uniquely precious and fun, and it definitely gets easier as you travel more. Overall, it might be “easier” to travel with older kids, but all the stages have been soooo fun! Teens are also incredibly exciting and cool to travel with so we’re really enjoying the stage we’re in right now.
What Is One Travel Mistake You Have Made?
We book a lot of non-refundable airfare because it’s the cheapest. But we’ve found that our dates tend to change & location preferences change, so it’s worth it to pay the higher price ticket for flexibility of a change, refund, or credit. Also, if you can avoid a layover, do it.
Favorite Travel Destination And Why?
We have so many favorite destinations… Europe for Christmas Markets, Hawaii for snorkeling, fresh food, and island life, Alaska for the ruggedness and extreme beauty, Ireland for all the green scenery, peacefulness, and connection with locals. We’ve got a long list of places we have loved visiting and an even longer list of places we’d like to see.
bONUS: Everything to Know about Working with a travel agent
What is it like to work with a travel agent?
I am a certified travel advisor and have been booking leisure trips for clients for several years now. I have done a variety of things like booking hotel stays, booking luxury trips with tour companies, booking state and national park lodges & campsites, creating itineraries for families. I love it!
What are some of the benefits of using a travel agent?
While you may not get a discounted rate using a travel advisor/ agent, you may get additional perks such as room upgrades, free breakfast, resort credit, free wifi, upgraded packages on cruises, etc.
How much does it cost to use a travel agent?
What people don’t realize is that the hotel, cruise, tour company will cover the commission for the agent. The travel client does not! So, it doesn’t really cost anything to use a travel advisor for traditional bookings. However, if someone is booking a non- commissionable trip, like national parks, camping, or short-term rentals, there is a planning fee charged to the client for the facilitation and planning of the trip.
What is one myth about using a travel agent that you’d like to clear up?
The myth would be that it’s expensive to use a travel advisor when it’s actually not!
Did you enjoy learning about Jenn? If you are looking for more travel inspiration from a travel agent, check out my interview with Megan.
