Its Monday and I nearly forgot to do our regular blog post! We have been out all day – bush walking all over Cape Hillsborough – and the sun, the gorgeous day, the fresh air…I so wanted to curl up and go to sleep.
Monday Featured Travel Blogger Travel Mamas
Yet I knew that I had more exciting information to share on New Life on the Road. This time we have our Monday featured Travel Blogger – Colleen from Travel Mamas, with her inspiration journey of how they travel, why they travel as well as how her blog is set up to share travelling hints/tips!
Proud to share Travel Mamas……
Q. What inspires you to travel and write?
I had been taking writing classes for years before I started my blog. I lose all track of time when I am writing – it is truly a passion for me. As far as traveling, I love seeing the world in a whole new way. Each trip, whether near or far, forces me to take notice of my surroundings and really live in the present moment.
Colleen and her daughter at the windy El Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~
Love the view!
Q. When did you first start travelling – was it before children or after children?
I fell in love with travel as teen during a family whirlwind trip through Europe. It inspired me to enroll in French, host a foreign exchange student, and eventually live in France for a year during college. My major was French, with a minor in Economics and a certificate in International Business. I did all of that because I figured I could get a job for the U.N. But, really, I have no interest in politics – I just wanted to travel the world. I always wanted to be writer and I always wanted to travel but I had no idea where to begin chasing that dream. I have always traveled for fun, saving up my pennies for vacations.
Launching Travel Mamas four years after I became a mom opened up the world of travel writing for me and allows me to add another passion to the mix, parenting.
Another windy spot – on a boat in Cabo San Lucas
3. What is something that you must travel with to make it more enjoyable for all of your family?
Tons of healthy (and a few forbidden) snacks! And fiber. I bring along single Benefiber packets to sneak into everyone’s drinks so the whole family doesn’t get, ahem, backed up when away from home. I also need a book light or Kindle light so I can stay up later than the kids to read or I’ll never fall asleep, which makes me cranky the next day. And we all know that if Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!
Floating on a lake with my kids at Irvine Regional Park in Orange, California ~ How much fun does that look!
4. Do you work online as you are travelling, or work around your travel plans?
If traveling alone, I definitely continue to work on my blog and freelance projects while on the go. When I’m traveling with my family, however, I try to unplug more. I may need to write a quick post or do a few tweets, but I try to focus on experiencing our surroundings with my children and husband. The reason I fell in love with travel was because it forced me to live in the present moment and experience life in a new way – I try to preserve that special feeling as much as I can.
5. Is there any advice you could give to other parents who are thinking about travelling, but not sure?
Parenting while traveling may be more difficult than staying home with the kids, but it opens your children’s eyes, minds, and hearts to other cultures and experiences. As a parents, seeing the world anew through your children’s eyes is incredible. Don’t wait until the kids are grown to experience life – get out there and do it. None of us knows what the future holds.
6. Is there one country that you feel in love with, and could easily return to live there?
France! I lived in Montpellier in Southern France for a year during college. I would love to return to France for an extended stay. My 7-year-old daughter has recently fallen in love with French language (like mother, like daughter!) so it would be wonderful to immerse both her and my 4-year-old son in the language and culture while they are still young. I also loved Quebec in Canada for obvious reasons
Swimming with my daughter (then, age 2) in Sicily ~
She is such a cutie!
About The Author:-
Colleen Lanin is the founder/editor of TravelMamas.com, a site for anyone who wants to travel with (or without) children…and stay sane! She is a regular contributor to the TODAY Show travel blog on msnbc.com. She is also a blogging consultant and instructor. You can connect with Colleen on Twitter and Facebook.
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A huge fantastic thanking you sent to Colleen from Travel Mamas for sharing how they travel, and why they travel 🙂
Do You Want To Ask Colleen Any Questions About Blogging And Travelling?
Cheers
Lisa
New Life on the Road
PS:- Here are the Previous Featured Monday Travel Bloggers:-
Monday Featured Travel Blogger Special Needs Travel Mom – Karin from Special Needs Mom
Monday Featured Travel Blogger 1 Dad 1 Kid – Windwalker Duo from 1 Dad, 1 Kid
Featured Travel Blogger Travel Experta – Marina from Travel Experta
Featured Travel Blogger – Rachel from Our Wee Trip
Monday Featured Travelling Blogger Revealed – Natalie from Family in a Van
Monday Travelling Blogger Featured – Tracey from Life Changing Year
Travel Blogger – Jess from With 2 kids in Tow
Featured Travel Blogger – Jan from Budget Travel Talk
Featured Travel Blogger At New Life on the Road – Lisa From Gone With The Family
This Week Featured Travel Blogger – Keryn from Walking On Travels
Monday Featured Travelling Blogger Journey – Jeremy from Living The Dream
Featured Travel Blogger Monday – Suzi from Two and A Half Travellers
Thank you so much for including Travel Mamas in your series! I’m honored!
Colleen Lanin recently posted..Hilton Garden Inn Father’s Day Giveaway
Hi Colleen,
I loved reading about your adventure and your amazing Blog site “Travel Mamas”. Such inspiration to us all 🙂
Cheers
Lisa