What inspired you to start TheTravelMum?
Back when I started The Travel Mum, it was generally accepted that family travel is a nightmare, it is ridiculously expensive, and many people would put off abroad holidays until the kids were older. I wanted to show people that not only could family travel be affordable, it could also be fun. Even with babies and toddlers. I was personally experiencing how amazing family travel could be, so I wanted to share that and encourage other people to not let having kids affect their travels.
 

What are you most proud about with TheTravelMum? 
I’m most proud of the mindset shift we’ve seen in families since we started The Travel Mum. I wouldn’t claim that’s all down to us, but within our community, so many parents tell me we’ve given them the confidence to travel with their kids - and to do it affordably. Knowing that we’ve helped families create memories, explore the world together, and realise that travel is possible for them is absolutely priceless.

---

---

 

‘Insta Vs Reality’ is often shown in your content. Why is it important to show this side of family travel? 
​Because travel with kids can be messy and chaotic - it doesn’t always look “Insta perfect,” and that’s ok. Life with kids is unpredictable whether you’re on a beach or in Tesco. If all people see are flawless travel scenes, they can feel like they’re doing it wrong when their own trips turn messy. By showing the real side too, I want parents to know they’re not alone - and that the beauty of family travel isn’t in perfection, it’s in the memories you make in the end.

AirHelp gives families peace of mind when they travel. Traveling with kids is full of joys, but also unexpected challenges. AirHelp helps families like ours turn flight disruptions into manageable situations by securing compensation for delays, cancellations, and overbookings. I often use the AirHelp app right at the airport while waiting for a delayed flight. Children are just as eligible for compensation as adults, meaning families can claim up to £500 per passenger for eligible flights. The process is simple, risk-free, and handled entirely by experts, all through a convenient app. For me, it’s a no-brainer to travel with AirHelp. Flights are so often delayed, and on numerous occasions, I’ve been refunded the full costs I paid, making travel a lot less stressful.
 

What is your favourite destination for a family holiday? 
I’m always saying that the destination itself is rarely the most important part of planning a family holiday. What really matters is your mindset and how you approach the trip. If you have a hotel with a few family-friendly facilities - maybe a pool, a playground, or even just enough space for the kids to run around - and something nearby to explore, you’re already set up for success. Children don’t need five-star luxury or a bucket list destination to be happy - they need your attention, a bit of adventure, and the freedom to play. 

What has been your most memorable travel experience since having children? 
There have been lots of amazing trips, we recently did a three week trip around Japan with a 6 year old and a 1 year old. It was an incredible adventure visiting 7 different cities, it showed us that really no trip is off limits with kids with the right planning.

What are your top three tips for travelling with young children? 

- Be realistic - If you are expecting young children to walk around a city all day and then go out for a relaxing meal in the evening - you'll end up disappointed. Factor in down time during the day. 

- Get accommodation with a balcony or some outdoor space, that way you can continue your evening with a bottle of wine after you put them to bed. 

- Know where all the local playgrounds are, half an hour running wild in a safe space will keep them happy and reset any bad moods. 

What is your personal litmus test for whether a hotel is worthy of the ‘family-friendly‘ tag? 

If a hotel makes life easier for parents. That could mean a safe pool area with lifeguards, flexible dining options for an early dinner, or even just staff who smile at your kids instead of frowning. For us, a true family-friendly hotel isn’t about kids’ clubs or slides (although these do help!) it’s about feeling welcome as a family. It's difficult to assess this online, which is why having family recommendations is so useful.

What is at the top of your 'where to next' wish list? 
We are desperate to visit French Polynesia! It's a dream destination that we hope we will get to within the next couple of years. My son is desperate to go on a Disney Cruise, which look amazing! 

What three things do you personally never travel without? 
Sleep mask, earphones and a portable charger.

What three things do you never travel without for your children? 
Calpol sachets, tablet w/ headphones and multiple changes of clothes.

Who would you most like to sit next to on a long-haul flight? Why?  
Honestly?? My husband to help me with the kids! - I'm not one for having long plane conversations with strangers!

What is the most important thing (travel-wise) that money CAN buy? 
Flexibility - whether it’s booking a flight that lands at a child-friendly time, or choosing a hotel with a kids club for when you need a break. The older I get, the more I appreciate spending money on things that will destress my experience!

What is the most important thing it can't? 
Time. No amount of money can buy these moments with your children experiencing the world with you. It's why im so passionate about helping other families live their best lives!