Bub 2 with his grandpa walking on the Lorne pier
Put your hand up if you live at least an hour flight, or full days drive away from someone you love. I would need more than ten hands to put up for all of my loved ones that we live remote to. There are a number of travel bloggers that travel full time, living their life on the road. All power to them, the gypsy lifestyle is an appealing one. Work and training commitments require my husband and I to keep a firm base and I am eternally grateful for the opportunities provided to our family because we live in Cairns. Good grief though, I miss my family and friends that live in Australia’s southern states, and overseas.
I meet a huge number of families that tell me they never travel with their kids because it is too hard. Mums whose family life is limited to their own homes, playgroup, the grocery store and the local park because they lack the confidence to venture further with their kids. There is nothing wrong with this if all family members are happy with the status quo, but many Mum’s confide in me that they end up feeling trapped or “Mummyfied”. This is the reason that I dedicate much of the blog to our own family’s explorations, family friendly accommodation, destinations and attractions, to encourage other families to venture out and explore the world together. Anxiety about travelling with kids has further consequences though when families miss out on spending time with the loved ones they live remote to, because it is all too hard.
This weekend past I travelled south to Victoria’s Great Ocean Road on my own with my two little boys. The journey required a 6.30 plane departure, plane change in Sydney that necessitated recheck-in, and a three-hour car journey. All up, twelve hours of travel. Was it easy? Hardly. Was it worth it? Absolutely. We were rewarded for the journey with four days of quality family time, celebrating my father’s seventieth birthday. As a bonus the entire Esler mob joined us on the Saturday, the boys spent a day with their cousin, grandparents, aunties, uncles, second cousins, great aunts and great uncles. The primary reason I bother with Bubs on the Move – to assist other families feel confident enough, with a few tips up their sleeve to journey however far necessary to spend time with loved ones. The second reason I bother with Bubs on the Move, to give other families, particularly those that include a mother feeling “Mummyfied” is to provide a little inspiration for journeys, and experiences they will feel confident to enjoy with their own kids.
Blogging is a metaphorical journey that I stumbled into. A huge thank you to those that have supported me over the last fourteen months. I still can’t quite believe that so many of you take the time to read my posts, it is a wonderful encouragement and support.
This blog provides tips and advice for parents traveling with small children including attraction and accommodation reviews, with an emphasis on North Queensland. You can join us on Facebook and Twitter to receive updates to your news feed.
I couldn’t agree with you more! Traveling is so worth it, even when it’s hard. Thanks for being one of the families encouraging other families to go for it.
My pleasure Jessica. You too!
I’m glad you bother, Dani. And I agree that it is hard to travel with kids (well, just one tiny baby so far), but ALWAYS worth it. I’m so glad you had a nice time with your family. Happy Birthday Murray.
Love watching the shots of your own explorations with your gorgeous bub on Facebook Joy.
Well said! I do actually know people who just don’t like to travel. Weird but true! But there are many who do but lack confidence.
Danielle,
I’m glad you bother to blog or I wouldn’t know about your inspiring travels.
We have been home educating for nearly a year, we do this for a number of reasons, one being the ease of travelling. My dream is to take our family on the road to show them first hand just how amazing Australia is while trying to make my living online (3 websites so far).
To show them aboriginal culture in depth, to volunteer on cattle stations or small town groups that need help, to take the time to explore places we don’t even know exist yet and learn about this country’s history or whatever great adventures await.
I find it intriguing to find so many people travelling with kids, I used to think we were the only silly people who thought that way. Now that I have found many websites and blogs dedicated to this I realise just how adventurous people can be.
Anyway I’m off now to check out some more of your blog.