Going Places is a brand new collection from JourneyIt that highlights frequent vacationers to showcase their distinctive journey kinds and insider suggestions.
Mom. Content creator. Travel planner extraordinaire. Meet Ashley Torres: creator of the approach to life weblog Everyday Pursuits—and wearer of many hats. Ashley began her weblog with the mission of serving to others reside their lives to the fullest. And the know-how of journey planning is an enormous a part of that.
“Especially when you have a young family, you might think: I can’t travel right now. But you can!” she stated. “I want to help other parents do that. Showing your children the world is so important.”
Ashley, her husband, and their two-year-old daughter not too long ago spent three months in Europe; one among them at a long-term rental in Italy.
“When it comes to trips with my daughter, a vacation rental like an Airbnb is the way to go. We have our own kitchen, our own bedrooms; it makes the experience that much more enjoyable—for all of us.”
Three months away? Consider it dealt with (in JourneyIt)
Ashley particulars the ins and outs of planning her journeys within the Travel part of her weblog. She shares journey guides to the most recent locations she’s visited; suggestions for household journey; and rather more.
Her secret weapon for staying organized? “I swear by TripIt. I forward all of my booking confirmations—planes, trains, and Airbnbs!—and it creates a seamless itinerary,” she stated. “Trust me, during a three-month trip to Europe, you’re going to have a lot of bookings. And TripIt handled it all.”
After her itineraries are created, Ashley depends on JourneyIt to maintain her on time: ”while you journey, there’s little room for error, so having on a regular basis zones mechanically synced in JourneyIt is so useful”—and within the know: “on long, multi-country trips, TripIt’s COVID-19 travel guidance feature was indispensable.”
Another safety-related function she loves? Sharing her journey plans. “I always share my plans with my Inner Circle, so my loved ones know where I am. It’s a great tool that gives everyone peace of mind.”
A rising household—and bucket listing
When it involves Ashley’s journey fashion, it’s advanced along with her rising household.
“Before I had my daughter, I loved to travel solo. If you can do it, do it!” she suggested. “You learn so much about yourself. From navigating public transportation to figuring out how to communicate despite a language barrier, I’ll always remember the pride I felt in those small accomplishments.”
And now? “Now, I’m all about family travel—which comes with its own challenges and accomplishments!”
Challenges like, going from being a carry-on-only traveler to now packing—and checking baggage—for a household of three. “Traveling light with a toddler? Nearly impossible,” she quipped.
Nonetheless, Ashley has realized what works—and what doesn’t—in the case of planning household journeys. Such as, her favourite locations for touring with a bit of one: “Europe, in general; and Lisbon and Paris, in particular. Cities in Europe are very community-oriented and family-friendly. They have beautiful public parks and museums. They’re highly walkable. It makes a trip there so easy and enjoyable.”
Regardless of the way you journey—solo, with pals, with a toddler, or one thing else—Ashley had a number of extra tricks to share.
“For starters, packing cubes are life. And get the Mobile Passport Control app. There’s something very satisfying about waving to your friends who are waiting in the long lines at customs and border patrol,” she stated, with fun.
And for the trip-planning course of: “Pinterest! Once I know our next destination, I go deep—I mean, 2 AM down-the-rabbit-hole deep—into Pinterest boards.”
With a visit to Hawaii this month, a return journey to Europe deliberate for the spring, and an African safari on the bucket listing, Ashley and her household don’t plan to remain put for lengthy. But when she does have some down time, she’s sharing all of it along with her followers, together with on her weblog, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Catch up on all Going Places options to be taught new journey suggestions, uncover underrated locations, and extra.
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