Have you ever dreamed of traveling with your kids but felt held back by fears of sleep disruptions, logistics, or safety concerns? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, Monica and Carolyn dive deep into mindful family travel—how to make it more meaningful, stress-free, and empowering.
Monica shares her recent solo trip to Morocco with her daughter.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
How to embrace mindful travel and avoid the tourist trap mentality
Overcoming fears around traveling with kids (sleep schedules, health concerns & more!)
The beauty of slowing down and letting kids lead the way in exploration
How to support local communities while traveling and make a positive impact
Lessons from traveling to 80+ countries and why Morocco was such a special experience
Whether you’re planning a big adventure or just dreaming about your next trip, this episode will inspire you to step outside your comfort zone, travel with intention, and create deeper connections—with your children and the world around you.
Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.
Time Stamps:
[00:00] – Introduction: Welcome to The Wand(HER)wild Podcast and setting the theme of the episode—mindful family travel, overcoming fears, and embracing slow, intentional journeys.
[02:30] – Monica’s Travel Experience & Background: Monica shares her deep-rooted love for travel, having visited over 80 countries and lived on four continents, shaping her unique perspective on mindful exploration.
[05:45] – Defining Mindful Travel: Discussion on what mindful travel means, avoiding the tourist-trap mentality, and making intentional choices that prioritize sustainability, cultural awareness, and respect for local communities.
[09:15] – Monica’s First Experience with Mindful Travel: Reflecting on a college trip to Kenya, where she built a water filtration system for a local community, Monica explains how this pivotal experience influenced her approach to travel and social impact.
[14:00] – Why Mindful Travel Matters: Examining the importance of choosing local accommodations, supporting small businesses, and being conscious of how tourism dollars affect local economies and cultures.
[18:30] – The Reality of Traveling with Kids: Carolyn opens up about the fears and logistical challenges of traveling as a mom, including worries about disrupted sleep, exhaustion, and the overwhelming task of planning trips with young children.
[22:45] – Common Fears of Traveling with Kids & How to Overcome Them: Exploring concerns about adjusting to new time zones, maintaining routines, handling jet lag, and ensuring access to reliable healthcare while traveling abroad.
[30:15] – The Magic of Slow Travel: Discussing the benefits of a slower, more intentional approach to travel with kids, emphasizing quality over quantity and allowing space for organic experiences rather than packed itineraries.
[34:40] – Embracing Spontaneity & Presence: Monica and Carolyn reflect on how children naturally help adults slow down, be present, and appreciate the small joys of travel, from discovering new foods to noticing cultural nuances.
[38:10] – Monica’s Solo Trip to Morocco with Her Daughter: Monica shares her experience of traveling alone with her 3 year old daughter, Mahira, for her sister’s wedding, highlighting the challenges and joys of exploring a new country as a mother and the importance of adjusting expectations when traveling with a toddler.
[46:30] – Responsible Tourism & Supporting Local Communities: A conversation on how travelers can be more conscious of their choices by supporting local businesses, ethical accommodations, and experiences that directly benefit communities rather than large corporations.
[50:20] – Key Takeaways & Lessons from Mindful Travel with Kids: Reflecting on the balance between planning and flexibility, how travel expands a child’s worldview, and why unstructured adventures often lead to the most meaningful experiences.
[55:45] – The Power of Travel Retreats for Mothers & Families: Discussion about Monica’s originating business, Wanderwild Family Retreats and how these curated experiences remove the stress of trip planning, offering mothers and children an intentional, community-driven travel experience.
[58:30] – Closing Thoughts & Encouragement: A final reflection on why moms should embrace adventure, step outside their comfort zones, and trust themselves to travel with their kids, even if it feels intimidating at first.
Quick Links:
Wand(HER)wild | Virtual Events for Moms
Wanderwild Family Retreats | Bespoke In Person Retreats
Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica
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