Our purpose

Hello! We are the O’Neills and we love to travel. At the start of 2020, we thought it would be fun to start a travel blog for couples so we could share experiences, tips and inspiration with other couples who love travel. Of course, we did not get far before everything shut down because of the pandemic. With our travel plans on hold, we shifted our focus toward starting our family. Two kids later, we are even more passionate about developing a travel community, but now we are all about family travel!

We have always been steadfast in the notion that having kids doesn’t mean you have to give up traveling. Travel is an enthralling way to open our children’s eyes to other cultures, people, viewpoints and experiences. We aspire to raise well-rounded kids who possess a strong sense of self so that when it comes time for them to strike out on their own (or get into the frightening space of social media), they are well equipped to take on the world, and our goal is to encourage other families to feel empowered to do the same.

Our strategy is basically exposure. If we get our kids used to travel from an early age, they will be skilled little adventurers in no time. That said, our kids are both under three yers old, so this will very much be a learn as we go journey. We are sure to make some mistakes along the way, but we look forward to sharing those stories, as well. We will write posts about both what has worked for us and what hasn’t. Hopefully our trial and error will yield smoother travels for all our readers!

 

A bit more about our travel with kids family

Sean

Originally from England, Sean is an award-winning mixologist (he will hate that I included this in his bio, but I reserve the right to brag on him a little bit!) who works in downtown Austin and also owns his own business. He has a big heart and is the best husband and father we could ever ask for.

Likes: Liverpool FC, karaoke, cutting up the dance floor, a high quality cocktail, anyone named Adam

Dislikes: Cooked mushrooms, waking up early, being late, random questions about what he does and doesn’t like

Travel style: All about relaxation – don’t over-schedule, leave room for rest days

Favorite destination so far: Perth/Freemantle, Australia

Katie

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Katie is an event producer with her own company based in Austin. She has been to all 50 states and has a long list of places she still wants to see. She is the even-tempered one of the family but is terrible at making decisions.

Likes: Pittsburgh Penguins, roller coasters, ice cream, floating the river

Dislikes: Onions, mosquitos, mountain biking (almost died – never again), having a drink go down the wrong pipe

Travel style: All about the spreadsheets – plan ahead, try to fit as much as possible into the itinerary

Favorite destination so far: Porto, Portugal

Jameson

From Austin, TX, Jameson has already been to 10 countries and 16 states. He is always up for going new places but is cautious about trying new things.

Likes: Anything on wheels, Toy Story, riding swings, strawberries, golf

Dislikes: Time out, Texas summers, performing on command

Travel style: All about the journey – airplanes, trains, boats, trucks, cars, etc.

Favorite destination so far: Rome, Italy

Charlie

From Austin, TX, Charlie has been to 9 states and is looking forward to her first international trip next Spring. She is already the boss of the family and likes doing her own thing.

Likes: Milk, fish, standing, grabbing glasses off faces, music

Dislikes: When Daddy leaves the room, being put down, having gas

Travel style: All about luxury – wants to be carried, fed, entertained

Favorite destination so far: Nashville, TN