Get to Know… Have Baby Will Travel

Corinne and Kids in Cuba

So, Corinne from Have Baby Will Travel, what do you blog about? My website’s mission is to motivate, inspire, and help families travel with babies, toddlers, and young children. I write about our travels, tips and information on traveling with little ones, and I share products, services, and brands that want to connect with families that are interested in travel. Now that I’m a travel agent, I’ll be posting deals and news on family-friendly trips and accommodations.

Favorite late night snack? Wine. Is that a snack?

Best food discovery? Puerto Rican food. I still lament that in a city as multi-cultural as Toronto, there are no Puerto Rican restaurants here. My daughter and I are craving Mofongo!

One thing you can’t leave the house without? Diaper wipes. Even though my youngest is no longer (yay!) in diapers, when you’re on the go diaper wipes are an essential for parents with children of any age.

In Remedios Cuba

Plane, train, car or boat? PLANE.

Carry on or checked bag? Checked. Although I’ve been good lately at paring down our usual pile of luggage, I like my toiletries and travel-sized shampoo and conditioner just doesn’t cut it for me.

What kind of luggage do you prefer? We have an awesome set of luggage from Osprey. They make backpacks, but our luggage is kind of like the lightness of a backpack, but with sturdy and solid wheels.

Do you ever get tired of packing? Never. Packing is a part of travel.

Favorite place you have traveled? Our favourite place is Cuba. We feel very fortunate to be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches, the fascinating history, the incredible (and sometimes unusual) architecture, and the wonderful and warm people.

Dreaming of going to next? I went to Scotland every August when I was growing up, and it’s been more than 10 years since I’ve been back. I’m starting to pine for it and I can’t wait to show it to my children and introduce them to my extended family.

One thing you search out on your travels? I always keep my eyes peeled for a McDonalds. With two kids who never give much notice for when they need to use the loo, those golden arches are a beacon!

Best travel advice?  Just do it. Just go. It gets easier and easier with every trip.

Worst travel advice? Hand out earplugs or buy fellow passengers drinks on a plane. I’d rather use that time, money, and carry-on space to focus on my kids. Content and busy kids are quiet kids, and I’m tired of feeling like I should be responsible for the comfort of everyone on the plane.

Favorite jet lag trick? Try your hardest to get on the clock at your destination. Or if the time change isn’t too dramatic, stay on home time.

Biggest travel pet peeve? Seat recliners. My husband is 6’7″ and has had his knees smashed more times than he can count. And more than once I’ve had to prevent the seat in front of us from smashing  my baby’s head.

Most embarrassing incident while traveling? Once when I flew solo with both kids I was wearing a new pair of jeans that I was so excited about because they fit perfectly and were so comfortable. But about an hour into our journey, once they stretched out a bit, they kept falling down. And since I had my hands full with a 1yo and a 4yo (who both vomited on the plane) I had a tough time yanking them back up. A lot of people saw my bum that day.

Lake Louise

Most beautiful sunset/sunrise? Sunrise over the mountains in Banff – one of those fluke early wake-ups where you just happen to look out the window. Sunset at Oia in Greece – the sky was magenta and once the sun dropped everybody clapped. I think I want my ashes scattered there.

Most amazing accidental discovery? When my husband were driving around Barbados we stopped at a spot on the North East coast that was so beautiful I actually gasped. The giant blue waves crashing against the giant rocks both frightened me and exhilarated me. The only other time I felt so affected by nature was Cape Spear in Newfoundland and driving the Icefields Parkway in Alberta. I felt humbled, and in awe?

And finally…sweet or savory? Both, actually. Ever had a deep-fried Mars Bar?

Corinne McDermott is the founder of Have Baby Will Travel- a website with a mission to inspire, motivate, and help families travel with babies, toddlers, and young children. Writer, producer, and mama to Megan and Riley, Corinne recently became a travel agent specializing in family vacations. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

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walking on travels: keep traveling, keep moving forward;
take your kids walking on life’s path to adventure

Get to Know… Have Baby Will Travel written by Keryn Means

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