These are four people (currently five!) know as @bigbravenomad whose love for travelling together can be seen in the sheer number of places they have already visited!
What this family really loves is adventure, and we didn’t want to be left out.
Let’s get to know a little more of the USA with the Carlsons!
By Ana Roque
They live in Barbados and absolutely love to travel, but no, they are not the typical family you are expecting.
The Carlsons are a US military family who travel the world any time their leave gets approved.
Tavia, her husband, and the kids Charletta and Latham share the same love for adventure and live it together. “We love hiking, snorkelling and trying new foods!”
Tavia told Lemon that she has always had alove for travelling. “As a child, I did not do much travel with my family, but when I was 17 I signed up for one of my high school’s tours to France and visited Europe for the first time. It opened up my eyes to the world and in college I spent a month travelling Europe.” At that point, everything changed. “I knew I needed to see more of the world. After that, my husband (then boyfriend) and I travelled as much as we were able.”
By now, they have travelled to “25 countries, 48 US States and are avid US National Park lovers”. And it shows!
Of the 63 that exist in the U.S., this family have visited 50. That is exactly why we asked them to guide us through them.
Olympic National Park in Washington
“This park truly has it all: ocean front hikes, trails through magical rainforests, hikes that traverse high mountain peaks, hot springs, stunning in-park accommodation, and fairy-tale alpine lakes. This park really checks the boxes for anyone dipping their toes into the National Parks because you can explore so many different climates and terrains in one single park.”
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming
“This is one of the most gorgeous National Parks in the Continental United States. Here you will find drastic mountain peaks, hikes for any ability, boat rides across gorgeous lakes, unmatched in-park accommodation, and mountain views that look like they come out of a storybook. This park is best visited in July-September because heavy snow closes some of the park through the winter months.”
Yosemite National Park in California
“This is a heavily trafficked National Park, but for good reason. This park has incredible views that you don’t need to hike to see. The park offers a variety of hiking trails from extreme to very easy and almost all of them have rewarding views. In the park you can swim in the streams, hike the mountains, ski in the winter, bike the valley, drive up to breath-taking lookout points, walk through Giant Sequoia groves, and their in-park accommodation is amazing. If you can, try to snag a room at the historic Ahwahnee.”
“Almost every single park has a nature trail or even an accessible trail, easy access lookout points, a Junior Ranger Programme, Ranger-led events, camping, and so much more that kids can do! I recommend giving them all a try!”
“In my experience, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a difficult park to trek with little kids. The park itself is amazing and is home to the highest peak in Texas, but not if you’re looking for easy hiking with kids.
It does have a couple of nature trails and a museum, but it won’t take you long to explore it all if you’re not wanting to do strenuous hikes.”
What is the secret to making trips go smoothly with kids?
Patience is really the only thing you can control when travelling with children.We have been travelling with our two kids since they were a couple weeks old.Expect the unexpected and loosen your trip goals. Children are unpredictable and exciting, so let that spontaneity benefit you and not dishearten you. We build in a lot of down time for our kids and try to balance kid-friendly excursions with what my husband and I want to see.
What is an absolute must to entertain the young ones?
Piggy backing off the previous answer, I would say to try to find restaurants or outdoor spaces that have playgrounds. We have eaten at some of the most gorgeous and delicious restaurants that cater to families. It’s so nice to be able to eat with your spouse or family while the kids play.
What tips do you give to people who want to travel with the kids but are afraid?
Rip off the band-aid. Don’t let your fear stop you from experiencing all the world has to offer. There are 195 unique countries across the globe, 50 vastly different U.S. States, and endless places to experience. Children are sponges and the exposure to new food, new culture, new language, and new environments are a greater asset to their development than any classroom can provide.
“Download ‘AllTrails’ and have the maps for the hikes you’re taking pre-downloaded on your phone in case you don’t have data service”
“Water bottles for every person in your group”
“Sun hats, sunglasses and sunscreen”
“Bug Spray”
“Good shoes that are appropriate for the terrain. Even the kids need good hiking shoes”
“Snacks”
“A rain jacket for each person”
“We also bring a GPS tracker on every single hike we take”
Follow www.bigbravenomad.com/ for more amazing adventures!
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