Celebrating the Moms of Coastline
May 9, 2025 5:31 pm
This Mother’s Day, we’re proud to celebrate the amazing moms in the Coastline community. Whether they’re planning the perfect family getaway, discovering new destinations, or passing on a love of travel to the next generation, these mothers inspire us every day. Here’s to the moms who make every trip unforgettable.
We asked our community to share what they love about being a mom in travel, their top tips for traveling with children, and more. Keep reading to dive into their stories and insights.
Vinal Desai Burbeck
“It has been such a joy to see the world through my children's eyes. Though the experience of traveling has changed pretty significantly (we can no longer vacation; it's more of a relocation ), it is as fun as ever. My kids don't know it now, but they're extremely lucky to have the privilege of traveling extensively at such young ages. I believe that the trips we take as a family are the greatest gifts I can give to my kids, and I hope the memories last forever.
Of course, travel has many, many benefits for personal and intellectual development. It's also helpful from a professional perspective: my travels with my kids inform the trips that I plan for clients. With 6+ years and countless trips' worth of experience dealing with little ones on the road and in the sky, I am well equipped to work with wanderlusting families. I know what to look for in accommodations, how to craft a balanced itinerary, and countless other tips & tricks.
For one thing, pack *very* strategically. Start your packing list at least a few days prior to departure, and in that time, pay close attention to your kids' essentials and comfort items. For my family, that includes LOTS of snacks and sensory toys to keep little hands busy. Oh, and don't assume you'll be able to find diapers easily when traveling internationally. We made that mistake once and had to hunt around Lisbon for nearly three hours!”
Jessica Scott
“Though my days of carry-ons, spontaneous trips and plans that can change on a whim are behind me, seeing the world for the first time through my child's eyes simply can't be beat! It is truly incredible to witness how much my 3 year old has already been impacted by the experiences we've had traveling as a family. My best advice for traveling with little ones is to remain flexible and that "less is more" when it comes to packing. Also.... stuff a checked car seat bag with extra diapers + bulky baby items (it's essentially another free checked bag!).”
Jessica Upton
What do you love about being a mom in travel? “I love the flexibility it provides me with to be at my kids' activities and active in their lives. I also love that I get to take my kids to destinations and hotels that they wouldn't get to experience otherwise.”
What is your best tip for traveling with children? “Just do it! Sure the travel days are going to be tough, but what about parenting is easy? Take the trip. No one regrets the trips they took, but always wishes they had traveled more!”
How does your career shape your kids' view of the world? “My kids are pretty young (8, 6 & 2), so just being aware & curious about other countries and cultures out there in the world is the first part. As simple as that sounds, the reality is that without awareness, there can't be curiosity and intrigue. And second, they are more welcoming, accepting and excited about cultural differences. It's a beautiful thing to witness and makes me a proud mom.”
What's one word to describe your experience of being a mom? “Challenging (in all the best ways!)”
Stephanie Louzil
“Both my role as a mom and travel advisor require flexibility, problem-solving, patience and grace under pressure. Being in travel has made me a more adaptable and resilient mom, and being a mom has made me a more thoughtful and empathetic travel professional.”
Chelsee McClintock
“As a travel advisor and a mom, I love showing my kids that the world is so much bigger, kinder, and more beautiful than what they see every day. Traveling together teaches them curiosity, gratitude, and empathy — and reminds me to see everything through fresh eyes. My best tip for traveling with kids? Keep
it flexible, sprinkle in magic (like a surprise gelato stop!), and don't sweat the small stuff. Being a mom in travel means raising little global citizens — and it's the greatest adventure of all.”
Lauren Carter
What do you love about being a mom in travel? “One of the things I love most is the flexibility it provides. With clients all over the world, I'm able to adjust my work hours around my son's schedule—whether he's at school, napping, or asleep at night. It allows me to be present for him while still staying fully engaged in my career.”
What is your best tip for traveling with children? “Take advantage of hotels that offer family-friendly amenities like stroller programs and diaper genie services. They make travel with little ones so much easier and help you pack lighter, which is a huge win.”
How does your career shape your child’s view of the world? “He’s still a bit young, but I hope that growing up with travel as part of his life will show him just how much there is to learn beyond textbooks. Being able to touch, see, and experience history firsthand can make the world feel so much bigger and more connected. I’m excited for when he reaches grade school—the history lessons will be even more meaningful!”
What’s one word to describe your experience of being a mom? “Rewarding.”
Suzie Masters
“I love traveling with my children as it’s the best way to learn about history, language, food, culture, math, finances, business etc, it’s the best investment that our family makes with our time, money and energy and creating memories that last a lifetime.”
Jessica Pressler
“Celebrating My First Mother’s Day!
Becoming a mom has been the most beautiful and exhausting journey—she's the light of my life, and I waited years for this dream to come true. Now that she's here, I'm even more excited to show her the world! So far, we’ve taken one trip as a family—and we’ve got another coming up in just a couple of weeks! Traveling with a baby is definitely different, but it’s so worth it.
Travel Tip for fellow moms: Don’t overpack the big stuff—use BabyQuip to rent essentials like pack ‘n plays, high chairs, and strollers at your destination. You’re already packing so much, let someone else handle the gear!”
Heather Foster
"I love bringing Loubie around the world with me! He is the best travel buddy - always up for exploring, never complains about jet lag, and loves to make new friends everywhere we go.
Travel tip: Always double-check the pet entry requirements for each country well in advance - rules vary and you want to be sure you have the required paperwork to keep things stress-free upon entry.”