Road-Tripping Mom Shows How It’s Possible to Travel With Young Children While Keeping Costs Low

Courtesy of @thirdcoasttribe

For many, backpacking is just a side hobby—for Care Willink, it’s a way of life. Standing on top of the Grand Canyon, with her two-week-old daughter, Willink knew she never wanted this to stop. Traveling has enabled her to teach her children important life lessons, reminding them to embrace the journey just as much as the final destination.

At the beginning of their marriage, Willink and her husband quickly realized their appreciation for the outdoors. Even though they had bought the picture-perfect home, they decided to sell it and travel around Europe for a month. When they returned to America, the couple juggled between work and travel, squeezing in hiking adventures on the weekends. Backpacking soon became a permanent lifestyle addition for the Willink family, even after finding out they were expecting their first daughter.

Making Memories

Traveling with children is often avoided by many families due to the fear of being cumbersome. For Willink, it’s worth the effort but she also accepts that it’s not for everyone. “We know that different families have different levels of needs for their children and for their families,” she said. However, as long as you want to do it, Willink believes that it’s possible.