I admit the timing seems a bit strange for a new travel blog, given that COVID-19 has decimated the travel industry. The truth is, Pint Sized Travel has been a long time in the making.
I first toyed with the idea of starting my own travel blog when I worked for an Internet company that published travel and entertainment deals. At that time, I was in charge of PR for one of its offshoot products. I even went as far as purchasing the Pint Sized Travel domain. However, the idea of starting a travel blog remained just an idea for the next 7 years. Then the pandemic hit and forced everyone to shelter in place.
Isn’t it funny how your mind begins to wander and explore new possibilities when life slows down? You start to imagine the “what ifs.” You reprioritize what is important. Even in the face of uncertainty and sadness, you nurture the pearl of an idea; growing it until you have no choice but to show it to the world.
Don’t get me wrong, 2020 sucked. People I know succumbed to the coronavirus. My husband lost his job. I haven’t seen my parents in over a year (they live in England), and my kids haven’t seen the inside of a classroom in more than 10 months. We also had to cancel long-anticipated vacation plans.
Yet, amid all this unprecedented upheaval, it is important to stay hopeful. So why start a travel blog when nobody is traveling? Because, one day, in our – fingers crossed – more immediate future, the world will open up again. Until then, it is still possible to travel at a local level.
I remember the wonder I felt when I visited London, a few years ago, and stumbled across a preserved section of the London Wall. It was visible through a skylight above the basement of the One America Square building. How was it possible to have lived in this city for several years and not noticed such an amazing piece of Roman history? With eyes wide open, I proceeded to rediscover London and all its marvels during that trip.
We are faced with a similar opportunity today. While it is true that we are juggling work, school and daily life from within the confines of our homes, we can still explore the world that is at our doorstep. There are wonders to be seen, and cool things to experience – albeit wearing a mask and socially distanced.
We can also plan for a brighter tomorrow. Now is the time to dream and learn about new destinations, so that we are ready once the doors open. So, with all that said, I give you my fledgling blog. I hope that you find it useful.
In the coming weeks and months, I intend to use this travel blog as a repository for advice that adventurous families can use to get the most out of family travel. I will offer up first-hand accounts of places I’ve visited and family activities I’ve tried, musings on important topics that are relevant to family travel, as well as essential tips for traveling with babies, toddlers, elementary-aged kids, and teenagers.
Happy Travels!