If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I talk a lot about food, self care, home routines…and lately, more about travel, including helpful trip planning tips to make your journeys smoother.
Travel has always been a huge part of my life—long before freezer meals, my second child, or anything you see today.
But I’ve never actually shared the full story behind why I love it so much.
So today, I want to take you back to the beginning.
Not just to tell you where I’ve been, but to show you how YOU can plan trips that feel exciting, meaningful, and, most importantly, right for you and your family.
Where It All Started
My very first trip abroad was to London when I was six years old.
It was a gift from my grandparents for my Holy Communion, and even though I barely remember the details, I do remember one thing:
That feeling of being somewhere totally new.
Then life happened, as it does, and I didn’t travel again until I was a teenager.
Between the ages of 15 and 19, I travelled quite a bit—but not in the way you might think.
I used to do some modelling, and I ended up travelling to represent Malta in various competitions around the world. It wasn’t the kind of travel you plan yourself, but it opened my eyes early to the idea that the world is much bigger than the tiny island I grew up on.
Those trips planted a seed.
From “Going on Trips” to Actually Planning Them
Between 19 and 21, I travelled with friends—again, without planning much myself.
But everything changed when I met my husband at 21.
That’s when I planned my first proper trips.
At first, it was short European weekends.
Then slightly longer European holidays.
And when we got married, I planned our first long-haul trip.
Three whole weeks in Bali
That trip changed everything for me—not because Bali is beautiful (it is), but because it was the first time I felt just how big the world really is.
Consider how many cultures there are.
Think about how much food there is to taste.
Imagine waking up to so many unreal views.
I realised then that I didn’t just love travelling.
I loved planning it.
Not in a “control freak” way (although… yes, there’s a little of that too 😂).
But because planning makes the whole experience richer.
The research, the pinning, the comparing, the Google Maps rabbit holes…
It’s fun.
It’s exciting.
It feels like play.
It’s almost as fun as the trip itself.
And when everything you’ve researched comes to life right in front of you?
There’s no better feeling.
Fast Forward 20 Years
Today, I’ve travelled to 24 countries.
I plan 3+ trips a year.
And for every single one of them, the process is the same:
Excitement always hits me.
Curiosity drives me forward.
I become borderline obsessed (in the best possible way).
Then I dive into the culture, the food, the views, the nature, and the rhythm of the place.
And I let it completely wake up my senses.
When I arrive somewhere new, I feel awake. I want to see everything, smell everything, taste everything.
I want to understand how people live, what they eat, what they treasure.
And that’s why I travel—not just to “go on holiday,” but to experience the world.
Why I’m Sharing All This
Because I know so many mums dream about travelling more…but feel overwhelmed by the planning, or think they’re not organised enough, or worry it’s too stressful with kids, I want to share some simple trip planning tips.
These tips will show you that you can absolutely plan your own trips—and even enjoy the process.
Being naturally organised isn’t necessary.
You don’t have to be adventurous.
Perfection isn’t required.
With the right trip planning tips, you can make travel feel manageable, fun, and completely doable for you and your family.
What you need to know to plan your own trips
- What kind of holiday makes you feel alive
- What pace your family actually enjoys
- What views and food light you up
- What type of accommodation feels right for your season
- Your budget
- Your travel dates
Planning becomes easier when you know your style, and dive headfirst into budgeting for it.
How to Start Planning Trips You Truly Love
Planning becomes easier when you know your style, and dive headfirst into budgeting for it.
Here are three simple starting points to make planning feel exciting instead of stressful:
1. Start with the feeling, not the destination
Ask: What do we want this trip to feel like? Relaxing? Adventurous? Nature-filled? Cultural? Food-focused? The destination becomes clearer once you know the feeling.
2. Save inspiration all year long
Create a single folder on Instagram or wherever you get your media fix. Start a spreadsheet and list destinations that inspire you. Anytime you see a destination, axctivity, hotel, beach, town, view, or meal you love… save it. When you’re ready to plan, your ideas are already waiting.
3. Don’t try to do everything
The best trips have breathing space. Slow mornings. Views you actually sit and enjoy. Moments where your family connects. Less = better.
And This Is Just the Beginning
I’m finally starting to share my travel world with you…the places we’ve been, the places we’re going, how I plan our itineraries, and all the tips, hacks, and trip planning tips that make family travel feel exciting and stress-free.
If you love nature, slow travel, small towns, epic views, wildlife, food, and experiences with heart…you’re in the right place.
Travel has shaped who I am, and now I want to help you shape trips you’ll remember forever—with practical trip planning tips along the way.
More to come. And I can’t wait to take you with me.
Love,
Nakita xxx
PS: Since this is a fairly new topic for me which I’ve touched on only sparsely, I’d really love to hear what you think.
Do you love travel?
What did you enjoy from this blog post?
What kind of blog posts would you like to see?
Please send in your feedback and requests!
>>> nakita@themamamanual.com <<<
Thank you! x
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