About Me
Hi! I’m Jennifer and I am passionate about helping families travel now, not when the kids get older and will appreciate it.
Are you a busy parent who used to adventure before kids and longs for the time you were able to spontaneously book a flight and explore a new destination? Or perhaps you can’t imagine managing all of the logistics required to travel with a child? Or perhaps you are caught in the spiral of telling yourself you’ll prioritize family travel once the kids are older and can appreciate it?
My friends, teamJtravels is for you!
I have been traveling internationally with my family since 2017, and those experiences have taught me a lot! I’ve learned how to plan travel itineraries that match our family’s needs. I’ve learned the rhythm and routine that works best for our family and maximizes our time together exploring a new location. And I’ve learned the power of a quick playground stop to get the energy out and recharge batteries in a familiar setting.
But I’ve also learned things not to do…
- I’ve learned that trying to wing-it while traveling with kids often leads to missed opportunities, challenging transportation, lack of good food options, and disappointment all around.
- I’ve learned that many of the “must-see” sites or “can’t miss” experiences may not be worth it with kids in tow.
- I’ve learned that many of the well known cities have adjacent cities or towns with similar vibes and far less crowds.
- I’ve learned that traveling too fast may yield lots of destinations but little relaxation and satisfaction.
- I’ve learned that the Instagram overlooks are overrun with people who want the shot but not the adventure. Hike 5-10 minutes down the trail and you often have the entire path to yourselves.
- I’ve learned a lot about the things that sound like a good idea, but actually take up way too much time with very little gain.
The trip guru…
Friends and family call me the “trip guru” because of my organized plans and well designed itineraries. My research is thorough and I could lead a guided trip by the time we step off the airplane. I love designing itineraries and feel terrible when I see parents too frustrated and overwhelmed with planning and logistics so they don’t take the trip. I want to support families in making travel a reality with their kids now, not when they get older, and teamJtravels is designed to do just that.
Who is teamJtravels for?
teamJtravels is for anyone who wants to enjoy family travel and not feel overwhelmed and stressed out. teamJtravels is for families who need a proven itinerary with hotels and experiences their entire family will enjoy. teamJtravels is for parents who want checklists and strategies for traveling with kids that makes planning smarter, not harder.
A unique resumé
And, I have a unique set of skills to help you do this! I have a doctorate degree in education from an Ivy League Institution and decades of experience teaching, consulting, and leading in both public and private schools in the United States. My specific expertise is in teaching, learning, and curriculum so I am always “minds on” about an activity or experience, considering how the environment impacts learning, and evaluating how knowledge is constructed. Travel is the perfect opportunity to engage!
I love to apply a lens of inquiry when exploring a new destination, asking big questions and finding the answers. Learning through travel is magical when done well and has the power to transform a child’s perspective about the world around them and their responsibility as a global citizen. No matter the age, we all benefit from increased empathy, understanding difference, and managing our impact.
Our family travels during school breaks and makes the most of time away. I’ve used my skills to visit over 30 countries, ____ of which have been since becoming a mom. I want to use my skills to help you do the same.
So… what do you need help with?
I want to DESIGN family itineraries
I want to EXPLORE destinations that are family friendly
I want to DEVELOP a travel mindset in my children
I want to RESEARCH locations my family would enjoy
I want to LEARN how to make experiences educational
I want to TRUST someone to complete the work for my family
I want to ENGAGE in a community of like minded families
Professional Bio
Jennifer is an experienced school administrator who loves to take learning beyond the classroom while exploring the world with her family. Drawing on her educational background, she approaches family travel and building itineraries with the precision of an effective and highly engaging lesson plan. Research completed, check! Travel goals outlined, check! Routes designed to maximize family fun, check! Logistics wrangled, check! The ultimate assessment comes when the family sits in awe reflecting on new information gained or stands in pure, exhausted pride having conquered a physical challenge they didn’t think was possible.
Known as “the trip guru” within her inner circles, she is passionate about showing that family travel is not only possible but also enjoyable when you create itineraries that honor children’s interests, highlight family hobbies, include playgrounds at every destination, and make learning come alive. She gets excited about showing others how to build the skill of traveling within their children, one trip at a time.
She lives in the Bay Area in the United States with her husband and son. When not at school, she can be found listening to an audiobook, enjoying the beach, or dreaming up the next few journeys for her family.