EP 8: How One Family Traveled the World with Two Kids (and What They Learned Along the Way) featuring Jess Pawl, Kid-Friendly Stays

The My Outdoorsy Mom Podcast

What happens when you hit pause on the 9–5 and take your family around the world for a year? Jess Pawl, founder of Kid-Friendly Stays, joins me to share how she and her husband left their corporate jobs to slow travel with their toddler and baby.

We talk about why traveling with young kids doesn’t have to be terrifying, how international cultures often embrace families more than the U.S., and how to actually enjoy travel without burning out.

Jess shares practical strategies for finding kid-friendly accommodations, easing kids into new environments, and structuring days to meet everyone’s needs (yes, even yours, mom!).

Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of one, this conversation is packed with inspiration and realistic advice to make family travel feel doable—and even delightful.

In this episode, we cover:

• How a health scare sparked a life-changing decision

• What “slow travel” really looks like with babies and toddlers

• The myth that travel with kids has to be miserable

• Why many countries are actually more family-friendly than the U.S.

• Favorite destinations for kid-friendly travel (hint: Portugal makes the list!)

• Tips for prepping kids for travel so they feel excited, not anxious: "Let's Get Excited Kid's Pre-Travel Packet"

• The birth of Kid-Friendly Stays—and how it’s helping parents plan smarter

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Click here for the full show notes.

Where to find Jess:

Website: www.kidfriendlystays.com

Instagram: @kidfriendlystays

Where you can find me:

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