Hey, I’m Alissa! And this is Live Bold—a space where we document our family’s adventures and share the stories, lessons, and joys of travel to help others live bold and travel more with kids.
Dani and I started Live Bold as a way to share our stories and, honestly, to keep a journal of our own travel memories. Before this blog (and before I met Dani), I had another travel blog documenting my 18 month “gap year” that turned into 40 countries worth of experiences. That journey completely changed me. I fell in love with travel—not just the places, but the unexpected moments, cultural exchanges, and experiences that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. It taught me that life feels fullest when we’re open to the unknown.
Why We Travel
Saying “I love to travel” feels almost meaningless these days—like a throwaway line on a social media profile. For me, I don’t travel just to see new places. I travel because of what it does to me. Because of the way it forces me into the unfamiliar, and creates the kind of moments that stick with me forever.
Like the time I spent three days with a nomadic tribe in western China—herding yaks, playing with their children, and sharing a straw bed with a generous family, even though we didn’t speak a single word of the same language. Or when I hiked to the top of an active volcano in Vanuatu and stood at the edge, looking straight down into a cauldron of bubbling lava, feeling the heat rise against my face from 100 meters down.
These are the experiences that keep me coming back. Not the picture-perfect itineraries or bucket lists, but the unexpected connections, the wild misadventures, and the way travel reshapes who I am.
Now, as parents, Dani and I want our kids to grow up knowing this kind of world. One where curiosity beats comfort, where nature is the best playground, and where we don’t need a perfect plan to have an unforgettable experience.
We don’t wait for the “perfect time” to travel. We pack light, prioritize experiences over things, and embrace the chaos of seeing the world with young kids. This also means taking small trips when that’s all that’s possible, or even setting off on an “adventure breakfast” to cook over the fire and enjoy nature.
✅ We go where nature takes center stage—mountains, oceans, national and state parks.
✅ We travel light and aim for flexible days—because overpacking and overplanning kill the magic
✅ We make it work with kids—embracing the challenges and joys of sharing our type of travel with a toddler and kindergartener
✅ We say yes to bold experiences—whether that’s hiking in Iceland or flying for 27+ hours to Australia
Travel vs. Vacations with Kids
Our style of travel reflects our goals – to truly explore and appreciate other regions and countries. For us, this means staying away from the “hotspots” most of the time, and finding smaller towns or less touristy areas, and local experiences. For example, read why we chose to stay in Selfoss instead of Reykjavik in Iceland.
With two little ones (ages 1 and 5), we’ve learned how to travel smarter, not harder. Here’s what you’ll find on Live Bold:
- How to have authentic experiences while traveling; no resort reviews here
- Itineraries that actually work for families
- Packing lists that cut the clutter and keep everyone happy
- Honest takes on destinations—what’s worth it and what’s not
Start Here
New to Live Bold? Check out some of our top guides:
Live Bold: How to Make Fearless Choices and Transform Your Life
What to pack when flying with babies and toddlers – the best gear that we actually use
Iceland Itinerary: Tips for an Unforgetable Family Iceland Adventure
Let’s Connect
We love hearing from other families making bold travel choices. Follow along on Instagram @liveboldtravel or subscribe to our newsletter below for the latest guides and stories from the road!