By Monica Virga Alborno 
Travel has been a constant teacher in my life. It’s shaped who I am, how I mother, and the values I’m passing on to my children. I’ve lived on four continents, traveled to 80 countries, and had moments that made me feel fully alive—and others that cracked me open. But it wasn’t until I became a mother that I began to see travel through an entirely different lens.
Recently, I took my daughter, Mahira, to Morocco for my sister’s wedding. Just the two of us. And while I’ve done solo trips, remote expeditions, and humanitarian projects in my twenties, traveling with a three-year-old taught me something new: how to wander slowly, intentionally, and with wide-eyed presence.
The Early Roots of My World Schooling Mind
I didn’t grow up in a family that globetrotted. But something in me longed to experience the world, and when I got the chance to go to Kenya in college to work on a humanitarian engineering project, it shifted everything.
We built water filtration systems and taught local youth how to turn them into sustainable micro-enterprises. I lived in a center for street children. It wasn’t glamorous—it was raw, real, and deeply impactful. That summer awakened something in me: an awareness of how travel can be a force for good, not just personal escape. I came back changed. I even got a Swahili tattoo on my arm as a reminder of that time.
Since then, I’ve approached travel with a desire to make a difference, even in small ways—choosing locally owned hotels, supporting artisans, and being conscious of my footprint. I call it “mindful travel,” and it’s something I’m now modeling for my kids.
Letting Go of the Highlight Reel
Traveling today often looks like influencers posing with giraffes or perfectly curated moments set against exotic backdrops. And while there’s beauty in documenting the journey, I’ve learned that the most meaningful travel isn’t about the selfie—it’s about the soul work.
With Mahira, I try to invite presence into every step of the journey. On our trip to Morocco, we walked slowly through the Medina, taking in the spices, fabrics, and music. We watched sunrises together, and she gasped with wonder every time we landed or took off in a plane. These weren’t Instagrammable moments, but they were sacred.
Fear, Motherhood, and the Realities of Family Travel
I get it—traveling with kids can feel overwhelming. So many moms I talk to say the same thing: “What if my child doesn’t sleep?” “What if someone gets sick?” “What if it’s too hard?”
All of those are valid fears. I’ve felt them too. But here’s what I’ve learned: preparation and flexibility go a long way. Before a trip, I always research local medical facilities, understand time zone impacts, and adjust our schedule to allow space for jet lag and downtime.
When I traveled to Morocco solo with Mahira, I packed light and smart. I carried everything in one backpack so I could keep my hands free. We brought essentials, some familiar comfort items, and flexible clothes that could be washed easily. It wasn’t about looking cute or curated—it was about ease.
Raising Little Citizens of the World
The most rewarding part of traveling with my daughter is watching her discover the world. She notices things adults might overlook: the way the trees sound in the wind, the spices in a market, the expressions on strangers’ faces. Kids are masters of presence.
Every adventure adds a layer to her understanding of the world—and to mine. Travel has become a shared language between us. And I know, deep down, that these experiences are helping her become more open-hearted, adaptable, and curious.
The Magic of Slowing Down
I used to be the kind of traveler who packed an itinerary with 10 activities a day. Now, I build in margin. We plan for one “anchor” experience and leave the rest open to discovery. That’s where the magic happens.
Instead of checking off landmarks, we ask locals for their favorite cafés. Instead of rushing from one photo-op to the next, we sit in parks and watch the world unfold. With kids, you learn to embrace the slower pace—and you often find yourself more deeply immersed in the culture because of it.
Travel as a Mirror
Travel has taught me resilience, flexibility, and a reverence for cultures beyond my own. It’s challenged me to grow, to listen, and to live with more humility. But now, as a mother, it’s also teaching me how to invite my children into that growth—not perfectly, but intentionally.
Whether we’re wandering a European street or taking a simple road trip, the question I hold close is: How can I raise children who see the world not as “other,” but as connected, sacred, and full of possibility?
That’s what drives me.
by Laurie Larsh 
by Megan Launchbaugh 
