Episode 82

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Published on:

27th May 2025

082: Visiting 38 Countries & 51 National Parks with Her Kids SOLO (& How You Can Too!) | Tavia Carlson

What if the family vacation of your dreams was just one brave step away?

In this empowering and practical episode, Kelly sits down with Big Brave Nomad founder Tavia Carlson—a mom of three, solo travel advocate, and fearless explorer who’s visited 38 countries, 49 states, and 51 national parks (often with kids in tow and no partner in sight).

Together, they dive into what it really looks like to travel boldly as a parent—including how to start small, plan big, and raise courageous, curious kids along the way. Whether you’re dreaming of Yosemite or Machu Picchu, you’ll walk away with real-world tips, gear recs, and mindset shifts to help you plan your next adventure with confidence.

Inside This Episode:

  • The best national parks for family-friendly exploration
  • What to know before planning a solo parent trip
  • How to survive (and even enjoy) travel days with kids
  • International travel tips for adventurous families
  • Why letting go of control might be the greatest gift to your kids

In this episode:

  • 0:00 Intro
  • 02:37 Raising Brave and Curious Kids
  • 03:34 Tavia's Travel Journey and Tips
  • 05:00 Overcoming Travel Challenges with Kids
  • 07:40 Solo Parenting and Travel
  • 10:44 Traveling with Kids: Practical Advice
  • 24:42 US National Parks: Top Picks for Families
  • 33:08 Affordable Hiking Gear for Kids
  • 34:26 Planning Permits for National Parks
  • 36:37 Navigating National Park Ticketing Systems
  • 39:44 International Travel with Kids: Tips and Recommendations
  • 45:06 Exploring Peru with Children
  • 52:41 Encouraging Bravery and Independence in Kids
  • 59:19 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

Resources & Links:

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About the Podcast

Transform With Travel: Trip Planning Made Easy For Busy Professionals Craving Bucket List Adventures
Are you sitting behind your desk craving an adventure to make you feel alive again? But with thousands of travel options out there, where do you begin?

Transform With Travel is designed for busy professionals who want more bucket lists trips that reignite adventure, go beneath the surface and feel unique to you WITHOUT the overwhelm of planning, the endless midnight scroll and the crowded tourist traps.

About your host

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Kelly Tolliday

Kelly is the Founder of Transform With Travel, with over 11 years in the travel industry. She's a Wellness Travel Expert, Retreat Facilitator, Travel Advisor & Podcast Host.

She's also a 500-Hr Registered Yoga Teacher & an Accredited Continued Education Provider for the Yoga Industry.

She's traveled to over 45 countries and lived across 4 continents. Now, it's her mission to inspire and support you in stepping outside of your comfort zone and into the life of your dreams.

She's passionate about immersive and transformational travel. She believe when you travel with intention, by combining wellness, adventure & cultural enrichment, you can truly transform your life, one trip at a time.

She's now based in South Florida, and she's married to her husband Sam with 2 beautiful daughters & 2 crazy dogs.