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:
- Sign Up for our Newsletter & Get a Free Guided Meditation: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/community
- Ready for your next adventure? Fill out our Trip Request Form and we will reach out to set up a Free Consultation Call: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/trip-request
- Tavia’s Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/bigbravenomad/list/1ECESE5NADDXT
Leave a Review: Loving the show? Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your favorite travel buddy (or stressed-out parent friend 💛). It helps more families find joy and transformation through travel.
Connect with Tavia Carlson
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbravenomad
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigbravenomad/
- Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/BigBraveNomad/
- X: https://x.com/BigBraveNomad
- Website: https://www.bigbravenomad.com/
Connect with Kelly
- Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel
- Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday
- Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Transform With Travel. Happy travels in 2025! ✈️
