Hi, I’m Michelle!
Welcome to We Traveled Happy, where you’ll find real-life destination guides, budget travel tips, and planning strategies that make travel with kids (and without them) feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more doable.
My love of travel began on a college mission trip to Mexico City. I loved experiencing the new cultures, food, and views. I’ve been chasing bucket list adventures ever since.
Before kids, I traveled to 12 countries and many U.S. cities. These days, my husband and I travel with our kids whenever school breaks (and budgets) allow – so far hitting 2 international destinations, 8 U.S. national parks, and countless family-friendly cities together.
We’ve been adventuring with our kids for over a decade and have built a library of core memories, travel hacks, hilarious failures, and a few passport stamps along the way.
When our kids were younger and our wallets were lighter (hello, nonprofit jobs), we stuck closer to home and got really good at local adventures. As our kids have grown, so has our travel confidence.
Now we plan trips during school breaks, think spring break, fall break, and long weekends – to explore God’s creation together, one destination at a time.
We’ve had 8 years to perfect the art of juggling school calendars, sports schedules, and tight travel budgets.
I’ve spent countless hours researching family-friendly destinations, learning the points and miles game, and curating the most fun, affordable, and unique experiences to include in our itineraries.
We’ve hugged kangaroos near Mammoth Cave, snorkeled in the Florida Keys, and navigated everything from Rocky Mountain trails to bustling city metros with our kids in tow.
Sometimes it’s smooth. Sometimes it’s chaos. But it’s always worth it.
Over the years, I became the go-to friend for planning affordable trips, finding kid-friendly stays, and making the most of travel points. After helping so many friends and family members, I decided to share what I’ve learned (and what we’re still learning) here.
My goal is to make family travel feel less overwhelming and more possible, so you can stop second-guessing every decision and start making unforgettable memories.
What You’ll Find Here
At We Traveled Happy, I share practical, tested advice to help you travel confidently, whether you’re bringing the kids or sneaking in a couples’ getaway.
Here’s what you’ll find on the blog:
- Family-Friendly Destinations – guides to national parks, cities, and international spots with kids in mind
- Packing Lists & Prep Tips – what to bring, what to skip, and how to prep without the stress
- Hotel & Activity Reviews – honest takes on where we stayed and what we did
- Budget-Friendly Strategies – how we use points, miles, and planning hacks to stretch every dollar
- Couples’ Getaways – because time together (without the kids) is good for your marriage and your parenting
We’re not luxury travelers or full-time nomads. We’re a middle-class family working around school breaks, saving up points, and choosing memories over more things.
Why I Do This
I believe travel with kids is 100% worth it, even if it’s a little chaotic along the way. With the right prep and realistic expectations, you can create meaningful, joy-filled memories without the overwhelm.
So whether you’re planning your first trip with toddlers or your tenth with teens, I’m here to help you make it happen with clarity, confidence, and maybe even a little fun.
Take a look around the blog, follow along on Instagram, or shoot me an email at michelle@wetraveledhappy.com. I’d love to hear where your family is headed next!
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