Hi, I’m Michelle!
Welcome to We Traveled Happy, where I share real-life family travel tips and destination guides that make planning your next adventure 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.
From hiking to glacial lakes in Banff to rock climbing in New River Gorge, our trips are filled with big moments, little surprises, and memories we’ll never forget.
We’ve hugged kangaroos near Mammoth Cave, snorkeled in the Florida Keys, and tackled everything from mountain trails to city metros together.
What You’ll Find Here
We Traveled Happy is a practical family travel blog focused on two things:
Most of our adventures include the kids, but every now and then, my husband and I sneak away for a couple’s getaway. When we do, I share those experiences too because rested parents make better travelers (and better humans in general).
I write detailed itineraries, hotel reviews, packing guides, and first-hand advice based on trips we’ve actually taken. You won’t find every destination under the sun, but you will find trusted, researched, and field-tested content to help you plan smarter and travel better, with or without the kids.
This blog is for families like ours – families who value experiences over things, travel on a budget, and want to make the most of their time together without burning out.
We’re not luxury travelers or full-time nomads. We travel during school breaks, stretch our budgets, and aim for a balance of adventure and rest.
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 a message. I’d love to hear where your family is headed next!
