Mother of 3 Who Traveled to 24 Countries Shares Her Unconventional Travel Secrets
A Mother’s Unconventional Approach to Family Travel
For many parents, planning a family trip involves following a set of rules and guidelines to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. However, Jamie Davis Smith, a seasoned traveler and mother of two, has taken a different approach. She believes that sticking to conventional travel advice is not always the best way to enjoy time with your children. Instead, she has found that breaking the rules and embracing a more flexible mindset has made her family trips more enjoyable and memorable.
Davis Smith, a US-based travel writer, has visited 24 countries with her children, including some of the most popular tourist spots like Kyoto in Japan and Egypt's pyramids. Despite the common advice to stick to child-friendly destinations or follow strict itineraries, she has chosen to explore places that may not be considered traditional for families. Her philosophy is simple: if you’re going to travel, make the most of it by seeing as much as possible, even if it means changing accommodations frequently or staying up late at attractions.
One of the key aspects of her approach is the rejection of the “rise early to beat the crowds” rule. Davis Smith finds that waking up before dawn can take the joy out of a holiday. Instead, she prefers to relax and enjoy the day at a more natural pace. This also allows her family to stay longer at attractions, especially during the quieter hours just before closing. For example, she often finds that the hour before a theme park closes is the best time to enjoy the rides without the usual crowds.
Another unconventional choice Davis Smith makes is avoiding packing too many comforts from home. While many parents bring along large teddies, toys, and other familiar items to comfort their children, she prefers a minimalist approach. She only brings a small travel blanket to help her son feel secure, relying on the experiences and new environments to keep the kids entertained and engaged.
Her willingness to step outside the norm has led her to visit destinations that are not typically recommended for families. She has taken her children to places with complex histories, such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland, Hiroshima in Japan, and sites related to America’s civil rights movement in the Deep South. These experiences have allowed her children to learn about the world beyond the typical tourist spots.
Despite warnings about potential risks, such as food poisoning in India or safety concerns in Jordan, Davis Smith has found that these destinations can be safe and rewarding for families. She believes that traveling with children should not be limited by fear but rather by curiosity and a desire to explore.
Sardinia: The Ultimate Family Holiday Destination for 2026
In recent research conducted by Sunsail, Sardinia was named the top family holiday hotspot for 2026. Located just a short flight from the UK, this Italian island offers a perfect balance of calm beaches, lively resorts, and peaceful coves. With its stunning landscapes, welcoming hospitality, and rich cultural heritage, Sardinia provides an ideal setting for families looking for both relaxation and adventure.
The ranking of Sardinia was based on several factors, including popularity, accessibility, safety, diversity of activities, and family-friendly accommodation options. Unlike many overcrowded Mediterranean destinations, Sardinia manages to offer a variety of experiences that cater to both younger children and older teenagers.
Other top destinations in the list include Ibiza, Lake Garda, Cornwall, and Orlando. Each of these locations has been praised for its unique offerings, from Ibiza’s clean beaches and Blue Flag sands to Orlando’s world-famous theme parks.
