With over 300 million people worldwide affected by rare diseases, today is about raising awareness, supporting research, and fostering inclusivity.

For me, this isn’t just a statistic it’s personal. My daughter, Dotty, has KCNB1, a rare genetic condition that affects her development. She doesn’t speak, but she expresses herself in so many ways through laughter, gestures, and her boundless energy.

Traveling the world with Dotty has been incredibly rewarding for us and her, think she’s on to country 15 now and she will have seen Machu Picchu by this time next week and in a few more weeks we will be in Japan expanding her horizons every day!

As we travel we have seen firsthand how different countries approach accessibility and inclusion some making life easier with thoughtful design and understanding, while others still have a long way to go. These experiences have reinforced how small changes clearer communication, sensory-friendly spaces, and a bit of patience can make a huge difference.

So today, I encourage everyone to take a moment to learn, listen, and advocate. Let’s build a world where no one feels invisible.

If anyone wants to chat about this drop a comment below or email me from the about page.

#RareDiseaseDay #KCNB1 #InclusionMatters #SupportAndAwareness #AccessibilityForAll

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As our time in Europe come to an end, it’s surreal to look back at what we’ve experienced. Over the past 2 and a half months, we’ve visited 11 incredible countries, exploring everything from the charm of small villages to iconic cities. We’ve hiked, sledged, laughed (a lot), and even gotten a bit lost ultimately making memories as a family that will stay with us forever.

I also spent time creating tools to make travel easier and more enjoyable for us, And to that extent I’ve been working on a few exciting projects that have grown during this adventure:

• Make My Drive Fun App: This app has been a lifesaver on long drives, helping us discover hidden gems, scenic stops, and fun activities along the way. It’s turned “Are we there yet?” into “What’s next on the route?”

• Travel Planner Tool (Now in V2!): Thanks to incredible feedback, the planner now includes saved user history and persistent checkboxes, making it more seamless than ever. It’s designed to remember your preferences, so you can pick up right where you left off without missing a beat.

These tools started as experiments to help my family, but seeing how much value they’ve brought to others has been so rewarding. It’s proof that even on the road, you can innovate and build something meaningful.

Now, we’re gearing up for the next chapter. We’ll spend two weeks back in the UK, recharging, reflecting, and preparing for what’s next. Then, we’re off to South America a whole new adventure, with new landscapes to explore and stories to share.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you’ve got a favourite travel hack, tool, or app that’s helped you along the way, drop it in the comments, I’m always looking for inspiration!

Here are some pics that capture the last 2 and a half months. It’s been wild?!

Looking forward to new adventures, new challenges, and more creations to share.

Finally our Peru planning has started and it won’t be long till we touch down, so we will see you there, that should be epic and somewhat daunting.

#TravelWithAI #MakeMyDriveFun #FamilyAdventures #InnovationOnTheRoad

Learn more about Travel Tools!

Learn more about Travel Tools!

The post Our European leg has finished, 11 Countries and Epic Memories appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

Our family adventure has officially begun, and we couldn’t be more grateful to finally be here. The day started with an early ferry ride from Dover on Irish Ferries. The kids made the most of the onboard play area while Minions played on the screen, keeping them entertained and giving us a rare moment to pause and reflect.

Once we landed in France, the drive to the Parisian suburbs brought its own excitement. As we arrived at our Airbnb near Palaiseau, close to Lozère station, we were greeted by hills that offer a stunning vantage point over the area. The view is a perfect blend of city charm and peaceful greenery, making the long day of travel more than worth it.

Unpacking while the kids explored the space gave us a chance to breathe it all in. After so many months of planning, we’re finally doing it. This is the start of the adventure we’ve dreamed about, and being here feels like the greatest gift.

With the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre on the agenda for Wednesday, tomorrow is wide open—who knows what it will bring? But for tonight, we’re simply thankful for this moment, this view, and this journey we’re starting together.

Follow our journey! Whether you’re curious about family travel, need tips for your own adventures, or just love hearing about new places, join us here on the blog and on social media. Share your thoughts, tips, or even just say hi in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

The post First Day of Our Journey: From Dover to the Hills just outside Paris appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

It’s hard to believe that in just 12 hours, we’ll be boarding the ferry to France! The excitement is tense as it is as we prepare for our long-awaited journey to the enchanting streets of Paris. With so much planning and anticipation leading up to this moment, it feels surreal to be almost on our way!

Our Stay in Dover

Currently, we’re cozying up at the Premier Inn in Dover, where we just enjoyed a delightful festive dinner complete with all the trimmings. There’s nothing like good food to kickstart our adventure! Here’s what we savored:

• Succulent roast turkey
• Rich gravy
• Fluffy mashed potatoes
• Seasonal vegetables
• Decadent Christmas pudding

As we sit here reflecting on our meal, it truly feels like the perfect way to begin our holiday. Just a hearty breakfast awaits us in the morning before we embark on our drive to the ferry terminal.

What’s Next?

The thought of stepping foot in Paris is exhilarating! From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to the charming cafes lining the cobblestone streets, we can’t wait to dive into the culture and create unforgettable memories.

Stay tuned! We’ll be sharing updates and adventures right here on tantrummingtrailblazers.com as we explore the City of Lights.

Join Us on This Journey!

We invite you to follow along as we share our experiences, tips, and insights from our Parisian adventure. Don’t forget to check back for our latest posts, and feel free to drop us a comment with any suggestions or must-see places in Paris!

Let the countdown begin! Only 12 hours left until our ferry sets sail!

The post Countdown to Paris: Our Ferry Adventure Awaits! appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

The countdown is on! In just seven days, our family will be embarking on our European leg of our adventure. And wow planning a family road trip with young kids takes serious prep, but it’s all part of the excitement, isn’t it?

This week, we’re double-checking, packing, and organising every detail so we’re ready to hit the road and keep everyone (including us!) entertained. If you’re planning a family road trip, check out how we’re gearing up, and pick up a few tips along the way to make your next adventure easier!

Day 7: Decluttering the Car for Prime Road Trip Storage

It’s amazing how much stuff two kids need in fact how much we all need, especially on a road trip! We’re getting strategic with space, making sure essentials are easy to grab, and organising the boot for maximum storage.

• Packing Essentials First: Must-haves like nappies, wipes, snacks, and spare clothes are front and centre—easy to grab at a moment’s notice.
• Creating Grab-and-Go Bags: Georgia has a bag by her seat packed with a colouring book, storybooks, and favourite toys and kindle, while Dotty’s bag has soft, sensory-friendly toys and a snuggly blanket for extra comfort.
• Organising the Boot: The suitcases and bulkier items are tucked in the boot, while jackets and a small cooler are within reach for easy access.

Tip: Think about creating individual “road trip kits” for each child to keep essentials close and minimise the need to search for things mid-trip.

Day 6: Planning Kid-Friendly Entertainment for the Drive

Keeping the kids entertained (and sane) on a long drive is key, so we’re loading up on fun activities that cater to both of our daughters’ personalities.

• Sensory Toys for Dotty: Dotty’s favourites are squishy, textured toys she can explore with her hands. We’re also packing some calming music and nature sounds to help her relax if she starts feeling fussy.
• Travel Journal for Georgia: Georgia loves to draw, so she’s bringing along her travel journal, crayons, and coloured pencils to document our adventure. We’ve also downloaded a few audiobooks for her to listen to on headphones, which keeps her entertained for stretches without filling the car with toys.

Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of an audiobook or music playlist! They’re compact, mess-free, and can keep kids engaged for hours.

Day 5: Prepping Practical Road Trip Snacks

Road trip snacks are crucial. They can be the difference between a smooth ride and countless “I’m hungry!” interruptions. Here’s our snack plan:

• Familiar Favourites: Dotty’s favourites, like fruit pouches, cheese sticks, and crackers, are easy to eat without making a mess.
• Shareable Snacks for Georgia: We’re packing bite-sized treats like grapes and mini sandwiches for Georgia, along with a few treats.
• Spill-Proof Water Bottles: Both girls have their own bottles, which we’ll refill along the way. This keeps hydration within reach and limits spills.

Tip: Packing snacks in small containers makes them easy to hand out and keeps portions manageable for little hands.

Day 4: Planning Scenic and Kid-Friendly Stops

We’re mapping out the route with fun, family-friendly stops to break up the drive and give everyone a chance to stretch their legs.

• Playgrounds and Parks: We’re marking playgrounds for Georgia to burn off energy while Dotty enjoys watching the other kids play.
• Snack and Scenic Stops: Even a quick stop with a nice view can turn into a memorable mini-break, giving everyone a chance to unwind and enjoy the scenery.

Tip: Look up a few playgrounds or scenic areas along your route in advance so you’re ready for a quick and engaging stop.

Day 3: Getting the Car Ready for the Road

With just a few days to go, we’re focused on making sure our car is road-trip ready for a smooth and safe journey.

• Car Safety Check: A quick tune-up to check the tyres, oil, and wipers makes sure we’re ready for anything the road might throw our way.
• Organising the Interior: A clean and organised car is easier to navigate, and we’ll know exactly where everything is from the start.

Tip: If you’re doing a big road trip, consider a quick car service to be safe. Checking the essentials now is a small task that pays off later.

Day 2: Family Day – Building Excitement for the Journey

With everything packed, today’s about spending quality time together and getting everyone excited for the adventure.

• Talking with the Kids: We’re sharing photos of the places we’ll visit to help the girls visualise our journey.
• Relaxing at Home: A low-key family day before a big trip is the perfect way to get everyone in a positive mindset.

Tip: Show kids photos of your destination! It helps build anticipation and excitement for what’s to come.

Day 1: Final Countdown and Last-Minute Essentials

It’s nearly go-time! We’re ticking off the last items on our list:

• Final Additions: Chargers, last-minute snacks, and any last essentials get loaded into the car.
• Double-Checking the Packing List: A quick scan of our checklist ensures nothing’s forgotten.
• Family Selfie: One last snap before we hit the road, marking the start of our world adventure.

Ready for the Road!

With a week of careful prep, we’re ready for an unforgettable family road trip. Planning and organisation have helped turn what could be a stressful experience into something smooth and enjoyable.

Your Turn!

Got any road trip tips for travelling with young kids? We’d love to hear them in the comments—every little idea helps!

The post 7 Days to Go: The Ultimate Family Road Trip Countdown! appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

After over a year of dreaming, planning, and preparing, we’re just 15 days away from setting off on our family adventure! The excitement and nerves are both at an all-time high as we get ready to leave the familiar behind and embrace the unknown.

Wrapping Up Work After All This Time

It’s a strange feeling to be saying goodbye to work after such a long lead-up. The days are flying by as I wrap up projects, pass on responsibilities, and say my goodbyes. It’s bittersweet—while I’m eager to dive into this new chapter, leaving behind familiar routines and people isn’t easy. But that’s part of what makes this journey so special; after all this time, it’s finally here.

Packing After Months of Planning

Packing has become its own adventure! we’re down to the essentials: warm clothes for Europe, a few lightweight layers for warmer stops, and a few irreplaceable comforts from home. Our family’s year of planning is coming down to these few bags, carefully packed with things we’ll need (and love) along the way. Dotty and Georgia’s special items are tucked in, with a few favourite snacks, and we’re ready to capture it all.

Last-Minute Preparations

The final checklist feels endless, but we’re powering through. Insurance? Check. Meds and vaccinations? Sorted. Bookings? All done for our first stops. All that’s left are the last few loose ends as we count down to the 18th.

With just days left, we’re both thrilled and nervous, ready to see what the world has in store. After a year of preparing, it’s finally real—our big adventure is here, and we’re diving in wholeheartedly.

And when we do take off, will be in the car at first we’ll be posting right here to keep you all up-to-date on every twist and turn of the journey, so be sure to check back. Maybe not on the first day (we might be a bit wrapped up in the excitement!), but who knows? The adventure starts soon—can’t wait to share it with you all!

The post A Year of Planning, Just 15 Days to Go. appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

For over a year, we’ve been planning, dreaming, and preparing for this incredible journey. And now, it suddenly dawns on us—it’s really happening!

In less than 50 days, we’ll embark on our grand adventure. Living in the UK, we’re preparing to drive across the English Channel and explore the vast beauty that Europe has to offer. We’ve packed up our possessions and with each passing day, the excitement continues to build. Our family is about to set off on the journey of a lifetime, beginning in the romantic city of Paris.

We look forward to witnessing the Eiffel Tower twinkle against the night sky, delving into the rich stories behind each masterpiece in the Louvre, and experiencing countless other unforgettable moments as we start this adventure together. Driving through scenic landscapes, discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, and creating memories that will last forever—our road trip promises to be nothing short of magical.

As we prepare to leave the uk there’s a mix of emotions swirling within us—from nervousness of embarking on such a long journey to the sheer thrill of exploring new places. We all have something were particularly excited about, whether it’s indulging in delicious French pastries, exploring historic landmarks, or simply enjoying quality time together on the road.

Stay tuned as we share our experiences, discoveries, and the magic that unfolds on our path through Europe. From the bustling streets of Paris to the charming villages

The adventure of a lifetime is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

What’s Next?

As we gear up for departure, we’d love to hear from you! Do you have any must-see recommendations for Paris or tips for a smooth driving trip across Europe? Drop your suggestions in the comments below and join us as we embark on this unforgettable adventure!

The post The Countdown Begins… 🥖 appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.