Tips for Traveling as a Couple and a Family
Maddie and Joe Greer share their journey.
By: Amber Kallor
Mindfulness on the Move spotlights the wellness routines and rituals that keep travel connoisseurs grounded no matter where they are in the world.
Maddie and Joe Greer discovered the transformative power of travel in their twenties. Ever since, the content creator and photographer based in Franklin, Tennessee haven’t stopped exploring—or capturing mesmerizing moments for social media.
“[Travel] brought us out of our shells, unveiling a kaleidoscope of cultures and imparting invaluable lessons in handling life’s challenges with grace,” says Maddie. “Encounters with the most generous and enchanting people across the globe have woven a tapestry of wisdom into our lives,” adds Joe.
Parenting, however, might be the greatest adventure of all. At five months, their son Oliver is already a seasoned traveler with six flights under his belt. While the duo admits that hopping a plane with a baby comes with a new set of challenges, seeing the world through their child’s eyes makes it all worthwhile. “We cannot wait to introduce him to the endless beauty that surrounds us,” says Maddie.
Here, the newly minted mom and dad talk about the importance of creature comforts—and caffeine.
Maddie and Joe Greer discovered the transformative power of travel in their twenties. Ever since, the content creator and photographer based in Franklin, Tennessee haven’t stopped exploring—or capturing mesmerizing moments for social media.
“[Travel] brought us out of our shells, unveiling a kaleidoscope of cultures and imparting invaluable lessons in handling life’s challenges with grace,” says Maddie. “Encounters with the most generous and enchanting people across the globe have woven a tapestry of wisdom into our lives,” adds Joe.
Parenting, however, might be the greatest adventure of all. At five months, their son Oliver is already a seasoned traveler with six flights under his belt. While the duo admits that hopping a plane with a baby comes with a new set of challenges, seeing the world through their child’s eyes makes it all worthwhile. “We cannot wait to introduce him to the endless beauty that surrounds us,” says Maddie.
Here, the newly minted mom and dad talk about the importance of creature comforts—and caffeine.
Do you have any tips to make traveling less stressful?
“Create a detailed itinerary,” says Joe. “Plan your trip in advance—including accommodations, transportation, and activities—so that you have a clear idea of your schedule.” Maddie adds: “Pack early and pack strategically. Make a checklist of essential items and consider the weather and activities at your destination.”
What are the essential items that you never travel without?
“A good book and essential oils,” says Maddie. “Whether it’s on a flight or at a café in the city I’m visiting, I love using the downtime to read. Essential oils help me stay grounded during a stressful travel day or unwind after sightseeing.” Joe never forgets his camera. “It is with me everywhere I go,” he says. “It is an essential piece to my travels.”
Do you have any in-flight rituals that help you look and feel refreshed upon landing?
“I tend to overpack and that doesn’t end with my carry-on essentials,” says Maddie. “I love bringing skincare: hydrating facial spray, lip balm, and hand cream. I also bring a tea bag with me so that I can have a hot tea during the flight.”
What are your best tips for beating jetlag?
“Whenever we land in a city, we always try to avoid napping,” says Maddie. “We stay up to help get our bodies moving and adjusted.” Joe adds: “We find a local park or beach to ground our feet. I also love a shakeout run to get my body moving.”
How do you make a hotel room feel more like home?
“We unpack immediately and put all of our clothes and toiletries away,” says Joe. “We don’t enjoy living out of a suitcase.” Maddie recommends setting up the bedside table with your favorite books, a notepad, and other items you typically keep within reach to create a homey feel. “Stick to your regular routine as much as possible, whether it’s enjoying a morning coffee or engaging in your typical bedtime ritual, to create a sense of normalcy and comfort,” she adds.
What daily routines do you stick with when you travel?
“Coffee is a big part of our lives, so we love taking a slow morning walk with Oliver and some coffee,” says Maddie. “Finding the best local coffee shop always brings us joy,” adds Joe. “Taking our coffee to a local park is the best start to the day.”
What is your favorite way to get your body moving when you’re away from home?
“Running! It also allows me to see more of the city I’m in,” says Joe. Maddie enjoys“taking long walks or hikes” wherever she is in the world.
What do you eat and drink to keep your energy up on the road?
“We love a morning green juice—staying hydrated is a top priority when traveling,” says Maddie. “We also really enjoy eating whatever is local to the city we are in,” adds Joe.
“Create a detailed itinerary,” says Joe. “Plan your trip in advance—including accommodations, transportation, and activities—so that you have a clear idea of your schedule.” Maddie adds: “Pack early and pack strategically. Make a checklist of essential items and consider the weather and activities at your destination.”
What are the essential items that you never travel without?
“A good book and essential oils,” says Maddie. “Whether it’s on a flight or at a café in the city I’m visiting, I love using the downtime to read. Essential oils help me stay grounded during a stressful travel day or unwind after sightseeing.” Joe never forgets his camera. “It is with me everywhere I go,” he says. “It is an essential piece to my travels.”
Do you have any in-flight rituals that help you look and feel refreshed upon landing?
“I tend to overpack and that doesn’t end with my carry-on essentials,” says Maddie. “I love bringing skincare: hydrating facial spray, lip balm, and hand cream. I also bring a tea bag with me so that I can have a hot tea during the flight.”
What are your best tips for beating jetlag?
“Whenever we land in a city, we always try to avoid napping,” says Maddie. “We stay up to help get our bodies moving and adjusted.” Joe adds: “We find a local park or beach to ground our feet. I also love a shakeout run to get my body moving.”
How do you make a hotel room feel more like home?
“We unpack immediately and put all of our clothes and toiletries away,” says Joe. “We don’t enjoy living out of a suitcase.” Maddie recommends setting up the bedside table with your favorite books, a notepad, and other items you typically keep within reach to create a homey feel. “Stick to your regular routine as much as possible, whether it’s enjoying a morning coffee or engaging in your typical bedtime ritual, to create a sense of normalcy and comfort,” she adds.
What daily routines do you stick with when you travel?
“Coffee is a big part of our lives, so we love taking a slow morning walk with Oliver and some coffee,” says Maddie. “Finding the best local coffee shop always brings us joy,” adds Joe. “Taking our coffee to a local park is the best start to the day.”
What is your favorite way to get your body moving when you’re away from home?
“Running! It also allows me to see more of the city I’m in,” says Joe. Maddie enjoys“taking long walks or hikes” wherever she is in the world.
What do you eat and drink to keep your energy up on the road?
“We love a morning green juice—staying hydrated is a top priority when traveling,” says Maddie. “We also really enjoy eating whatever is local to the city we are in,” adds Joe.
How do you unwind after a busy day of traveling and sightseeing?
“I like to make a hot tea and take a bath,” says Maddie. “I also practice mindfulness to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and create a sense of calm and inner peace.” Joe heads to the hotel bar for a nightcap where he “takes a few moments to reflect on the day’s experiences, focusing on the positive moments and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to explore and discover new places and cultures.”
A MINDFUL MINUTE
Window or aisle seat? Joe: aisle. Maddie: window.
Get up early or stay out late? We both get up early.
Room service or hotel restaurant? Maddie: room service. Joe: hotel restaurant.
Check your luggage or carry on? We both check.
City life or country escape? After having a child, we both prefer a country escape but love going into the city every now and then.