Like many young parents, Mona Hovaizi felt an immense fear when she had her first child. What would it be like to travel with an infant? Would it be the end of her adventurous lifestyle? Fast forward to today, her family has journeyed through 22 countries in 22 months. Mona’s experience has become the heart and soul of “Little Feet Big Journey,” a brand dedicated to proving that traveling with kids is not only doable, but wonderfully rewarding.
One of the most unforgettable forays that Mona made in the company of her son was their first venture out together. He was only three months old then, making everything all the more nerve-racking. “Where would he nap? How would the time change affect his schedule? Would everyone on the plane be annoyed if he cried?” After much research on these concerns and many others, she took the leap. To her relief, her baby adjusted. “I gained a sense of relief and excitement that traveling with a baby was definitely going to be possible,” she recalls. Since then, she’s watched her son play in the Caribbean waves, dig in the desert sands of the UAE, and marvel at the dormant volcanoes in the Canary Islands with a heartfelt “WOW.” These experiences have created memories that will last a lifetime.
Mona Hovaizi founded “Little Feet Big Journey” to challenge the notion that life as you know it ends when you become a parent. She wanted to share her revelation with other travel-loving parents: a whole new chapter of life was just beginning. Mona’s goal is to inspire parents to see the world with their kids, to embrace the chaos and find joy in the journey. “I remind myself that our realities really are in our own hands and so many of our limitations are self-made,” she says.
Many valuable tips for traveling with babies can be found on Mona’s Instagram page. She understands that it is natural to feel stressed or scared and recommends taking deep breaths to calm down. Mona reassures parents that a baby crying on an airplane does not mean the end of the world. With all the noise on the plane most of this goes unnoticed, as people are dealing with their own matters. Overpacking is also a common mistake so she suggests carrying only the essentials in order to avoid any additional stress. It is better to set nap times prior to travel and have a specific travel toy for easier trips.
Maintaining work-life balance while traveling and having a social media presence at the same time: this is certainly not easy. Mona Hovaizi works as a full-time dentist while her husband has his own job as well. However, they still manage to travel quite extensively. Mona credits her supportive workplaces, Lumiere Dental Spa in Boston and Advanced Dental Care in Quincy, for allowing her the flexibility to travel. Having faith in a positive mindset, she believes that “once you believe something is your truth, you find ways to make it happen.” Even when she was studying dentistry, which had a difficult timetable, she made it through 13 countries, which means that working and traveling can go hand in hand.
Little Feet Big Journey’s upcoming website promises to be a treasure trove of resources for traveling parents. With tips on efficient packing and advice for local outings as well as international travels, Mona promises that the website will have more depth than what she posts in her social media. Mona jokes that her social media accounts are just “the appetizer” for the full course of travel content to come. The website will also feature product recommendations to make traveling with kids as seamless as possible.
Moreover, an exciting product launch is also on the horizon. It is a new innovative product which aims at resolving one of the most difficult challenges encountered by parents when traveling with their children, whether it is a short trip or long journey across continents. While Mona keeps the details confidential for now, she assures that it aligns with her mission to support traveling parents and make their adventures smoother.
Looking ahead, Mona’s top goals for the next year include showing through example that travel is possible with young children. Her family’s upcoming trips to Canada and Mo’orea in the French Polynesia are sure to inspire others. She wants to be a reminder that life doesn’t stop when you have kids; in fact, it becomes even more vibrant. Children adapt easily, and parents should not lose themselves trying to adapt to a new life of parenthood. “We’re human and are meant to live our lives, even with kids,” she says. Mona hopes to reach more parents with her message, arming them with the confidence and resources to embark on their own journeys.
Little Feet Big Journey’s Instagram account displays breathtaking pictures from their various adventures around the world. Whether it’s the pristine beaches of the Caribbean, the vast deserts of the UAE, or the breathtaking landscapes of the Canary Islands, her photos tell a story of adventure and family bonding. She shares tips on everything from getting a baby their own seat on a plane for free to airport hacks and packing lists. Her advice is practical and rooted in real-life experience, making it invaluable for parents planning their own trips.
Mona’s story is proof of the power of determination and positive thinking. By challenging the idea that life as you know it ends when you have kids, she has created a new reality for herself and her family. Through “Little Feet Big Journey,” she continues to inspire and motivate other parents to embrace the adventure of traveling with their little ones.
Published by: Martin De Juan
