To us, traveling means adventures that make your spine tingle, new stories, and happiness that flushes over everything. It’s the sensation when your heart is about to burst and you want to share the good feeling with the whole world, with your arms wide open. And then suddenly the travels give you a cold shower down your neck, mischievously let you down with your grand expectations, and force you to start it all over again. It’s exactly that, the surprising story of that moment, which makes travels – and life! – worth it all. Travel tales is about those moments.
Travel philosophy
We embark on a trip around the world with rucksacks on our backs, but ten dollar hostels are history for us. In a family with kids it’s important that basic things such as laundry, health, food and sleep function well, so that everyone can enjoy the travel. The bigger girls go to school for a part of the journey, so some time needs to be ear-marked for peace and quiet to do just that. In the section Before the Trip under ”Preparations” we explain what this all means in practice.
In addition to travel stories we write about things close to our heart. These are good food and the world of wine and coffee. What better way to get in the mood for future travels than by getting acquainted with the destination countries’ wine and food culture already at home, and then again after the trip? Due to the realities of the situation we are at in life – such as kids and a not-so-chubby travel purse – going posh with food doesn’t mean Michelin-starred restaurants, but rather inexpensive feasts at markets and coffee shops.
Who we are
We are a family that simply loves to travel. We are those people whose couch is so uncomfortable that even visitors prefer to sit on the floor – because the couch money always goes towards travels, year after year.
We parents began traveling together on the coast of Portugal as 18-year-olds. Since then, we’ve taken our back-packs from Asia to United States and from Europe to Caribia, where we went to say our ”I-do’s”. The kids have been with us on our journeys since they were babies and they share our love for traveling. You can take a peek at our previous destinations under the tab Travels.
Heini
A marketing and communications expert. Floats above the Earth when running and doing yoga. Loves the sea, the smell of Nivea sunscreen, and a leisurely brunch with friends and family. Dreams of a wine cellar and endless new travels.
Timo
An IT expert, who knows what to do with a hammer, a chef’s knife, as well as a golf club. Charmed Heini ‘s socks off already as a teenager. Keeps the family’s ladies in check and finds his way to destinations, even without a map. Dreams of his own woodworking shop and of getting to watch a ManU-game in England.
Laura 11 v
A world traveller with a thousand and one ideas. Always gets thoroughly excited about new things. Loves soccer, music, friends, and all kinds of whimsical fun. Brings joy to friends and family by singing, and is about to start taking singing lessons.
Emma 9 v
The poet in the family. At her happiest when drawing, dancing, and playing with friends. Always ready for a new adventure and the first one to ask when the next trip will be. Emma bakes a cake like it’s a piece of cake and always makes sure that everyone has dessert.
Hanna 2,5v
A perfect package of joy and happiness that thinks everything is new and marvelous. Is determined to practice walking and firmly states what she wants by pointing her forefinger. A curious and eager travel companion, who slows down when the rest of the family is going too fast.
P.S. The fresh family photos in this blog are courtesy of the skillful photographer Jenni Kollani. You can reach Jenni through Facebook or by email at jennikollani@hotmail.com.