In February 2025, I found myself at my friend’s house, watching the Super Bowl. As the Philadelphia Eagles were dominating, I couldn’t help but feel an electric energy in the room. Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show had me hyped, and when the Eagles closed in on their victory, I thought of my son, gearing up to play his first season in tackle football. I remembered my trip to Philadelphia in 2014 when I had my first Philly cheesesteak at Pat’s. It was an unforgettable experience, and I yearned to recreate it with my son. The Eagles were on the verge of winning the 2025 Super Bowl, and as the clock ticked down, I shouted, “If the Eagles win, I’m taking my son to Philly for a cheesesteak and to be around winners!” Minutes after their victory, I booked our tickets. It was a spontaneous decision that turned into one of the most memorable trips we’ve had.
Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences a person can have. It’s my passion, and I want to inspire others to embrace the adventure of travel, especially mothers. I understand the intimidation that comes with traveling, especially when you’re navigating airports, planning, and managing schedules. But with the right mindset and a little preparation, it can be a smooth experience.
I always plan my trips in advance, and I find that the key to making travel less stressful is organization. I use Facebook groups for insights and tips, especially when traveling internationally. For trips like my Japan adventure, these groups have been invaluable for discovering local gems and hidden spots. Additionally, I always use the Notes app on my phone to map out each day of the trip. Here’s a sample of what I typically do:
Day One:
• Hotel: XYZ Hotel
• Activity: Visit the Museum
• Meal: Try a Local Restaurant
Day Two:
• Hotel: XYZ Hotel
• Activity: Explore Old Town
• Meal: Sample local street food
When I traveled to Philly, I also used tools like TripAdvisor and Airbnb Experiences to book unique local activities. Global Entry and TSA Pre have made airport navigation so much easier, which is a game changer, especially when you’re traveling with kids.
Let’s be honest: traveling isn’t exactly cheap, but then again, nothing really is anymore. That’s why I’ve adopted strategies to make travel more affordable. The points game has been my secret weapon—using my Chase Sapphire card for every purchase allows me to rack up travel points to fund future trips. However, if you’re just starting, I recommend focusing on saving by cutting back on small, recurring expenses—like a weekly Starbucks habit or unused gym memberships. These small changes can make a big difference over time and ease the financial burden of travel.
When I travel, I need food, culture, and history. Whether it’s exploring the vibrant food scene in a new city, immersing myself in the local culture, or learning about a place’s history, these are my travel essentials. For my Philly trip, I was lucky to tick all of these boxes, and it made the experience truly special. A huge reason I travel is to create lasting memories with my children. In 2023, my daughter and I took a trip to New Orleans for a special mommy-daughter getaway. We danced through the city, ate our hearts out, and shared a bond that only a one-on-one trip can provide. Now it was my son’s turn. The Philly trip allowed us to bond, chat, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. I highly recommend all parents make the effort to have these one-on-one trips with their kids.
We kicked off our trip by indulging in a Philly classic: a cheesesteak at Pat’s. You can’t visit Philly without trying one of these! Afterward, we took a leisurely walk around the city to soak in the sights. It was a beautiful introduction to the city. This day was all about basketball and more iconic Philly food. We grabbed lunch at Geno’s for another cheesesteak experience. Then we explored Jefferson’s Love Park, a spot known for its art and vibrant atmosphere. The city’s energy was contagious.
We took a day trip to New York, making it a quick adventure across state lines. We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, visited the 9/11 Museum, and ended the day with the dazzling lights of Times Square. It was a packed, unforgettable day.
Breakfast at The Breakfast Den was the perfect way to start our day. I had discovered this spot watching Chopped, and it didn’t disappoint. Then we visited the Reading Terminal Market, a bustling spot where you can find amazing local eats. We climbed the famous Rocky Stairs for the quintessential Philly experience, followed by a fun bike ride around the city. The Element Hotel provided bikes for free, which was a highlight of the trip. I highly recommend using them to explore the city on two wheels!
We couldn’t leave Philly without one more cheesesteak fix. We grabbed a quick bite, and then it was time to say goodbye. Our trip was filled with laughter, exploration, and unforgettable moments.
If you’re planning a trip to Philly, I highly recommend the Element Hotel. The location is perfect for exploring the city, and the staff goes above and beyond to make your stay enjoyable. One of the best amenities is their free bike program, which allows you to cruise around the city with ease. The gym is top-notch, the rooms are clean and beautiful, and the complimentary breakfast and happy hour from Monday through Thursday are fantastic perks. I would give this hotel a solid 10/10.
Travel is about so much more than just going places; it’s about creating memories, gaining new perspectives, and inspiring others along the way. I hope this blog helps you plan your next adventure—whether it’s to Philly or somewhere else—and shows you that with a little preparation, travel is accessible to everyone. Whether it’s a solo journey, a family vacation, or a trip with friends, there’s always something new to learn and experience. Here’s to more journeys, more food, more culture, and more history.
Happy travels!
