Welcome to Travel Mamas & Grownup Getaways
If you want to explore the world via bold adventures, mindful living, and fun indulgences — you’re in the right place! Whether you’re dreaming of a family vacation or an adult-centered holiday, you’ll find the tips and inspiration you need on this trusted travel blog.
My name is Colleen Lanin and when I launched Travel Mamas in 2009, I wanted to empower parents to explore the world with their children or without. As my kids and my audience have grown, I’ve expanded this site’s content to include even more adult travel ideas and advice through Grownup Getaways.
Keep reading to dive into my background as a travel blogger, TV and radio personality, journalist, speaker, and book author. Also, learn why I was invited to the White House as a travel expert…twice!
Travel for All Ages and Stages
Together, Travel Mamas & Grownup Getaways offer destination guides, packing lists, and travel tips to inspire exploring the world at any age or life stage. We bring the world to you, from the best hotels and cruise ships to thrilling theme parks, delicious vacation cuisine, and mind-bending travel trivia. Both brands share guidance for living a global lifestyle at home, proving the adventure doesn’t have to end once the bags are unpacked. Soon, these two brands will become Travels Between With Colleen, bringing the same helpful, high-quality content from a more personal perspective and with a whole new look!
Travel Mamas
The mission at Travel Mamas is to help parents and caregivers connect with their children and the world around them through travel. We make family travel easier and more fun with babies, toddlers, preschoolers, grade school kids, tweens, and teens.
Grownup Getaways
The mission at Grownup Getaways is to help adults of all ages get out of their comfort zones to explore the globe through adventures, large and small. Grownup Getaways proves the best time to travel is now, with advice on romantic retreats, girlfriend trips, solo travel, and beyond.
My Love of Travel
I am not a naturally adventurous person. In fact, before I boarded a plane as a teen to move to France for my junior year of college, my stoic dad had tears in his eyes as he told me that when I was a little girl, he worried about me because I seemed to run from the world, and yet there I was, running full speed toward it.
My love of travel was spurred a few years prior during a whirlwind European family vacation à la the Griswolds when I vowed to my parents in a Paris subway station that someday I would live in that country. Parisians seemed so confident, so chic, so cool and I wanted to be all of those things, too!
After my year abroad, I earned a degree in French and a Certificate in International Business. I worked a variety of jobs from cocktail waitress to marketing manager before earning an MBA. Thankfully, my passions for travel, photography, and writing led me to launch my career as a travel blogger and influencer. I love helping other travelers get out of their comfort zones to explore the world.
Now, I travel as much as I can. Sometimes people ask me what type of travel I prefer, and the honest answer is that I like it all. Road trips, nature vacations, city escapes, and cruises all float my boat!
Travel Expert Colleen Lanin
Numerous print and online publications have interviewed me as a travel expert during my career. I have also given tips on many platforms, including television and radio.
Select Print Publications Featured In
- The New York Times: 12 Ways to Save on Family Travel
- Good Morning America and ABCNews.com: Should parents clean up after kids on planes?
- Men’s Health Magazine: Survive the Worst Part of Air Travel
- U.S. News & World Report: 7 Tips for Planning a Budget-Friendly Family Trip this Fall
- MSNBC.com: For Young Travelers, Playing Knows No Borders
- U.S. News & World Report: When to Splurge and When to Save on a Family Vacation
- Lonely Planet: U.S. Family Travel Experts Share their Favorite Trips
- Business Insider: Travel Influencers Share 11 Things Kids Learn from Traveling
- Real Simple Magazine: Cash-Saving Hacks for Every Vacation
TV and Radio Appearances
Throughout my career, I have appeared on various local TV news programs, as well as prominent national shows. Notably, I’ve been featured on The Daily Buzz, a morning television program broadcast in 170 markets across the United States, and Better TV, a nationally syndicated show aired in 140 markets. Adding to these television experiences, my family and I starred in three national commercials promoting tourism to Park City, Utah.
In the realm of radio, I’ve been interviewed on 36 different programs, including notable stations such as WCCO Radio Minnesota, CJAD 800 Montreal Radio, WNEW Radio FM Washington, and WBNR Radio AM New York.
Travel Journalist
As a travel writer, my stories have appeared in the “Today” show’s travel section on NBCNews.com, Parenting Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, Expedia, and many other outlets. What I’m most proud of, though, are my blog posts written right here on Travel Mamas.
Some of My Travel Articles
- TODAY Travel/NBCNews.com: Regular Contributor (14 months)
- Tree.com: Travel Blog Editor (6 months)
- CheapOair Blog: Regular Contributor (8 months)
- 101 Things To Do San Diego Magazine: Regular Contributor (11 months)
- Parenting Magazine (online) and Babytalk Magazine cover story (in print): 18 Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Working Mother Magazine: 10 Tips for Traveling with Babies and Toddlers
- The Orlando Sentinel and The Chicago Tribune: Walt Disney World vs. Disneyland
- Starter Story: How I Started a $15K/Month Family Travel Blog
Writing Instructor and Travel Speaker
I developed the curriculum for The Art and Business of Blogging, which I taught for five years at the University of San Diego Extension and San Diego Writers, Ink. I also led a session at the well-respected Travel Bloggers Exchange Conference (TBEX).
Additionally, I have given presentations about traveling with kids to parenting organizations like Chicago North Shore Moms (formerly Bump Club and Beyond).
Travel Book Author
I wrote a book, too. The Travel Mamas’ Guide helps parents travel with babies and young children…and stay sane! Working Mother Magazine and lots of other fantastic outlets recommend my book.
My book even won an award. I have the proof sitting on my neatly organized home office desk. (Did I mention I’m a Virgo?)
Invited to the White House…Twice!
As one of the 100 most influential travel bloggers and media outlets, the White House invited me to a summit on global exchange. I was one of 10 select attendees recognized for our influence in spreading the word about the importance of studying abroad.
Subsequently, I was invited to return to the White House for a private tour of the West Wing and Oval Office the following year. Best of all, I was able to bring my American history-obsessed dad along. Being a travel influencer definitely has its perks!
Where to Find Colleen Lanin
I have lived in California, Minnesota, and Southern France. Nowadays, when I’m not floating in a hotel pool or asking too many questions on a group tour — you’ll find me in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. I live with my husband, our two teenage kids, and our rescue dogs, Pongo and Mickey.
Want to work with me? Learn about brand partnership opportunities and view past campaign results for working with Travel Mamas & Grownup Getaways.
Want to say hello? Contact Colleen Lanin or connect with me via Instagram and Facebook.
