24 countries in 24 months, over 200 flights, all with a baby! Sounds dreadful, right? Keeping an airborne baby calm, packing extra stuff, and lugging around a car seat doesn’t exactly spell “ideal vacation.” But Mona Hovaizi has shattered this idea by taking her 24-month-old baby to 24 countries! Remarkably, Hovaizi isn’t a full-time traveler; she’s a working dentist and business owner who has managed to turn what many describe as trying into some of the best experiences of her life. Through Little Feet Big Journey (LFBJ), Hovaizi demystifies travel for young families, showing that you don’t have to choose between your passions and parenthood.
Background
Hovaizi’s dual life as a dedicated dentist and passionate traveler reflects her fascination with global cultures from a young age.
“Since childhood, I have been obsessed with seeing the world., I spent countless hours researching and reading about cultures, religions, and societies, and the more I learned, the more I realized how small my world was. As far away as these places seemed, it blew me away that a flight could make them suddenly real and tangible. The more I traveled, the more I realized that people are inherently the same deep down. My mother’s phrase, ‘we are all citizens of Earth,’ became a guiding principle. This drove my passion for travel and motivated me to introduce my son to the world.”
As of this article’s publishing, her passion for travel has taken Hovaizi to all 7 continents and 49 countries.
Birth of Little Feet Big Journey
The idea for LFBJ sparked when Hovaizi’s friends frequently sought her out for advice on traveling with their own babies. She decided to create a platform to share her hard-won cache of travel knowledge.
“I understand not everyone shares the same passion, but for those who do—or even those planning their first trip or road trip with a baby—I’ve gathered valuable tips and tricks to make family adventures, big or small, enjoyable.”
Despite the cautionary tales about life changing forever after having a baby, Hovaizi was determined to keep doing what she loved. She discovered that with the right mindset, it’s entirely possible and can, at times, be easy.
“Our realities are in our own hands, and many of our limitations are self-made,” says Hovaizi, crediting her dad for ingraining this concept in her.
She encourages parents to live the life they want and watch how children adapt, rather than adapting to the supposed constraints of parenthood.
The Power of Mindset
Hovaizi repeatedly hears the same reasons for avoiding travel from parents with young kids: “They’re too young to remember,” “My baby can only handle a short flight,” “There’s so much extra stuff to take,” “I can’t do what I want when on vacation with a baby,” “It’s overwhelming.”
Hovaizi assuages these fears by sharing her own experiences. She’s proof that traveling with little ones can be not just feasible, but also enriching. Her advice: plan a vacation you will enjoy, and remember that children adapt, especially when exposed to new environments early.
“I believe in simplicity, open-mindedness, and positive thinking. The mind is a powerful tool, and we can train it. Every problem has a solution, and by avoiding over-complicating situations, we prevent fears from controlling us. I’m not a full-time traveler, but I’ve taken my son all around the world, and this was made possible entirely due to my mindset—embracing calmness and flexibility. Your thoughts become your reality.”
Balancing Travel with Work
Hovaizi’s ability to travel extensively while working full-time is a testament to both her mental approach and a supportive work environment.
“When you see families posting travel content on social media, it’s easy to think their lives are different from ‘normal’ families. That’s not true for us. My husband and I both have full-time jobs, so balancing travel, parenting, and work has been challenging. I’m fortunate to have always worked at dental practices that allow me to create my own schedule, Lumiere Dental Spa in Quincy, MA, and Advanced Dental Care in Quincy, IL. As cliché as it sounds, when I tell myself something is possible, it somehow always comes together. By believing it’s our truth, we find ways to make it happen despite obstacles.”
Future Aspirations
Hovaizi hopes LFBJ will inspire parents to set out on journeys big or small with their little ones, equipped with the mindset and resources to liberate themselves from the confines of home. Whether it’s a local grocery run or a spice market on a different continent, she wants parents to feel confident about traveling with kids.
Soon, Hovaizi will unveil a new product aimed at solving the biggest challenges parents face when traveling with children, ensuring that whether exploring a nearby restaurant or an entirely new continent, families can enjoy their adventures to the fullest.
See more at: https://www.instagram.com/littlefeetbigjourney/