When most people think about travel, they imagine airports, hotels, and busy sightseeing schedules. But for Trisha, founder of The Hometrotters, travel isn’t just about ticking places off a list. It’s about connection—connection to people, places, cultures, and, just as importantly, to home.
What Does “Hometrotter” Even Mean?
You’ve probably heard of a globetrotter—someone always chasing the next destination. A hometrotter, though? That’s something different. It’s a blend of two seemingly opposite ideas: the comfort of home and the thrill of travel. And Trisha has made it her mission to bring them together in a way that feels authentic, meaningful, and family-friendly.
As a mom, storyteller, and curious soul, Trisha believes that adventure doesn’t only happen on the road. Sometimes, it starts in your own backyard—or even your living room. Her family’s story is one of embracing curiosity, no matter where they are.
The Birth of The Hometrotters
It all started with a simple idea: What if travel could feel like home, and home could feel like a journey?
Trisha had always loved exploring new cultures. But once she had children, her priorities shifted. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about travel for the sake of it. It was about creating experiences that shaped her kids, exposed them to the world, and gave them a deeper appreciation for diversity, kindness, and connection.
That’s when the concept of The Hometrotters was born. With her camera in one hand and a child in the other, she began documenting their adventures—not just the places they visited, but the way they brought those experiences home with them.
Family Travel, Reimagined
Traveling with kids isn’t always easy. Any parent who’s been on a plane with a toddler knows that. But for Trisha, that’s part of the beauty. She doesn’t pretend it’s perfect. She shows the messy, magical, hilarious, and heartwarming parts of family travel.
Here’s what makes The Hometrotters – Trisha different from your usual travel blog:
- Family-focused travel: Trisha shares tips on how to make trips enjoyable for both kids and parents.
- Cultural connection: Whether they’re in Paris or at a local museum, she finds ways to make every experience a learning moment.
- Bringing the world home: After each trip, they incorporate what they learned into their home life—from cooking global recipes to learning foreign phrases at the dinner table.
Let’s break down how Trisha makes it all work.
Step-by-Step: How to Travel Like a Hometrotter
If you’ve ever wondered how to make travel more meaningful for your family, here’s a simple guide inspired by Trisha’s approach.
1. Start with Why
Before planning any trip, ask: What do we want to get out of this experience?
Is it family bonding time? Learning about a new culture? Rest and relaxation? Trisha doesn’t just pick a place because it’s trending. She chooses destinations with purpose.
2. Plan with the Whole Family
Involve your kids in the planning process. Even young children can help choose activities or research places to go. It builds excitement and gives them a sense of ownership.
Trisha often lets her kids pick one thing they want to do on every trip. Whether it’s visiting a castle, trying a new food, or exploring a forest, everyone gets a say.
3. Keep It Flexible
Kids have meltdowns. Plans change. And that’s okay.
Trisha builds flexibility into every itinerary. She schedules downtime and always has a backup activity in case things don’t go as planned.
4. Create Cultural Moments
Even short trips can offer rich cultural experiences. Here are a few of Trisha’s favorite ways to connect with local culture:
- Visit local markets
- Try traditional dishes
- Attend a cultural festival
- Learn a few words in the local language
- Talk to locals and ask questions
These small interactions often become the most memorable parts of a trip.
5. Bring It Back Home
One of the most unique things about The Hometrotters is how the journey doesn’t end when the flight lands.
Trisha brings the experience back home by:
- Cooking meals from the place they visited
- Reading books about the destination
- Displaying souvenirs in meaningful ways
- Creating photo books and scrapbooks as a family
It’s not just about where you go. It’s about how that place becomes part of your family’s story.
A Day in the Life of a Hometrotter
Let’s take a real example from one of Trisha’s trips to Japan.
Morning: The day started in Kyoto with a traditional Japanese breakfast. The kids weren’t sure about miso soup and pickled vegetables first thing in the morning, but they gave it a try—especially after Trisha turned it into a fun “taste test” game.
Afternoon: They visited a temple and participated in a cultural activity where the kids learned to write their names in Japanese calligraphy. A friendly guide explained the meaning behind each character.
Evening: Back at their rented Airbnb, they talked about the day over green tea and homemade onigiri. They even practiced a few new Japanese words before bed.
Weeks later, they were still making onigiri at home.
That’s the magic of being a hometrotter.
Why This Matters: Raising Global Citizens
In a world that sometimes feels more divided than connected, teaching kids about other cultures is one of the most powerful things we can do.
Trisha isn’t just showing her kids the world—she’s helping them understand it.
They’re learning empathy, patience, curiosity, and appreciation. And that’s something you can’t always get from a textbook or classroom.
Making Home a Place of Exploration
What’s especially inspiring about Trisha’s journey is that she doesn’t believe you need to fly across the world to explore.
1. Themed Cultural Nights
Pick a country. Learn a few facts. Cook a meal. Play music from that region. Maybe watch a movie or read a story from that culture.
It’s simple, fun, and educational. Trisha’s family has done everything from Indian curry nights to Swedish Midsummer celebrations.
2. Mini Travel Projects
For younger kids, Trisha creates simple activities like:
- Making passports and stamping them for each country they “visit”
- Crafting flags
- Drawing maps
- Creating memory boxes from past trips
3. Virtual Travel
When actual travel isn’t possible, she explores the world online. Virtual museum tours, live zoo cams, and global storytelling sessions help keep the curiosity alive.
Tips from Trisha for Aspiring Hometrotters
If you’re feeling inspired but not sure where to start, here are a few easy tips from Trisha:
- Start small. A nearby town or cultural center can be just as exciting as a trip abroad.
- Document the journey. Keep a family journal or take turns writing a travel diary.
- Embrace the chaos. Not every trip will go smoothly, and that’s part of the story.
- Be present. Don’t worry about capturing every moment for social media. Live it first, share it later.
- Let curiosity lead. Follow your kids’ interests and you’ll be surprised where it takes you.
Final Thoughts
The Hometrotters – Trisha is more than a blog. It’s a philosophy—a reminder that the world is full of wonder, and you don’t have to give up your love for travel when you start a family. In fact, it might just make it even better.
Whether you’re boarding a plane or setting up a tent in the backyard, the goal is the same: connect, learn, grow, and enjoy the journey together.
So pack your bags—or your picnic basket. The adventure is waiting.