Travel Tips + Wanderlust with Julia Ashwood of The Vista

I was first introduced to Julia, founder of The Vista, an online travel platform, while researching a trip to Joshua Tree California. It was then that I came across the beautifully designed and ever-so-cool guide books. Since then I have become an avid follower of Julia’s and her family’’s adventures to Japan, New Zealand, the USA and across Australia (to name a few). She has an inbuilt radar for unearthing the coolest places and a beautiful approach to travel.

Travelling as a family is obviously very different to travelling solo in your twenties - what are the biggest joys of travelling with children?

Seeing the world through their eyes. It certainly opens yours to things which are perhaps simple yet beautiful. The in-between moments are some of the ones you will remember the most about travelling with children.

What elements make for a great family holiday?

Organisation, a baby carrier, an iPhone and wine! Ha x

What are your top 3 child-friendly hotels/Airbnbs around the world?

The Modern Honolulu - Oahu, Hawaii.
Aplite House - Tasmania, Australia
The Surfrider Hotel - Malibu, California

You have a real knack for getting to the heart of a place, rather than the obvious tourist facade – do you have any tips or resources that you can share?

I always start by asking friends and locals to begin my research. Searching via hashtags on areas on IG is also a life hack to finding accommodation which suits your style.

I love remote spots. It's not everyones cup of tea but I think it’s where you find the real gems, just off the major grids.

Recently you’ve found a home in Byron Bay that has been decked out in eclectic pieces from around the world – what is your most treasured travel purchase?

I love our cow bells hanging about the house from Northern India.

You always look so comfortable and stylish when you travel which is something I forever grapple with – what are your tips for nailing the perfect travel wardrobe?

Oh gosh - It’s normally what's on top of the suitcase that day.

I do have my go to brands though:

Does your beauty routine change while travelling?

I barely wear makeup - but my routine is all about cleansing and moisturising! Especially on the road.

Mukti Organics is my absolute GO TO. Their whole range is in my travel bag at all times.

Jet lag is tough on the best of us, let alone when you have kiddies to coax back into a “normal” sleep routine – what are your tips for dealing with jetlag as a family?

It’s hard but do your best to regulate as soon as you get home.

Sleep too long during the day and it could take you a week to get back on track!

What are your top 3-5 travel tips?

Do your research online
Talk to like-minded folk
Have an itinerary which has some flexibility
Always know it will cost you more...
Take loads of photos and make memories which last forever

Travelling with kids is never easy, there will be ups and downs but in the end and it will all be worth it.

To check out The Vista’s beautiful styled and curated travel guides visit here and for endless wanderlust follow along on their adventures here

Well Wandered