Welcome to Travel Tales And Beyond!
About Us
Hi, I’m Shaminee — planner, storyteller, and the obsessive spreadsheet-maker behind Travel Tales And Beyond.
We’re a family of three based in the US, and travel is at the heart of everything we do. Over the past several years, we’ve explored 30+ destinations across 6 continents — from hiking the W Trek in Patagonia with our then 9-year-old, to going on a family safari across Tanzania’s Serengeti, road-tripping through Europe, and island-hopping across the Pacific.
Meet the Squad
Shaminee — The Planner & Storyteller
I’m the one mapping out every itinerary, researching hidden gems, and capturing our journeys through words and photos. Every guide on this blog is written from personal experience — no press trips, no fluff, just honest firsthand advice from a mom who has actually been there with a kid in tow.
My Husband — The Go-With-The-Flow Explorer
He brings spontaneity and calm to our travels. While I plan every detail, he’s always ready to dive into the unexpected — whether it’s a last-minute detour or trying something completely off-script.
Our Little Explorer
The heart of every trip. He’s taught us to slow down, find joy in the smallest moments, and see every destination through fresh eyes. Our itineraries are designed around the reality of traveling with kids — great food, enough rest, genuine adventure, and yes, a little screen time too.
Why this blog?
Most travel blogs make everything look perfect. We don’t. We share the real version — what worked, what didn’t, how much it actually cost, and what we’d do differently. Every destination guide includes honest recommendations, day-by-day itineraries, real budget breakdowns, and practical tips for families traveling internationally.
Our Travel Philosophy
For us, travel is not just about visiting new places; it’s a transformative experience that strengthens our family bond. We believe in embracing the unknown, stepping out of our comfort zones, and creating memories that will be part of our family story for years to come.
Destinations We’ve Covered
Africa — Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) 
South America — Chile (Patagonia, Santiago, Valparaiso) Europe — Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Iceland, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Gibraltar 
Oceania — Australia, Fiji 
Caribbean — Aruba, Bahamas, St Kitts & Nevis, Turks & Caicos Central America — Costa Rica North America — Mexico