Baby, Not Yet 2, is Already a Globetrotter. Mom Took Her Round the World

"One 10-month old baby, two adults, one backpack (supposedly), six countries and 10 plane journeys" - that's how 'Travel Mad Mum' Karen Edwards described the first journey she was going to embark on with her baby back in July 2015. Now almost 16-months-old, said baby has travelled to over 12 countries across the globe with her parents. If this doesn't give you major travel goals, nothing else possibly can.
 

 

So excited to let you know I have my travel blog up and running. Please check it out at travelmadmum.com This day next week we leave New Zealand to embark on a seven week backpacking trip through SE Asia with our ten-month old girl. Needless to say, many people think we are a wee bit nuts to do so much travelling with a baby. Whilst our friends without children funnily feel the opposite. Classic comments so far include: "So good your not letting your baby rule your life" "My friend can't even go for lunch but the baby is loosing his .... for a sleep" I guess from my perspective this backpacking trip is going to be quite different to the one I did when I was 25, young single and care free!..I think she will rule it, well a bit anyway!... All I want to try and do is incorporate her into our way of life. We both love travelling and can't see why we should stop or change our lives. I am confident the different sites, smells and sounds will stimulate all of her senses. She gets stir crazy just as much as I do when we sit around the house for too long so I am sure this can only be good for her. Time is closing in on us, so we are trying desperately to get all three of our belongings for the trip into ONE BACKPACK!! Yes just one. I have to say not one person I have spoke to believes we can manage travelling with one backpack. I really want to prove them wrong (awful personality trait) so I must do it! I have a few tricks up my sleeve which I will share later, not many, so on that note: What are your magical tricks for travelling light and compact?? #travelmadmum #backpacking #travelingwithababy #southeastasia #excited #travel

A photo posted by Travel Mad Mum (@travelmadmum) on Jul 6, 2015 at 11:22pm PDT

UK resident Karen Edwards, 31, has been on-the-go with her daughter Esme and partner Shaun Baynes. While most new mums take their maternity leave to settle in with their babies, Ms Edwards and her partner have been out travelling with their daughter. With their shared backpack, they have already been to Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand and other countries. 
 

 

On board emirates Bangkok bound now!.. So delighted to be going on another adventure with this little monkey! Can't believe the overwhelming amount of media interest and kind emails from lovely people today! Thank you so much .. Feeling humbled ... Get ready for lots of photos over the next three weeks #travel #travelwithbaby #travelmadmum #adventure #backpacking #instagood #instadaily #instatravel #igtravel #instapassport #holiday #jetset #travelgram #wanderlust #wonderlust #familytravel #travelwithkids #picoftheday #traveltheworld #mumblogger #tmom #travelblogger #blogger #emirates #heathrow

A photo posted by Travel Mad Mum (@travelmadmum) on Feb 8, 2016 at 12:07pm PST

For those of you wondering how the couple pulls off these amazing escapades, head over to Ms Edwards' blog and Instagram on which she documents her travel experiences. The couple sold their car, put their house up on sale and Mr Baynes quit his job as a landscaper, all in aid of their wanderlust.
 

 

Had an absolutely fabulous day yesterday exploring the spectacular Angkor temples in Cambodia. A true architectural wonder! There is a lot to see so it's worth allowing at least two days if you have a little one with you.. I was slightly concerned Esmé might be a little restless as its not a particularly toddler-orientated day out. However she was happy as Larry taking in the sites and cooling down in between temples on board our tour guides Tuk Tuk! The area is vast . On approaching our first stop you can see a lake on the horizon. As you get closer you can see the water looks very muddy. The sort of water you expect to see crocodiles lurking around. Instead we saw the cutest little group of local children splashing around having lots of fun (gutted I didn't get a picture).. I suddenly remembered how many people have asked me if I'm worried taking my baby traveling in less developed countries in case she gets sick. I then thought ... Actually.. There are so many children in all of these countries and they are just fine! Besides the point, I can not explain the amount of detail on every last bit of stone in this vast land. The most beautiful pinnacles with carving of Buddha like faces and beautiful typically Asian patterns. Around the outside of the temples you see an array of different animals pottering about. Esmé was getting good practice at doing their respective signature noises as children do.. We are planning to go back tomorrow for natures colour show on sunrise!.. Can't wait to see if Esmé will appreciate it ... #travel #travelwithbaby #travelmadmum #adventure #backpacking #instagood #instadaily #instatravel #igtravel #instapassport #holiday #jetset #travelgram #wanderlust #wonderlust #familytravel #travelwithkids #picoftheday #traveltheworld #mumblogger #tmom #travelblogger #blogger #tuktuk #cambodia #siemreap #angkortemples #babywearing

A photo posted by Travel Mad Mum (@travelmadmum) on Feb 11, 2016 at 8:50pm PST

And it all seems worth it. Just take a one look at Ms Edwards' Instagram pictures.
 

 

I loved Taiwan so much .. I can definitely say it's one of those undiscovered places #travel #travelwithbaby #travelmadmum #adventure #backpacking #instagood #instadaily #instatravel #igtravel #instapassport #holiday #jetset #travelgram #wanderlust #wonderlust #familytravel #travelwithkids #picoftheday #traveltheworld #mumblogger #tmom #travelblogger #taiwan

A photo posted by Travel Mad Mum (@travelmadmum) on Dec 16, 2015 at 7:23am PST

From hanging out with kangaroos -
 

 

When we were in Brisbane, we got to hang out with the Kangaroos! #travel #travelwithbaby #travelmadmum #adventure #backpacking #instagood #instatravel #instapassport #holiday #jetset #travelgram #wanderlust #wonderlust #familytravel #travelwithkids #picoftheday #traveltheworld #mumblogger #travelblogger #blogger #brisbane #loanpine #kangaroo

A photo posted by Travel Mad Mum (@travelmadmum) on Oct 12, 2015 at 1:57pm PDT

To enjoying sun, sand and sea -
 

 

I love the crystal clear water at mushroom bay, Nusa Lembongen.. Little miss having a skinny dip.. Not willing to keep her sun hat on so I tied a napkin around her head from the restaurant ... #travel #travelwithbaby #travelmadmum #adventure #backpacking #instagood #instatravel #instapassport #holiday #jetset #travelgram #wanderlust #wonderlust #familytravel #travelwithkids #livingthedream #mumblogger #waterbaby #mushroombay #sea #swim #naughty #bali #picoftheday #instababy

A photo posted by Travel Mad Mum (@travelmadmum) on Sep 9, 2015 at 9:57am PDT

To clicking underwater selfies -
 

 

Underwater family selfie... I decided I needed to man up with water when my baby started out doing me with putting her head under the water ! #travel #adventure #travelgram #instatravel #instagold #backpacking #backpacker #instagood #instapassport #jetset #holiday #vacation #familytravel #takethekids #travelwithkids #livingthedream #wonderlust #wanderlust #mum #baby #blogger #mumblogger #travelblogger #picoftheday #selfie #familyselfie #underwaterselfie #langkawi #malaysia #waterbaby

A photo posted by Travel Mad Mum (@travelmadmum) on Sep 18, 2015 at 12:58pm PDT

This family seems to have done it all. And are not planning to stop any time soon.
This kid is barely two and already a globetrotter.
 

 

Where to next mum? #travel #travelwithbaby #travelmadmum #adventure #backpacking #instagood #instatravel #instapassport #holiday #jetset #travelgram #wanderlust #wonderlust #familytravel #takethekids #travelwithkids #livingthedream #mumblogger #travelblogger #blogger #funny #picoftheday #earth #globe #atlas

A photo posted by Travel Mad Mum (@travelmadmum) on Sep 8, 2015 at 2:23pm PDT

What do you think about this travel crazy family? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.