Author Micki Kosman

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Micki Kosman
Micki is the co-founder of The Barefoot Nomad travel blog. She's traveled around the world since 2003 with her husband Charles (the other founder of this blog) and now travels with her two kids.She loves helping people travel more, and follow their dreams. Micki spends a lot of time writing articles, helping readers, and doing the ten thousand jobs that keep this site going. Micki is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada.
Packing List for Kids on Long Haul Flight Nap

34 Great Packing Tips for a Long Haul Flight with Kids

Micki Kosman
Family
25

Does the thought of a long haul flight with your little kids leave you in a cold sweat? It shouldn't. We've taken flights from Vancouver to Hong Kong, hopped between islands in the Philippines, and flown from Canada to Cancun to Costa Rica as well as Calgary to Cuba and all over North America with two little ones in tow. The kids are now seven and three, but we flown with them from the time they were still breastfeeding and in diapers. Here are our top tips for taking long flights with little ones...

Palm Trees Swaying in the Breeze at Kailua Beach, Oahu

Rockin the Road Trip! Beaches, Fun And Sun On Our Drive Around Oahu

Micki Kosman
Hawaii
8
We love the road trip. There's something about being on the road that makes anything seem possible. With the sun on your face, and the wind rushing past, any turn can bring a new adventure.We rented a Jeep, rolled the top down, tossed some sunscreen and swimsuits in the back, and set out to find adventure on a family drive around Oahu.Oahu's coastline has crystal clear water, beaches around every turn and a backdrop of lush volcanic slopes. We spent most of our drive staring out the window going "Oooh - ahhh... look at that!" The scenery alone, which ranged from aquamarine ocean to soaring cliffs to sleepy seaside towns like Waimanalo, made our road trip...
Micki and Charles on Motorbike in Thailand

One On One With A Barefoot Nomad: Why I Travel

Micki Kosman
Travel Philosophy
6

People often ask me why I travel, and why it's so important to me. It's not about climbing the tallest mountain, or getting bragging rights by visiting dozens of countries. I love travel because of how it changes and enriches me. It makes me a better person.

I grew up in a little prairie town in the middle of Canada. Travel wasn't part of my childhood, and I never truly thought it would be a reality for me. I saw travel as too expensive, too exotic and just too far outside of my experience.

I dreamed of traveling, but I set my dream aside for the more practical things. Buying a house. University and graduate school. Responsibility. The status quo. Security. A stable job.

Life wasn't bad. But it just wasn't... good. I was going through the motions, living someone else's idea of what my life should be.

Something changed when I ...

MK And The Little Man Hong Kong Harbor

Meat Floss And The Vegetarian: My Unplanned Affair

Micki Kosman
Asia
16

I've been a vegetarian since I was about ten.

I love to get immersed in the countries I'm visiting. This means getting as far away from any English speaking folks or signs as I can.

As a vegetarian, this can be pretty tough. I break out my bad Mandarin (or Thai, or Cantonese) and ask for something with no meat. I almost always get pork or fish, because most people assume vegetarians just don’t eat red meat. Vegetarian is a concept that just doesn't translate well.

After countless meals trying to order vegetarian food, I was getting frustrated. And hungry.

And then I found the ...

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Costa Rica

8 Fun Things To Do With Kids In Costa Rica

Micki Kosman
Costa Rica
10
Costa Rica is the land of waterfalls, volcanoes, abundant wildlife and beautiful landscapes, making it the perfect place to immerse your kids in nature and outdoor fun.Here are 8 fun ways to enjoy Costa Rica with kids.Check out La Paz Waterfall GardensThe La Paz Waterfall Gardens are a fantastic way to see Costa Rica's wildlife and lush rainforest up close. There are over ten animal exhibits, where you can see monkeys, snakes, frogs, birds of every color and size imaginable and jungle cats. Don't miss the ...