How We Balance Work, Sports & Family Travel

We recently took a trip to Florida and for this trip, we didn’t plan it around a vacation—at least not in the traditional sense. It’s one of those weeks where everything overlaps: Clark is playing baseball in Naples, I’ve got Airbnb photography sessions in Cape Coral and Marco Island, and the first few days of our trip are blissfully low-key—just the way we like to ease into a busy stretch.

This isn’t a week of lounging on the beach with nothing to do (though I won’t say no to a slow morning coffee and I can’t say that I won't end up on a beach at least one of the days  😆). 

It’s a patchwork of passions, schedules, and quiet moments that somehow flow together into something meaningful. 

And honestly? These in-between kinds of trips are my favorite.

Planning Around the Chaos (and Loving It)

When you’ve got a kid playing sports and you run your own business, the best travel weeks aren’t the ones you plan months in advance, they’re the ones that evolve with purpose. Clark’s tournament in Naples became the anchor, and I scheduled four shoots in Cape Coral and one in Marco Island around it.

I’ll be staying in Naples while he plays ball, which gives me the chance to sneak away in the mornings to grab a coffee (Bad Ass Coffee is always a must, my order is always Three Waves, Iced, with Coconut Foam!) and carve out time to edit galleries, hop on client calls, and map out the details of upcoming projects.

It’s not downtime in the traditional sense—but it feels restorative in its own way, because I’m doing the work I love while still being present for the moments that matter.

A stack of towels, a pair of goggles, and no agenda in sight. This is the balance that makes our travel rhythm work.

And while I’m working, John and Lennon can hang back at the house; swimming, lounging, playing games, and enjoying their own version of vacation. It’s this shared rhythm that makes these trips work: everyone gets a little of what they need, whether it’s a nap on the couch, a beach walk at sunset, or knocking out a to-do list with a latte in hand.

As a travel photographer, I’ve learned how important it is to balance work life, home life, and if I'm being honest, my own sanity. That’s why I try to schedule multiple Airbnb photo sessions in the same area during each trip. Grouping shoots this way allows me to focus fully while I’m on location and still be present for my family.

⭐Tip: Be sure to follow me on Instagram ,that’s where I share my travel schedule, session availability, surprise pop-ups, and exclusive photo session sales!

Let’s get into the nitty gritty of how we plan a trip like this…

What We Look for in a Stay

After doing this a few times, I’ve realized that the place we stay can totally shape how the week unfolds, especially when it's a mix of work and family life. Being intentional with our booking makes all the difference.For us, two things are non-negotiable: a private pool and a full kitchen.

Having space to swim, unwind, and prep easy meals keeps us grounded. It helps us stick to our budget, manage our energy, and makes the rhythm of the day, bedtimes, game days, early morning shoots feel a whole lot smoother.

Another must? A washer and dryer. Between damp swimsuits, baseball gear, and the general stickiness of Florida humidity, being able to toss in a quick load saves us so much stress. It’s one of those small conveniences that ends up being a game-changer.

For more on what to look for when choosing an Airbnb for your family, click here!

How We Find Our Rhythm

When we’re traveling—especially during the busier weeks—it helps when everyone has a general rhythm to fall into. It doesn’t need to be rigid, just familiar enough that we all know what to expect.

Most mornings start with getting Clark to the field. From there, I slip into my own routine.

There’s a cozy little Italian bakery in Naples, Bontà, that’s become a favorite. I usually pop in for something sweet (cannoli, wildberry gelato, or one of those buttery pinwheel cookies), and grab a prosciutto crudo sandwich to save for later.

If I have a few hours, I’ll tuck into one of their outdoor café tables. It’s quiet, shaded, and gives me the perfect window to focus before the Florida heat rolls in.

That simple rhythm—a good bite, a change of scenery, and some quiet work time, has become one of the most grounding parts of my day. Nothing fancy. Just intentional. And honestly, that’s enough.

Then it’s off to watch Clark do one of the things he does best: play baseball. Sitting in the sun with an iced coffee and watching him thrive? That’s complete joy.

Afternoons become our recharge time. We rest, eat, and sometimes explore a bit if golden hour feels inviting.

The goal isn’t to pack in activities , it’s to protect our energy and avoid the classic vacation burnout.

(I actually wrote a whole blog about that “When It’s Just Too Hot” has tips for navigating those heat-heavy, meltdown-prone days.)

It’s not a rigid schedule, but one that gives us breathing room and connection. I’ve let go of the pressure to “do it all.” Instead, we focus on what feels right in the moment. That might look like a slow round of UNO at the kitchen table, a spontaneous stop for ice cream by the water, or me sneaking away to edit photos in the quiet of the Airbnb.

Because real-life travel isn’t always about checking things off—it’s about creating space to feel present, rested, and ready for whatever magic the day brings.

 

Here are a few of my tips for Families Balancing Play + Sports + Travel + Work

If you’re a parent juggling games, work, and family travel, here are a few things that help us:

• Book an Airbnb near the fields: Saves time and sanity.

• Prep for quiet moments: I pack my laptop, headphones, and a few favorite snacks so I can edit or take calls from cozy corners—cafés, patios, or even the front seat of the car.

• Create flexible rituals: We always keep the first day low-key. It sets the tone for the whole week and helps everyone ease in.

• Make meals easy: A local grocery run and a few go-to staples (pasta, smoothies, grill night) take the pressure off dinner.

• Always check for laundry: Seriously, it saves us! 

Not every trip needs to be a grand adventure. Some of our favorite memories have come from these in-between weeks. The ones where we cheer from the sidelines, sneak in sunset shoots, and end the day around the grill at the Airbnb, catching up over something simple and delicious.

The balance isn’t always perfect. But the magic lives in the in-between moments: the car ride conversations, the impromptu beach stops, the quiet coffee mornings before the house wakes up.

The way Clark lights up after a great game or when I glance at the back of my camera and know I got the shot, right there in the golden light on the Airbnb patio.

And maybe that’s the heart of it. Travel doesn’t have to be an escape from real life. Sometimes, it’s just life… lived somewhere new, with a better view and a slower pace. 

That’s what living like a local really means to us, blending real life with meaningful pauses, and letting the stay itself become part of the story.