🌴 Restless in Antigua

Why Traveling Guatemala With Kids Isn’t Always Carefree

I have a screaming restlessness in my body and my head.

After a smooth trip to Florida and an even smoother flight to Guatemala, we finally arrived! This was the beginning of our big adventure: traveling Guatemala with kids for the first time! The journey kicked off with my husband trying to halve my packed wardrobe — which, of course, was not an option. Sure, I might not wear everything I brought, but not having it with me? That’s worse.
And I know some of you ladies out there get me.

Spoiler alert: I won the wardrobe battle. Probably because my husband wasn’t in the mood for a fight he knew he couldn’t win.

First Stop: Antigua

Our first stop while traveling Guatemala with kids is Antigua.
After an exciting ride from Guatemala City — complete with unexpected animal crossings — we arrived at our Airbnb: a beautiful old colonial-style house in the heart of the city. There’s a lush garden, multiple cozy rooms, and even a pool.

Though the pool is… basically empty. So no cannonballs for the kids this time.

Despite the peaceful surroundings, my mind and body were somewhere else entirely.

And I know this feeling. It’s stress.

When Travel Triggers Anxiety

The past year in the Netherlands was intense. Our move to the U.S. brought its own layer of chaos and uncertainty. At some point, I began to feel sharp, physical pain near my heart — not metaphorical. The real deal.
However, once we settled into the laid-back U.S. lifestyle, the pain disappeared.

Until a few weeks ago.

There were small twinges here and there… and then yesterday, full-on anxiety.
This time, not just in my chest, but also in my stomach. Painful. And eating only makes it worse.

Maybe you know this feeling? That invisible mental checklist we moms carry around:
Are the kids safe?
What if something happens to me?
What if they end up alone in a country they don’t know?

It terrifies me.

And yes, I know — this isn’t Scenes From My Own Mental Horror Show: Mom Edition.
I’m not alone. My husband is here. We are safe.

But Still — the “What Ifs”

It’s the unknown. The unfamiliar faces. The culture that’s beautifully different — and also a little intimidating.

Still, I’m not the only foreigner here. My own uncle came to Guatemala a few years ago to help locals build healthier bakeries. He taught them to bake real bread — and he’s still alive and thriving. (Okay, maybe not kicking, he’s a gentle soul. But thriving nonetheless.)

He’s traveled the world fearlessly, far off the beaten path.

So why does my brain still spiral?

As I write this down, I realize I probably sound like a terrified mom who just can’t let go. And honestly? That’s okay.

Every mom has her reasons. Her fears. Her way of navigating the world. Most of us are just doing our best.

Reminder: I’m Also the Brave Mom

But this isn’t always me. I’m the fearless one.
The world-traveling mom who shows her kids new cultures and teaches them to find the good in people. That’s the mom I want to be.

And — let’s be real — 90% of the time, I am her.

Just… not yesterday.
Not today.

And that’s okay too.

I don’t have to be fearless every single day.
I get to be human.

Early Morning Thoughts and a Mantra

It’s early morning now. The rest of the family is still asleep. This is my sacred moment — to breathe, to find my center, to reset.

New mantra for today:
We are okay. We are safe. We’ve got this.
(Okay, still sounds a bit dramatic. But hey — baby steps.)

Maybe I just need some self-care. And definitely less Googling with my phone flashlight. (Don’t ask.)

And Then Came the Beach

After a few days, we left Antigua and headed to the coast. And that’s where the magic happened.

The moment my feet touched the sand, I could breathe again.
The tension melted.
The restlessness faded.

If that’s not a sign from the universe, I don’t know what is.

I need the beach in my life. On a regular basis.

Travel Isn’t Always Pretty — And That’s Okay

Even though this trip is beautiful, my anxiety still shows up.
But over the years, I’ve learned how to live with it. How to manage it. And while I don’t want to pass it on to my kids, I do want to teach them that stepping out of your comfort zone is where growth happens.

And this trip? It’s exactly that – a raw and honest experience of traveling Guatemala with kids, with all its highs and lows.

We’re not afraid to travel. Especially not my husband.
He’s the kind of guy who stands on the edge of a cliff — no fence, no fear — holding the only set of car keys.

I’ve kindly asked him not to do that again.
At least hand me the keys first before you go using one of your nine lives. 🙄

He’s completely in his comfort zone here. That’s beautiful — and sometimes a little frustrating. Because it makes it harder for him to understand that I need to manage my anxiety without being seen as dramatic. (Spoiler: I’m not.)

But maybe that’s one of those classic differences between men and women.
We — the moms — we carry the what ifs.
We scan for danger, even on beautiful days.

Perspective, Privilege, and Peace

We’re not even at the end of the trip. But despite the anxiety, I love it.

We are incredibly blessed to be in the position to do this – to give our kids a glimpse inside different corners of the world. With all it’s beauty, but also its poverty and contrast.

And that’s when I start thinking about anxiety on a global scale.
My fears? They’re luxury problems.

The moms here? Their kids live on the streets. They bathe in dirty, sometimes toxic water.
They don’t have access to education or a safe environments.

Can you even imagine what kind of anxiety must they live with?

We all want the best for our kids — now, and for their future.
And no, that doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to feel fear or stress. But putting my worries in perspective sometimes helps me reflect.

Not to feel guilty.
Not to silence myself.
But simply… to reflect.

I’ll never stop worrying about my kids’ safety.
But they’re still mine — and that love comes with all the messy, anxious, beautiful parts too.

The restlessness? It’s still there sometimes.
But it’s softer now.
And for today, that’s enough.