Founder of travel platform The Vista, Julia Ashwood recently embarked on an ambitious three-week roadtrip through the US with her husband Matty and their two children, Delilah (3) and Alby (6 months). From Arizona to New Mexico, with stays in Colorado, Utah, Zion, Nevada, Joshua Tree and ending in Malibu, this all American roadie is proof that travelling doesn’t have to stop once your family starts – the core ethos of The Vista. As well as driving several hours a day, Julz even managed to host a launch event for her new souvenir kids tees in collaboration with artist John Zabawa (see, ambitious!).

Find out her favourite spots, top travel hack and how she made the most of her Travel Journal by An Organised Life.

[Most days] I woke up at: 6am 

My favourite breakfast spot was: Gjusta, LA

I ate too much: of everything, mostly the bread

I stayed at: Surfrider Hotel

I organised *this* in advance: Surfrider Luxe Suite - the owners Emma and Matt are incredible as well as the whole team on ground.

My pinch me moment was: Hosting an event last night on the rooftop of The Surfrider. We have just launched a new souvenir travel tee range for the kids! Very proud. Also very hungover!  

My favourite spot to visit is: On this trip, Santa Fe was my number one, Hot Springs and Georgia O’Keeffe, closely followed by Telluride in Colorado - for the incredible amount of snow!! Oh and Zion National Park was stunning also.

I wrote in my travel diary at: 2pm today - en route to The Joshua Tree desert.

My favourite dinner spot was: Cafe Stella. We love this iconic French cafe in Silverlake - we always go there on very special occasions. It was our 4 year anniversary last week! Lucky I remembered that! 

The song that will forever remind me of my trip is: 'Mary had a little lamb" closely followed by this little ditty - Hunny Bee, Unknown Mortal Orchestra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJrKlSkxRHA

A new word I learnt was: "CheesyCassadeedee" This was Delilah's order at every Mexican restaurant. 

I will always remember: The crazy car trips. We did around 60hrs in 3weeks - which might not seem a lot - but with a six month old and a three year old, it can come close to a trip to hell and back! 

My Travel Journal came in handy for: Escaping my toddler with a cup of tea to write and relax (if only for a moment). Also to take notes and scribble down all the research, tips and spots for our next guide - Family US Road Trip Guide, out in July.

My number one travel hack tip would be: Pack plenty of zen (!!) and snacks for the road. We also love both the Ergo Baby 360 and Mountain Buggy Nano as our go to travel items (especially with two kids).

FOLLOW The Vista & their travels HERE