profileAfter introductions to Fritha from TigerlillyQuinn and Lucy from Dear Beautiful, we now welcome Lori from the lovely blog Wild & Grizzly.

Lori is the next in line of our small selection of fantastic family and lifestyle bloggers who will be joining us to explore the i-escape collection. In fact, you can read about her recent i-escape trips to Amsterdam and Berlin on her blog.

Your blog in one sentence…

“Wild & Grizzly is a UK lifestyle blog where mama meets cool. It’s inspired by design, travel, interiors and style, while exploring the wilds of motherhood.”

Wild & Grizzly
Wild & Grizzly

What kicked it all off?

“I started Wild & Grizzly as a place to document my adventures with my son F and to create a space to share things that inspire me. It’s a collection of thoughts and memories which tell our story.”

When picking a break, what are the top three things you look for in a destination?

“I always look outside the box. I try to avoid the usual tourist traps and search for something that little bit special, whether it’s staying in a well-designed boutique hotel or apartment, or travelling to an unusual destination which most people might not think to visit with kids. For me, the location has to have a combination of style, culture and good food.”

Wild & Grizzly
Wild & Grizzly

What destination is high on your hitlist for 2015?

“I always write a wishlist at the beginning of the year to give me inspiration and set myself some travel goals. At the top for 2015 are Berlin for a fun city break; Reykjavik for a wild cultural adventure and natural beauty; Croatia or Montenegro for stunning unspoilt coastlines; San Francisco for a sunny stateside holiday with a creative edge; and Palm Springs for classic modernist design and the Joshua Tree National Park.”

If you could pack your bags for any i-escape hotel, where would you go?

“For relaxation I would have to pick Post Ranch Inn in California and for city excitement, I would head to New York and the stunning Greenwich Hotel“.

Post Ranch Inn
Post Ranch Inn

If you could only visit one country for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

“Oh this is a hard question! I travelled quite a bit as a child and have visited a lot of places, each offering something different. I think I would have to choose somewhere like America or Canada, as they’re so big you really could spend your whole life travelling and exploring. But as a romantic at heart, I think Italy would be a lovely place to spend my days!”

What’s your earliest travel memory?

“As a child we were constantly travelling and I spent my first three years living in Perth, Australia, before heading back to the UK. My parents were huge fans of island life and we visited Mallorca most years, so I have very fond memories of it. My earliest memory of Australia was paddling and playing with my dad in Kings Park.”

Lori in Amsterdam
Wild & Grizzly in Amsterdam

What’re the essential items in your suitcase?

“Sun cream, sunglasses, an oversized handbag, a good book and my portable iPhone charger.”

Any top tips for stress-free travel with the kids?

“Be prepared. Take puzzles and sticker books for the journey, and allow yourself time to go slowly. If travelling somewhere hot, I always try to break the day down into two parts – one half exploring with F, and the second half relaxing and letting him go at his own pace as the heat can be overwhelming.”

Take a look at Lori’s blog or read our Q&As with Fritha and Lucy