This interview is with Lia Tuso, Child Passenger Safety Technician at Lia Tuso.

Lia Tuso, Child Passenger Safety Technician, Lia Tuso

Lia, could you please tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming an expert in travel?

My journey started with a love for travel and a deep passion for child safety. I am a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician who specializes in safe air travel for children.

My expertise has grown through first-hand experience, traveling as a mom, and troubleshooting challenges along the way. Through my social media presence (@lia_tuso), I’ve been able to educate families on best practices for traveling with little ones.

What sparked your passion for travel, and how has that passion shaped your career path?

My passion for travel started at a young age, but it truly ignited when I became a mother and realized how overwhelming flying with kids can be, especially when it comes to keeping them safe in the air.

As a Child Passenger Safety Technician, I saw a huge gap in awareness around car-seat safety on airplanes, and I knew I wanted to change that. This passion led me to build a career focused on educating families about best practices.

You’ve mentioned traveling with your son to visit family in California. What are some of your favorite family-friendly destinations, and what makes them special?

Yes! We travel between California and New York regularly to visit family. We’ve visited many incredible family-friendly destinations, and I always say the best ones have either a splash pad or an entertainment room dedicated to kids. Additionally, I consider hotels that offer child-friendly amenities—such as children’s menus, cribs, diaper pails, and highchairs—to be truly family-friendly.

For families venturing beyond their comfort zones, what advice do you have for planning a trip to a completely new or unfamiliar destination?

I encourage caregivers to thoroughly research when planning a trip to a new or unfamiliar destination.

The U.S. Department of State provides travel advisories by destination, a valuable resource that is often overlooked.

Additionally, asking your hotel concierge to arrange tours and restaurant reservations can be incredibly helpful, as they often provide some of the best local insights.

Packing can be stressful! Do you have any packing hacks or tips, especially for families on the go?

My biggest packing tip for families is to use compression bags! These allow families to consolidate clothing, creating more space for other essential items. I also recommend packing versatile, capsule-pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. When packing, it’s crucial to check your airline’s baggage policies because nothing is worse than being told you have to pay $200 for overweight luggage!

Navigating different cultures and languages can be part of the travel experience. How do you approach these situations, especially with young children?

Navigating different cultures and languages is a valuable part of the travel experience, especially for young children. One of the best ways to prepare them is by exposing them to the destination ahead of time in a fun and engaging way. I recommend sharing YouTube videos about the destination, including kid-friendly travel guides and cultural highlights.

Another great approach is to introduce cartoons from that country, which can help familiarize them with the language and customs in a way that feels natural and entertaining. For example, my son has been watching the Paddington Bear cartoon ahead of our trip to London, where we are excited to visit the Paddington Bear Experience at County Hall.

Travel mishaps are inevitable. Can you share a memorable travel challenge you faced and how you overcame it?

One of the most memorable travel mishaps we faced was when our flight was delayed in Detroit due to a storm. With a cranky 6-month-old in tow, we had to prepare for a potential cancellation by finding a last-minute hotel stay while navigating the chaos of rebooking.

Instead of waiting in the endless customer-service line at the airport, I quickly took matters into my own hands by checking hotel availability on my phone and using the airline app to rebook. The biggest lesson? Be proactive and adaptable when a travel mishap occurs.

Many people find travel to be a source of inspiration and personal growth.  How has travel impacted you personally, and what lessons has it taught you?

Travel has profoundly shaped me, not just as a parent and traveler, but as a person. It has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to expect the unexpected and know how to arrange for a Plan B.

Whether it’s a delayed flight, lost bag, or sudden itinerary change, travel has shown me the value of proactively finding solutions rather than stressing over what’s out of my control. Now, as a mom, I see travel in a new light through my child’s eyes. It’s about curiosity, wonder, and learning through experiences. Watching my son explore new places reminds me that travel isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the growth that happens along the way.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone hesitant to embrace the adventure of travel?

Start small and go at your own pace. You don’t need to jump into an international trip right away. You can begin with a short weekend getaway or a destination that feels familiar but offers something new. The more you travel, the easier it gets. Also, remember that not everything has to be perfect. There will be hiccups, but that’s part of the fun!

The key is to stay flexible and remember that some of the best travel memories come from unplanned moments. If traveling with kids is the concern, it’s doable! A little planning with the right mindset makes all the difference. Just take the first step, and you’ll never look back!

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Yes, take advantage of the many resources available, like Facebook groups, travel blogs, and YouTube videos about your destination. You can even search for reviews on the specific aircraft you’ll be taking. Seeing videos and reading about other people’s experiences will help you feel more confident!