Crossing Continents: A Family's Adventure From India to Mexico

I have been a traveller for as long as I can remember, long before Instagram feeds turned travel into a glamorous, picture-perfect dream. Born into a defence family in India, moving from one city to another was a way of life. I was born in Madhya Pradesh, but before I could walk or talk, my family had already relocated to Kashmir. My earliest memories are filled with snow-capped mountains, bundled up in six layers of winter clothing. By the time I was in my teens, I had lived in multiple states, attended nine different schools, and called more than twenty houses “home.” For me, home was never a place, it was wherever my parents, sister, and our dogs were. From the upbeat Punjab, to tiny barracks in the rain forests of West Bengal, from a little town named Raiwala near Haridwar to the majestic Rajasthan, our home was never a location.

The Love for Travel Never Faded

When I started working, the travel didn’t stop—it only evolved. My job took me across India, from the bustling streets of Kolkata to the serene backwaters of Kerala. Traveling solo was a new challenge, but I embraced it, learning to navigate new cities, cultures, and languages on my own. Each trip was an opportunity to explore, make local friends, and experience the uniqueness of every place.

Then came a new chapter—marriage. My husband shared my love for travel, and together we explored the world. Our honeymoon took us on a month-long road trip across New Zealand, and over the years, we ventured across Europe, Southeast Asia, the Maldives, and the Middle East. Life was steady, we both had stable jobs, and we travelled whenever possible.

Traveling with Kids: A Whole New World

Everything changed when we had our first child. Carefree, impulse-driven travel was replaced by meticulous planning. Long flights with a toddler were daunting, and every trip required considering food options for picky eaters, visa processes for four people, and accommodations that could also welcome our dog. Traveling wasn’t just about exploring anymore—it was about ensuring safety, comfort, and entertainment for our little ones.

For a while, international travel took a back seat. We focused on road trips to Goa and other nearby places, while our annual couple’s vacation became a much-needed escape, thanks to the support of our parents, who would gladly baby sit our kids while me and my husband took the much needed break.

The Phone Call That Changed Everything

In 2023, everything shifted with a single phone call. My husband called me from work with news of an exciting opportunity in Mexico City. The thought alone sent waves of excitement through me. We had always embraced travel, but this wasn’t just another trip—it was a complete relocation. Uprooting our lives, moving across the world with our two kids and a dog, and leaving behind everything familiar felt overwhelming.

Without overthinking, I said yes.

The logistics soon followed—breaking the news to our families, sorting out my job, and figuring out how to transport our seven-year-old German Shepherd across continents. My biggest concern was never the move itself, but ensuring my dog’s safe relocation. Thankfully, I found others who had navigated this journey before, and with their guidance, I made it happen.

Two Years in Mexico: A New Life, New Challenges, and New Adventures

Fast forward two years, and here we are—settled in Mexico City. Since moving, we’ve visited over 30 cities in Mexico and travelled to neighbouring countries like the U.S., Panama, and Colombia. But this transition wasn’t just about traveling. It was about learning to navigate an entirely new life—from language barriers and cultural shifts to enrolling my kids in a new school, adapting to different foods, and figuring out vegetarian options in a predominantly meat-loving country.

This blog isn’t just about travel. It’s about the realities of relocating as a family, especially as a woman who put her career on a back seat to support her partner’s opportunity. It’s about finding a balance between motherhood, personal growth, and adapting to life in a new country while keeping the spirit of adventure alive.

If you’re an Indian parent navigating the world with kids, balancing career sacrifices, or simply looking for family-friendly travel tips with an Indian perspective—welcome to The Colour Pixie. Join me on this journey as I share travel stories, practical advice, and the beautiful chaos of exploring the world with kids, a dog, and an ever-growing sense of adventure.