Influencing with Purpose: Tabetha Weeks, aka DFW Adventure Mom

We started Influencing with Purpose to shine a spotlight on local social media influencers who use their platforms for more than self-advertising. For our travel issue, who better than to feature than Tabetha Weeks, aka DFW Adventure Mom? [Editor’s note: Is it just me, or does Adventure Mom need her own theme music?]

Madeworthy: You started your career as a journalist, and you’re a mother. Tell us how you juggle a career and kids.

Tabetha Weeks: Balancing work and family is something I’m constantly trying to get right. I wake up around 5 a.m. to get two hours of focused work before my boys wake up. This is my most productive time of the day. Once they’re up, I try to be fully present with them, which means planning and prioritizing my to-dos. My boys attend preschool part-time, giving me some dedicated work hours during the day. In the evenings, we prioritize family time, and if there’s anything left on my to-do list, I tackle it after they go to bed.

photo credit: True Photography

MW: Your love of travel is obvious. Have you always been an explorer?

TW: I’ve always been an adventure seeker. I love trying new things and exploring different cultures. But I didn’t have the opportunity to travel much as a kid. My first trip out of the country wasn’t until college when I went to Costa Rica with a friend and her family. That trip changed everything. I fell in love with travel and knew it was something I was meant to do.

MW: What is your absolute favorite travel destination and why?

TW: I get asked this question all the time, and honestly, I hate my answer! I feel so basic, but I have to say Mexico. It has everything I love: vibrant culture, warm and welcoming people, beautiful tropical beaches, easy flights, and fantastic service. Plus, every city has its unique vibe, so you can visit multiple times and have a different experience on each trip.

MW: What tips do you have for families wanting to save for a big trip?

TW: Credit card points! They are game changers for saving on big trips. But here’s the key: don’t book through the credit card portal. Instead, find the flight or hotel you want and transfer your points to travel partners that align during a bonus promotion to maximize their value. I love following Katie’s Travel Tricks and The Points Guy for tips. Another big way we save is by prioritizing experiences over things. We put that money toward adventures and making memories as a family. Travel during slow seasons. You’ll save money and avoid the crowds. We try to plan our trips right before or after peak season for the best deals and a more relaxed experience.

MW: It’s Thursday afternoon, and you HAVE to get away for a quick weekend break. Where are you going and why?

TW: I’m headed to Fredericksburg. This town holds a special place in my heart. It has something for everyone, no matter the season. The kids love exploring nature, like hiking Enchanted Rock, while I enjoy the beautiful wineries, many of which are surprisingly kid-friendly, like Rhinory. Main Street is absolutely adorable, filled with unique shops and delicious food. And with peach season right around the corner, it’s the perfect time for the kids to pick their own fresh peaches. It’s the perfect getaway to slow down.

MW: What is your number one tip for stress-free (or as little stress as possible) air travel with little ones?

TW: This is a tough one because I have so many! But if I had to pick just one, have your toddler sit in their car seat on the plane. I wish I had known this sooner. It keeps them secure, you are hands-free, and it eliminates the struggle of keeping them in their seat the whole flight. If you don’t want to buy a seat for your little one yet, always ask the gate agent if there are empty seats. Seven out of ten times, you’ll get one for free.

Here are a few more must-know tips for stress-free air travel with little ones:

• For infants: Wear your baby through security (they’ll make you take them out of the stroller), get a Doona for easy travel, feed them during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure, and invest in Clear and TSA PreCheck to make security a breeze. Rent bulky baby gear like a bathtub or bassinet from BabyQuip so you don’t have to haul it all.
• For toddlers: Use the car seat on the plane! Car seats and strollers are considered medical devices in the U.S. and are always free to check on U.S. carriers. Just make sure the car seat says FAA-approved. We have a lightweight, travel Cosco one we love.
• Bonus tip: Don’t forget to sign your baby up for a frequent flyer rewards number! We booked my boys’ tickets to Hawaii with miles.

MW: Where does Tabetha go to recharge?

TW: I recharge my soul by spending time in the Word and journaling. Reading my bible each morning helps me set my priorities. Physical activity gives me both energy and mental peace.

MW: What’s the next move for your career?

TW: Growing TWTravelTricks to help moms get out and explore with their kids. I want to partner with brands and tourism boards to create content that provides real, actionable tips and resources for family travel. My goal is to make travel easier, more enjoyable, and less stressful for other moms. I want to empower moms to explore the world with their families without feeling overwhelmed.

Lightning Round of Fort Worth Favorites!

• Coffee shop: Love Local
• Breakfast/brunch place: BREWED
• Hangout with friends: The Shops at Clearfork
• Place to relax and recharge: The Body Scrubbery (I haven’t been here, but I’ve always wanted to try it.)
• Museum or art gallery: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
• Artist: Amy Brines of She Draws on Walls
• Musician: Grady Spencer and the Work
• Yearly event: Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival
• Boutique: Wide Brim in the Stockyards
• Best bartender/cocktail: A margarita at Joe T’s, but if I want to be sophisticated, the espresso martini at Oak and Eden.
• Sweet treat: MELT Ice Creams
• Hamburger joint: Kincaid’[s
• Barbecue: Goldee’s Barbecue
• Mexican restaurant: Joe T. Garcia’s