Meet Ala Lopatniov Singereanu | Travel Family Blogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ala Lopatniov Singereanu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ala, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When we started TravelFamilyBlog, our second son was just six months old, and our older son was three years old. Life was a whirlwind as we navigated raising two young children while I continued working full-time as a travel agent. At that point, I had already spent four years in an online travel agency in the hotelier department, which gave us valuable insights into the travel industry.

The idea for the blog came from our shared love for travel and a desire to show other families that exploring the world with kids is not only possible but incredibly enriching. We wanted to share our experiences as a family, providing inspiration and practical advice for traveling with children.

Starting the blog during such a busy time was a challenge, but it was a meaningful decision for us. TravelFamilyBlog became a way to combine my professional knowledge with our family’s personal adventures, helping us connect with other families and build a supportive community around family travel.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been a mix of professional experience in the travel industry and my passion for storytelling. I’ve worked for years in the hotelier department of an online travel agency, which gave me a solid understanding of the travel world. This knowledge, combined with our personal adventures as a family, became the foundation for TravelFamilyBlog.

What sets us apart is our authenticity and the way we connect with families. We focus on sharing the beauty and reality of family travel—showcasing both the highlights and the challenges. Our goal is to inspire and empower families to explore the world together, proving that traveling with kids is not just doable but magical.

One of the proudest aspects of our journey has been rebuilding our blog after its most challenging period: the pandemic. That time was incredibly difficult for us. With travel restrictions in place, we initially tried to maintain our blog by sharing online activities and family tips, but the response was minimal. Exhausted and disheartened, we stopped posting altogether—for over a year. When we finally decided to revive the blog and our Instagram, it felt like starting from scratch. Social media algorithms weren’t in our favor, and it was tough to see no immediate results from our efforts.

Consistency became another hurdle, as juggling a full-time job, family life, and content creation with little feedback was frustrating. It wasn’t until 2024 that we began to see significant growth again, proving that persistence and staying true to our vision eventually pay off.

The lessons we’ve learned during this journey are to embrace challenges, remain adaptable, and focus on the long game. I want the world to know that TravelFamilyBlog is not just about travel—it’s about resilience, community, and inspiring families to make meaningful memories, no matter the obstacles.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend and their family were visiting Barcelona, here’s how I’d show them the best of the city with kids:

Day 1:
We’d start with Sagrada Familia, where we’d explore the basilica and the surrounding area. The kids will love the playful shapes and colors. Afterward, we could head to Café de la Sagrada Familia for a coffee and some pastries. For lunch, Escampa in Gracia is a family-friendly spot with Mediterranean dishes, perfect for a relaxed meal.

Day 2:
We’d visit Parc de la Ciutadella, where the kids can run around, play in the playground, or take a rowboat on the lake. It’s a great place for families. Afterward, we could stop at El Sol for a refreshing drink and some snacks. For lunch, Bar Tomás in Sarrià is famous for its patatas bravas, and kids will love the casual atmosphere. Later, we can enjoy a family-friendly dinner at Cervecería Catalana, where the kids can try various tapas.

Day 3:
We’d spend the morning at Parc Güell, exploring Gaudí’s colorful mosaics and unique structures. The kids can play and enjoy the open space. For a break, we could stop at Café Park Güell for a light snack. For lunch, Saona in El Born offers Mediterranean dishes that are great for kids too.

Day 4:
We’d take a day trip to Sitges, where the kids can enjoy the beach. The shallow waters are perfect for children to paddle and play. For lunch, La Zorra offers seafood and paella, with plenty of options for younger tastes. Afterward, we can visit the Sitges promenade for ice cream at one of the local parlors and relax by the beach.

Day 5:
We’d visit El Born and Gracia. For lunch, Escampa is again a great option, with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families. Afterward, we’d enjoy a drink (and a break) at Paradiso, a speakeasy-style bar with a fun vibe, and the kids can enjoy a cold juice or soda.

Day 6:
We’d take the cable car up to Montjuïc Hill. The kids will love the ride and the views. After exploring Castell de Montjuïc and the park, we’d have lunch at El Xalet de Montjuïc, which has a beautiful terrace and offers family-friendly dishes. Later, we’d take a family walk to Poble Espanyol where the kids can explore different crafts and shops.

Day 7:
On our last day, we’d visit the MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art). The museum offers interactive exhibits that kids can enjoy, with lots of open space. For lunch, we’d stop by Cervecería Catalana, which is always a hit with families. Afterward, we’d head to Chök for some gourmet doughnuts and pastries that the kids will adore. We’d finish the day with a fun stop at Terraza Martínez, where we can enjoy great views of the city and have a relaxed family dinner.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The biggest shoutout goes to my husband, Dumitru, who has been the backbone of TravelFamilyBlog from the very beginning. He immediately saw the potential in the idea and dedicated countless hours alongside me to bring it to life. From building the website and retouching photos to editing videos, resolving platform issues, and even restoring the site after several hacking attacks, his support has been unwavering. Dumitru also works tirelessly during our travels, ensuring we create meaningful content while managing long hours and often sacrificing relaxation. His dedication and belief in our vision have been key to the blog’s success.

We also want to give heartfelt thanks to our readers and followers, whose encouragement, engagement, and trust have kept us motivated to share more of our journey. And not least, we deeply appreciate the collaborators and brands who have believed in us and our content over the years. Their partnerships and support have been instrumental in helping us grow and expand TravelFamilyBlog into what it is today.

This journey has been a collective effort, and we’re grateful for everyone who has been part of it!

Website: https://travelfamilyblog.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelfamilyblog

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ala-lopatniov-singereanu-47a63b53/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFamilyBlog/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TravelFamilyBlogBCN