Tabifolk Talks: Amy Tarpein on Accessible Family Travel and Elijah’s Baby Bucket List
Traveling with a child who has complex medical needs comes with unique challenges, but for Amy Tarpein, it has become a life-changing journey of joy, resilience, and advocacy. In this episode of Tabifolk Talks, we sat down with Amy, founder of Elijah’s Baby Bucket List, to discuss how she turned a personal mission into a global movement for inclusive travel.
The Story Behind Elijah’s Baby Bucket List
Amy’s son, Elijah, was diagnosed with a rare terminal brain condition called lissencephaly at just eight months old. Doctors predicted he wouldn’t live past two years old, but Amy was determined to make the most of every moment with him. She packed her kids in the car for a 13-hour road trip to Florida, where Elijah saw the ocean for the first time—a defining moment that led to Elijah’s Baby Bucket List.
What started as a way to share experiences with her family quickly evolved into a movement, inspiring countless other families to embrace travel despite medical and accessibility challenges. Through her blog and social media presence, Amy provides invaluable insights on accessible destinations, travel tips, and the importance of making memories.
Balancing Family Travel with Accessibility
Traveling as a large family is already an adventure, but adding accessibility considerations makes planning even more complex. Amy emphasized the importance of:
- Thorough research: Many destinations lack detailed accessibility information, making advance planning crucial.
- Flexibility: Being adaptable to changes is essential for smooth travel experiences.
- Inclusion: Finding activities where Elijah can fully participate alongside his siblings is a priority.
One of their most memorable experiences? A mountain roller coaster ride in Pigeon Forge, where Elijah’s love for thrills proved that adventure is possible for everyone.
Advocacy for More Inclusive Travel
Beyond their personal travels, Amy and her family work with businesses and tourism boards to assess and improve accessibility. They’ve partnered with Hilton Hotels, Visit Wichita, and other organizations to identify gaps and provide feedback on making travel experiences more inclusive.
She pointed out a common misconception: just because a place meets ADA requirements doesn’t mean it’s fully accessible. Through consulting and advocacy, she hopes to close that gap and ensure destinations are welcoming to all travelers.
Writing Braver Together and Building a Community
Amy’s journey led her to write Braver Together, a book that shares her family’s story and aims to inspire others facing similar challenges. She hopes it will serve as a reminder that some things in life can’t be fixed but can be carried—with the help of a supportive community.
Speaking of community, Amy highlighted the incredible connections she has made through social media. While being a content creator comes with its challenges—like maintaining privacy and avoiding burnout—the rewards far outweigh them.
What’s Next for Elijah’s Baby Bucket List?
Amy’s future goals include:
- Visiting all 50 states before traveling internationally (with Paris at the top of the list!).
- Hosting group trips to help families experience accessible travel together.
- Expanding her advocacy work to ensure more destinations prioritize inclusion.
Watch
Follow Amy & Elijah’s Adventures
- Website: https://elijahsbabybucketlist.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahsbabybucketlist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elijahsbabybucketlist
Join the Conversation!
Amy’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of advocacy. Have you experienced accessible travel challenges or triumphs? Share your thoughts in the comments! If you’re not already part of the tabifolk community, create an account today to connect with like-minded travelers and share your journey!
Responses