Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi! I’m Alissa Watts – Korean American, former Spanish immersion teacher, mom of two little ones, and the founder of Watts Next Travel. I help busy parents plan culturally rich, stress-free family vacations across Asia. I grew up between Seoul, Busan, Seattle, and Chicago, and now I’ve spent the last several years living and traveling across Asia with my own family. I know what it’s like to juggle nap schedules and diaper changes while also wanting an enriching travel experience. My job is to make that possible for other families too.
Q: What made you decide to focus on travel in Asia?
Asia feels like home. I have deep personal roots here, and I’ve seen firsthand how overlooked and misunderstood family travel to Asia can be. A lot of parents think it’s too hard, too far, or too different. But with the right support, Asia can be one of the most rewarding places to travel with young kids. It’s affordable, safe, filled with kind locals who love children, and full of vibrant culture and nature. I want more families to experience that.
Q: How has traveling strengthened your relationship with your husband and kids?
Travel has given us space to unplug and really be present with each other. It’s also helped us grow as a team. We’ve learned to problem-solve, communicate, and appreciate the small wins like finding a clean public bathroom or getting through airport security with both kids smiling! Watching our children experience new places together has bonded us deeply. Every trip becomes part of our family’s story.
Q: Favorite travel hack?
Pack a portable sound machine for babies. It’s a game changer for hotel naps and early bedtimes. Also: Google Translate camera function. It’s magic.
Q: Best travel advice you ever received?
“Go slower than you think you need to.” Especially with young kids. You don’t need to see everything. You just need enough time to savor the moments you do experience.
Q: What is the best advice you would offer to parents traveling with young children?
Build your days around your kids’ natural rhythms like mornings for exploration, afternoons for rest or free play. Prioritize places with clean food, reliable transit, and toddler-friendly activities. And don’t underestimate how powerful it is to have one “easy win” each day like a hotel pool or a favorite snack shop. I help my clients balance the must-sees with those comfort moments.
Q: When it comes to booking a travel agent, why should clients choose to work with you?
I specialize in realistic, joyful travel for families, not just Pinterest-perfect ideas, but actual itineraries that work for parents and kids alike. I combine deep knowledge of Asia with a mom’s intuition and a concierge-level attention to detail. I’ll take your vision, your kids’ needs, and your personal travel style, and turn it into a seamless, beautiful trip. My clients don’t just get a vacation, they get peace of mind.
Looking to begin your Asian travel experience? Reach out at alissa@wattsnext.travel
