The truth behind why we quit YouTube

We haven't uploaded a long-form KZbin video since August 2023. Here's why.

[@TopFlightFamily]

Wow thank you SO much to every one of your kind comments! It feels scary to be walking into the unknown with no real plan (my control issues are so triggered right now 😅) but I really appreciate the support you’re all showing. Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@tammyford5737]

Family comes first! ❤️ We miss you but FULLY understand! I get exhausted getting my family ready for a weekend trip and coming home is just as you explain it, a really low low. I'm really happy, honestly, that your family is well and happy!

[@chloegreene5316]

Being able to find balance in your life and finding yourself is really important! As you said, highs of the trips coupled with the lows and isolation of coming back to NY put a strain on your relationships. Take that well deserved break! Can’t wait to get to know YOU better!

[@PlaneGeekTravels]

Constant travelling is exhausting too. I go on vacation 2-3 times per year and I find it just enough to take a break from work.

[@yadayadayada8991]

Kudos for putting your family and your mental health first. Blessings on your future plans!

[@sonyadavie4790]

I was literally on your channel last night and wondered what happened. Good for you and your family. This is a very healthy and brave decision for you all. #therapistlife 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❣

[@cydneystephen2814]

Heyyyyy. Totally understand the loss of self or togetherness outside of travel. Life happens. Change. Growth. 40hrs a week editing videos? WOW. Truly a full time job. If it was easy , everyone would do it. WOW. I as a viewer forget the stage management part of it. Can see where it can become exhausting. Understand the next chapter of your lives began last September with new job, school, home. Back to travel perhaps during spring , holiday and summer break. You are a great speaker Carmen. Whatever direction you take I shall support. You didn’t have to but thanks for your transparency and explanation. Have a great weekend young lady 🤗🥰

[@christthelord91]

So honest. You're amazing. This will help people

[@hyacinthcarter6359]

Totally understand and so great that you recognized that and made the change. We miss seeing you guys though

[@CoolMilk-oe8do]

We are still here for you! Ofc family comes first always, and that crazy of editing for 40 hours a week. I am very ahppy your family is doing well and happy! I send you best wishes!

[@hereyago]

Love this video... As a person that travels a few times each month, being home is like being on vacation at this point. I was trying to get my channel going and got so discouraged with progress that I just gave up on posting much long content. Its definitely a mental battle that can take away from the fun that I'm having, just sitting thinking about making content instead of enjoying the memories. Whatever God has for you is for you! ❤

[@mymymy9452]

*....Will miss the long videos but respect you doing whats best for your fam..*

[@CurieuxNomades]

Hi Carmen, glad to see you! We totally understand your new direction, making long form video is So. Much. Work. 😵‍💫😅 As a parent, we choose what it’s best for our family. The view doesn’t matter if your mental health is at risk. Best wishes and take care. Anne & Eric

[@territravels10]

Completely understand! One reason why I didn't think family travel content wouldn't have been the best for my family. I have always loved your content and look forward to the change. 😊

[@shelfaddiction]

I'm looking forward to your new content. Glad you're back!

[@wendyking2612]

I enjoyed watching your video and will still sign on when it is you by yourself. I am so proud of you for putting your children and family first. It is their time to grow as normal as they can and enjoy special time with their friends. Family first 🙏🏾🙏🏿🙏🏽💜

[@LetsgowithHyro]

Totally get you 100% As a content creator I can totally relate that behind the scenes can be grueling and frustrating at times. We'll always be here to support you, especially if it's in the best interest of all of you (& your family). Wish you the very best moving forward.

[@FamilyTripping]

Thanks for being so transparent, as always. Totally get why you're pivoting. Good luck with it. The bit about filming with the kids and directing them cracked me up. Can totally relate.

[@CrispyMakiDumplings]

I love that you are putting your family mental health first. I have enjoyed your videos and I still enjoy watching them before a trip. Thank you for sharing your expertise and family. I’ll still be here.

[@White_n_Yellow]

That's a very good decision that you make! Thanks for sharing these real feelings! Way to go mama!

[@NA-fk7cc]

We truly appreciate the candid update to clear the air. Since we were all wondering why we're not getting our weekly dose of Top Flight Family vids.

[@HoneymoonAlways]

Wooooow this articulates so much of what we feel in the travel content creation space. Thank you for the transparency!

[@OurNextAdventurejvh]

Same! 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@karolyneroberts]

I respect this so much. Such a mature and wholesome decision. Thanks for your transparency and for sharing.

[@KenshoQuest]

I can relate! We also got tired of "stage managing". Our first solution was to no longer have our kids talk in our videos. Instead, we just capture b-roll of them doing things. My newer solution is taking day trips on my own. It's so much easier to film while not also taking care of 3 kids. We've been trying to branch out into some shorter form content, but there is just not time for everything. 🌸Heidi

[@yasminbarry7941]

As much as I love this channel, I totally understand and I wish you all the best.

[@tabathatammaro9187]

Totally support you, no question! And so glad to know more content is coming. I figured the channel was just dead and that was that. Looking forward to whatever you create.

[@Jjgisking500]

Hi Carmen, happy to hear family first. You and your husband make a great team.

[@shellyedy4]

When I was a lot younger, my dad advised me to enjoy each stage of life. That has been a priceless advice to me as I meander each stage of life. I loved your family content and enjoyed visiting Moon Palace The Grand in Cancun because of the wonderful, fun job you did highlighting it! :-) Thanks! :-) I also understand the relief felt not having to edit for hours and using a lot of creative energy needed to create content. Fully enjoy this new stage of your life! :-)

[@mgriff5819]

Whatever you do Sis we will be there. We await the next journey. Thank you for the memories, but more so thank you for being a true parent and mom. Family First🫡😋🫶🫵

[@sightseeingfamily]

Happy to see what content will be posted going forward! Welcome back to YT!

[@plushie2007]

I've always wondered how you guys did this. Between organizing travel, maximizing travel points, and editing, you must've been working on borrowed time. Then when you add in relationships (family, friends, etc), and there must've been multiple breaking points. I'm so happy for you guys now. Excellent pivot.

[@spelmanpeach]

This is a very wise and loving decision for your family! You never go wrong when you put your sanity and your family first.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Totally understand! I’ve branched off to doing more solo travel and the content creation is so much easier than with the family. I appreciate your transparency and love your content!

[@youseennothing8432]

Love your channel! Looking forward to the next chapter!

[@marleneprescott895]

Totally understand and will continue to follow you and your family. Good luck in any new venture you choose.

[@HowardT1879]

Happy to hear you putting family first. wishing you guys all the best.

[@obanks3365]

I totally get it and I've watch probably all of your family content blogs. Wishing you and your family great success!

[@itismeal]

Great video! I truly enjoyed all your family travel videos and wondered what a life like that would be like, thanks for coming out and talking about the behind the scenes and all the inside stuff that you would not consider, I am looking forward to your new videos!

[@boltoutoftheblue]

Proud of you, take care of your family (and your mental well being.) And thank you so much for all the content you’ve made, it helped us numerous time!

[@Asiyafoodandtravel]

Thank you for the transparency, this is a great video! We support you and your family ❤

[@OriginalBernieBro]

On to the next journey

[@ladypnp]

❤ Sending you love. Thank you for sharing your experience. Looking forward to the new season.

[@lichi1244eva]

"Freedom and control" are things I value greatly, too! I am one of those who have seen you around the city and have been like "hey, love your content" so I applaud your decision and continue to support.

[@mizzy115]

Wow!! Love the transparency and I am so excited to see your new content!

[@OblongPolkaDots]

I really appreciate you sharing this. I love your channel and I'm so happy that you are taking care of yourselves FIRST!

[@audreymcfarlin6947]

I understand and that is great for you and your family!! Makes sense. I do miss the travel videos but looking forward to the new content!!

[@julies48a]

Good 4 you, take care of yourself and your family. These years with your girls are priceless. Change is part of life. Enjoy, NYC. Social media is going no where.

[@KristenJeffers]

So much respect for this. I found your channel because you made this work look realistic and this is so real and honest and I am excited for what's next for all of you!

[@gabrielncali8999]

Missed your videos and your family so much! ❤

[@shelliregnier1712]

All good things must come to an end. It's been fun watching but the time frame your kids are in now is so important to them and so short that I think you're doing the right thing. Will keep checking your content out! Thanks and best of luck on this new journey!

[@MyCruisingFamily]

Carmen, I am so thankful for your transparency. The realness! I felt every word when you talked about the emotional labor in making family travel content! Totally understand, and looking forward to your content moving forward. ❤

[@TheAdventureTravelers]

Great video. I’m so glad you made those decisions for you and the family. I still have videos from 2017 that I haven’t even got to, so I know the dread of editing. Your family will really benefit in the long run. Especially, your children. You are so right that junior high and high school are pivotal times for your children. They need to make those friends and connections. I’m sure whatever you do, your content will be amazing.

[@angelabrown3994]

Miss you. Your videos were always first class. Our needs do change over time.

[@donnab3183]

Happy for you all, enjoyed watching your travel videos. However, excited for you all to have a more normal life. 😊

[@Yaw_Jr]

Hmmm - sounds rough! Glad you had the awareness to course correct, good for you'all. All the best.

[@kamkarter8821]

Fully support you! Looking forward to the new journey ❤

[@vdkrslr]

Hi Carmen, totally understand. Whats ahead ? Cant wait. But take the time u need. Blessings

[@froglady4360]

I loved watching your videos and have missed them, but your family and your life is more important than. I totally understand your decision and wish you everything that you want out of life.

[@gabes5858]

I absolutely LOVE this video!!!!! And I’m so happy and excited for your family. What a blessing this journey has been, and even more the gift of discernment. You are wisely leaving the casino when you are winning ❤

[@JessicaHolmes]

Good for you, sis! I’ll be here for the new content angle. I’ve always been #teamcarmen lol! My daughter will miss seeing the girls, but her favorite video is still the one from Cancun 🤍 Aloha & blessings on this new chapter for all of you! PS - I can’t believe you have a high schooler and a middle schooler 😭 I feel like I’ve seen them grow up from toddlers on social media. I wish nothing but the best in their academic careers!

[@DrPatriceBerry]

Thank you for your transparency especially as it relates to the impact on the family. Wishing you and your family the best. Happy Mother’s Day

[@debventris]

Good for you!!!! Being smart about family and fame, I love it! Do what is right for you and your family. Respect for you ❤❤

[@ceaserri]

Love your honesty ❤

[@librarising6273]

I have been a fan of your videos for years but I totally understand. You have to do what is best for you and your family! I'm sure being a social media influencer is exhausting! I'm glad you and your family are happy living your regular lives and I'm looking forward to whatever content you create next! 🙂

[@QInCali]

Thanks for sharing these details about your journey in this space. It's encouraging to hear your story about prioritizing family above chasing the dollar.

[@LPZSTIXXNPLATANOZ]

Totally on board with this decision , looking forward to more from you

[@Mochiboba90]

I get it, but my favorite creators ALWAYS stop posting and then I am just sitting here twiddling my thumbs with nothing to watch 😂 You explain this so well though and I understand 1000% 🫶🏽 Sidenote- you look amazing! Skin & hair is on point.

[@ebonyd259]

I love your travel videos and use them as inspiration for me and my kid’s vacations. But I applaud you for deciding to make your family’s needs first. I plan to continue to watch your content and wish you the best!

[@deirdretaylor3105]

I have enjoyed your family content and I look forward to your future adventures. 💗💐

[@terrilynmuise1548]

I was wondering where you guys were! Great decision, good for you and you look well rested now❤❤❤

[@jaimeerindy4573]

I appreciate your honesty so much, and how you are taking action based on how your opinions and lifestyle desires have changed. I think it's completely ok to say no to things that don't work anymore, and I'm so excited for your content moving forward!

[@eleanora4482]

You were truly missed but congratulations on recognizing that you needed to make the change. Very well presented. Best wishes for your future endeavors.

[@MrsKervang]

you know what's best for you and your family. We love you guys and want the best for you. Take care of your family first. That's the foundation of life!

[@michellejackson-tn7zd]

I agree, family first. My family is exhausted after every trip, so I completely understand. At least you got to enjoy the experience. You were my go to for travel. I only went where you reviewed, but I took away several pointers.

[@duntane3573]

Good for you and well done for making the brave decision

[@hakashi09]

Hey! I used to watch your videos since my family loves traveling and your experience of this addiction resonates with me so much! I do struggle to have this down time when we are back home from the trip, back to work, back to reality in a way. As well as I have recently started to create content myself (family not included) and even taking content for myself takes so much efforts when family is around (do mind my kids are 3 and 6 years old) so from having to wear specific outfits to be comfy around kids and all gear and etc, making aesthetic videos or pictures of myself takes ages… sending you love from Norway ❤

[@SeeItWithC]

Congrats on the shift!

[@joycel3591]

I totally get it, but will be be honest, miss you, and lived through your adventures of travel. I would never get to go. But I appreciate your honesty explaining which you don't owe us. But, I appreciate this video. I will still watch when you do have content. Best of luck to you and your family 😊

[@TansZen]

Thank you for this. As a new travel content creator, you're right no one talks about this. You're video helps me confirm to explore different things on my channel. Plus I've learned with my regular 9 to 5 how to give myself free time to focus on me and nothing else.

[@jmunnie00]

I started watching for your family travel content. But I think I would find your individual travel content just as interesting, maybe more so, since it might be less curated and more relaxed for lack of better words. I'm really here for all of the tips and tricks. I'm also very interested to see how you will handle travel when you are competing with all of the other NYC public school parents for specific recess and holiday dates! My friends and I watch for the NYC DOE to release the annual schools calendar and then start strategizing, lol. I would watch that video oif you ever decide to make it and I would take notes!

[@SophiasOasis]

I hope you enjoyed your Mother’s Day with the family. I completely understand how exhausting it is to film & I’m looking forward to your new content 🧑🏾‍🍳😊

[@eessuccess]

Yep, I agree family first. ❤ I’m a travel consultant so I’ll be continuing to watch your content.

[@madre8564]

Good for you!❤️

[@beachyTravels]

Change is constant and very necessary. We totally understand. ❤

[@OurNextAdventurejvh]

Sister, you are not alone!! Everything you covered is so relatable! We’re just part-time RVers! These are all big reasons why we don’t have any interest in going full-time, but even traveling the few times a year we do, we’re very careful with the motives and direction behind all the YouTubing. I feel you on being the creator of the bunch and the one behind the magic of the channel. I hired an editor which took 17 tons of weight off my shoulders, and now I enjoy the filming process so much more. It’s so much MORE fun having the community I’ve built behind the scenes now instead of going it alone! They add so much more than I could solo. If you haven’t considered it yet, maybe it’s time for that too while you pivot. Excited to see where your new ideas take you! Love seeing fellow creators thrive through a transition. Life is always changing! Embrace the new chapter, it’s gonna be great!

[@missdunbar2000]

I want to first thank you for your great content. I decided my first trip after(during) Covid would be to The Finest resort after watching your video. You video was so informative. And I must say that has been my best all inclusive experience. I’ve been 3 times since. I wish you and your family well for all your future endeavors. Much love to you ❤

[@rhondalockrey9592]

So glad you figured this out now for your family to be happy together that is first priority. We all fight to figure out the balance in our lives. Just do you it will all work out.

[@SocialCouplepreneur]

Carmen, we're so here for whatever is ahead. Glad to hear that the girls are thriving. Congratulations to Serge on the new job.

[@EpicFamilyQuests]

I completely understand LOL. Siblings fight so much but then we need to get a quick video and it's a whole process. I think how I'm able to balance it out OK is that we only film 1-2 days a week and I film our natural reactions to things. I couldn't do the 200 days a year like you did. That sounds so overwhelming!! I also don't rely on solely the kids for content (like you). That really helps. I love how your channel has turned into you helping creators though. Always appreciate your input and advice. So I'm happy with your change :)

[@TheRadioWorks]

Bravo, for putting the health and wellbeing of your family first. As far as YT goes...you guys put out quality content, so less is more. Don't stop traveling because my family and I have visited several destinations based on your TFF review. Cheers!

[@chloeandludvig]

Hey Carmen! This is actually the first video of yours I've watched and I loved how relatable and honest you are about everything! It's funny that you mention being the 'creator' of the family and you feel like a director when you're travelling... I feel the same exhaustion while travelling with Ludvig, haha - although a lot less people to manage, I totally get ya. Looking forward to watching your solo videos!

[@lydiapatelll]

Thanks so much for sharing your family with us this far, Carmen. I so resonated with the stage management thing (though came to that conclusion from the other end)- our vlog couldn’t be cut together cohesively post trip because we didn’t have really think through the content and how to get the angles/what would be missing in footage. We talked about it and felt, you know what, it’s not as good from a content angle, but we are glad we all enjoyed it organically and we now have this vlog at least for our memories. Totally support your plans and following what happens next!

[@08094denise]

God bless your family. You have to do what’s best for you ❤😊

[@tgathri8512]

Miss you guys but totally respect your decision and pray all is well with you and your family. You’re one if the smartest creators in travel so will totally stick with you ❤

[@enzosf]

This is so incredibly wise and meaningful. A group of ppl I worked with “blew up” and a few are legit famous like can’t go places without security. I abandoned a tour to do home care for a disabled family member. Yet I feel like the lucky one because I also know very wealthy people and I measure wealth in freedom and choices. Your kids will need to figure out that for the,selves. The demand of creating content and monetizing is … I have only seen my first video of yours yesterday but this really important information and it’s very genuine of you to put it out there.

[@lildolphin8777]

It is so refreshing to see great parenting 🙌🏾. Kudos for putting the girls first and doing what is best for your family. Best wishes on the next chapter of your wonderful journey. 🥰

[@simoneandrews215]

Hello you YES 🙌🏾 🫶🏾💗 miss ya terribly - can’t wait to see what u bring - i’ll be watching

[@ty379yhn]

I noticed your channel a couple years ago becoz of the family travel content, love it and have been following for a long time. This is the most authentic messaging and as a mom I understand the whole thing and completely support your decision. Family comes first. I will continue being a fan and thank you for being transparent and authentic with the community here.

[@JAdoreQT123456]

I love that you made this decision for you and your family. Everything you said made complete sense to me. Good luck to Serge & Sean & Ella in their new ventures & good luck to you in whatever you do next. I’m sure success & happiness will find all of you. It always finds the good ones. Am I imagining that you used to have homeschool resources? I am looking for some and don’t know where to start. Do you have any suggestions?

[@elvisjd710]

Completely understand. I’m not a content creator but I travel a lot. This year so far I have taken 7 trips (Miami, Orlando, Miami, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Spain) and I was due to go to Miami again last week and I had to cancel because my body was literally screaming “SLOW DOWN”. I lost the money for the flight but I was ok with it. Now I am getting recharged for a busy summer, (Maldives, UAE, London) and going for a month to Honduras to finish the summer resting and recharging)

[@MomonaJourney]

I love this! Life and happiness always come first. Looking forward to seeing the pivot. Not many gen x moms making content.