Caitríona Balfe, widely recognised for her role in the television series “Outlander,” has recently shared insights into her experiences as a mother, particularly surrounding her travel habits following the arrival of her son. The actress, who gave birth to her first child in August 2021, discussed how motherhood has altered her priorities when it comes to travelling with her five-year-old.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Caitriona-Balfe-5-090926-4033674bdd6e4a8fbc3f93c3a715437a.jpg)
In an interview with Travel + Leisure, Balfe, now 46, explained that her approach to choosing accommodations has shifted significantly since becoming a parent. “Once you have children, your priorities change,” she noted, highlighting the importance of suitable living arrangements while on the road. “I’m always trying to find somewhere that has a separate bedroom and living room, so we can put him to bed and not be stuck sitting in the dark. Open-plan suites just don’t work,” she added, conveying the challenges parents face while maintaining routine during trips.
The actress also expressed gratitude for her son’s travel behaviour, describing him as a “really good traveller.” Balfe mentioned that early in his life, they frequently travelled to Los Angeles, and her son adapted well to flying. “I’ve managed to avoid the iPads up to this point, and he’s really good at reading and playing games,” she remarked. However, she acknowledged that during a recent long-haul flight, he had indulged a bit too much in television.
Balfe and her husband, Tony McGill, welcomed their son during the pandemic, a period that led her to take a step back from social media. She shared a touching black-and-white photograph of his tiny hand on Instagram along with a heartfelt message. “We are so grateful for this little soul … that he chose us as his parents. I’m in awe of him already and can’t help stare and wonder at all the possibilities of who he will become,” she wrote at the time.
In her social media announcement, Balfe also took the opportunity to raise awareness for various charitable organisations, including World Child Cancer and UNICEF, reflecting on the broader issues facing children around the world. “Right now he seems so small and fragile, and I constantly think how grateful I am that I live in a place, in a time where he is born into peace and safety,” she said, contrasting her family’s fortunate circumstances with the harsh realities faced by many around the globe.
Balfe’s commitment to charitable causes is a testament to her understanding of privilege and responsibility. She encouraged her followers to support organisations dedicated to uplifting those less fortunate by providing them with dignity and hope. “We are so lucky here in the West, and if you’d like to join me in supporting any of the wonderful charities that need help, we can give the gift of peace and safety to a few more children,” she urged.
The actress’s journey into motherhood follows her marriage to McGill in August 2019. The couple wed in an intimate ceremony at St. Mary’s Church in Bruton, Somerset, marking a significant milestone in their personal lives. Balfe had previously shared the news of their engagement in January 2018, unveiling her ring during the Golden Globe Awards.
As Balfe prepares for the release of her upcoming film “Sense and Sensibility” on 16 October, her reflections on motherhood provide a glimpse into the transformative nature of parenthood. Her insights will resonate with many parents navigating the realities of travelling with children while also addressing larger global issues.
In an ever-evolving landscape of celebrity culture, Balfe’s candid revelations on parenting, travel, and philanthropy highlight the importance of community, compassion, and gratitude, forging a connection with fans while positively impacting the world beyond her on-screen roles.