Built By a Mom, Honored By the Chamber: Little Travelers Takes Home OC’s Tech Innovation Award

Little Travelers, a family-run baby and beach gear rental service, has been honored with the Best Use of Technology Award by the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes the company’s brilliantly designed, mobile-friendly website and seamless online experience, built to cater specifically to the needs of traveling families at the Jersey Shore.

Little Travelers, founded earlier this year by Jill Middleton, a Ocean City summer resident turned local. The business was born from understanding first hand of traveling with little ones. “As parents with a young son, we know the struggle and stress of making sure you have everything you need when traveling,” explains Jill. “The crib and stroller alone take up the majority, if not all, of your trunk space.”

The inspiration for Little Travelers emerged during one of the most challenging chapters in Jill’s life. Her husband, Andy — originally from England — was unable to enter the United States while his marriage visa was being processed, leaving their family separated for months. During that time, Jill was home with their two-year-old son, balancing her career, motherhood, and the weight of being apart.

“In the quiet moments after bedtime, I poured my energy into Little Travelers— something that combined my love of design, family, and helping others,” Jill shared. “Through that difficult time, something beautiful took shape — the vision of Little Travelers came to life, a business built to make life a little easier for families like ours.”

When Andy’s visa was finally approved, their family was reunited and transformed Jill’s late-night vision into a thriving family-run company. Together, they built Little Travelers into a trusted resource that helps parents travel easier.

Earning the “Best Use of Technology” distinction celebrates the company’s ability to merge thoughtful design with practical innovation — a reflection of Jill’s vision and hands-on work, guided by her nearly 15 years in hospitality marketing.

“I built Little Travelers through the eyes of a mom — because that’s who I am and who I built this for,” she said. Recognizing that moms are often scrolling late at night planning after the kids go to bed, the website is designed to be effortless, mobile-friendly, and a personal resource that mom know they have a resource when they are away from home.

Grandparents across the Shore are also turning to Little Travelers to make their grandchildren’s stays more enjoyable — from Thanksgiving to Christmas — to ensure their little ones visits effortless are full of joy.

For Jill and Andy, this award is especially meaningful. “It really means a lot. We’re not a large company nor do we have a staff, it’s Andy and I,” Jill noted. “It represents resilience, family, and creating something meaningful from a difficult chapter in our lives.”

Little Travelers takes pride in offering a stress-free, personalized experience. They make convenience the core of their service by:

• Easy Booking: A quick, 24/7 mobile-friendly online process.
• Personal Communication: Jill personally reaches out to confirm delivery and pickup details.
• Seamless Delivery & Pickup: Andy and Jill deliver all items directly to your rental before you arrive and pick them up after you leave—serving Ocean City, Sea Isle, Avalon, Stone Harbor, and surrounding areas. “Families can expect a stress-free, personal experience,” Jill adds.

Families can expect a smooth experience when renting products like:

• Full Size Cribs
• Bob, Veer, Keenz, and Wonderfold wagons and strollers
• High chairs, monitors, and sleep essentials like SlumberPods
• Beach chairs and umbrellas

To keep up with the family-friendly fun, the company is also rolling out Black Friday Deals, a FREE Letters From Santa feature on their website, and publishing local holiday guides filled with community events.

Little Travelers represents what’s possible when determination, innovation, and community comes together. What began as a family navigating hardship has grown into an award-winning local business serving families with heart.