How did we get here?

Everyone asks “How did you figure out how to do this?” or “Where do you start?” The answer is, we got here step by step. It began with a savings goal and a name for our dream (a.k.a. The Family Trek!). From there, we imagined the places we’d go and the experiences we’d have. Once we were all sufficiently excited, it was a matter of planning, planning, and more planning.

Leaving to travel for a year with four kids is not an overnight decision. We took a couple years to plan and prepare while we waited for our youngest to turn five. Five was the age we determined she’d have to be to make the trip successfully. Planning became a fun side-hobby for us, but it could have easily overwhelmed us. I am a checklist person. Here are some of the things to consider when you are getting started:

How much savings do you need?

• Where are you going and when? Will you hit peak tourist seasons or travel off-season for savings?
• Where will you stay? Check AirBnBs, hostels, hotels and estimate a nightly average for your trip.
• Will you cook or eat out? Decide your daily food budget.
• How often will you move around and how will you get there? Check some sample airfares, train fares, rental cars, and ferry tickets to estimate overland travel.

What will the kids do for education?

• Will you go to worldschooling sites with other like-minded families?
• Will you homeschool? Enroll in remote learning?
• Will you be in one place long enough to enroll your kids in a local school?
• What activities will you do along the way to enhance their learning?

How do we keep everyone healthy on our trip?

• Does anyone need medical treatments completed before you leave? This can be big or small. Think: braces, new glasses, etc.
• What vaccinations are required or recommended?
• How will you handle a medical emergency abroad? Are you comfortable with that?
• What travel health insurance might you need?

What do we do with all our stuff while we are gone?

• Stuff can include a family pet. This is the hardest. We got lucky and have grandparents who will take our beloved Hyldi-beast (our dog).
• Stuff also includes cars and your home. If you own your home, will you sell or rent? If you rent, can you rent it furnished? Will you store your car or sell your car?
• How will you give away or donate your toys?

What about when it comes time to actually leave?

• Will you quit your job, take a leave of absence, or start a new career?
• How will your extended family support you?
• What will you take with you that you can carry in a backpack?

And finally, you go.

If you can answer the questions above in a way that makes you feel comfortable, it turns out it’s easy to go. We have planned, and planned, and planned. And now we go!