We’re so excited to feature as our next Ferneh Family post, Part 1 of The González Cota Family, who graciously checked in from Portugal in late Autumn 2024. 

Please tell us about your family.

On this sunny October day, we write from the rooftop of a picturesque colonial house located in Tavira, a small town in southern Portugal. We’re the González Cota family! And we’re traveling the world for a year. We decided to give our experience a name that could identify us  all: #6onroad. We chose our adventure name carefully, considering many options and using AI to find the perfect fit. When we heard “Six on Road,” we knew it was the one. As our nickname well suggests, we’re a family of six: Darío (dad), Mafer (mom), Fermín (13), Carola  (11), Camilo (9) and Loreta (5). 

Our path is clear; nothing stops us / Under the rain in Santander, Spain

We’re from San Cristóbal de las Casas, a beautiful town in the mountains of Chiapas, México. Last year, we left San Cristóbal to start–what we thought would be–our two-year escapade to Boulder,  Colorado. We had no idea that a few months later, we’d take a totally different path. In Boulder, we found our chosen family: a group of diverse friends who became a crucial part of our lives and who somehow encouraged us to travel the world. When we arrived to Boulder, we missed our home–the grandparents, extended family and friends in México. However, being surrounded by new people who quickly stole our hearts, made our year in Colorado go by quickly and excitingly. 

One weekend in March, skiing way up in the mountain, Darío asked the kids where in the world they’d like to live. Camilo enthusiastically suggested South Korea; Loreta chose Querétaro (her favorite city in México); Carola thought Oregon would be great, and Fermín, being the oldest and most perceptive, said he was happy in Boulder and didn’t want to leave. Later, Fermín asked me if Darío was serious about moving again. I told him it was just a conversation, but we both knew that his dad wasn’t joking. When we returned home, Darío suggested spending our second year away in France; but I wasn’t convinced, thinking about the kids having to adapt–so soon–to a new city, school and language. He then pointed out that our current budget could cover traveling the world, and that it was now or never. And that  plan seemed much more exciting for all. So we shook hands on it,  sealing our pact. From that moment on, I’ve had butterflies in my stomach. 

Is travel something new for your family or are you experienced at living on the road? 

We could say that our children were born on the road. We like to think they’re well-traveled kids, used to traveling long distances without complaining (much). We’ve spent countless hours driving, often repeating routes to visit family in México and the United States –both  vast countries. 

Carola once asked me: “Mom, have you ever traveled first class?” “No, it’s too expensive,” I replied.  

She then asked: “Will we ever travel first class?” 

“I doubt it,” I said, “our family is too big.” 

She gave it a thought and then said, “Oh, that’s why we travel by  car!” 

We’ve had the opportunity to visit many countries and places with our kids, thanks to our family’s love of travel. We’ve gone on cruises with grandparents; explored beaches and mountains, made RV road trips across the US, and camped amongst nature. It’s definitely the best inheritance from both sets of grandparents: being adventurous and enjoying every trip. 

History is a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom / Dario in a teacher mood, Louvre Museum, Paris, France

What factors are motivating you to want to travel for a year as a family? 

This past year we saw an opportunity and decided to take it. Darío’s job offered him a sabbatical year, which we had initially planned to spend in Boulder. To provide a more comprehensive experience for the kids, we decided to extend our stay and turn it into two years. So, last  August, I moved to Boulder with our four children to start school, and  Darío joined us in December. By March, we were already planning our  “second year”… this time traveling the world. 

Darío is a creative person who doesn’t like to be idle. With the idea of not repeating the same experience (which was actually great) and having available time, we decided to make this dream trip a reality; a “sueño guajiro” as we say in México for something that seems unreachable but exciting. It’s now or never! Once in a lifetime, for a lifetime! 

We considered it the perfect moment, due to the kids’ ages,  besides al there were other factors aligning in our favor, such as: time, good health, enthusiasm, friends found worldwide for us to visit, family support, guidance from the book “Wonder Year,” planning time in Boulder, and the advice and support from friends. 

Carola writing her daily journal

Please tell us a bit about your journey.

One of the highlights of our story was having decided to plan it while living in Boulder. We were already out of our comfort zone, and while being comfortable in our routine, home, and community could make dreams seem impossible to achieve. Leaving our comfort zone–again–wasn’t easy. We shared our idea with our families and our new friends in  Boulder; many of them had traveled the world or lived abroad. Their support and suggestions gave us proof that our dream could become a reality. Everyone’s encouraging comments motivated us to make it  happen. We planned a geographically logical route. First, we’d return to México to spend time with our family. Then, we’d head to Europe; a familiar and relatively safe destination to adjust to the extreme 24/7  togetherness. Darío and I had lived in Barcelona for two years after getting married, and years before that, I had spent a year in Lyon, France. 

Our current plan includes: 

– One month traveling Europe in a camper. We’re covering Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Italy, and Switzerland. 

– A more relaxed month in two borrowed homes; one in rural France and the other in southern Portugal. From Europe, we’ll fly to Africa for: 

– One month in Namibia, camping and exploring national parks in a 4×4 vehicle. 

– Darío will climb Mount Kilimanjaro while I visit tribes with the kids in Tanzania. 

– We’ll experience Kenyan culture and go on a safari in Masai Mara. 

Next, we’ll travel to New Zealand via Qatar and explore both islands in a camper, enjoying the scenery without rush. We’ll spend Christmas and New Year’s there. In January, we’ll head to Australia, then Southeast Asia to savor delicious food from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Finally, we’ll conclude our year-long journey in Japan. Our plan, we think, is complete and quite exciting. 

Simple life! Picnic everywhere, sometimes even the back of the van / Evian, Switzerland

What are some of your biggest questions? Challenges? Fears? 

For us, the biggest challenge is the constant and absolute 24/7 togetherness. Finding individual downtime and personal leisure spaces will be crucial. Hopefully, we’ll learn to achieve this balance successfully. 

We’re traveling with two teenagers, which adds flavor to our family dynamics. Our 5-year-old, no longer a toddler but still young, requires attention. And let’s not forget our family’s intellectual, who needs guidance to resolve his endless questioning and theories. 

Initially, schooling was a concern. However, after talking to families who’ve traveled with kids, reading about experiential learning, and discussing it with our friend Julie from Wonder Year, we feel confident about our ability as parents to teach and learn alongside our children. We’re convinced that this year’s experiences will surpass any traditional school curricula. Our children will learn extremely valuable lessons, and so will we. This will surely be an exceptional educational year for everyone. 

What are you really excited about? 

We’re eager to soak up every experience! Our emotions are bittersweet; what unsettles us also thrills us –sharing this journey with our children, witnessing them grow, and guiding them as they navigate the world (quite literally). It’s a thrilling project. 

One of our dreams is to raise aware and responsible global citizens who cherish cultural diversity, marvel at nature’s beauty, and contribute to making our community a better place when they return home, sharing their stories, knowledge and experiences. 

With our hashtag #6onroad, we are sharing our incredible adventure with the world, inspiring others to step out of their comfort zone and explore all that the world has to offer.

Thank you very much to Mafer, Dario, Fermín, Carola, Camilo and Loreta. We love following your adventures and appreciate you taking time to share your experiences with us. It makes us smile through and through to hear about your educational adventures and that parents and kiddos are enjoying learning together across continents and seasons! 

Instagram @sixonroad

The post Fernweh Families: González Cota appeared first on Wonder Year Travel.

Here are some ideas to illustrate and inspire your decisions. These posts also offer ideas to make your travel time educational, family-friendly as well as suggestions for how to get off the beaten path. We hope this mashup of blogs helps plant a travel seed for you and yours.

Doesn’t get more Western than Yellowstone by horseback

US-based Destinations

If you know you want to stay in the US, you can’t go wrong with the US national parks. Many worldschooling families frame their trip around these beautiful, educational and low-cost destinations. We wrote about one of our authors’ love of Yellowstone and she shares a high level introduction to the park and its wonders. Then there’s Alaska, a place on many people’s bucket list. And here’s a blog about incorporating worldschooling education into a family outing to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Bucket list: to see a moose in the wild!

Popular Family Destinations

These international places are often featured on social media and family itineraries for luscious reasons. All of these blogs are written by one of our authors who has been there with her family as a worldschooling destination. Costa Rica, home of Pura Vida, jungles, beaches, and volcanoes, is a great destination for its bounty of natural and cultural gems. Then there’s Italy, home of gelato, tiny cars, old cathedrals, olive groves, and bullet trains. Italia will give your family plenty of la dolce vita and history. Speaking of old, read about Greece, with its roots of democracy, mythology in motion, and Aegean paradise. If you’re tempted by Asia, Thailand is a wonderful first foray. Its ease of travel, friendly people, and beaches (seems to be a theme) will tick every box. And finally, Kenya, an English-speaking country full of diverse cultures, geography, and ease of travel in Africa, will leave you wanting to explore more. You will leave a better global citizen from safaris, snorkeling, and cutting-edge environmental practices.

Recreating a temple to Demeter on Naxos, you can see archaeologists at work.

Unexpected Destinations

These are a few unexpected and off-the-beaten-path destination inspirations sampled by our authors that are not common destinations. Consider adding them to your list for unique educational experiences. The Pantanal, located primarily in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the Pantanal also crosses the border into Paraguay and Bolivia. At around 68,000 square miles – 20 times the size of the Everglades – it is the world’s largest tropical wetland area and largest flooded grassland savanna. And then there’s the quiet European destination of Finland, often called the happiest country on earth, with mild summer weather, northern lights, cold-plunging culture, and dense forests. Finland offers educational fun for the whole family.

Midsummer flora in Finland

We hope these destination inspiration blogs will assist and inspire your own family travels. From the US to Thailand, from well-known to the unexpected, may your travels make you closer and pique the curiosity in your whole family.

The post Blog Roundup: Destinations appeared first on Wonder Year Travel.

With its dense evergreen forests, 41 national parks, and over 180,000 lakes, Finland is a destination inspiration for nature-lovers. It also has intriguing, walkable cities that are lovely year-round and really come alive in the summertime. With so much for your family to explore in Finland, it may be difficult to figure out where to go, what to do, and how to start planning a trip. In this blog, we share information about a family road trip across four regions of Finland. We also offer travel tips, places to visit, and worldschooling ideas to help you discover Finland on a journey that works for your family.

Finland Tourism

Finland is a country of 5.5 million residents located by the Baltic Sea in northern Europe. Often recognized as “the happiest country in the world,” it is known for its excellent education system and healthy outdoor lifestyle. It is also a popular travel destination attracting an increasing number of families, solo travelers, students, and digital nomads. 

Currently Finland is a less frequented destination for US-based travelers than the rest of Scandinavia and mainland EU. Among the Nordic countries, Finland still has the fewest visitors. Most come from Germany, followed by the UK, Sweden, and Estonia. Interestingly, despite the cold temperatures, visitors in wintertime tend to stay longer and spend more money per day on average than summer travelers because they book more tours and package trips. Much of Finland’s tourism is from the Finns themselves, who have increasingly chosen to travel domestically in recent years. According to Good News Finland, nearly ⅔ of Finns have regular use of a second home, either their own (58%!) or someone else’s. The rest of us might take note of how eager Finns are to spend time in their own backyard.

Midsummer flora

So might Finland be the new Iceland, a destination whose tourism has exploded over the last decade? That remains to be seen. According to a recent study by the Helsinki Tourism Foundation, Helsinki is lagging behind its regional compatriots such as Copenhagen and Oslo in terms of post-COVID tourism recovery and growth. Prior to the COVID pandemic, tourism accounted for about 2.7% of Finland’s GDP. After dropping to 1.4%, its rebound has been a bit slower than in other countries, but projections are that tourism will exceed 25 billion euros in 2025. In fact, airlines have recently been adding new flights and connections to Finnish cities after recording over half a million foreign visits to Finland in December 2023 alone. 

When we visited Finland, it felt uncrowded, welcoming, and easy to navigate. Combined with its stunning landscapes, intriguing cultural destinations, and excellent infrastructure, now seems like a great time to visit before word gets all the way out.

Why We Chose to Visit Finland

As our kids get older, trips together are becoming less frequent and therefore all the more special. Finland was a unanimous choice for this journey, offering something for everyone–city nightlife, outdoor recreation, delicious food, and a relaxed vibe. Given our July timing, we also wanted to head for the outer latitudes in hopes of finding milder summer weather–in July, average temps in Finland range from 59-68°F, offering ideal conditions for outdoor adventures.

Late in our planning game, some friends decided to join us on the trip. We’ve traveled with them before and know we groove well together–they loved the road trip we’d scoped out, and only minor adjustments were needed so we could stay together at each accommodation. Our kids were definitely excited they’d have peers along. We traveled to Finland with older teens, but almost everything we experienced would be suitable and fun for younger kids, too. 

Boat sheds near Tampere

Planning a Trip to Finland

Finland offers four distinct regions, from Helsinki in the south, Lakeland in the east, the Coast and Archipelago in the west/southwest, and Lapland in the north. Deciding where to go is linked to when you plan to visit and what you’d like to do. Winters are excellent everywhere for skiing, skating, and ice-swimming, and of course the season lasts longer in the north. Lapland is also known for its vast arctic wilderness and Santa Claus attractions. Spring and fall are best for catching the Northern Lights, and your chances increase as you head farther north. Fall is outstanding for foliage colors across Finland’s dense forests. Summer is known for extremely long days, cottage stays, abundant crops, water sports, and hiking, and the archipelago coast and lake regions are idyllic during this time. Finland’s larger cities have interesting things to do year-round, and of course, no matter when you go, sauna is always in season. 

Most international visitors arrive in Helsinki, the capital city. Other major international airports in Finland include Turku, Rovaniemi, and Kittilä. Direct flights from the US can be difficult to find except from a few major east-coast cities, so travelers often need to connect via EU hubs such as Stockholm, London, or Frankfurt. Visitors can also arrive by boat from Sweden, Germany, Poland, and the Baltics, but the only options for arriving by car are via the Baltics ferries or by crossing from Sweden or Norway in the far north.

Booking.com–our favorite booking site–works well for Finnish city and lodge accommodations. For smaller venues, we needed to take a local angle and translate Finnish websites into English to find the best options. Speaking of the Finnish language, it’s not an easy one to catch onto quickly, but learning a few basics in advance is definitely helpful. Many but not all locals speak English, and everyone we met appreciated our attempts to converse. As usual, thank you goes a long way: “thank you” in Finnish is kiitos (KEE-tose), one of our favorite versions of gratitude ever! You basically sound like fellow Scandinavian Bjork whenever you say it properly.

A Sample Road Trip through Central and Southern Finland

Driving in Finland

One of our goals for this trip was to fly to a country and not fly again until returning home. We hoped for a meandering, low-key road trip where we could make spur-of-the-moment stops in small towns and at UNESCO World Heritage sites. Picking up our rental car from DiscoverCars as we departed downtown Helsinki was quick and convenient, and driving in the city was fairly straightforward. It became downright easy in the countryside, where good road conditions, clear signage, and sparse traffic made for low-stress days. Fuel was expensive, but the rental car companies offer primarily hybrid options as the default. Here’s our route as a reference, which we built for a max of 4-5 hour drive times between major stops.

Our driving route through southern Finland

For those who prefer not to rent a car but still want to go further afield, the extensive and reliable Finnish train and bus systems can help you reach most destinations. Check out the Perille service for transportation options, costs, and estimated environmental impact. 

First Stop – Landing in Helsinki

As our flight destination city, Helsinki was a natural first stop. Other travelers may prefer to venture further on immediately, saving the departure city exploration for the end of their trip. But we’d had long journeys from Colorado and California and anticipated needing to rest and settle in.

Filled with parks, eclectic restaurants, picturesque ports, quirky museums, and public saunas, Helsinki was recently voted the most livable city in Europe for expats. We spent our time wandering its streets, checking out the architecture, visiting government buildings, and eating fantastic international food (Georgian at Rioni was a favorite). A stroll along the shaded paths of the Kaisaniemi Botanical Gardens provided a nice afternoon respite after checking out the Helsinki Art Museum, and everyone enjoyed the parks filled with summer crowds until late in the evening. Beyond the city we explored the island fortress of Suomenlinna and crossed the Gulf of Finland to visit Tallinn, Estonia–both full-day trips we found worth our time.

Museum on the island fortress of Suomenlinna

Helsinki was the only stop where we stayed at a traditional hotel. Given our need for two rooms (tall teenagers can no longer comfortably share a bed), Hotel U14 offered nicely designed family room combos–two hotel rooms connected by a small hallway with an additional, outer locked door, so we could feel both separate and together. We also wanted access to a front desk for late-night check-in, plus breakfast available on site as everyone’s schedules reset. Hotel U14 is where we learned about egg butter! My morning toast will never be the same.

Helsinki worldschooling ideas:

• Suomenlinna. This island fortress and UNESCO site has a fascinating history that includes Swedish, Russian, and Finnish eras. Take the passenger ferry to explore its footpaths, historical buildings, and six museums.
• Tallinn, Estonia. Book in advance for the 2.5-hour-each-way ferry (and maybe a napping cabin) to check out old town Tallinn and its fascinating KGB history.
• Seurasaari Open-Air Museum. You can find tours and events at this seasonal outdoor museum showcasing historic Finnish farmsteads, manors, and cottages.

Evening stroll around Olavinlinna Castle

Second Stop – Serene Nature in Lakeland

Ready to immerse ourselves in the much-touted Finnish wilderness, our next destination was Lakeland, northeast of Helsinki. An afternoon stop in the picturesque town of Porvoo along the way was fun for an outdoor lunch, bit of shopping, and a meander along the river famous for its row of red wooden houses. The onward drive dissolved the world into a palette of greens and blues, taking us through rolling countryside surrounded by increasingly dense woodlands and vast stretches of shimmering water as we approached Rantasalmi.

The grounds at Hotel and Spa Järvisydän

We stayed at Hotel and Spa Järvisydän, a unique destination property dating back to 1658. Noted on nearly every Finland travel blog, the property has been run continuously by the same family for 11 generations! Award-winning for its focus on sustainability, it seemed to be filled with Finns. Järvisydän offers many accommodation types, including hotel rooms, cottages, a boat, those Scandinavian igloos you’ve seen all over social media, and even what they call “birds nests.” We opted for its rustic family cabins. On site dining options were fine but not memorable, so it’s worth exploring beyond the property for some meals. Activities are plentiful, though, and include nature trails, bike rentals, cooking and craft classes, tours and fishing excursions. Our visit highlights included boating to Linnansaari National Park on Lake Saimaa and a long evening stroll in nearby Savonlinna. The onsite, family-friendly “spa” experience, which includes over a dozen pools, steam rooms, and saunas, is not as fancy as it sounds and is also not to be missed. We loved it so much we went twice.

Lakeland worldschooling ideas:

• Sauna. Lakeland Finland is one of the best regions to experience authentic Finnish sauna. Why is sauna so important to the country’s cultural history?
• Olavinlinna Castle. This well-preserved 15th century castle sits on a strait connecting two lakes and was the site of numerous battles. 
• Saimaa Ringed Seals. One of the most endangered seals in the world, these ice-lovers can only be spotted on Lake Saimaa.

The spa-ahhhhh….

Third Stop – Farms and Parks in Central Finland

Our stay at Ylä-Tuuhonen Farm in Ruovesi gave us a chance to slow down and enjoy this quieter region. The farm offers verdant pastures, needle-covered hiking trails, a lapiz-colored lake with free canoes, and locally-grown food that was some of the best I’ve ever eaten. We visited during Midsummer, when the country closes down and everyone heads to their summer cottages to relax and celebrate. At the farm those celebrations included singing, flag-raising, and a special-occasion smoke sauna that took hours for the owners to prepare.

This is an excellent region for exploring some of Finland’s outstanding national parks. Basing in Ruovesi or a nearby town offers easy access to Helvetinjärvi National Park, Seitseminen National Park, and Isojärvi National Park. Each showcases canyons, woods, and trails for all skill levels–some on boardwalks hovering over the delicate landscape. In addition to the national parks you’ll find Siikaneva Swamp Nature Reserve, Ryövärinkuoppa Nature Reserve, and Juupajoki Gorge Nature Reserve. You may not need to pack a picnic, either–even the snack shops at the national parks had fantastic, healthy food. There’s simply so much natural “farm to table” here, no special advertising required.

Boardwalks make the hiking a bit easier at Helvetinjärvi National Park

Central Finland worldschooling ideas:

• Petäjävesi Old Church. Built in 1763-65, this ornately carved Nordic wooden church tells stories of everyday Finnish life across four centuries.
• Canyon geology. Use your proximity to Helvetinjärvi National Park to study the rocks that compose its canyons, plus the topography of the surrounding region. 
• Midsummer. Midsummer is Finland’s main national holiday. The central region, dotted with thousands of lakeside cottages, is an excellent spot to read about its history and experience how people celebrate the holiday today.

Traversing the archipelago

Final Stop – Turku Archipelago

A seaside house in Kustavi, near the easternmost point of Finland, was our base in this region. This is where the locals go for a saltwater vacation, a fact we quickly discovered when trying to find a house to rent for two US families. Most properties are listed only on Finnish sites–the owner of ours said we were the only non-Finns he’d ever rented to, and he initially seemed quite apprehensive about it. The cabin he’d built by hand perched unobtrusively on rocks overlooking an inlet of the Baltic Sea and snugly accommodated our two families. Rocky coastline and thick forest–with the occasional moose passerby–surrounded the house, and nearby towns offered fresh food markets, cute cafes, charming marinas, and delicious ice cream shops. Many people visit this region to drive or cycle the Archipelago Trail–check out the loop map to help you decide where to base and visit. 

In truth, we spent much of our time at the house. We grilled on the deck, played card games, basked in the pale nordic sun, and savored our final days together in Finland. A trip highlight was launching our kayaks toward a blurred horizon of pink and orange skies reflected in calm seas for a paddle under the midnight sun.

Kayaking under the midnight sun

Turku archipelago worldschooling ideas:

• Rauma. Another UNESCO site, you can study the history and well-preserved architecture of one of the oldest harbors in Finland. 
• Swedish trade. The archipelago offers a unique vantage point for studying the historical interplay and trade routes between Finland and Sweden.
• Turku Art Museum. Turku is a vibrant university city with abundant cultural offerings. Check out one of the most comprehensive art collections in Finland here, featuring both contemporary and iconic pieces. 

Finland – To Be Continued…We Hope

Of the four main stops on our Finland journey, each of the four people in our family had a different favorite. Nowhere felt touristy, and the few other travelers we met were either Finns or visitors from nearby Russia. And although Finns have a reputation for being reserved, we found them universally kind and helpful, generously welcoming us into their homes and traditions. Our family fell hard for this beautiful country, and we hope to someday visit its mystical north in wintertime. 

If in doubt, just say kiitos!

If you like this post, you might also like destination inspiration for Costa Rica, Yellowstone, The Pantanal, Thailand,  Greece, and Alaska.

The post Destination Inspiration: Finland appeared first on Wonder Year Travel.

What is Digital Nomadism?

A sign of the times perhaps, Merriam-Webster added the word “digital nomad” to the dictionary in 2023. Digital nomad is defined as “someone who performs their occupation entirely over the internet while traveling.” Typically, digital nomads use wireless networking to work without a fixed address. Some people choose to work this way indefinitely, setting up shop in one place until another calls to them. Others head out for a few months or a year in a Starlink-enabled RV (or van, boat, bike, bus, or buggy), fueled by entrepreneurship, opportunity, or wanderlust. There are many ways to do it, and working while traveling is tugging at the heartstrings of more and more individuals and families!

The digital nomad lifestyle is growing in popularity, big time. Today there are roughly 35 million digital nomads, 17 million of whom are US citizens. There are nomads of all ages, all backgrounds, all professions. They are gay, straight, married, single, with and without kids. Some live in communities or hubs, others roam independently or as a family. This recent Forbes article describes several popular paths to becoming a digital nomad: negotiating with a current or new employer to be full-time remote, turning a lifestyle of travel into a business, using one’s skills to support or collaborate with other digital nomads, and turning what you love into an income-generating job. Industry analysts predict that the epic growth will continue and by 2030 there will be over one billion digital nomads worldwide.

Many factors explain the rise in digital nomadism. For one, moving through COVID equipped many more people with skills and tools for virtual school and remote work. And many liked it! Some families liked it so much they are choosing to not go back to school and instead learn in a manner where the world is their classroom, an educational approach called worldschooling. Some companies liked it so much they adopted flexible “work anywhere” policies for their employees, further contributing to the growth in digital nomadism.

Secondly, working while traveling is exciting and attractive. There are opportunities to meet interesting people, stay in beautiful and different places, lower one’s cost of living, cut commuting time, cultivate curiosity, and grow in new ways.

Third, according to a recent article in the Harvard Business Review, there’s a culture shift taking place marked by generational disillusionment. The so-called “good life” that older generations experienced feels unattainable or undesirable for many people today. With super competitive workplaces, rising housing costs, political and environmental volatility, and the empty feeling of accumulating stuff, many folks today are driven to look at alternative lifestyles like digital nomadism.

There’s one more factor that can help explain the “work anywhere” trend, and that’s digital nomad visas – a shiny new ticket to location-independent work. Digital nomad visas help overcome two limitations of tourist visas: 1) the limited time allowed in a country; and 2) not being allowed to work legally.

Visaguide.world is a helpful site for travelers.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa is a specialized visa that authorizes foreign individuals (and sometimes a spouse, partner, and dependents) to live and work within the issuing country’s borders. It’s like having temporary residency. The visas may be renewable and typically require the individual applying to show proof of income, health insurance, university degree, or a certain number of years of professional experience, vaccination record, clean criminal record, etc. Many countries seek to attract digital nomads and create relatively favorable terms to do that. They see the long-term presence of foreigners with a steady paycheck as a way to drive economic activity and generate a sustainable flow of income as opposed to tourism dollars, which only flow seasonally. At the same time, the digital nomad is often able to stretch their income by enjoying a relatively lower cost of living. So there is a sort of symbiosis in the arrangement. That’s not to say that digital nomadism is universally appreciated. There’s great concern that the presence of foreigners with money is causing gentrification and that locals are getting priced out of their own towns. This recent article from the Georgetown Public Policy Review takes a close look at the effect of digital nomadism in Latin America.

A day in the life of a digital nomad.

How Do I Get a Digital Nomad Visa?

In order to start the process of obtaining a digital nomad visa, you have to know where you want to reside and work, then you can look at the visa requirements for that country. Whenever possible, go to the consulate website or an official source to get the most up-to-date information. The space is very dynamic so double-check that what you are reading is current.

If you are unsure of the exact country you want to travel to and just know you want to be somewhere good for digital nomads, you can check sites like Nomad List or Digital Nomad Visa Index, both of which provide useful data to help narrow your selection. They publish information like internet speeds, income requirements, safety, and cost of living, and they provide descriptions and rankings of best places for digital nomads. Lonely Planet also has a Digital Nomad Handbook which provides a good general overview as well as specific information on several hot digital nomad locations. You might also check with one of many digital nomad Facebook groups to get the skinny on different places. Two popular communities are Digital Nomads (167K+ members) and Digital Nomads Hub (60K+ members).

Once you have narrowed down the countries, then dial in your research, gather the required documents, submit your paperwork, brush up on a new language, wait, and cross your fingers. If rejected, there is typically an appeals process.

Here’s some basic information to help you learn more about digital nomad visas:

How Much Does a Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

Application fees run the gamut from $10 to $3000, but typically they are in the $100 to $200 range. And, you may have to pay the same application fee for each family member and when/if you renew the visa.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes if I am a Digital Nomad?

Many countries offer an initial tax-free period that comes with the digital nomad visa. Others make it tax-free the entire period of the visa. Some, however, require digital nomads to pay taxes the whole time you reside in the country. For some people, paying taxes feels like an unfair burden, but it’s important to keep in mind that digital nomads use physical and social infrastructure – like roads, schools, emergency response. In this regard, paying taxes in host countries helps keep them liveable, walkable, and safe.

As for paying taxes back home, even when working abroad, you still have to file federal and state taxes because US tax law is based on citizenship, not residence. Here’s a helpful article on other tax matters and digital nomadism.

Where would you go?

How Long Can I Stay in a Country on a Digital Nomad Visa?

It depends. Every country is different. In Iceland, it’s 180 days. In Portugal, it’s one year with an optional renewal every year up to the maximum of 5 years. In the UAE it’s up to one year. In Dominica it’s 1.5 years, and in Thailand a digital nomad can be authorized to stay for up to 10 years, though this Long Term Resident Visa is rather restrictive.  So the answer is it depends.

What’s It Like To Be a Digital Nomad?

It’s amazing to be a digital nomad! It’s hard to be a digital nomad! It’s a dream come true! It’s not what I thought! To be sure, digital nomadism is a mixed bag and it’s not for everyone. What is true across the board is this – Successful digital nomads are self-starters, have good time management and budgeting skills, are motivated and self-driven, exercise patience, thrive in the unknown and have a gallon litre  liter of good luck. Digital nomads build supportive communities and tend to find each other. Here’s a quick look at the digital nomad lifestyle in three different locations to provide a little taste of what it’s like:

• A day in the life of a German software engineer, a digital nomad living in New Zealand. Thomas works part-time. His days are full of healthy meals, quiet walks, reading, and relaxing. His work day starts at 7:00 pm New Zealand time when it is 7:00 am in Germany. He typically works until 11:00 pm.

• A day in the life of a digital nomad content creator in Bangkok. This video is an example of the work of a digital nomad, Sergio, an architect gone webdesigner, now a full-time YouTuber.

• A day in the life of a business coach in Croatia. Amanda talks about her time in Split, Croatia. She is a full-time traveler and loves to share her experience and helpful information with others.

Do People Need a Digital Nomad Visa to Come to the United States?

Currently, there is no Digital Nomad Visa for the US. But even without that visa, vibrant digital nomad communities are growing across the country in places such as Portland, OR, Kansas City, MO, and Denver, CO. Keep in mind that the digital nomad lifestyle does not require overseas travel. More and more people are moving about within their own country too in pursuit of time freedom and location independence.

Ah, old school telephonic communications.

What are the Downsides of Being a Digital Nomad?

Digital Nomadism may sound incredibly glamorous, but it may not be good for everyone and it may not be good for every place. Here’s a dose of reality to help keep you grounded and realistic about living that dream.

• Uncertainty – If you set off to work remotely in a traditional job (i.e., you have an employer), your employer could call you back at any time. That uncertainty may be unsettling. (Pro tip: One way to manage feelings of uncertainty is to have an off ramp or a contingency plan. It might look like a pot of savings, a prearranged place to stay if you return home unexpectedly, or a quarterly check-in with your supervisor to keep the lines of communication open.)

• Language barrier – Living in a new country presents a wonderful opportunity to learn a new language, but making yourself understood and taking care of important business like finalizing paperwork such as leases and utility agreements while you are still learning the language can be incredibly frustrating.

• Culture shock and loneliness – It can be exhausting and discomfiting to be the new person on the block over and over again, even where there’s a seemingly welcoming digital nomad community.

• Not having a professional, cultural or social network – While some digital nomads stay digitally connected to their workgroups and teams back home, the lack of an in-person professional network can add to a feeling of loneliness. The time zone difference can also make it difficult to connect virtually with your professional peers back home. That said, there are digital nomads of every age and ethnicity, and you might find your peeps in forums like Digital Nomads Over 50, Black Digital Nomads, Female Digital Nomads, or by simply doing the things you love to do and saying “ciao” to the person next to you.

• Time zone management and digital stress – It is common knowledge that travelers need to be prepared to deal with the unexpected. The demands of work double the need to adapt and be flexible. Digital nomads have to be ready to problem-solve and pivot. While some digital nomads plan strategically to be in the same time zone as clients, the onus is typically on them to accommodate employers, colleagues, customers, schedules, holidays, and technology glitches. If traveling with kids and they are doing online school work, bandwidth may be another limiting factor. The privilege of working remotely, and I mean really remotely, comes with some tradeoffs.

• Homesickness and second-guessing yourself can make problems seem bigger than they would at home. Your usual coping mechanisms may feel remote, too, and finding a new mindset may take awhile.

Fulfilling your dream to become a digital nomad may be the greatest turn in your life and there are many, hundreds, thousands, millions of people out there ready to welcome and support you. With your digital nomad visa, proper planning and preparation, a willingness to deal with trade-offs, and a reasonable contingency plan, you’ve got this, friend, now let’s go!

The post Digital Nomad Visas: Location-Independent Living appeared first on Wonder Year Travel.

I met Sabrina Chapman at TravelCon 2024, a conference for digital travel creators. She was in Portland, Oregon for the conference with her son Brighton, who travels with her for both business and leisure. We connected over our shared love of family travel and education, and I knew our Fernweh Families audience would appreciate Sabrina’s perspectives as much as I did. She shares more of her family’s store here.

Please tell us about your family and journey.

My son Brighton (5) and I love traveling for fun, of course, but as the owner of a boutique influencer marketing agency specializing in travel and hospitality, my travels also frequently involve attending events, influencer programs, conferences, and trade shows. I also contribute reviews of hotels to a media company.

I’ve always had wanderlust and would travel through Europe with a Lonely Planet guide and a backpack for months at a time in the early 2000s. They didn’t have digital nomads then, but if they had, I certainly would have been one.

Decades later, as a single mom, I bring my son along on every trip I take. His first flight was to NYC when he was 6 months old. I was throwing a launch party for a tech startup. Together we create educational travel itineraries that blend enjoyable activities with learning experiences, all while maintaining balance so I can run a business.

First time on a plane, headed to New York City

What was one of the most important ingredients in getting your family on the road–what did you do that worked out well?

As a working mother traveling with my 5-year-old, my first priority is always childcare planning. Whether it’s arranging for a babysitter service, finding a drop-in childcare center, or booking a camp, I ensure this is taken care of well in advance before planning anything else for the trip.

For instance, when I attended TravelCon in Portland this spring, my first step was securing a fantastic care center that provided frequent photo and activity updates. Once that was in place, I organized our hotel accommodation to be conveniently located near both the care center and the conference venue. This approach allowed flexibility for our meal plans and other activities.

During each work trip, I aim to include at least one educational experience, though I keep this flexible depending on the weather and our energy levels. After the conference in Portland, for example, we visited the Oregon Zoo where my son got to see bald eagles for the first time. It was a great opportunity to discuss their significance in American history.

Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia

What’s outside your window right now? What fascinates you about where you are?

Right now, I’m writing from Rosemary Beach, a stunning coastal town along Florida’s Emerald Coast. I booked an Airbnb for the week where I work remotely during the day while my son attends Camp SkyWay at Camp Helen State Park. Choosing this specific camp was strategic. Since he doesn’t have siblings or cousins, the memories he’s creating with friends at camp capture the quintessential essence of a childhood summer. While we were eating sushi last night he recounted that they had a talent show that day. He sang a song from the movie Madagascar while a few other kids danced. Oh, my heart!

In the evenings, we have been finding joy in exploring the beaches and trying out local restaurants. What captivates me most is the crisp sea air, listening to my son share stories about the new friends he’s made at camp, and creating summer memories.

Trail Ride in the Catalina Foothills

Can you describe a time when learning for your child or family happened organically and profoundly…when you learned outside any “plan” you started with?

During our recent trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, I initially didn’t expect Brighton to take away much beyond having fun, getting Mickey ears, and enjoying the rides.

However, something unexpected happened. He was deeply moved by “Living with the Land,” a serene boat cruise showcasing multimedia agricultural displays and four operational greenhouses at The Land Pavilion in Epcot. Following that experience, we had lunch at Garden Grill Restaurant, where he met Farmer Mickey and ate fresh produce grown on-site at Epcot.

This visit sparked a profound curiosity in Brighton. For about a month afterward, he would regularly ask questions like what food was like in the 1940s or even earlier, such as the 1800s. I did my best to answer his questions, and together we delved deeper into these topics through research and exploration. This experience turned out to be much more than just a fun trip—it ignited a lasting interest in history and agriculture for Brighton.

What are some of the unique aspects of long-term travel and/or worldschooling as a single parent?

Traveling as a single parent is both emotionally and physically demanding. It involves balancing the responsibilities of parenting with the desire to explore new places and meeting my clients’ needs. To manage it all effectively, I prioritize my own health by dedicating at least 30 to 60 minutes to it each day. Whether it’s attending a yoga class, visiting a fresh juice bar for wellness shots, or simply taking a power nap, these moments of self-care are crucial to prevent burnout while on the road. Taking precautions like this helps me maintain a healthy balance during our travels.

What do you wish you knew before you started, or what would you like to share with other families before they launch?

Begin with a small step: if you haven’t traveled with your children yet, choose a nearby destination for a one or two-night stay. Use this experience as a learning opportunity and gradually expand your travels from there. Consider it a practice run to build up for more distant destinations and longer trips.

Point Pinos Lighthouse

Do you attend any organized travel programs or tours? If so, how do they fit in with overall journey and worldschooling plan/approach?

During summer, fall, and spring breaks, I actively seek out camps in different cities that offer robust hands-on learning programs aligned with our travel destinations. For instance, last summer, we enrolled in a sea life camp in Newport Beach. This summer, Brighton participated in SkyCamp at Camp Helen, where he is enthusiastically engaging with the topics and showing natural curiosity. He is interested in trees and arbor because we are physically in nature.

Metaphorically speaking, what is something you’ve lost and something you’ve found during your journey?

I’ve let go of the notion that everything must be perfect when traveling. That the bags have to be labeled, packed in cubes and every t-shirt rolled in a certain way. Planning certainly helps, but navigating the inevitable obstacles and challenges of travel is part of the adventure. Traveling with children is not all joy and aspirational Instagram-worthy pics, although the nuggets of inspiration are what fuel the journey. But there is fatigue, anxiety, and even sadness. It’s in overcoming these hurdles, embracing the unknown, and discovering new places as a family that the true beauty of traveling with children unfolds.

I’ve found boundless passion to continue this journey of work-learning-travel-life with my son. There are moments when memes about needing vodka, a week of sleep, and a million dollars seem spot-on. I’m jet lagged, juggling suitcases and a car seat, with my child asking to be carried, my phone buzzing with emails, and feeling like I might just lose my mind, but I find another wind to carry on. Why? The connection I find with my son while exploring new places — whether it’s kayaking on a lake in the ponderosa pine-filled forests of Northern Arizona, talking about dinosaurs at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, or looking at sea turtle nests on the beaches of Florida — is inspiring and makes every challenging moment worth it.

What’s your favorite story to share about this experience?

I’m always trying to save money when flying. Recently, I had a client pitch in Miami. We flew in and out Miami International, or so I thought. I had typed and printed our daily itinerary with flights, hotels, babysitting, etc., so felt that I was SO organized for this trip. I even booked Lyft early so we would be at the airport with plenty of time.

When we got to the Miami International Airport and tried to check-in, the ticket counter said that we were at the wrong airport. I remembered that at the last minute I found a better price on flights if we flew into Miami and out of Fort Lauderdale but hadn’t updated our itinerary. There wasn’t enough time to get to Fort Lauderdale in rush hour. And it was the last flight for the airline of the day. I had an oh, (expletive) internal moment. Brighton started crying big crocodile tears. I knelt down and said don’t worry, we are going to figure this out. It’s okay and mama bear hugged him. Within the next hour, I had a hotel booked and a Lyft on the way. I used this as a learning lesson for Brighton as a valuable reminder that life doesn’t always go as planned, and mistakes happen. What’s important is how we respond and problem-solve in those moments of adversity. This experience taught us a priceless lesson in flexibility and staying calm under pressure.

What are you excited about seeing/doing/learning next?

I have several promising global business opportunities on the horizon, and this year will mark the first time I’ll be traveling abroad with my son. I’m incredibly excited to introduce him to diverse cultures, lifestyles, cuisines, and traditions. At just 5 years old, he’s already captivated by learning about how food grows, exploring different culinary delights (he loves nigiri!), and embracing enriching experiences. It’s a global journey I can’t wait to share with him.

Thank you so much to Sabrina and Brighton for sharing their story with us. To follow along with their journeys, you can find them at:

Instagram: @sabrinachapman

TikTok: bespoke8marketing

LinkedIn: Sabrina Chapman

You can also check out other Fernweh Families on this blog to get inspiration for your own adventures.

Palm Springs

The post Fernweh Families: The Chapmans appeared first on Wonder Year Travel.

Many traveling families already know that the 63 US national parks are packed with educational opportunities. Today, it’s easier than ever to incorporate national parks into your worldschooling curriculum. This blog looks closely at worldschooling in Yellowstone. Much of what is shared is generally applicable to other national parks, so consider this blog a Worldschooling 101: National Parks Edition. 

Please note: this blog is not about where to camp, how to get reservations, how to avoid crowds in Yellowstone in July, or where’s the best place to see wolves. For that, please check out some of the resources and advice we offer at the end. 

Ok, now back to the topic at hand: Worldschooling in Yellowstone. Worldschooling is learning through direct interaction with the world. It is an experience-rich, hands-on approach, informed by wherever you are and colored by the stories of whomever you meet. Worldschooling is 100% guaranteed to ignite curiosity and self-discovery in kids and adults alike. 

Prepping for Your Worldschooling Adventure in Yellowstone National Park 

Introduction to Yellowstone

Set the stage for your educational adventure by reading some books and looking at maps before you arrive. Try to get familiar with the park and its history. Yellowstone is enormous and has many different ecosystems and attractions. A little advance work will pique your interest and illuminate the subjects that most interest your family. The National Park Service has a dedicated website on using the park as a classroom and includes curriculum ideas for unlocking the magic of experiential learning. Check out some of these free instructional resources like exploring tracks and footprints. 

“There is nothing so American as our national parks…” – President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Involving Your Kids

It’s great to involve your kids in planning your Yellowstone itinerary. Get them excited by watching a documentary about the park like this video from National Geographic or this Ken Burns production, The National Parks, America’s Best Idea. Or if you want to splurge, rent this gorgeous film about the National Parks Adventure, narrated by Robert Redford. It’s sure to fill your heart with wonder and humility as you learn how it is that these special places belong to all of us, forever. 

Maybe start with some basic questions like why is the park is called Yellowstone? What’s the weather forecast for your trip? Maybe there is a question that is top of mind for you and your kids, like what’s the tallest geyser? Involving your kids early will prime the pump and get their buy-in for your family’s Yellowstone adventure. Check out this great blog for more ideas on ways to involve your kids in travel planning. 

Yay Yellowstone!

Yellowstone Visitor Centers 

Another handy way to prepare is to visit at least one of the ten visitor centers around the park. They have excellent resources to help you get oriented, deepen your knowledge, secure permits (e.g., fishing or backcountry camping), and find out about special events. You can also take care of practical matters like using the restroom, filling up water bottles, and getting the lowdown on wildlife sightings. The Albright Visitor Center is open year-round and has free WiFi. Several visitor centers have special collections and resources dedicated to education. There’s also the Museum of the National Park Ranger housed in an old log cabin built in 1908. The museum is unique to Yellowstone and is staffed by retired rangers. Take your time, study the maps, talk to a ranger, and whatever you do, get acquainted with  Yellowstone Forever, the park’s official nonprofit partner who also supports the amazing Junior Ranger Program. 

Yellowstone Worldschooling Themes

With a little background information, you’ll be ready to pick some worldschooling themes to deepen your educational exploration. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Wildlife of Yellowstone 

Home to the greatest concentration of mammals in the contiguous United States, in Yellowstone you can learn about bison, wolves, elk, moose, pronghorn, and bears, to name a few. There are 300 species of birds and 16 species of fish. Dawn and dusk are the prime viewing times but seasonal variations will determine who you might see. Patience is key, and binoculars are a must. Maybe you’ll be lucky and unlucky and find yourselves stuck in a bison jam with hundreds of bison blocking the roadway! Bison were almost extinct. Today, there are about 3000-6000 bison in the park, a remarkable success story. The animals of Yellowstone are diverse, abundant, and sublime. There are many entry points into this rich topic for littles and big kids, like these wildlife bingo cards.

As worldschooling families, you may have time to deepen your wildlife inquiry. You might study the Yellowstone Bison Conservation Transfer Program (BCTP), which helps Tribal communities restore their bison population. You could take a closer look at wolf restoration in Yellowstone, a fascinating and complicated story layered with history, agriculture, biology, ecosystem health, wildlife management, and the relationship of people and the environment. If you are wolf lovers, try reading The Reign of Wolf 21, or any of the books by Rick McIntyre who has been observing wolf behavior in Yellowstone for over 40 years!

Geothermal Features of Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a hydrothermal wonderland and worldschooling families can easily create a whole curriculum around this topic. With over 10,000 features –  geysers, mudpots, hot springs, and fumaroles (steam vents) – you can visit a wide variety throughout the park. This resource provides a good overview of what all that steam is! Maybe your kids can make a cool video comparing the different features, or interview guests to see how much they know about what’s going on underground. Why is there a funny smell? What makes the geysers erupt? If you are lucky enough to get to the Grand Prismatic Spring, plan ahead and take paper and crayons or something to draw with. The colors are extraordinary and it may be fun to sketch. 

The iconic Grand Prismatic Spring

While it may be tempting to want to dip your toes, drop objects in, or get really close to the thermal features, it’s absolutely critical to understand and follow all safety precautions. Most importantly, visitors must stay on the boardwalks and trails and not touch thermal features or runoff. Swimming is strictly prohibited and pets are not allowed in thermal areas. 

There is one area where you can swim in a cold river, then chillax in the warm eddies – the Firehole Swim area. It is fun to dip in this river, but definitely check the status and regulations before heading there because they are subject to change. Here’s more information about it. 

Indigenous Peoples and Yellowstone 

Another topic that may inform your Yellowstone worldschooling adventure is the history and traditions of Native Americans in the area. Thousands of years before there was a national park in this location, there were Indigenous people who hunted, gathered plants, fished, and had customary, spiritual, and medicinal uses of the waters. Today, twenty-six Tribes have some claim and cultural connection with the area of Yellowstone. This Smithsonian Magazine article provides a good overview of some of the archaeology and prehistory of the park. To go even deeper, you can check out this book by University of Montana archeology professor, Douglas MacDonald and learn about the trade in obsidian, one of the strongest toolstones in the world. Your worldschooling journey may lead you to the X-ray technology that is being used in the field and helping explain why obsidian was so important to Indigenous people.  

The bison in Yellowstone roam freely throughout the park.

Water and Yellowstone

Water water everywhere! According to the National Park Service, “Yellowstone contains some of the most significant, near-pristine aquatic ecosystems found in the United States.” It’s an understatement to say the waters of Yellowstone are a critical resource. Water is the underground pulse of all of the geyser and hot spring activity. It provides livelihood for the wildlife, farmers, ranchers, recreationists, and Indigenous people in the region. There are 150 named lakes, 258 named streams, and hundreds of waterfalls. Perhaps you could pick one water body and learn about the aquatic organism that live there. Maybe you could go fishing and use the opportunity to learn about native fish species like Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout and Artic Grayling. What mammals depend on the shallow surface water habitat found in Yellowstone?  Check out this excellent short video on the Waters of Yellowstone or this website with excellent information about fish ecology. 

Maybe you are interested in pollution and water quality. Talk with the rangers to find out if there’s an opportunity to participate in volunteer water quality monitoring work. Maybe you could spend a day in the field as citizen scientists, collecting water samples that help measure the effect of historic mining activity in the area. Or maybe you are interested in how climate change is affecting water resources in the  Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. What can you learn about changes in temperature, precipitation and snowpack? 

There’s so much to drink up about water in Yellowstone, you could create an entire worldschooling curriculum that gives you an entry way into not only into science, but also math, history, social studies, and recreation management. 

Cascading waterfalls on the mighty Yellowstone River helped carve the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.”

Policy and Public Land Management

Yet another theme may be policy and public land management. The National Park Service was created on August 25, 1916. Today there are more than 400 national park sites, over 560 national wildlife refuges, and nearly 250 million acres of other public lands. Maybe you are curious about what makes something a public land?  Or maybe your crew is interested in knowing more about how a national park is designated or named, how wildfires are managed, why parks have nonprofit partner organizations, or who runs the concessions. What makes some national parks, like Yellowstone, a crown jewel?  

Summers are especially fun to explore some of these questions, as the National Park Service celebrates its birthday on August 25. Everyone is invited to share how they feel connected to parks at #YourParkStory or #NPSbirthday. Check out the park service social channels for information about celebrations, educational events, and other ways to engage. 

There are so many rich educational opportunities and worldschooling themes at Yellowstone National Park. As you start peeling back the layers and asking questions, you’ll uncover even more stories, more questions, and more shared educational adventures for your family. 

Resources

Here’s a list of some additional educational resources to help ignite your curiosity and wonder and to help instill in your children a deep sense of responsibility for our beloved national parks:

• Junior Ranger – Self-guided educational journey for kids four and older. Booklet + ranger badge upon completion.
• Young Scientist – Self-guided science exploration in visitor centers and in the field. Booklet + badge upon completion.
• Yellowstone Sound Library – Collection of sounds for visitors to experience the aural landscape of the park.
• Yellowstone Video Library – An extraordinary collection of video clips second only to being out in it. 
• Citizen Science – A publicly-funded program that uses crowdsourcing to engage ordinary citizens (you don’t have to be a scientist) in participatory and collaborative science. It’s a great worldschooling approach for the whole family to learn side by side. 
• Yellowstone Forever – The official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park Service that works to protect, preserve and enhance the park through a wide variety of programs. 
• Guided Painting and Photography Trips – A list of contacts and organizations that offer hands-on painting and photography excursions in the park. 
• Jobs, Internships and Volunteering in the Park – Information about paid experiences for youth and young adults. 
• Ranger Program – Yellowstone’s in-park ranger programs are available from Memorial Day through September. The park also has an archive of past live Ranger talks.

Here are some additional resources to help plan your Yellowstone adventure: 

• National Park Service planning Page.
• First Timers Guide to Yellowstone.
• Explore Yellowstone Like a Local Guidebook.
• Xanterra Parks and Recreation Website. 

And, finally, here are three tips for dealing with crowds in Yellowstone: 

• Visit in the off-season – And, if you love winter and can handle the cold, consider venturing into the park in the winter months. The grizzlies are hibernating but everyone else is awake. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins and Old Faithful Snow Lodge are open to guests! You can ski, snowshoe, and enjoy the bison and wolves, practically all to yourselves!
• If it works best for your situation to go in the summer, just embrace it. There’s a reason so many people go to Yellowstone. It’s AMAZING! So, share the wonder with the person to your left, to your right, in front of you, and behind you. The national parks are for all of us, forever. Accept and enjoy. 
• Get off the beaten path – There are over 1000 miles of hiking trails and 293 designated backcountry campsites at Yellowstone.

The post Worldschooling in Yellowstone appeared first on Wonder Year Travel.

Traveling long-term with your family… Sounds dreamy, right? 

Right now, many families are traveling with their kids, learning from the world as they live the life of their dreams. Is this on your bucket list, too?

Who are these people and how do they do it? Perhaps you heard of a friend of a friend who worldschooled their kids for a year. Or, maybe your Instagram feed has given you a peek into family travel content creators who live full-time on the road with kids in tow. You also might just be starting to feel the travel itch and find yourself searching #vanlife when you’re perusing Pinterest. 

And who are we? We are the trio of fellow family travelers who wrote the award-winning, Amazon-bestselling book titled Wonder Year: A Guide to Long-Term Family Travel and Worldschooling, available anywhere books are sold. Our website wonderyear.com has free resources and blogs on relevant and current topics like AI and Worldschooling, carbon offsets or even the family travel angles for various destinations. Our blog also highlights worldchooling community connectors and currently traveling families in our Fernweh Families series. 

We are active members of family travel and worldschooling Facebook groups. We pay attention to the questions that pop in those forums and gear our blogs to answer the most common ones. This blog round-up will offer you some short answers to your early first questions of worldschooling FAQs. Drum roll, please. Here are answers to some of the most common questions. 

Question 1: What is worldschooling?

The first blog we recommend you read is: What Is Worldschooling? This post goes over the basics, explains key terms and concepts that will show up in online communities, and clears up some common misconceptions and answers many more worldschooling FAQs. Perhaps the information in this blog is the fodder to start a conversation with your kids or your partner to see if there’s collective interest in long-term travel, or to plant the first seed of worldschooling as an idea for your family. 

Question 2: How do people afford long-term family travel?

You might think this type of family gap year or open-ended way of life is only for wealthy families. We show you that’s not the case.This blog, How do Families Afford Long-Term Travel?, shows the ins and outs of the creative ways real families make it work. Speaking of work, many families afford extended travel by working on the road, which we cover more extensively in this blog. Here’s another blog that covers digital nomad visas and how those apply to digital nomadism and worldschooling families.

Question 3: How do we decide whether to travel long-term? 

Rarely do people feel that there is a convenient time to pack everything up and head out the door. But often the best times in our lives happen when we shake things up, make bold decisions and dream big. If you wait for the convenient time, it might not come. This blog, making the decision, is a five-point framework similar to the one offered in our book.

Now that you’ve decided to leave home, where will you go? This blog helps you think about the factors that might go into this next set of decisions. Maybe it’s cost, connectivity, family history, or worldschooling themes–we’ll help you hone your family travel bucket list.

Question 4: What about pets?

One of the most common obstacles to setting off for a Wonder Year is our furry friends. How can you say goodbye to the pets in your family? This post will help you think through how to leave them in safe hands or take them along with you.

If you could work from anywhere… you can always find a chair.

Question 5: What shoes do I pack?

The next big question asked is: if I’m packing light for an extended time, how do I whittle down the shoes? Seriously. I know this might seem much less serious, but it’s a real concern for many. To solve this, Annika teamed up with her childhood BFF, stylist Daisy Barnett, to answer the question in detail. With links and advice, this blog helps you family-travel in style!

If you find these blogs offer real world solutions to help get you off the ground and out into the world, consider purchasing our book. You can also sign up for our newsletter. We wish you and your family a wonder-ful journey! 

The Wonder Year team (Annika, Angela, and Julie)

It has been so heartwarming to share Wonder Year.

The post Worldschooling FAQs appeared first on Wonder Year Travel.

If you have been on a commercial flight in the past few years, chances are you have come face to face with a carbon offset offer from the airline. It may have been a click enabling you to “fly green” or a calculator to help determine the carbon footprint of your trip.  

 What are Carbon Offsets?

A carbon offset is a mechanism to “cancel out” the amount of carbon associated with one activity by reducing emissions in another activity or a different location. The basis for the offsetting model is that greenhouse gases mix globally in the atmosphere, therefore it does not matter where we reduce carbon emissions. It’s just important that we reduce them. 

We should also recognize that the most vulnerable communities bear the worst of climate change impacts while contributing the least to the problem. Carbon offsets offer one way to help these communities by supporting sustainable development and alleviating poverty. 

For worldschooling families, understanding carbon offsets can help us travel sustainably and responsibly. The topic also provides a timely and fascinating worldschooling lesson in science, economics, geography, chemistry, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Let’s look at how the carbon offset market began. 

 History of Carbon Offsets

In 1997, the United Nations hosted a meeting of countries where they adopted the first international climate agreement, the Kyoto Protocol. It mandated that some countries reduce their carbon emissions. Those countries in turn argued they could do a better job of reducing carbon emissions (it would cost less and they could do more) if they could “offset” their carbon emissions from anywhere on the planet. So, for example, a European signatory to the Kyoto Protocol could invest in planting forests in South America. The “carbon credits” that accrue from that reforestation project could be used to meet the carbon reduction obligations of that European country.

 Today, it’s not just countries undertaking offset activities. Companies, nonprofit organizations, investment houses, and travelers can make voluntary commitments to offset their carbon impact, helping to achieve broader sustainability goals. The popularity of voluntary carbon offsets has created an enormous market, which some industry analysts predict will reach $250 billion by 2050. 

Carbon Offsets in the Tourism Industry

The travel and tourism industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions. Every time we head out on a trip, drive to the airport, take a flight, sleep in a lodge, or use single use plastics, we generate carbon emissions. The airline industry is “on board,” so to speak, and is looking for ways to lessen its aviation carbon footprint through things like sustainable aviation fuels, route optimization, and more efficient aircraft. As travelers, we can get “on board” by flying less, walking or biking instead of driving, staying in hotels with solar panels, taking an overnight train instead of a regional flight, skipping the plastic straw, and recycling more. But, no matter how good of a job we do, no matter how good of a job the aviation industry does, there will always be more carbon to cut. That’s why carbon offsets are so important.  

Sometimes air travel is necessary.

Types of Carbon Offsets

There is a wide variety of carbon offset projects and platforms around the world. These projects enable individuals and organizations to balance their carbon impacts in a variety of ways. Some are nature-based projects that aim to enhance biodiversity, improve forest management, restore coastal ecosystems, and promote renewable fuels (such as solar and wind). Others are technology-based solutions that focus on improving manufacturing processes and cutting pollution at the source.

Below is a sample of carbon offset projects that illustrate the breadth of options available today:

Cool Effect is a nonprofit that supports a range of carbon-reducing projects. On the Cool Effect platform, organizations and individuals can calculate the impact of a planned event, activity, or business function, then purchase offsets through one of the vetted projects to achieve net zero emissions.  

One Tribe helps businesses fund rainforest projects by working directly with Indigenous landowners and forest conservation partners. The Great Bear Forest Project, Canada’s first Indigenous-led forest management project, is a fine example of One Tribe’s work. One Tribe also has an e-commerce plugin that helps businesses and consumers generate forest protection microdonations with every purchase. 

8 Billion Trees offers a selection of carbon offset projects that support the Amazon Rainforest and wildlife conservation. Concerned about ecosystem health and not just planting trees, 8 Billion Trees makes sure that the trees planted are endemic to the area.

Climate Vault – Climate Vault buys up permits that would allow carbon pollution, effectively “locking” those permits away and keeping tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere. 

United Nations Carbon Offset Platform – The United Nations Carbon Offset Platform is a one-stop shop to support those interested in offsetting their carbon impact. On the UN Platform you can first estimate household emissions and then select a project that balances out that impact. Some of the current projects are:

Solar Power in Korea that is replacing coal-fired power plants

Wind Power in Jamaica that is reducing fossil fuel use and preserving natural resources

Biogas Project in Cambodia that is recovering and utilizing methane, a greenhouse gas that is 28 times more potent than Carbon dioxide

All of the projects available through the UN Platform are Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)  projects. That means they are authorized by designated authorities and have a high level of  accountability.

The above examples represent a small fraction of the offset projects currently available. There is tremendous growth in the number and variety of programs on the market and we expect the continued proliferation as more companies and countries commit to climate action. 

Wind-powered travel!

 The Problems with Carbon Offsets 

While offsets can do good in the world by sequestering carbon, funding reforestation, enhancing conservation, and supporting local community sustainability, there are some serious problems to be aware of: 

1. Flight Carbon Calculators generate only an estimation – There are several tools to estimate the carbon impact of your flight and it’s super cool to plug in your data and see how much carbon will be emitted. But it’s not that straightforward. Nothing about carbon offsets is simple! Many factors can affect the emissions of a flight including type of aircraft, class of seating (first class is the worst since it takes up more space per person), how full the flight is, how the plane was fueled up, the weather conditions on the day of travel, etc.  
2. True cost– It’s often the case that for longer flights, the cost of an offset is insufficient to cancel out the true carbon impact. This New York Times Wirecutter article takes a deep dive into the question about whether buying that $20 offset actually cancels out the true environmental impact of a 5000 or 10,000-mile flight.  
3. Fraud and “Phantom Offsets” – In January 2023, the Guardian published a scathing report that exposed the failure of many rainforest offset projects, arguing that 90% of the offsets by the biggest certifier at the time were not actually leading to carbon reduction. It was a shocking and important revelation, as many large and reputable corporations were involved. The problem is basically a methodological one – it’s very difficult to know with confidence how much carbon one hectare of forest can sequester and how much impact can be credibly claimed. 
4. Quality assurance – There is no single standardizing or verifying body to check the veracity of all offset claims. However, there are many independent third-party organizations conducting rigorous analysis today. It’s critical that before purchasing an offset you look for proper accreditation and verification through such entities as American Carbon Registry, Gold Standard Impact Registry, and Verra. 
5. Greenwashing – Offsets alone will not solve the climate crisis. They must work in tandem with absolute emissions reductions. Some companies try to win over customers by saying they are green. They tout their offset programs while making no actual changes to their practices or business operations. According to United Airlines CEO, Scott Kirby, “The problem with offsets is that it’s basically saying you are going to plant trees, or saying you are not going to cut down trees. Nothing wrong with saving trees. But the reality is the vast majority of those projects are fraud. They are forests that were never going to be cut down or were forests that were going to be planted anyway. Even for legitimate projects, it’s not scalable. The problem is, everyone is using carbon offsets as the easy way to check the box. It’s too easy to say, ‘I’ve done my part for net zero.’” Scott Kriby is basically saying, “We can’t buy our way out of this problem.” 

The problems above may seem daunting but we mustn’t let them deter action. Instead, we can ask the hard questions, examine our choices, take the chance to learn together as a family, and be intentional. And as we weigh the tradeoffs that come with family travel, we can skip the guilt and instead welcome the opportunity for discovery, wonder, learning and making a positive impact. Carbon offsets are an important tool in our toolbox and they give us an opportunity to lighten our footprint on our one, our only, our beautiful home, Planet Earth.

To learn more about about carbon offsets and sustainable long-term travel, check out this carbon offset guide and our Wonder Year 2023 Earth Month post which dives a little deeper into the topic of sustainable travel.

Travel reminds us of all we have to lose.

The post Carbon Offsets appeared first on Wonder Year Travel.

Please tell us a bit about yourselves and your journey. 

We are a family of five Joe, Misti, Joshua (14), Melanie (14), and Madeline (12) Tokarksy. We have traveled (nearly) full-time for the past seven years. Three years of our travel was in an RV, and the last four years of travel have been via our two overlanding rigs.

We focus on experiential education, environmental stewardship, volunteerism, and family values achieved through off-grid living and remote travel. As a family, we made a pact to share our life and travels with the world so that others could experience the true beauty of the world through our content. We started our journey with a simple blog, documenting our adventures, sharing photos of our favorite destinations, and providing tips for fellow travelers. Our passion for exploration led us to breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences. Our journey is not without its challenges, but the connections we’ve made and our impact on others made every obstacle worthwhile.

Joshua and Madeline Tokarsky– Hiking the fins in Arches National Park, UT – 2019.

What was one of the most important ingredients in getting your family on the road – what did you do that worked out well? 

Letting go of “stuff.” We sold our two homes and most of our furniture, and kept downsizing. The less we own, the happier we are! 

What’s outside your window right now?  

We are currently sitting in a cabin on top of a mountain, overlooking what is called the Grand Canyon of Arkansas. It’s the deepest valley in the state, and it’s beautiful! I am fascinated by the surprising beauty of the Ozark mountains, along with all of the creeks, rivers, and waterfalls that are abundant here in northwest Arkansas! 

Calypso (4Runner) and Castaway (Jeep) at Boar’s Tusk, WY – 2023.

What have you discovered about your family by being on the road together?

Our family travels taught us the value of togetherness, the importance of exploring the world, and the joy of creating unforgettable experiences as a family. Our adventures took us to new places, exposed us to different cultures, and created memories that would last a lifetime. 

During our travels, we learned to appreciate each other’s company without the distractions of everyday life. We laughed, explored, and overcame challenges together, and in the process, we grew stronger as a family.

What does community mean to you, and how have you found it during your travels?

Honestly, you can find community wherever you go! The world is full of amazing people with epic things to teach you. It’s the feeling of belonging, of being part of something larger than myself. It means knowing that I can count on my friends for help, support, and friendship. Community means looking out for one another, sharing both joys and sorrows, and working together to make wherever you may be a better place for everyone. It’s a feeling I carry with me wherever I go, and it’s something I strive to recreate in every community I become a part of.

Joe making coffee in the back of the Jeep – 2023.

Is there another traveling family you are particularly inspired by?

Yes, I am very inspired by We Harts Travel (Korey and Anna Hart and their four children). They are a tightly-knit family of six who cherish their strong family bond and create incredible experiences for their children through world travel!

What do you wish a fellow worldschooling family had told you before you left home?

Don’t stress about curriculum, testing, how many hours of traditional schooling your kids get…they are always learning, and so are we! Experiences are the best education! 

Joe and Josh – Snowmobiling in Granby, CO – 2024.

Metaphorically speaking, what is something you’ve lost and something you’ve found during your journey?

I’ve lost the worry about the expectations and the judgment of others. I’ve found myself and strengthened my relationships with my spouse and my children. (Or maybe, I’ve lost my mind but found my soul)! Either way, I am a better mother, wife, and human because of my experiences on this journey.

One of our favorite things about our Fernweh Family series is to see the varied and unique paths each worldschooling family takes. Overlanding is a powerful and adventurous one! Misti and family share their journey and the traveling lifestyle through social media and podcast series. Check them out:

Instagram

@barefootoverlander

@ladyoverlander.radio

Podcast – Lady Overlander Radio

Also:

The Day We Make website has links to their family blog and YouTube channel. So fun to follow along!

Joshua and Madeline – Taking a break on Goat Bluff Trail, AR – 2020.

The post Fernweh Families: The Tokarskys appeared first on Wonder Year Travel.

Several years ago, our family of four traveled the world for two amazing years of education and adventure. Those worldschooling experiences were meaningful and enriching, chock full of learning, togetherness, and memories to savor. Across the years, we’ve tried to bring what we loved from that time into any chance we have to travel together.

Both of our boys are now in college, so my husband Mark and I are freshly-minted empty nesters. This year presents a new window of opportunity for us to hit the road. We both work remotely, and Mark’s recent career change means we don’t have to be rooted anywhere until 2025. We are also planning to relocate away from Colorado, prompting a chance to untether and lighten our load. So, we’ve decided to become full-time RVers again–without the kids this time, except when they visit “home” from far away. We’ll still have our dog Timber with us, though! Now 80 in canine years, he’ll be along for the ride.

This blog is for anyone sorting out how to launch RV travel, whether or not you have kids in tow. We have some experience to rely on and share, and still much to learn along the way, too. 

Launching in sub-zero temps.

Choosing a Home

Mark and I met in college and bonded over our shared love of travel. We had both spent our childhoods RVing with our grandparents, and long before we could afford an RV of our own, we road-tripped and tent-camped as a couple and later with our two sons. In 2014, we bought our first RV: an Airstream 30’ Flying Cloud. We fell in love with its practicality, flexibility, and style, plus it was the only Airstream with bunks for the kids. Soon after the purchase, we sold our house and cars, donated and stored our belongings, and hit the road for two years to travel across North America as a family.

After settling into a sticks-and-bricks house again in 2016, our teenagers quickly outgrew the Flying Cloud bunks. We sold that trailer (to another family launching full-time travel!) and purchased a different Airstream with a bit more space. We used it for many weekend trips, school holiday vacations, and an amazing 10-week summer journey across the Pacific Northwest. We’ve now swapped rigs again for one with a better layout and features for Mark and me. As we hit the road, we’re re-learning what we need to know about towing, mechanical systems, and DIY repairs. 

A temporary intervention.

Airstreams have always suited us given their nimbleness and seamless indoor-outdoor living, but they have some major tradeoffs in terms of living space and storage. Many traveling families we’ve spoken with prefer a larger RV with dedicated bedrooms and more generous living and kitchen spaces. There are so many recreational vehicle options for families, including motorhomes, pop-up campers, fifth-wheelers, toy haulers, travel trailers, and camper vans. Choosing what works best for your family–especially for long-term travel–takes some research. If you are considering RV life, here are a few of our favorite resources to help you learn more.

• How to Choose The Right RV For You: Tips from Experienced Full-Time RVers – starter guidance from an RV club
• Find Your Perfect RV or Camper Based on Your Lifestyle – THOR Industries – insights from one of the largest networks of RV companies
• Find the Right RV for You | Go RVing – a fun tool to get your gears turning
• The Complete Guide to Finding the Right RV… for YOU! – Follow Your Detour – a blog post offering insights from one couple’s experiences and recommendations for choosing your own rig
• 2024 Expert Guide To Choose The Best RV For Full Time Living – The Adventure Detour – another blog, this time zeroing in on choosing an RV for full-time travel

Prepping for Launch

Our idea to live on the road again percolated for a few years before it became a solid plan. Then the plan started with some big decisions–the first was to sell our home and move into a rental. We also began the process of downsizing, both during and after that move.

Next it was time to start chipping away at a lengthy to-do list. Planning to launch in early 2024, we extended our lease and created a multi-month gameplan. The number of things to take care of can seem overwhelming–so much so that we cover them across several chapters in Wonder Year. We had things to close up at home, financials to sort through, healthcare appointments to schedule, an RV to purchase, and a year of travel to sort out. In case it’s helpful as a reference, here’s a copy of the to-do list we were using.

During our Wonder Years, we reserved some popular campsites ahead of time but also booked many sites along the way, stopping when and where our hearts desired. That’s become a lot harder to navigate since COVID, when RV purchases grew dramatically. There are now over a million full-time RV households in the US (about 30% are families), and an estimated 11.2 million households own an RV! That’s a lot of people vying for the best sites, so if you like to book ahead of time, securing preferred spots requires good planning. You’ll need to map out your route, research and select desired locations, target your necessary amenities, choose your desired sites, and then know what dates bookings go live. It takes some legwork, but hopefully you’ll be rewarded with roomy sites and gorgeous views.

Some of our favorite RV travel planning tools include:

• RV LIFE Pro – extensive site that includes amenity details and customer reviews with links for booking
• Allstays – shares campsites across the US and Canada; note the app is better than the website
• Hipcamp – listings of private RV spots and campsites, often in interesting locations with unique amenities
• Campground Views – offers detailed photos of many campsites to help you choose your favorites
• Google Earth – another fun way to check out parks, campgrounds, and local attractions before you go

If you are more of a go-with-the-flow traveler and don’t want to be beholden to reservations, boondocking (also known as dispersed camping) may be more your speed. Getting off the grid often yields more privacy and even better views, but without utility hookups. Dispersed camping requires a different kind of planning (including what you’ll do for power, water, and sewage) but can be fantastically liberating and easier on the environment. Check out the Bureau of Land Management, The Dyrt, and Boondocking.org to learn more.

Cuddling up to a view, Timber always knows how to go with the flow.

On the Road

Launch date: January 13, 2024. Which became the 14th, the 15th, then the 16th, then the 17th and 18th…throwing our best-laid plans into immediate disarray. An ice storm and sub-zero temps kept us in Colorado, waiting it out at The Residence Inn. And the early bumps continued–during our first two months on the road, we encountered heavy rains, tornado warnings, endless mud, a frozen water line, nonexistent internet service, and thickets of off-season mosquitoes. Plus we realized that, despite having carefully packed the RV, we didn’t need about a quarter of what we’d brought along. 

But bumps and problem-solving and detours are all part of the journey. As we navigated them, we were also sorting out the time and space needed for work, teaching university classes, and future travel planning. That felt a bit familiar, too: the first few months of our Wonder Year had been much the same, but with twice the people. There’s always a learning curve and things to work out when embarking on a long-term trip.

Mark and I invented a funny-not-so-funny game: “Is THIS the day we turn the corner?” Finally, we did, in New Orleans in March. We also decided to slow down our travel, canceling some stops to stay longer in other locations. It’s all gotten easier and we’re finally in a groove of better-balanced calendars, responsibilities, adventures, and rest. Here are a few tips from Wonder Year we’ve been using and would recommend to fellow travelers. 

• Stay flexible and leave space for mishaps and unexpected events. Create contingency plans in case things get really rough. Also, have insurance for the big stuff, like something happening to your RV.
• Slow down if needed, and don’t hesitate to change your itinerary if another plan will work better–it’s ok to relax your own expectations. Know cancellation policies for your bookings to help avoid penalties.
• Schedule downtime in your travels. You aren’t on vacation trying to jam-pack experiences into a week–you are living your whole life on the road. You’ll need some quieter, rest-filled days, too.
• Tap into networks to help with problem-solving. We belong to Airstream Addicts, an online group of over 80K members who can help answer almost any question about living in, maintaining, and repairing a trailer. Similar groups exist for other RV brands, plus there are social media travel groups, in-person clubs, and knowledgeable camp owners and hosts who might be able to help.
• In addition to reaching out for resources, build social connections as you travel. Join a traveling club, meet other campers for dinner, say hello to the people parked next to you, head into town to find new friends, and visit loved ones along your path. It all helps fill your tank when you don’t have roots.

Reorganizing and culling again – with RV life, less is definitely more.

Looking Ahead

We at Wonder Year are passionate about long-term travel and worldschooling–it’s an exciting evolution in how we collectively think about family life and educating our kids. Mark and I are grateful for having worldschooled and hope to bring a similar mindset to traveling as empty-nesters. We want to explore whatever this new phase holds for us and are looking forward to having time to learn and reflect while being away from the busyness of rooted life. 

We also believe that everything you do at “home” can be done when your home is an RV. Our biggest lesson has been that living simply aligns well with our values of freedom, curiosity, and gratitude. Learning and exploring alongside the people we love is a gift, curiosity fuels us and keeps us open-minded and young at heart, and the novelty of traveling seems to slow down time–all of which matter more and more the older we get.

Is there anything you hope to bring back into focus as you travel? How else do you value your time on the road?

A peaceful place to land.

The post Wonder Year 2.0 – Empty Nesting in an RV appeared first on Wonder Year Travel.