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.

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.

I connected with Ashley Davis as we were leaving our campsite in Galveston, Texas. My husband and I hadn’t spent much time in the “yard” of our site that week, so we hadn’t met as many of our neighbors as usual.  As we were breaking camp, I glanced next door and noticed a nicely kitted workout space in our neighbor’s fifth wheel. Figuring that might point to full-timers, I struck up a conversation with Ashley and her husband, Lennon. We quickly connected over our love of RV life and expressed a shared wish that we’d met sooner during our stay. In lieu of more time together, Ashley thoughtfully offered to share more of their family’s story here in our Fernweh Family series. We know you’ll enjoy meeting the Davises, too.

Please tell us about your family. 

Lennon’s background was in manufacturing and he made the shift to a new career field as a drone pilot shortly after we got on the road. He’s also a reservist in the Air National Guard. He’s always loved to travel. I work remotely as a Marketing Manager; together Lennon and I also work as video content creators for brands. I’ve always loved travel and grew up going abroad more than state-side, so a life of travel is a literal dream. Lennon and I traveled quite a bit together before we had our son. Ace is 5 years old and the light of our lives. He loves traveling full time and is always excited to go to new places and try new things.

Please tell us a bit about your journey.

Lennon and I have been together for 15 years, married for 10. We’ve lived in 3 states together and owned 3 houses. Every time we were in a house we never felt “settled.” It always felt nice, but like something was missing. We’d moved from Charleston, SC to Pennsylvania to be closer to family back in 2019, and while that was great and we enjoyed our time with them, COVID hit and we felt so incredibly trapped. We had a big beautiful house, but what did that really matter or mean? 

Lennon and Ace walk to the Washington Monument in D.C.

I came to Lennon with the idea of RV life after seeing someone doing it online, and he was interested in it. We actually drove around Iceland in a camper van back in 2017, so an RV seemed like it would be significantly simpler! We talked more about it and agreed it was what we wanted to try. Neither of us had lived in an RV or even spent time in one before buying ours and hitting the road. But, we renovated our house, sold it during the height of the market, researched the RVs that were best suited for us, and got ours. 

We already planned on homeschooling our son even in a house, so that was not going to be a big change for us. We hit the road at the end of April 2022. When we first started out, we hit a new state once a week for 7 weeks and while it was fun, it was exhausting. It felt too fast-paced like we couldn’t enjoy where we were enough, so we slowed down tremendously, and now we spend at least 3-4 weeks in each location, sometimes more, sometimes less. Our goal is to hit all 50 states and then make our way through Central America. But we are in no hurry! We also plan to continue mixing international travel in–our goal is four trips per year abroad…maybe more someday!

The Davis family at the immersive art exhibit WonderSpaces in Austin, TX

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

We discussed the idea for a while and didn’t just jump in. We researched heavily and created a plan to achieve our goal. We knew we wanted to buy the truck and RV outright to not have payments on these items because debt heavily weighs you down. So, we renovated our house and sold it at the height of the market to capitalize on earnings. This was the best thing we could’ve done. We also had to ensure we were in a good place in terms of income, since Lennon quit his day job and I would be working remotely. 

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

Right now I am looking at palm trees on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. This is our first time in Galveston, TX, and it’s definitely beautiful. We’ve spent this winter in Texas, mostly because I thought it would be warmer (oops). I think what fascinates me about this particular area is how it doesn’t feel like “Texas.” Whenever I envision Texas, I picture cowboys and ranches and farms, maybe some desert. I thank movies for these depictions. When it’s actually warm here you feel more like you are on an island or in a tropical climate. 

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? 

As I mentioned, we always planned to homeschool. But with travel, our son is learning things where they have actually happened, or experiencing them in person. I think had we stayed in a house, we’d be doing a very specific program and while the education would be there, it would’ve been drastically different. Instead of reading about everything in a book, or watching it in a movie or documentary, he gets to learn about it in person. He’s seeing and doing so much, all the time, and getting endless information, but it’s also fun for him. I truly can’t imagine him trying to sit all day in a classroom, it feels so incredibly foreign.

Lennon and Ashely in front of Seljalandsfoss in Iceland.

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

How much we truly love being together all the time. I’ve heard of families full-timing only to learn they don’t mesh well in such a small space and so much togetherness, but we love it. Our only regret is not doing it sooner. 

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

This community is incredible, especially fellow full-timers. We love meeting other traveling families on the road. It’s great when you meet people you can relate to in so many ways, and usually when they full-time with kids that also means they homeschool. Our son is so incredibly social, so when he gets to meet other kiddos on the road and make new connections, he is ecstatic. This community is always eager to help out one another. It’s like a beautiful traveling “village,” if you will. We’ve met friends on the road that we’d never have met if we didn’t get on the road, friends who I believe will be lifelong. We’ve also met friends who we plan to caravan with in the future. 

Are there other traveling families you follow online who particularly inspire you?

Oh goodness, yes! I didn’t know how many people actually full-timed until about 5-6 months on the road. I started discovering more people online which was really awesome. I’ve made some really close friends via Instagram which sounds so crazy, but it’s so awesome. Some families and couples who really inspire me are @outherewandering, @gills_on_wheels, @heartandsaultravel, @georgeandcris, @wanderlusttravelcouple. 

What do you wish a fellow full-timing family had told you before you left home? 

To really spend some time in the RVs and write out a list of must-haves. I did so much research and knew we wanted a separate room for our son, but mistakenly thought that could also double as an office, and that hasn’t really worked that way. If we went back in time, we’d have opted for a toy hauler instead of our current fifth wheel. It’s kind of like buying your starter house and learning what you do and don’t want for your next house. Now we know, and we will make our next decision according to what we’ve learned. 

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

Not sure I would say it’s a story exactly, but something we didn’t realize would happen is the complete lack of interest in settling down in one location now. In fact, traveling has made it way harder to determine where we’d want to be! We love something about many places we’ve been to and have so many places we want to see. We know we’d want to be someone warm, but have no idea where that would be! We plan to do this for at least 5-7 more years.

What are you excited about doing next?

We are so excited to continue our journey in general, but we specifically look forward to visiting all 50 states and continuing to add in international trips. I think we just love the journey itself, because that is what it’s all about, and it is something we are always excited about. Now that we are constantly traveling and having endless new experiences, I can’t imagine not doing it.

Thank you so much to Ashley, Lennon, and Ace for sharing their story with us. To follow along with their journey, find them at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

YouTube

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

Fantastic view from the front of the family’s rig in Key West, FL.

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

Below, Jamie shares a bit about their experiences in her own words.

Please share a bit about your journey.

When I was in college, I had my first opportunity to live in another country when I went to Baja, Mexico for a 6-month school program. It changed my life. I loved the experience of being immersed in another culture and thoroughly enjoyed the beauty that surrounded me with the people, their way of life, and the natural landscape. It was an experience that I have wanted my son to have. I had been looking for opportunities for a while and more so in the last few years, knowing my son would not want to be going on these excursions with his mom much longer and leaving his friends and his activities. An opportunity came my way last year and I was able to start up my own business and make enough money to be able to travel and work. 

Jace making a bowl in pottery class.

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

Determination. I had my mind set and was going to do whatever it took to make it happen, which included finding someone to take care of my house and dog for a month, setting up my business to still function while in Peru, getting his dad on board for this trip to Peru, saving up enough money to be able to go, and not letting my anxiety about such a huge undertaking so far away from home stop me.

Why did you decide to attend a Working Without Borders program? How did it fit into your overall journey and worldschooling plan/approach?

I had a childhood friend that I had reconnected with on Facebook recently and was reading her posts on her worldschooling journeys. As soon as I saw what she was doing, I thought to myself, “This is it!” Working Without Borders was the perfect program for me because it offered programs that were during my son’s summer break. I felt a month-long program was the perfect amount of time for us. It was long enough to really get to know the area and the people and he could still have half his summer to do other things at home. WWB also had everything planned out for us, including safe and comfortable living arrangements, transportation, schooling, after school classes, and weekend adventures. 

Where was the WWB program you attended? Please tell us what the experience was like for you and your son. Are there specific aspects of the program you feel are a good fit for single parents?

We attended the Sacred Valley program in Peru. It was the most wonderful experience and was above and beyond my expectations. Jace left for classes at a local school around 7am and returned around 5pm after attending different classes after school each day that taught the visiting kids about local cooking, music, outdoor adventure, art, and pottery. While he was busily engaged and learning during the day, I was able to do my job remotely from my home office–my bungalow’s back patio overlooking a river and mountains! Jace was totally immersed in the culture and made friends with local students in spite of the language barrier, and that was one of the most important experiences I wanted for him. 

What are the lasting impressions of your WWB experience? How has it impacted you and your son?

It was an incredible eye-opening experience that allowed my son to experience getting to know kids from another part of the world and to learn how much they had in common, as well as understanding and appreciating the cultural differences.

What are some of the unique aspects of long-term travel and/or world schooling as a single parent? What do you wish you knew before you started, or what would you like to share with other families before they launch?

It was financially difficult to come up with the money and it was a little scary to be the only available on-site parent being responsible for making decisions for my son in a foreign country.

Learning how to harvest potatoes with members of the Huama Community.

What does community mean to you, and how have you found it during your travels? Have you attended other organized programs besides WWB?

Community is essential to thrive, to learn from others, to share experiences with others, to make this world a better place. WWB provided a great community for all the families who participated–both visiting families and local families. Building community is one of the best strengths of WWB.

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

I loved traveling with my son, Jace, and this experience reaffirmed my belief that he is an incredible human being. I am constantly amazed and impressed with who he is becoming. His willingness to try new things is delightful. It is not easy to go to a totally new country without friends, cousins, or siblings. His trust in me and my decisions for this trip humbled me. He took all the new experiences in stride and fully participated in all the opportunities and adventures the program provided him. He even handled being the only boy of the visiting families without complaint.

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

On the last day of school, the local teachers and students held a gratitude ceremony that was heartfelt and beautiful. The students, both local and visiting, all went around a circle and shared words of gratitude. At the end of the ceremony, my son was surrounded by a large group of kids chanting his name and giving him hugs. He was loved. He had made his mark. This is exactly what I had hoped would happen for him.

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

I would love to go on another trip next summer with Jace. If we cannot afford another extensive trip abroad so soon after Peru, then I am hoping we can visit a National Park or two this coming year.

From the Wonder Year team: We so appreciate Jamie telling us about her family’ travel experiences, including the time she and Jace spent attending a Working Without Borders program. If you are interested in learning more about WWB for your family, you can start with the blog post here.

One of the many dishes the kids made in cooking class.

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

We’re the Hunter family; Kyla (mom), Randy (dad), Calais (2010) & Kacela (2012). We consider ourselves part-time, full-time travellers. We have a house in Canada we call home for about half of the year and spend the other half travelling together.

 Please tell us a bit about your journey.

I’ve wanted to visit Machu Picchu since studying Peru in Grade 7. It’s one of the things that sparked my early wanderlust & curiosity about the world. It was so special to finally get to see it, and to be able to share the experience with my family.

Our first BIG trip was a 12.5-month gap year in 2017/2018. We backpacked through 30 countries, travelling by every mode of transportation imaginable! When we started to plan our route, we had 2 rules; no English & no Western countries. We broke this rule twice, because we had to! We travelled extensively through Asia, spent a bit of time in the Middle East, then transited through Germany to spend ~4mo in Central & South America. (We flew from Panama to Ecuador via Toronto, Canada for my cousin’s wedding!).

That trip solidified our desire to spend longer periods of time travelling. We returned home, purchased a 2003 Land Rover Defender & spent COVID converting it into an overlanding vehicle. We’re currently driving it around the world, in 3-6 month chunks of time.

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

Involving the kids in the planning phase, even at a young age, was immensely helpful in getting everyone on board & getting us on the road. This was also hugely important to keep up while we were travelling. We always talked about our plans ahead of time. This way everyone knew what to expect and it helped eliminate the feeling of being out of control. 

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

The pyramids were a special place for me, because they broke me out of my travel fatigue. We’d been on the road for 8 months, seeing and doing incredible things constantly, and I was travel-tired. Walking inside the 5000-year-old pyramids snapped me right out of that! They are truly incredible, everything I imagined they would be!

I’m currently in Norway, looking out the vehicle window at the spectacular fjords. The natural beauty of this place is breathtaking, even in the rain!

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

Learning happened constantly, even if we weren’t looking for it! We didn’t have an education plan when we left for our gap year, but we took every opportunity to incorporate organic learning into our travels. We discussed currency exchange & figured out the value of things in our home currency. Learning also happened at museums and temples, on transportation and hikes, during meals & everything in between. 

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

We really like each other!! And we always have each other’s backs. We got into a great rhythm when it was just the 4 of us. It surprised me how resilient we could all be when required, and how we’d step in for each other when one person’s resolve was failing. It was so incredible to watch our girls get comfortable in uncomfortable situations at such a young age. 

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

The Taj Mahal was something the girls knew about prior to our travels, and they were very excited to see it! To make it even more memorable, we had visited the Gur-e Amir (Timer’s tomb in Samarkand) earlier in the trip, which was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. We all felt more connected to it because of this, it made it more meaningful.

We’re all extroverts who love community. We love connecting with others and have made this a priority while travelling. During our gap year, we met up with many other families who were on similar journeys, many of whom we initially connected with on social media. Nowadays we still connect with people on social media, but we also participate in World Schooling pop-ups & meetups. It’s the best way to connect with other families living a similar life. 

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

I wish someone would’ve told us to slow down and savour the journey. There were definitely times when we moved too quickly and everything turned into a blur! But, we’d also get restless staying in one place for too long. There’s a great balance there somewhere, and I wish we would’ve taken the time to find it early on.

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

Our gap year made us appreciate just how much there is to see in the world, and the realization that a lifetime is not nearly long enough to see everything we want to see! We lost our desire to stay at home for any extended length of time & the ability to be content just staying home. 

We found a deep connection to the world, and an insatiable desire to explore as much of it as we possibly can. 

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

We are currently (slowly) driving our Land Rover Defender Gimli through every country in Europe. And while Europe is truly incredible, we’re excited to eventually get to places that push us out of our comfort zone again. For that is where we truly feel like we’re growing, learning, and going on an adventure.

My blog is https://www.whereistheworld.ca

And social media (FB, IG) are @whereistheworld

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Kyla and the gang. Like all of our featured Fernweh Families, you inspire and help us all have a bit more wonder in our lives. Safe travels!

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Please tell us a bit about your journey.

In 2005, Austin and I moved into our very first home together: a tiny popup camper. We lived in that camper for months and traveled to all 48 contiguous United States and as many National Parks as we could. It was the trip of a lifetime, and we have wanted to recreate as much of that experience as possible for our children. We spend most of each summer road tripping in our camper (a larger popup to make room for the 5 of us plus a dog!) and we recently got a Sprinter van as our new tow vehicle to increase our adventure options. We take advantage of pretty much any opportunity to travel, and plan to take our first international trip as a family at the end of this year.

Austin and Mariah moving into their first home together in 2005: a popup camper named Donna.

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

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

My husband and I have been visiting National Park sites together for many years. Our favorites tend to be the ones with beautiful natural landscapes, abundant wildlife, and opportunities to immerse ourselves in nature. However, earlier this summer we happened to be near Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine, Florida. This National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States. Originally built by the Spanish, the fort holds 450 years of history. We weren’t sure whether the fort would even interest our children, so we were astonished to discover that our middle kiddo became absolutely absorbed within moments. This became an organic learning experience for both of us! My 9 year old started to piece together his interest in weapons and military things with actual U.S. history, and I came to the realization that I need to take my children’s unique interests into consideration when planning our travel routes. In the future, we plan to incorporate many more historical sites and battlefields in our travel routes!

This summer in their current home on the road, Zephyr

 

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

Travel teaches kids amazing amounts of adaptability, and has helped our children learn that experiences are more important than things. These life lessons helped our kids remain resilient when we recently experienced a tragedy. In December 2021, along with 1,000 other families in our Colorado hometown, we lost the only home my children had ever known in the Marshall Fire. Our house and entire neighborhood burned to the ground, and nothing was saved from the blaze. Of course my kids were sad to lose all their favorite possessions, but they also understood that if we stayed close as a family we could get through anything. I truly attribute much of the strength of our family to the experiences we have had while on the road together.

Is there another traveling family you are particularly inspired by? How are they inspiring?

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

Boys, 7 and 4, proudly show their junior ranger badges along Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park.

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

Stuck in the North Dakota mud, along the Enchanted Highway!

I think it’s funny how some of the strongest memories I have of our time on the road often come from adversity. We recently drove the”Enchanted Highway” in North Dakota, which, despite its name, is basically just a couple of large sculptures in the middle of huge stretches of corn and sunflower fields – nothing life-changingly exciting, but we figured it might be more interesting than a regular highway. However, it had been raining for several days in a row, and as we pulled into the parking area to look at one of the sculptures we got our van and popup camper ridiculously stuck in some thick, clay-like mud. While our van does have 4WD, we weren’t able to turn it on once we were already stuck! So, there we were, alone with 3 small kids and a dog with our van and trailer super stuck in the mud. Luckily, we were prepared with traction mats and a tow strap, but we still had to get really creative. We ended up having to unhitch, fight the van slowly out of the mud so we could get the 4wd turned on, and then tow the camper out of the mud with the tow strap so we could get to solid ground to re-hitch. In the process my husband and I got absolutely covered in mud! Was it fun? Definitely not! But I’m proud of us that we didn’t panic and we worked together on the issue until we solved it – and our kids got to watch us do that. And now all of us will certainly remember North Dakota’s Enchanted Highway forever!

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

Thanks to Mariah for sharing inspiration and an important perspective. To follow along with their journey, you can find them at @zephyr.travels. Also if you’re a family facing chronic illness, check out Mariah’s website mamasfacingforward.com.

Check out other Fernweh Families on this blog to get inspired and learn all the different shapes your Wonder Year might take.

First trip as a family of five to Mount Rushmore

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Maxime stretching across a “rock fall” area in Capitol Reef National Park

Our fifth Fernweh Family are the Lebobes. A French-American family, the Lebobes were living and running their own business in Italy prior to launching their long-term travels. We caught up with Terry (41), Guillaume (44), and their three sons Maxime (9), Léo (7), and Noah (5) as they were tent camping in the Southwest United States. 

Please tell us a bit about your journey.

We were originally inspired by friends to do a 3-month trip in the summer. But after realizing how complicated it would be to organize

The boys made some friends who lent them their transparent boat in Moalboal, Philippines

putting everything on pause for three months, we decided to go all the way. We left our jobs and sold our business to travel for 15 months. We initially expected to be traveling more slowly but with one-month visas and a compelling desire to see everything, we have traveled more quickly than planned! We usually spend between four days and a week in most places. We tend to crave more time in places close to nature and move relatively quickly through cities as we find that we are all happier in nature! 

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

Selling our business and renting out our home were two essential yet potentially challenging items we needed to achieve before making this trip a reality. But in both cases, the universe was on our side. We found friends and acquaintances for both almost immediately!

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

Does a tent window count? We’ve been camping for the past three weeks on a road trip through some of the most amazing American national parks of the southwest. The geology and nature in these places just take our breath away! 

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

We have learned so much about geology! We knew we would learn a bit but the US National Park Junior Ranger programs have sparked an incredible interest from the kids to learn about how these wonderful rock formations were first created! 

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

That our kids are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in many situations if we give them the opportunity! For example, now they can sleep anywhere (and we parents almost can too).

Noah making art with nature in Canyonlands National Park

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

We have had less of a community than expected during our travels but we have met a surprising number of families traveling long term and have connected well with them! We clicked immediately with several of those families and have kept in touch and even met up in subsequent places on the road. 

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

Seeing elephants in the wild in Sri Lanka! We prefer to avoid visiting zoos or even elephant sanctuaries, anywhere where animals are in captivity, so we were very excited to go on a safari in Sri Lanka to see elephants in the wild. And it did not disappoint! We spent hours

Working on zip line and jumping skills in Laos

following around an incredible group of 20 elephants and it was definitely one of the most amazing experiences of our trip. 

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

We’re excited to see where we will be one year from now as we currently have no idea! We will be returning home to our house and school for one year but the kids want to do another year of travel and the parents need to figure out what new business we will create! We are excited about the possibility of moving long term to a new city in Europe but only time will tell! 

We appreciated Terry and her family checking in with us to share a bit about their many adventures. To follow along with their journey, you can find them at @greentribu.ontheroad and  facebook.com/greentribu.ontheroad. 

Check out other Fernweh Families on this blog to get inspired and learn all the different shapes your Wonder Year might take.

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