Have you ever dreamed of spending more time with your kids, traveling together, and connecting on a whole new level? Strange as it may sound, COVID-19 might just have opened up that door.
As the world moves into a new future, many families are discovering the flexibility that remote work and online learning provide, allowing them to broaden their travel horizons. The worldschooling trend is thriving, with more and more families embracing a fully location-independent lifestyle. With online learning options expanding, there has never been a better time to take the leap and explore the world together.
Traveling with your children could be one of the most rewarding choices you’ll make in life.
When I was 14, my family left behind our life in Venice, Italy, to embrace full-time travel and learning on the road. Over 100 countries and countless memories later, those experiences have shaped my worldview, taught me profound life lessons, and helped me connect deeply with diverse cultures through firsthand encounters.
Travel truly is the education of the future.
Children who travel can see the world with new eyes, act with compassion and integrity, and connect with people who live on the other side of the planet. Your children will experience many beautiful destinations and grow in new ways, creating more grit, passion, and empathy in their lives. So, for every parent to consider world schooling and to take their lives on the road, here are ten things you should know before traveling with children full-time.
1. Travel Awakens Curiosity
Your children will immerse themselves in diverse languages, traditions, and vibrant sights with each new destination. Growing up on the road, I quickly learned that my curiosity only deepened with every place we visited. I wondered why certain cultures did certain things, how people dressed, and the historical connection that tied cultural traditions together.
This curiosity fueled my independent research beyond my classes, inspiring me to continue learning beyond the traditional parameters of what counts as a high-school-level education. Indeed, questioning cultures and traditions unlocks a particular understanding of cultural biases and personal biases in children—essential tools as they move forward in their lives in our interconnected world. Even if your children have not found their natural curiosity or passion for a specific topic in school, travel can help them unlock new interests through exposure and experiences.
2. You Will Have an Immense Amount of Quality Time
For many families, time together is limited to evenings or weekends, between school, work, and activities. Traveling full-time changes that dynamic completely. Suddenly, you’re with your kids 24/7, sharing experiences that deepen your connection, whether exploring new cultures, diving into history, or trying adventurous activities.
Constant togetherness has its challenges, but the memories make it all worthwhile. Over my years of travel, I bonded with my parents in ways that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. We analyzed mummies, deciphered hieroglyphics, and had deep conversations on everything from ancient history to global justice.
The experiences I shared with my family are memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime.
3. The World Will Raise Them
As Euripides once said, “Experience, travel – these are education in themselves.” When children experience the world firsthand, they’re not just learning facts; they’re growing in character, adaptability, and understanding. With each country we visited, I discovered new cultures, beliefs, and perspectives, expanding my understanding of the world in ways traditional education couldn’t.
In today's world, it is crucial for children to grow up understanding the cultural complexities of the world. Travel pushes them outside of their comfort zones to see new ways of living and understand that there is not one correct way of understanding society. By witnessing first-hand the diversity of the world, they will be raised by more than just people in their town, school, or social class - they will be raised by the world.
4. People Will Question Your Choices
There is no doubt that when you decide to travel with your kids, there will be people back home who do not understand your choices. It is natural for others to questions something so unknown to them. For my family, it took nearly twenty years before our distant relatives and friends understood the benefits of our education. As adults, we continously harness skills and qualities in our careers that we learned through travel.
One of the most common and direct questions you will hear is "What about school?" Though worldschooling is still a new concept, more and more families are deciding that they want to give their children a chance to learn more than what their school curriculum has to offer back home. If that is a choice you want to make, go for it regardless of who questions you!
5. Things Won’t Always Be Perfect
Traveling with kids isn’t always picture-perfect. There will be canceled flights, messy hotel rooms, and the occasional stomach bug. But each challenging experience builds resilience. Some of my hardest travel moments taught me the most valuable lessons.
You will also have moments to slow down or take a break from moving - that is also important too. Everyone has their own style of traveling - whether that is fast or slow. Do what works best for you.
6. Expect the Unexpected
No matter how well you plan, travel has a way of surprising you. We’ve faced canceled flights, unexpected border closures, and mishaps that turned our itinerary upside down. But learning to go with the flow opened up even better opportunities, from charming hidden villages to new friendships in the least-expected places. Often, events we considered unfortunate created new opportunties that have opened up enture ne relationships, friendships, and career opportunities.
Once we embraced flexibility, our travels became richer and more spontaneous. We found ourselves exploring remote deserts, making friends with locals, and stumbling upon historical sites we hadn’t planned on visiting.
7. Give Back Whenever Possible
Traveling full-time offers unique opportunities to make a difference. At ages 17, 15, and 8, my siblings and I found ourselves volunteering at a Syrian refugee camp. What began as a one-week visit stretched into six months. Every day, we taught at a makeshift school, shared laughter with kids who had endured unspeakable hardships, and built friendships with people who became like family.
Experiences like these opened our eyes to the world’s realities and taught us the importance of empathy, compassion, and standing up for justice. Giving back as a family plants seeds of kindness that your kids will carry with them forever.
8. Find a Like-Minded Community
When you’re traveling full-time, finding a community of like-minded families can make all the difference. Being with your kids around the clock is a beautiful thing, but having friendships outside your family adds richness to the experience. A community provides support, fresh ideas, and new perspectives, helping you feel connected no matter where in the world you are.
Whether through online groups, travel networks, or meeting locals, you’ll find that there are others on a similar journey who are eager to connect and explore alongside you.
9. Travel and Cultural Immersion Will Boost Opportunities and Careers of the Future
As the world becomes more interconnected, skills like flexibility, cultural intelligence, and creativity are invaluable. Travel teaches children to embrace diverse perspectives, connect with people from all walks of life, and approach challenges with resilience. These experiences can set them up for success in an increasingly global world.
Growing up as a global citizen will give your kids unique insights into social and environmental issues, preparing them to be compassionate leaders in tomorrow’s world. In a landscape where empathy and understanding are more essential than ever, cultural immersion is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.
To learn more about how my family gave back to Syrian refugee, watch our talk at Mindvalley University.
10. Don’t Take Time for Granted
Many people ask: Why do you travel, anyway? For us, the answer is simple. Life is precious, and we wanted to create a legacy of memories, stories, and shared experiences. In 2023, my mother passed after years of battling cancer. All of these memories, experiences, and challenges were worth it.
So, how will you make the most of the moments you have?
If you’re ready to embark on this journey as a family, you now have the tools, the insights, and the inspiration to dive into a life of adventure, growth, and unforgettable memories. Here’s to exploring the world, one shared experience at a time.
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