The Realities of Full-Time Travel with Kids: What You Need to Know

When people see our family’s travel photos, they often imagine that every day is filled with adventures and endless fun. But the reality of full-time travel with kids is a lot more complex than the picture-perfect moments you might see on social media. From adjusting routines to balancing schoolwork, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what life is really like when you’re on the road with kids full-time.

1. Routines? What Routines?

One of the first things we had to let go of was the idea of a set routine. Traveling from one place to another means different time zones, climates, and cultures, which makes sticking to a typical schedule nearly impossible. Forget about consistent bedtimes or mealtimes - flexibility becomes the new normal. We’ve learned to adapt to whatever the day brings, whether it’s an early morning flight or a late-night adventure.

2. Adjusting to New Environments

Traveling to new places constantly means that we have to adjust to different environments all the time which can take its toll on little ones. From varying weather conditions to different types of accommodations, it can take a while for everyone to settle in. Whether it’s getting used to a new city or finding their comfort zone in a remote destination, it takes a little patience and a lot of adaptability. We’ve learned that it helps to create familiar routines wherever we are, like daily homeschooling (but the volume can change) and bringing along a their favourite blanket, to make each place feel more like home.

3. The Packing Struggle

Packing for long-term family travel is an art form. We’re constantly trying to strike a balance between packing light and making sure that everyone has the things that make them feel comfortable, especially when we’re far from home. Essentials, comfort items, and the occasional toy add up quickly. We’ve learned to prioritise the things that make our travel days smoother, like favourite snacks and a few familiar small toys.

4. Finding Kid-Friendly Activities

Not every destination is designed with kids in mind, and that can be a challenge. While we love exploring museums and historical sites, we’ve found that some places just don’t cater to little travelers. It takes research and planning to make sure there are activities that everyone will enjoy. From playgrounds to aquariums and interactive exhibits, we try to find a balance so the kids have opportunities to just be kids wherever we go.

5. Making Time for Downtime

One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is the need for downtime. To avoid burnout and keep up with homeschooling, we often stay longer than we technically need to in each destination. This allows us to have “down days” where we don’t rush to see the sights. These quieter days give the time to catch up on schoolwork or just relax, helping to adjust to the pace of travel without feeling overwhelmed. It’s all about finding that balance between adventure and rest.

6. Saying Goodbye is Hard

One of the most challenging aspects of full-time travel is the distance from friends and family. Every goodbye can be tough, and even though technology helps us stay connected, there’s nothing quite like being able to visit a friends house or play at a park. We try to make the most of video calls and digital connections, but those moments of missing loved ones never fully go away. It’s a reminder that while travel brings us closer as a family, it also means time away from our broader community.

7. Balancing Travel and Education

We love the concept of worldschooling - learning through real-world experiences in new places - but it takes effort to keep up with traditional subjects. We incorporate educational visits like museums, historical sites, and nature walks into our travel plans, but we also make time for more structured schooling. Some days, that means reading a chapter book on the beach; other days, it’s completing math problems in a cafe. The flexibility is great, but it requires discipline and planning to stay on top of their education.

8. But, It’s Worth It

Despite the challenges, the ups and downs, and the moments when we wish for a little more stability, full-time travel with kids is incredibly rewarding. The memories we’ve made as a family - whether it’s watching a sunset from a new beach or exploring new foods - these are moments we wouldn’t trade for anything. The experiences have taught resilience, adaptability, and a love for exploring new cultures. For us, the magic moments far outweigh the tougher ones.

Final Thoughts: Is Full-Time Travel Right for Your Family?

Full-time travel isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. It comes with its own set of challenges, but it also offers unique rewards that you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re considering a similar lifestyle, it’s important to know that the reality is a mix of incredible highs and some unexpected lows. But if you’re ready for an adventure and willing to embrace the journey, you might just find that it’s the experience of a lifetime.

Interested in learning more about our full-time travel life with kids? Drop your questions in the comments below, and let’s chat about the highs and lows of life on the road!