Step 8
You’ve done the planning, navigated the paperwork, and packed the bags. Now, the real adventure begins: the day-to-day rhythm of life on the road. This is where you trade routines for rituals and discover a new way of being together as a family.
Life as a globetrotting family is an intense, beautiful, and sometimes challenging dance. It’s about finding comfort in new places, navigating the world together, and learning to thrive amidst the beautiful chaos. Here’s how to find your groove.
Find your perfect home away from home
Your accommodation is more than just a place to sleep—it’s your sanctuary, your schoolhouse, and your playground.
- Apartments are your best friend: For stays of more than a few days, renting an apartment (via Airbnb, VRBO, or local sites) is a game-changer. A kitchen allows you to save money, cater to picky eaters, and maintain a semblance of a normal meal routine. The extra space and separate bedrooms can be a lifesaver for family harmony.
- Family-friendly hotels & guesthouses: Look for places with family rooms, swimming pools, or on-site playgrounds. Reading reviews from other families is crucial—they’ll mention things that solo travelers might miss, like noise levels or the lack of a bathtub.
- The joy of hostels (yes, with kids!): Many modern hostels now offer private family rooms. They can be a fantastic budget option and a great way for your kids (and you!) to meet other travelers from around the world.
Planning Tip: Always book your first night or two in a new destination in advance. Arriving after a long flight with tired kids is not the time to be wandering the streets looking for a place to stay.
Getting around like a local
How you navigate a new place can be an adventure in itself.
- Embrace public transport: Hopping on a local bus, train, or tuk-tuk is often the cheapest way to get around and offers a fantastic slice-of-life experience. It’s a chance to see the city through the eyes of the people who live there.
- Rental cars for freedom: Renting a car gives you the ultimate flexibility to explore off-the-beaten-path locations and travel at your own pace—essential when a toddler’s nap schedule dictates your day.
- Walk everywhere: The best way to truly discover a place is on foot. You’ll stumble upon hidden alleyways, charming cafes, and local parks you’d never see from a car. Just be realistic about how far little legs can go!
A taste of the world (even for picky eaters)
Food is a gateway to culture, but it can also be a source of stress with kids. The key is balance.
- The ‘one bite’ rule: Encourage kids to try new things without forcing them. Celebrate their bravery when they do!
- Visit local markets: Let your kids pick out a strange-looking new fruit or watch a baker pull fresh bread from an oven. The colors, sounds, and smells are an incredible sensory experience.
- The comfort food fallback: It’s okay to alternate adventurous local meals with a simple pasta dinner cooked in your apartment or a familiar pizza. Everyone needs a taste of home now and then.
Keep the peace: Managing 24/7 family time
Being together constantly is one of the biggest gifts and biggest challenges of long-term travel.
- Create loose routines: While you’ve escaped the rigid 9-to-5, a gentle rhythm can provide comfort, especially for kids. This could be a morning routine for schoolwork, a dedicated quiet time after lunch, or a family card game every evening.
- Schedule downtime: Don’t fall into the trap of trying to see and do everything. Build in ‘zero days’ where the only goal is to relax. These are crucial for preventing burnout.
- Carve out individual space: Everyone needs a little time to themselves. This could be as simple as one parent taking the kids to the park so the other can read a book in peace for an hour.
- Communicate openly: Create a regular check-in time. At dinner, go around the table and share your “rose” (the best part of your day) and your “thorn” (the most challenging part). This opens the door for honest conversations about how everyone is feeling.
Life on the road will test your patience and your resilience, but it will also reward you with a depth of connection and a treasure trove of shared memories that will bind you together for a lifetime.