Ever look at your daily life and wonder, “Is this it?” We did. We are a family of four from the Netherlands with two adventurous sons, Mees (11) and Tim (10). We found ourselves caught in the familiar rhythm of school runs, work deadlines, and a house full of toys. We had a good life, but a whisper of a question grew louder: What if we traded it all for a year of shared adventure?
So, we made a bold choice. We packed our lives into four backpacks, pulled our kids out of school, and embarked on a nine-month journey across the globe. Our classroom became the world itself, from the wildlife parks of Africa and the mountains of Nepal to the futuristic cities of Japan and the wild landscapes of New Zealand.
Why we decided to press pause on normal life
This wasn’t just about escaping the daily grind. We wanted to give our children something more valuable than any toy: a broader perspective. We wanted them to see with their own eyes that the world is a vast, diverse, and beautiful place. Our goal was to raise kids who are flexible, curious, and understand that happiness isn’t measured by what you own, but by the experiences you share.
Our journey of a lifetime
For nine incredible months, we navigated bustling markets in Asia, hiked to breathtaking Himalayan sunrises, and camped under the starry skies of New Zealand. We watched our boys trade their overflowing toy chests for a single backpack and discover that a pack of cards and a football could bring just as much joy. They learned to communicate without words with children from Germany, France, and Malaysia, discovering that a smile is a universal language.
It wasn’t always easy. There were long travel days, moments of homesickness, and times we asked ourselves, “What have we done?” But those challenges were part of the adventure. They taught us resilience and brought us closer together, strengthening our bond in ways we never could have imagined back home.
This journey changed us. It taught our children life lessons that no textbook ever could and gave us a treasure trove of memories that we’ll cherish forever. We want to share our story to show you that a trip like this is more than just a dream—it’s an achievable, life-altering adventure for any family willing to take the leap.