What Does Our Family Think About Us Traveling Full-Time?

What Does Our Family Think About Us Traveling Full-Time?

Deciding to live a life of full-time travel is a bold move that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. It’s not just us as travelers who are affected, but also the family members who remain at home. This blog post delves into the perspectives of our family on our decision to travel full-time, discussing their concerns, the benefits they see, and how we all maintain our relationships despite the physical distance.

Initial Reactions | Balancing Excitement and Concern

When we first announced our decision to embrace a full-time travel lifestyle, our family’s reactions were mixed. Naturally, there were concerns about the reduced time we’d spend together and the impact it might have on our relationships, especially for my son, who was just a year old. The idea of being physically distant from us and their grandchild was a significant worry, as family connections are deeply valued. There was also concern about the safety of traveling, particularly in unfamiliar or potentially risky regions.

Although our families have traveled, most of their trips were to popular vacation destinations or related to military service. Their opinions about some of the locations we planned to visit were shaped by the media and stories they had heard. Despite our reassurances that news often highlights the worst, their worries persisted.

However, alongside these concerns was a strong undercurrent of support. Our family recognized the courage it takes to step away from the conventional path and pursue a life driven by adventure and exploration. They admired our willingness to take risks and live out our dreams, even if it meant seeing each other less often. As a former military family, we were familiar with living apart and maintaining relationships. Additionally, my husband and I had achieved the typical American dream but felt it was lacking. We wanted more, and our family understood this because they had likely felt the same at some point in their lives.

The Appeal of Full-Time Travel | Would They Join Us?

While our family members and friends generally appreciate the adventurous spirit of full-time travel, their willingness to join us varies. Some are intrigued by the idea and express interest in participating in certain aspects of our journey. However, there are definitely reservations about the mode of travel and the physical demands that come with it. For example, traveling by bus across countries with rugged terrain or less-developed infrastructure is a hard no for our parents and most of our family and friends. While we were excited for the adventure, it wasn’t something that appealed to everyone.

Despite these hesitations, there’s an understanding that full-time travel can be tailored to different preferences. Traveling together in more comfortable settings, such as caravans or vans, is seen as a more appealing option that could allow us to share some of our experiences with family members. Our family and friends often pick and choose the locations they want to visit, meeting us in destinations like Medellín or Playa del Carmen. Even though we travel full-time in ways that aren’t always appealing to others, we almost always find a solution that makes everyone happy when they visit. Plus, their costs are lower, as we typically rent a house for a month or more at a time.

Concerns About Our Lifestyle | Addressing Safety and Security

Safety is a natural concern for all families when loved ones decide to travel full-time, especially with children involved. Our family expressed worries about potential dangers in different parts of the world. The idea of our child being vulnerable in unfamiliar environments was particularly concerning. However, our parents understand that much of their fear stems from preconceived notions. As we continue to travel and share the positive experiences and relationships we build with locals, their concerns have lessened.

We’ve reassured our family that our experiences have been overwhelmingly positive. Most of the people we’ve encountered have been welcoming and kind, and we take every precaution to ensure our safety. They know that nobody cares more about our son’s safety than we do. My husband conducts thorough research before visiting less-traveled areas, and we understand the factors that make certain locations more risky than others. We rarely explore after dark and always secure safe accommodations. While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks, careful planning and awareness have helped us manage these concerns effectively.

Impact on Family Relationships | Staying Connected Across Distances

One of the biggest challenges of full-time travel is the impact it has on family relationships. Being physically distant means fewer in-person interactions, which can strain relationships over time. Our family has expressed a longing for more regular visits and spending more time with our child, their grandchild.

Despite the distance, we’ve found ways to maintain strong connections. Technology plays a crucial role in this, with video calls and social media allowing us to stay in touch regularly. These tools help bridge the gap, enabling our family to remain an active part of our lives even when we’re on the other side of the world. For almost four years, my son’s grandparents have been reading him bedtime stories through video calls, even when we’re in remote areas with limited service.

Weighing the Pros and Cons | The Benefits of Full-Time Travel

Our discussions with family often revolve around weighing the benefits of full-time travel against the challenges. While living out of a suitcase and constantly moving is difficult, the benefits of this lifestyle are significant.

Our family recognizes the unique experiences we’re gaining—experiences that are difficult to replicate in a more conventional lifestyle. The opportunity to explore diverse cultures, witness stunning landscapes, and engage with people from all walks of life is invaluable for us and our son. They’ve seen the positive impact this lifestyle has had on our child, who is growing up with a broad worldview and an open mind.

The Educational Impact on Our Child | Learning Through Experience

One of the greatest benefits of full-time travel is the impact it has on our son’s education. Our family has noticed that he’s gaining a unique education that goes beyond traditional schooling. He learns through real-world experiences, engages with different cultures, and develops valuable life skills.

While there are concerns about the potential lack of social interaction with peers who speak the same language, these are outweighed by the benefits of experiential learning. Our family sees the value in allowing our child to explore the world and learn in a way that is tailored to his interests and needs. They’ve witnessed him forming lasting friendships with children worldwide, like his best friend from Panama, and understand how these relationships contribute to his growth.

Understanding and Acceptance | Embracing Our Lifestyle Choices

Over time, our family has come to understand and accept our decision to travel full-time. While this lifestyle may not be for everyone, they appreciate the freedom and adventure it offers. They recognize that each person must find their own path, and our choice to live a nomadic lifestyle is simply one way to experience life.

This acceptance has led to a deeper respect for our choices. Our family understands that pursuing full-time travel requires a certain mindset, and it’s important to support loved ones in following their dreams, even when those dreams differ from their own.

Staying Connected While on the Road | Tips and Tools

Maintaining strong family connections while traveling full-time is essential, and we’ve developed strategies to keep these relationships strong. Technology, particularly video calls, has been invaluable in helping us stay connected. These regular interactions allow us to share our experiences and keep our family involved in our journey.

Sharing photos and updates through social media and private family albums has also helped keep our family engaged. These tools allow them to experience our travels vicariously and feel connected to our adventures. It also provides peace of mind for my dad, as he can monitor our location and ensure we’re safe, especially when we’re in less desirable areas.

Advice for Families Considering Full-Time Travel

For families considering full-time travel, it’s important to carefully plan and budget for the lifestyle. Managing finances is one of the biggest challenges, but with proper planning, it’s possible to make it work.

It’s also essential to approach this lifestyle with the right mindset. Family members should prioritize maintaining strong relationships, even from a distance, and embrace the adventure. Being open to new experiences and challenges is key to making the most of full-time travel.

Reflecting on Our Decision | Pride and Moving Forward

Our family has expressed pride in our decision to pursue full-time travel, recognizing the courage it takes to leave behind a conventional life and embrace the unknown. This pride stems from the unique experiences we’ve gained and the personal growth we’ve achieved.

As we continue our travels, we’re grateful for the support and understanding of our family. Their encouragement makes it possible for us to live our dream, even when we’re miles apart. For other families considering a similar path, our advice is simple: follow your heart, stay connected, and embrace the adventure.

Hi! I'm

Mom, entrepreneur, and full-time nomad, looking to spark a love for adventure in families by sharing our wild and wonderful journey as full-time nomads. Through down-to-earth travel guides, relatable stories, and handy tips, I want to build a community that’s excited to pack up, hit the road, and explore the world together—with kids in tow or not. Thanks for reading!