World Travel With Children

[cdm115]

I've only just been introduced to your podcasts by Kyliemac, so I don't know much about you or your family, but am learning.  What you've suggested sounds like a really great idea and something that could be great for your family.  I come from a family where a family vacation was going a couple hours to Amish Country (in PA) and I lived in the same house until I went to college and returned there on and off until I bought my own place.  My parents still live there and probably will until they die.  What you've suggested is something I would love to do for myself one day. 

It seems that ever since listening to your podcast I keep finding different things about traveling with children.  You might be interested in the blog:  http://www.sixintheworld.com/

But the more interesting thing that I ran across was an interview that Rick Steves did on his radio show and is part of his podcast series  http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/a-brilliant-teacher-around-the-world-southern-california-sidetrips/15750523.  It's with a couple that traveled the world for 8 months with their three children who were about the age that your children will be when you would take this adventure.  What impressed me the most was the oldest daughter who really seemed to get so much out of it, it was obviously a life altering trip for her.  To listen to her you would think that every child should have this experience. 

[Cliff Ravenscraft]

I've only just been introduced to your podcasts by Kyliemac, so I don't know much about you or your family, but am learning.  What you've suggested sounds like a really great idea and something that could be great for your family.  I come from a family where a family vacation was going a couple hours to Amish Country (in PA) and I lived in the same house until I went to college and returned there on and off until I bought my own place.  My parents still live there and probably will until they die.  What you've suggested is something I would love to do for myself one day. 

It seems that ever since listening to your podcast I keep finding different things about traveling with children.  You might be interested in the blog:  http://www.sixintheworld.com/

But the more interesting thing that I ran across was an interview that Rick Steves did on his radio show and is part of his podcast series  http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/a-brilliant-teacher-around-the-world-southern-california-sidetrips/15750523.  It's with a couple that traveled the world for 8 months with their three children who were about the age that your children will be when you would take this adventure.  What impressed me the most was the oldest daughter who really seemed to get so much out of it, it was obviously a life altering trip for her.  To listen to her you would think that every child should have this experience. 

Wow... I'm only just returning from vacation... thought after reading your post here, I can tell you that I am very eager to check out these resources...

Thank you sooo much!

Cliff

[ProfessorAlan]

Just listened to #51, and I'm sure I am contrbuted some of the comments that you two weren't happy to have.

Sorry about that, I misunderstood what you wanted.  We have different definitions of "community." It happens.

My bad.

[Cliff Ravenscraft]

Just listened to #51, and I'm sure I am contrbuted some of the comments that you two weren't happy to have.

Sorry about that, I misunderstood what you wanted.  We have different definitions of "community." It happens.

My bad.

Professor Allen,

I've not gone back and listened to this episode since we've recorded it.  However, I can assure you that we very much asked for exactly what we've received..  That is, honest feedback to the thought of World Travel with children.  For this, we have been very happy to have received what we asked for.

Everyone in this thread has given just that, their honest thoughts and opinions on the subject...  I never once thought that I would like or be happy with every response.

On the contrary... True community is where you are in relationship with others who are not afraid to tell you things that you don't want to hear when they feel it is something that you need to hear.


It was not our intention to offend you or anyone else who either seem opposed to World Travel with children or those who are simply throwing out some serious issues to consider in the matter. 

If I've or We've done that in episode 51 of FFTH, please accept my apology... 


Cliff

[ProfessorAlan]

No need to apologize, I've been around here long enough to know the ground rules. I am in a number of online communities and know that each one has its own "unwritten rules," if you will.

It's like my job. Each professor has their own standards/policies for conduct in the classroom. What it acceptable in my class may not be acceptable in another's class. It is the student's responsibility to behave appropriately for that professor.

In that analogy, I am obviously the student, and applied the standards of a different classroom to this one. And I'm not even a "top-level" member here -- as a "minus" member, I shouldn't get the benefit of the doubt.

[Cliff Ravenscraft]

No need to apologize, I've been around here long enough to know the ground rules. I am in a number of online communities and know that each one has its own "unwritten rules," if you will.

It's like my job. Each professor has their own standards/policies for conduct in the classroom. What it acceptable in my class may not be acceptable in another's class. It is the student's responsibility to behave appropriately for that professor.

In that analogy, I am obviously the student, and applied the standards of a different classroom to this one. And I'm not even a "top-level" member here -- as a "minus" member, I shouldn't get the benefit of the doubt.

I'm sensing some bitterness in your words.  I know that written text can be interpreted in a number of ways.  Though here, when I read the words quoted above, I get the feeling that you're not all together happy with the way things have been or are being handled here at gspn.tv.

If I'm only reading into your words, something that was not intended, again... I apologize..  Though, if I'm correct, and you feel that you want to share with me, feel free to email me at Cliff@Ravenscraft.org.

I personally don't make a mental note to treat anyone as a "minus member." I value anyone who has taken the time to listen to our shows, leave feedback, post in the forums, etc, etc..

I have gone out of my way to make sure everyone who has wanted to become a Plus Member can achieve that status. 

If anyone feels that they are treated as "less than" as a result of not being a "Plus Member" then I encourage them to email me and share their thoughts.

[ProfessorAlan]

Maybe that last one was a little harsher than I intended, but I stand by the core points.

But I will take you up later on the offer to email you, and take this off the boards.

[christienicole]

I just finished reading "One Year off: Leaving it all behind for a round-the world journey with our children" by David Elliot Cohen (I think someone else on the forums recommended it). I'd highly recommend you read it cliff, just to get an idea f how kids react to this. While this family had a rocky first couple moths (that's to be expected when you have to be together 24/7). He also talks a bit about how long it took to get things ready for the trip which would be good info to know. Also, they went and lived in Australia for 5 months and at that time (over 10 yrs ago), foreign children could attend school free there for 3 months. Not sure if that's still the case, but it might be something interesting to look into.

While, yes it may be a hard transition for the kids when they get back, I think the great experiences they have on the trip will be worth it, and will be something they will thank you for for the rest of their lives.

I'm looking forward to seeing how things turn out.

[Cliff Ravenscraft]

I just finished reading "One Year off: Leaving it all behind for a round-the world journey with our children" by David Elliot Cohen (I think someone else on the forums recommended it). I'd highly recommend you read it cliff, just to get an idea f how kids react to this. While this family had a rocky first couple moths (that's to be expected when you have to be together 24/7). He also talks a bit about how long it took to get things ready for the trip which would be good info to know. Also, they went and lived in Australia for 5 months and at that time (over 10 yrs ago), foreign children could attend school free there for 3 months. Not sure if that's still the case, but it might be something interesting to look into.

While, yes it may be a hard transition for the kids when they get back, I think the great experiences they have on the trip will be worth it, and will be something they will thank you for for the rest of their lives.

I'm looking forward to seeing how things turn out.

Thanks so much.

We just got back from vacation and hadn't thought much more about it since we recorded episode 051.... But that's because we were just preoccupied with being on vacation, relaxing, and now reorienting ourselves back into post vacation transition..

I'm certain that I'll read this book as soon as I'm ready to take that next step into looking into this.

Thanks again for sharing!

[kyliemac]

one of our friends here in paris just posted this link on twitter:
http://www.fromheretouncertainty.com/

it's a family of four who are selling everything and heading out on the road,
they are going to travel europe for a year. i won't unpack (HA HA!) their
whole story here, but if anyone is interested in more they should head over
to the site and check it out.

they haven't left yet, and have a countdown and are leaving june 22nd.
it could be interesting to follow their progress and see what happens along the way!

they also have a link to this site:
http://www.familiesontheroad.com/
which is, not surprisingly, about families on the road...

[Cliff Ravenscraft]

It's a family of four who are selling everything and heading out on the road,
they are going to travel europe for a year.

they also have a link to this site:
http://www.familiesontheroad.com/
which is, not surprisingly, about families on the road...

Kylie,

Thank you SOOOO MUCH for this... You talk about some valuable information that will be very helpful through this thought process.  When the dust settles from my return from this vacation, I'm definitely going to read up on what got them to where they are now and then follow their story.

I may even contact them, ask them to listen to FFTH 50 and 51 and see if they'll come on for an interview.  Perhaps even a check up on them every three months.

Who knows...  Either way.... This is exciting info... thank you again!

[GuitarGal]

Hi I would just like to voice my opinion on this topic. I think you should travell. I think that it would be an amazing experience for the kids. And although I have hated long distance moves, I have always loved the enviroment and meeting new people. Although I do think that you would have to stay there for longer than 6 months.

Or I could say I totally resent you if you travell the world unless you come to England. (Only joking)

I'd just like to say that whatever you choose I'll support you and I'm sure that many of the community will also stick by you.

  (it's totally true!)
 

[cdm115]

I finished reading A Brilliant Teacher a week or so ago and while I enjoyed it I wouldn't suggest that you run out and read it as your first book on world travel with children, mostly because they had a very different trip then you have in mind, there are probably better books out there for you.  What I did learn is that it is harder to screw up children then you think and left with hours of bordom they actually seem to do ok.  At one point somewhere in South America they refer to having a "Little House on the Prairie" experience, that reminded me of Sarah from Full Time Mom.  If you would like to take a look at anything in the book let me know I could scan some pages or photocopy them and send them to you.

I also found a website that might help you if you do plan to do this, it's Briefcase to Backpack - http://briefcasetobackpack.com/  It's really geared toward adult people (Americans) who are taking a gap year, but has a lot of advice on leaving your life behind for however long you decide to go and the issues that come up with it - at home and on the road.

[Cliff Ravenscraft]

I finished reading A Brilliant Teacher a week or so ago and while I enjoyed it I wouldn't suggest that you run out and read it as your first book on world travel with children, mostly because they had a very different trip then you have in mind, there are probably better books out there for you.  What I did learn is that it is harder to screw up children then you think and left with hours of bordom they actually seem to do ok.  At one point somewhere in South America they refer to having a "Little House on the Prairie" experience, that reminded me of Sarah from Full Time Mom.  If you would like to take a look at anything in the book let me know I could scan some pages or photocopy them and send them to you.

I also found a website that might help you if you do plan to do this, it's Briefcase to Backpack - http://briefcasetobackpack.com/  It's really geared toward adult people (Americans) who are taking a gap year, but has a lot of advice on leaving your life behind for however long you decide to go and the issues that come up with it - at home and on the road.

Wow.. excellent resources.. Thank you so much.

About the harder to screw your kids up than you think.. You know.. I tend to believe you.  I look back at some of the experiences that I had when I was a child.  My real father was an alcoholic and did lots of drugs.  I remember being in some weird places with him as a child....

Somehow, I survived all that.

I think with the amount of love, care, and concern that we have for the well being of our children, then I would have to agree with your statement there.

Thanks again for all the information in your post.

[Katrina aka Kitty19]

Hi, I am a little behind with podcasts and I heard the news on Family from the heart about your plans to travel and live in a country with your children.

Me and my husband are thinking of doing something similar. He is applying for Jobs in european countries epecially scadinavain ones and we would move there. Part of the excitment of the idea for me is the same as your; trying to be part of a community and learning their lanuage and culture.

You mentioned that you may stay 6 months in a place and move and then I heard you mention that you may find a base and then travel around Europe. My opinon is that 6 months would not be long enough to for any worthwhile connections in the area and I think also you would struggle to learn different lanuages every 6 months. I think it also may be hard on the kids to keep taking them away from friends they have made so often. I think a base would be a great idea.

Me and my husband are planning to have children when we move to a different country. Many of my friends think I am mad because they say without family support it is hard to bring up children. I wonder what other people in the forum think about your children not seeing there family (i.e grandparents regularly) and not getting their childcare experience? I feel even though grandparents are a great gift, that living your life and expeincing challlenges together as a immediate family unit is a gift as well. I think widening your children experiences is also important.

I hope your dream around world travel with children is developing. If you come to England we will have to meet up, there would always be a bed here or where ever I was living.

Love Katrina xxx.