Families That Did the Unthinkable
Who hasn’t dreamed of abandoning everything and embarking on an adventure overseas like in *Eat Pray Love*? For many, however, reality quickly intervenes: children to care for, pets to tend to, and bills to manage. Yet, for a select group of adventurous families, a love for travel doesn’t interfere with everyday life but is at the very core of it, with some spending years exploring on land or at sea. Get ready for some inspiration!
The Gifford Family
Embracing the nautical lifestyle
Upon connecting with Behan Gifford, she was navigating the 32 islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “Can I touch base later?” she inquired, explaining they might lack internet access for a week.
Since 2008, Behan, her husband Jamie, and their three children have been sailing across the globe. “We initially thought we’d be gone for two to five years when we left Seattle,” Gifford reminisces. Back then, their kids were just four, six, and nine years old. “It’s hard to believe we’ve entered our tenth year with no end in sight!”
While they enjoyed traditional successes back home, Gifford and Jamie sought a life more in tune with nature, one that embraced minimalism while harmonizing with their family duties.
“We explored various ways to simplify our lives but always circled back to living on a boat,” Gifford shares. “A boat is the ultimate vehicle for far-reaching adventures.”
Their travels are defined by spontaneity, often adjusting locations to breeze past hurricanes. “Plans shift frequently,” she remarks. “You can choose a date or a destination, but not both!”
This lifestyle has imparted valuable lessons about adaptability, both as travelers and as parents. Education is a prime example. “I never intended to homeschool, but it became essential,” Gifford states. Their life at sea has turned into a unique educational experience.
“Our children’s insights stem from lived experiences instead of the media,” she articulates. “They have actively listened to island residents in Papua New Guinea share how their homes are sold for resource extraction. They’re adept at recognizing vibrant reef ecosystems versus those damaged by overfishing or environmental changes. They appreciate how fortunate they are regarding life choices and their ability to shape their paths—a priceless education.”
Discover more about the Giffords’ nautical journeys: sailingtotem.com
The Kosman Family
Creating memories from Hong Kong to Costa Rica
Charles and Micki Kosman call Canada home, though they spend little time there. Since 2003, they have explored more than 40 countries.
Although they made adjustments—switching from budget hostels and unreliable buses to more standard forms of accommodation and transport—their adventures continued post-children. “We knew having kids would complicate things, but after meeting so many families on the move, we were determined to keep traveling,” Micki explains.
They embarked on an 800-mile road trip with their son when he was just three weeks old. By age two, he had traveled widely across North America and visited locations like Cuba, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. “People often think traveling with kids is overwhelming,” she states. “In my experience, that’s simply not true.”
Now with a teenage son and a younger daughter, Kosman reflects on their recent trip: “We spent ten days in the Galapagos, swimming with turtles, sharks, and sea lions.”
These travels have gifted the children cherished memories across continents. “Our son still talks about his boogie boarding experiences in Costa Rica,” Kosman recalls.
Learn more about the Kosmans’ escapades: thebarefootnomad.com
The Jones Family
Building a community of explorers
Libryia Jones always had a desire to explore the world, but obstacles kept cropping up. She once received an offer for a year-long internship in China, but was barred from taking her daughter. She also applied for a program that facilitated year-long travel, which prohibited children.
“I grew weary of being thwarted in my dream,” she reflects. Taking matters into her own hands, she co-founded Wandering Moms with a friend. This community has grown to include over 10,000 women, most of whom are single mothers.
“These mothers are literally giving their children the globe!” Jones enthuses.
In addition, she launched an immersive program called “My Wander Year.” Participants relocate to four different locales for three months at a time, recently including the Czech Republic, Thailand, South Africa, and Colombia.
Jones challenges the idea that children can only find stability in a traditional North American setting. “Stability comes from the parent, not location,” she maintains. “In fact, they can be thriving with a routine that shifts from typical activities like school and homework to globetrotting every few months.”
Traveling with a teenager has its unique hurdles, such as providing social connections and autonomy. “I made sure my daughter joined soccer teams in each new locale,” she explains. “Being with girls her age has been invaluable.”
Additionally, safety has been relatively straightforward. “In many countries, the environment is safer than some North American cities. My daughter rode trams solo in Prague and used rideshare applications in Thailand to get to practice,” Jones shares.
Of course, education is a consideration with older children. Jones emphasizes researching your options: “From homeschool curricula to unschooling, and even virtual schooling options,” she notes.
Despite the challenges, the advantages far outweigh them. “You transform theoretical lessons into tangible experiences,” states Jones. Two of her daughter’s most unforgettable moments include visiting Anne Frank’s secret annex and standing at the location where Nelson Mandela delivered his first speech following his release from prison.
“At any time in your life, you can elect the life you wish to lead,” Jones asserts. “Children shouldn’t be seen as barriers. Instead, they can act as a motivating force. Do you want to instill the belief that they can pursue any dream? What better way to teach that than through personal example?”
Learn more about Jones and her journey: wanderistlife.com
