how to travel for 6 months (or longer!) Stephanie Langford & Tsh Oxenreider
links: theartofsimple.net/travelresources
Why travel longer? • cheaper than multiple shorter trips • logistics are easier in one chunk • better cross-cultural immersion • longer journey has deeper impact • easier to acclimate to travel lifestyle - hardships get easier
Why travel with kids? • fun doesn’t end when you become a parent • early global exposure forms a healthy worldview (= good parenting) • kids open doors in many cultures • they’re not a burden in life; they’re a joy • unparalleled educational benefits • develop your family culture and create memories together
Our personal favorites - Tsh • Hong Kong • Thailand • Italy • New Zealand • Croatia • Kenya • Bavaria • Zimbabwe
Italy Germany
New Zealand Thailand
Our personal favorites - Stephanie • France • Australia • Argentina • Jordan • Rwanda • Cambodia • Turkey • Japan
Australia France
Jordan Japan
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The true key to affordable long-term travel cut expenses back home + earn as you travel + live frugally on the road = long term travel
Ways to earn money as you go work remotely with your current job ● run an online business ● teach English (school, conversation classes, private tutoring, etc.) ● au pair/nanny for a family ● seasonal work - waitressing, bartending, construction, hotel or resort ● work farm hand ● work as a consultant in your field of expertise ● freelance work (graphics, writing, coding, etc.) ●
Ways to save money in advance • cut down on recreational spending (fancy coffee, concerts, eating out, cable tv, etc.) • declutter and sell your stuff • tax returns, overtime hours, work bonuses, etc. • temporary part-time or seasonal jobs • simplify Christmas and birthdays (save the $ instead)
Ways to save money on the road • sprint through expensive countries; linger in cheaper countries • rent apartments or houses (Airbnb) • cook for yourself (and eat like the locals) • avoid group or guided tours - stick to self tours • spend more time just being and exploring instead of tourist activities • travel off-season
Ways to manage money on the road • online banking and debit cards • say no to traveler’s cheques or exchanging money in advance • use apps for tracking expenses • have multiple cards and multiple accounts as backups • add a family member to account (power of attorney) • carry it safely (and split it up)
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Planning • five stages of planning and preparation • how much time do you need? • how we planned our trips • travel insurance • a checklist for you
Packing • backpacks - buy early, practice • capsule wardrobes for adults & kids • try to look nice/culturally appropriate • you can always buy more on the road; harder to get rid of excess • tech and work stuff - take only what you need (laptop, camera, phone) • toys - kids don’t need much, they’ll make a toy out of anything
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Worldschooling • not the same as homeschooling • less is more; use where you are as the ultimate field trip • for younger kids, stick to the basics • look at your trip as a whole; don’t get lost in the day to day • they’ll be okay!
Worldschooling: reading, writing, math • use e-readers synced to your local library • read books based on your location • keep a personal journal of your travels - writing practice AND the best unique souvenir • bring simple handwriting curriculum to keep up practice • stick to math curriculum that works for you - open & go is best
Worldschooling: other stuff • sketchbooks for drawing • Story of the World (history audiobook) • games for math practice (UNO, dice, etc.) • iPad apps for practice; YouTube for answers to the day’s questions • museum scavenger hunts & guides
Personal growth & relationships: our experience • you’re together all the time (good and bad thing) • little to no babysitting for adult time • travel brings out the worst in people • marriage issues already there bubble to the surface • you question your cultural assumptions (theology, etc.)
Personal growth & relationships: what you might expect • in stress, the hard aspects of relationships will surface • prepare in advance for relational support - when it gets hard, who will you go to? What will you do? • create strategies with your kids for when they feel homesick • culture shock doesn’t happen just once; it’s a constant ebb and flow • your trip might disappoint you
Personal growth & relationships: “landing the plane” well • benefits of debriefing - don’t skip this part! • logistical craziness of re-entry (housing, vehicles, etc.) • not everyone will care or understand; find those who will • expect your kids to be as out of sorts as you are
Q&A
where to find us... Stephanie Langford: Tsh Oxenreider • entrefamily.com • theartofsimple.net • ultimate-bundles.com • thesimpleshow.com • IG: @entresteph • IG: @tshoxenreider • Twitter: @tsh theartofsimple.net/travelresources
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