Would You Take Your Child Out of School to Travel the World?
Our honest plan for learning while traveling — from two parents, one of whom actually teaches for a living
“Wait, so… you’re just taking them out of school?”
If you’ve ever mentioned extended family travel to someone, you’ve probably heard it:
“But what about school?”
It’s the question we get the most (right after “Are you rich?” — spoiler alert: no).
And to be totally honest, it’s the question we asked ourselves the most too.
We’re not anti-school. Our kids have had lovely teachers, sweet classmates, and great learning environments.
But as we started planning this year abroad, we began to wonder:
Could our kids learn just as much, maybe more by experiencing the world firsthand?
This post is our honest plan. We’re still a few months away from leaving, and we’re figuring it out as we go. But here’s how we’re thinking about learning, curriculum, worldschooling, and how to raise curious kids on the road.
We’ll stay flexible. Some days will be all adventure, some might look more like a regular school day. Some will be “snack and Netflix” days — and that’s okay too.
Why This Feels Like the Right Time
Our kids are still in primary school, young enough to be flexible, old enough to remember what we do.
We knew if we were going to try something this different, now was our window. Before exams, before rigid school schedules, before the teen years kick in.
And honestly?
We want more time together. Less rushing. More space for curiosity. And more room to learn through life, not just through textbooks.
The Teacher Advantage (and Reality Check)
One thing we’re really lucky to have?
Tania is an English teacher.
That means we’re not going into this completely blind but also, we’re not planning to turn travel into school-at-home either. We’re looking at this year as a chance to:
Guide our kids through key literacy and numeracy skills
Build a rhythm that works for our family (not a national curriculum)
Lean into project-based, curiosity-led learning
She’s the calm, curriculum-savvy one. I’m more likely to yell “Let’s count empanadas for math!”
Together? We’ve got it covered. Probably.
What Our Worldschooling Plan Actually Looks Like
We’re calling it “light structure, lots of learning.”
Here’s what we’re thinking:
| Subject | How We’ll Cover It |
|---|---|
| Maths: | Currency conversions, budgeting, maps, cooking together |
| Literacy: | Daily journaling, travel blog entries, bedtime reading |
| Science: | Nature hikes, wildlife spotting, eco-tours, hands-on |
| History & Culture: | Museums, local stories, guided tours, cooking classes |
| Spanish: | TalkBox.Mom, Dreaming Spanish, real conversations in cafes and markets |
We’re also collecting resources now:
A few workbooks, a Kindle library, learning games, and yes — some backup videos for those long travel days.
Plus with Tania being a Teacher and the both of being creatives, expect some digital prinatble learning resources to come soon.
The “Structure” Side of Things
We’re not creating a rigid timetable. But we do want our days to have rhythm — for everyone’s sanity.
Our plan right now:
Mornings for light learning: journal writing, language, reading
Afternoons for exploring: museums, tours, wandering
Evenings for wind-down and reflection
We’ll stay flexible. Some days will be all adventure, some might look more like a regular school day. Some will be “snack and Netflix” days — and that’s okay too.
How the Kids Feel About It
@travelventurefour Find out why 👇 POV: No school for a year. No packed lunches. No morning rush. No “where’s your other shoe?” at 8:17am. Just two kids… Living their best life. Learning Spanish. Climbing trees. Probably forgetting how to hold a pencil — but gaining something way bigger. We’re not anti-school. We’re just pro-adventure. And this year? School looks a little different. 😎 👉 Follow for the chaos, the lessons, and the questionable parenting decisions we’re fully leaning into. #familytravel #fyp #parenting #travellingwithkids #dadlife #traveltiktok #noschool #familyadventuretravelfamily ♬ Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.) - Coolio
This one’s big. Because if they’re miserable, it’s not worth it.
So far, they’re excited.
Our 5-year-old is mostly focused on “What kind of animals will we see?”
Our 7-year-old keeps asking, “Do we still have to do math though?”
Short answer: yes. Long answer: but we’ll make it fun.
We’ve been involving them in planning, choosing places, learning simple Spanish together, packing their travel notebooks. And we’re being honest: this will be fun and different.
What We’re Hoping They’ll Take From It
This year isn’t about keeping up with a curriculum.
It’s about learning to be flexible, curious, patient, resourceful.
To connect with people. To ask questions. To try and fail and try again, in two languages.
If they come back knowing a bit more maths and geography, great.
If they come back more confident, compassionate, and engaged in the world? That’s the real win.
Final Thoughts: We’re Not Experts — Just Parents Who Care
We’re still figuring this out. We’re making plans, testing ideas, and fully expecting to adjust as we go.
We don’t think this is the “right” choice for everyone. But for us, right now?
It feels like the best way to learn together
Related Reads:
- Why We Took Our Kids Out of School to Travel the World
- Learning Spanish for Travel: A Family Guide
- How do Kids Stay Socialised While Travelling Long-term
