Have you ever thought about leaving your daily routine behind and embracing a life of travel? Are you a parent or a single parent dreaming of taking your kids on the road for a life of adventure and new experiences? Well, you’re not alone! A recent study by AXA revealed that a third of UK workers interviewed would consider a nomadic lifestyle with their families.
Needless to say, transitioning from the traditional 9 to 5 to a nomadic lifestyle takes some planning. So, before you pack your bags and start life as a modern nomadic family, read our top tips on preparing for the adventure of a lifetime!
Selling Your Personal Belongings
Parting with personal belongings can be incredibly challenging for some, and parents in particular, so sit down early on and decide which items have sentimental value and which ones are just practical and not needed for your new life as a nomadic family. Of course, some things can be put into storage, but that can be expensive, and you need to ask yourself if items that are packed away now will ever be truly needed again. Paring down will save money on storage costs and add to your travel fund.
Start with larger items that you can’t or won’t be taking with you, such as furniture or your car. If you are starting your road trip from home, you will likely need a more suitable mode of transport, such as a campervan. If you are going abroad, you might start your trip by plane and rent or buy a vehicle more suited to road trips with kids later. Take the time to research the best ways to sell your car without hassle to get the best possible deal with minimal effort.
If you’re planning to adopt a nomadic lifestyle on a more permanent basis, you might want to consider selling your home. Just make sure to leave plenty of time to do so before you’re planning to hit the road. If this feels a little drastic, rent it out instead whilst you are testing out if nomadic parenting is for you. This way you’ll have a home to come back to and an income from your tenants in addition to any money you might make as a digital nomad.
When it comes to personal belongings, think carefully about what you’re happy to leave behind. You’re going to want to keep family photos, documents, and personal mementos, but do you really need the flat screen TV or your three winter coats when or if you return from your nomadic travels? If you decide you can live without them, upload them to Gumtree or eBay to top up your finances.
Planning Your Homeschool Routine
Taking your children out of full-time education to teach them yourself on the road may seem more than a little daunting, especially if you are a single parent solely responsible for their education. But, with some careful planning and access to the right resources, it can be an incredibly fulfilling experience.
Take your time to explore the different learning platforms available. Twinkl and BBC Bitesize have some great resources for primary and secondary school kids. You could also join forums to get to know other families who are homeschooling. You’ll be able to ask questions and get advice on the best methods to use which will make the transition that much easier. If you are worried about your children’s formal education, especially if they are at secondary level, you could enrol them in an online college, where learning materials are set for you and tutors are available to help your kids.
There are many different ways to homeschool your nomadic family. Whether you set aside certain times of the day to cover school material or prefer your kids to learn on the go, will depend on the type of nomadic lifestyle you lead, so be open-minded and ready to be flexible. The wonderful thing is that you have the freedom and the flexibility to adapt to your family’s needs and the places you visit.
Researching Nomadic Travel Destinations
Picking a destination at random and heading out on the open road might seem exciting, but you want to make sure that where you head is family friendly. Some cities and countries are better suited for children than others and will be more welcoming, especially if you’re just starting out on your nomadic life and might be travelling as a single parent.
Look for places that have good healthcare and Wi-Fi, as well as the right temporary accommodation or park-ups if you’re travelling in a van. You might also want to consider the type of experience you want to have. Whether you’re looking to explore natural wonders or delve into the history of a culture or country will have an impact on where you choose to visit.
Getting in touch with other nomadic families can be invaluable here. Many of them will have been there, done that, and be more than happy to pass on their advice. Reach out on social media, forums, or blogs to ask questions or clear up any doubts you might have about where to travel to. You never know; you might make some new friends and end up meeting up on the road.
Packing for a Nomadic Lifestyle
When it comes to deciding on what to take with you, it’s important to pack smart. You’ll likely have limited space and need to make the most of it, especially if you are planning on living on the road a lot of the time. Make sure you equip your vehicle with the right motor accessories for a long road trip to ensure you can fit as much as possible into the limited space and still be comfortable.
Choose clothing that is versatile and can be layered to help you be comfortable in all climates. You’ll also want decent footwear for you and your kids, especially if you’re planning on spending time in the great outdoors. When it comes to technology, it goes without saying that universal adaptor plugs and power banks are a must. You could also consider portable Wi-Fi routers if you’re heading somewhere with an unreliable internet connection or GPS luggage trackers to help you avoid losing your bags.
Another invaluable item is a comprehensive first aid kit to cover any bumps, insect bites, upset stomachs, and other general ailments that do not warrant a doctor’s visit. The contents of your kit may vary depending on where you’re travelling to, so pick up a basic model and adapt it to suit your needs.
Stay Safe and Secure
While travel is incredibly freeing, it’s also important to stay safe and secure. Always research your destination. Many countries are simply not safe for foreigners, and even less so for single female travellers, due to high crime rates, poverty, cartel crime, violence, political instability, war, terrorist activities, etc. You can be adventurous and enjoy a nomadic lifestyle but still keep your family safe by researching the places you travel to before you set off.
Finally, it’s equally important to keep your belongings safe on the road and ensure you have health insurance that covers you in every country you are visiting. Keep important documents in a secure, digital, and paper format, and always have a backup plan in case of emergencies. It’s a good idea to have emergency contacts and a list of local resources, such as doctors or embassies, handy, just in case.
Enjoy the Journey!
The most important tip of all—enjoy the journey! Yes, it may be challenging at times, especially if you are doing it solo, but it will also be full of amazing experiences that will shape both you and your children for years to come. Embrace the freedom, the learning, and the growth that comes with living a nomadic lifestyle with your children. Your journey may not always be easy, but it will undoubtedly be worth it.
