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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To just up and leave and go travelling with dh and dc for a few years?

49 replies

Youmadorwhat · 03/07/2019 18:57

How hard would it be? What would we need to do? Or in theory can we just “go”! Dc are 4 and 6!?? Anyone here done it??

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Original poster
Youmadorwhat · 03/07/2019 19:40

@user87382294757 I did think of that but then we would have to clear it out of personal stuff as such and also manage that from abroad (unless I asked a family member to manage on our behalf??) I just feel like that could get messy 😬

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user87382294757 · 03/07/2019 19:42

Put it in storage?

user87382294757 · 03/07/2019 19:42

Or the loft?

Original poster
Youmadorwhat · 03/07/2019 19:43

@Way0ftheW0rld we don’t live in the uk no council tax here. There’s a threshold here in Ireland for renting out properties do I suppose if we didn’t exceed that?? 🤔

Haven’t thought of a “per day” budget yet but thanks for pointing that out!! Off I go to think some more 😬

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user87382294757 · 03/07/2019 19:43

Also there are rental companies which manage that stuff for you, you just pay them a bit of it I think. Air bnb now even does such a service replenishing towels cleaning and the like

Original poster
Youmadorwhat · 03/07/2019 19:44

@user87382294757 thanks I will look into it!!

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Notcontent · 03/07/2019 19:46

The other thing to consider is that while some children really enjoy this kind of experience, others do not - because some children really need routine, familiar things around them, etc.

TraLaLaaaaa · 03/07/2019 19:46

Great idea. I'm planning on doing a big trip with my son when he's around 10.

If you've got the money for it, I really think you can just go! Grin

Original poster
Youmadorwhat · 03/07/2019 19:50

@Notcontent this!! Yes I do wonder BUT I must say anytime we travel (smaller holidays etc) they just seem to get on with it, although I am under no illusions that there will be hard days! 😂😂 they do love an adventure!!

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fraxion · 03/07/2019 20:00

Check out this family that did it for 13 months, it's a very comprehensive blog with a lot of great information www.earthtrekkers.com/. Be prepared to have a good stash of cash behind you!

Original poster
Youmadorwhat · 03/07/2019 20:03

@fraxion thank you very much I will definitely take a look!! Lots of research to do!!

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Original poster
Youmadorwhat · 03/07/2019 20:15

@TraLaLaaaaa I was thinking of waiting until they were about that age but I’m getting afraid that they won’t WANT to come then 😭 and we would have to wait until after they are finished secondary school then I think 🤔

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Hmmmbop · 03/07/2019 20:21

Do it! This is my dream, but DH won't give up his job.

Original poster
Youmadorwhat · 03/07/2019 20:31

@Hmmmbop this is one issue too! I would need to get approval for a career break from my job (teacher). Dh has no issue giving up his job as he can’t take career break as such but he reckons he would be able to find another when we returned.

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Kashali · 03/07/2019 20:43

I think it's an amazing opportunity.
We mostly covered the UK as we were looking what area to move to and could live anywhere.
When we went to Europe it was more for holidays, sightseeing, hobbies, interests and education.
It can be scary if the kids get ill, although most illness don't necessarily need a doctor.
Do check weight, height and that you are within the law, that does change occasionally.
We lived in the van and didn't need hostels or hotels etc. I know some people like their privacy though, so it would be no good for them.

TraLaLaaaaa · 03/07/2019 20:45

Youmad I had a similar wobble (re my DS not wanting to go) just today. He's currently only 6 and is very excited about the idea of it. But he might change his mind when he's older and has close friendships, hobbies that he's committed to, realises he'll miss out on various Y6 stuff, etc. etc. Realistically though, I doubt we'll be able to afford more than 3-4 months away, so it's not quite the same as going off for a year or two.

Original poster
Youmadorwhat · 03/07/2019 21:05

@Kashali sounds great to be honest I think starting off here in Ireland might be a good start as a trial! Thanks for the idea/inspiration!!

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HeronLanyon · 03/07/2019 21:15

I travelled for 3/4 months several years when a child. In camper van. Through Europe into Syria and down into Egypt when politics allowed. Involved lots of camping - sometimes in winter/cold. As a child I loved it and have been enriched throughout my life by it. My parents loved it. We didn’t have much money and lived on savings from the rest of the year and short rentals of our house. Not quite what you are planning but go for it if it makes sense.

Original poster
Youmadorwhat · 03/07/2019 21:18

@HeronLanyon sounds great that’s the kind of memories and experiences I would love my two to have. 💕💕

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geekone · 03/07/2019 21:20

Do it! Get a camper van and leave. I met a family who did this when in a campsite in Barcelona, they did it for a year and a half. Their child was 9 when they got back and what he got travelling was worth a lot more than school. He was of course home schooled during and he has caught up since.

Fantastic experience, I wish it was something I could have done.

wendyoz · 03/07/2019 23:53

Hi, I have travelled with my children since they were babies. They have visited over 30 countries and have lived in 5.
It has been a positive experience but with a few drawbacks. Things to consider are:
Timing - younger children like simple things such as beaches and animals so it can get repetitive for the parents. I think the best ages for travel are between 8 -12yrs old. There is no impact on their education and they enjoy/remember the experiences more.
Insurance is key if you are away for more than 3 months at a time - Nomads are a good option
Money - it can be expensive if you are away for a long time in developed countries. SE Asia tends to offer more bang for your buck. It takes a lot of planning to make it educational but fun. We encouraged the boys to help plan/research the trips - i.e. each coming up with a top ten wish list for each country and the reasons why. It kept them engaged.
Buy a small van for touring Europe (be mechanically aware) add a pup tent for the parents so you will be mobile in ancient hilltop towns but still comfortable.
In Australia and NZ I would consider buying a big car preferably 4WD to access off the beaten track.
We sourced the local Gumtree for our 2nd hand cars and toys - eg bikes, surf boards etc.

My boys are now 14 and 16 so are in back full time education - there has been no negative effect on their academic achievements.
My concerns are they are rootless - they have many friends but no real close kinships and are eyeing up universities in different hemispheres which will make it harder to stay connected as a family. Good luck, it's worth doing if you can afford it.

Original poster
Youmadorwhat · 04/07/2019 08:18

@wendyoz wow that’s a very helpful post thank you.
My husband is an engineer so that is covered and he is extremely hands on etc.
I will look Into all of your suggestions thank you!!

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kramburd26 · 04/07/2019 08:28

The Greek island of Antikythera which is close to Crete is paying families to go and live there ...

Original poster
Youmadorwhat · 04/07/2019 08:41

@kramburd26 ooooh sounds lovely 😊

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