One family. 529 days. 21 countries. Countless memories.
It was a bright and sunny February morning when we left for the airport, our spirits soaring with anticipation. After years of dreaming and planning, it was time! We were finally beginning our world trip as a family, exploring new places, meeting new people, and stepping far outside our comfort zones.
We set off with four backpacks, one loosely plotted route, and an open mind.
Portugal: February 2022
We chose Portugal as our first stop on purpose. We wanted a few days to ease into this new lifestyle somewhere relatively familiar. Europe felt manageable, and Portugal was a gentle, welcoming entry point. We stayed in a coastal town outside of Lisbon, which offered an easy-going vibe, warm weather, and just enough comfort while we adjusted to the time change and the reality of being far from home. Plus, it was only a short flight from Morocco, our next big leap.
The excitement of starting our World Trip was almost too much. The boys barely slept on the redeye flight, and our youngest, Mason, arrived in Lisbon feeling nauseous, vomiting, and tearfully pleading to go home. It was a rough landing into our new life of travel. And it wasn’t a one-time thing either. We soon realized that long travel days, especially overnight flights, were challenging for him. Managing motion sickness and exhaustion would become part of our journey.
But we worked through the exhaustion and homesickness, and quickly fell for Portugal’s old-world charm, sweeping coastline, and delicious pastel de nata. The boys chased waves in Costa da Caparica, climbed castles in Sintra, and adjusted to this strange new idea of “world schooling.”
Morocco: March 2022
To say our first month of travel was challenging is an understatement.
We landed in Marrakech full of excitement, ready to start a month-long road trip across the country. But within minutes, we hit our first snag: the rental car we’d booked was too small to hold all our luggage. Not ideal when you’re planning to live out of your car for four weeks. With no upgrades available, we pushed on, only to arrive at the Medina and find the car was too large to navigate the narrow maze of streets. We felt like total amateurs!
Being our first stop, we were very budget-focused, choosing mostly low-cost or free activities and modest accommodations. What we hadn’t expected was how cold Morocco would be in winter. Most places had no central heating, and we often found ourselves bundled up in the evenings, longing for warmth. To top it all off, our youngest was hit hard by illness. After our first day in Marrakech, he came down with the worst case of food poisoning I’ve ever seen. Then, less than two weeks later, he caught COVID, battling high fevers for days. The feelings of homesickness grew, and the doubts that we had made a mistake crept in.
And yet—amid the discomfort and doubt—there were moments that reminded us why we’d set off on this adventure in the first place. The warmth of the people we met and the generosity of strangers lifted our spirits. Our Sahara camel trek became the turning point. It was the highlight of our time in Morocco—and one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had as a family. From the sun-soaked dunes to sandboarding at sunset, we quickly fell in love with these gentle creatures, and the experience reinvigorated us for our next chapter.
Egypt: April 2022
After a tough first month, arriving in Egypt felt like a reset. We connected with a couple living in Cairo through mutual friends back home. After a few messages back and forth, they invited us to stay with them. So off we went, arriving on their doorstep, total strangers—and they welcomed us like family. A taste of home was exactly what we needed after our challenges in Morocco, and they provided that and more.
But the most unexpected part of our time in Egypt came when we piled into 4x4s and headed out on a camping trip in the White Desert. From off-roading across surreal landscapes to our first real experience of bush camping, the experience was full of new adventures
Egypt gave us ancient wonders, but also new friends, newfound confidence, and the sense that we were finally hitting our stride.
South Africa: May 2022
After two busy months, we realized we needed to build in the occasional “travel break”—a chance to pause, stay put, and live a more normal life abroad. We settled in Cape Town and spent two weeks catching up on work, school, rest, and real life. The boys did an online presentation to their classmates back home, we visited the dentist, and our youngest was fitted for his first pair of glasses. We cooked our meals, took long walks on the boardwalk, and reconnected with family and friends. It was a reminder that long-term travel wasn’t just about sightseeing—it was about creating space to breathe.
Cape Town also gave us the chance to explore at a slower pace. We road-tripped along the stunning coastline to the Cape of Good Hope, watched the famously friendly penguins waddle along Boulders Beach, and took a sobering and powerful tour of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. To cap it off, we (two of us, very reluctantly) paraglided off Table Mountain—fear of heights and all—sailing over the city and landing on the sand with wide eyes and huge smiles.
Southern African Camping Safari: May – June 2022
South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana
Our 51-day self-driving camping safari exceeded every expectation. A love of wildlife and a desire to see animals in the wild were driving forces behind much of our World Trip planning. Having done a safari before having kids, we were thrilled to share that magic with the boys.
We set off from Cape Town in a fully equipped 4×4, sleeping in rooftop tents and embracing the wild as we made our way up the coast of Namibia, across the Caprivi Strip into Zambia, down through Botswana, and finally into Johannesburg. It was an ambitious route that offered some of the best safari experiences in Southern Africa. Highlights included Etosha National Park, with its famous floodlit waterholes; Chobe National Park, where we spotted elephants by the dozens; and Nxai Pan National Park, with its sparkling salt pans and ancient baobabs.
The weeks were packed with unforgettable moments: elephants crossing the road in front of us, lions roaring in the night, and starry skies that stretched forever. We bumped down rugged roads, cooked over open flames, and huddled together in our tents. It wasn’t always easy, but it was also one of the most rewarding chapters of our journey. The adventures, challenges, and quiet in-between moments around the campfire brought us closer than ever.
Paris, France: July 1st, 2022
From Johannesburg, we took a redeye to Paris and decided to make the most of our long layover. We stashed our bags in an airport locker and set off for a whirlwind five hours in the City of Light. We had a picnic lunch under the Eiffel Tower, then climbed up to enjoy sweeping city views. From there, we made our way to a few of Paris’s most iconic sights—the Louvre and Notre Dame before heading back to the airport, tired but happy. It was a brief but memorable taste of Paris.
Croatia: July 2022
We landed in Zagreb late that night… minus our bags. Due to a strike, no luggage had made it onto our flight from Paris. With just two days in the capital before heading to Poreč, we crossed our fingers and hoped our bags would catch up with us eventually.
Despite the rocky start, we kicked off our time in Croatia with one of our favourite family traditions: Family Fun Week, our way of launching summer. Each of us plans a full day of activities for the group, and this year’s edition included go-karts, waterslides, bakery stops, a trip to the movies, and exploring underground caves. We look forward to it every year, and celebrating it while travelling made it even more memorable.
For the second half of our time in Croatia, we set sail on a two-week trip through the Croatian Islands. Days were spent swimming in turquoise waters, relaxing on deck, wandering through charming island towns, and soaking in golden sunsets. It was a breathtaking experience, made even more special by sharing it with Derek’s mom, who joined us for the journey.
Meanwhile, our bags were still missing. After countless phone calls to automated systems and even a fruitless trip to the airport, we finally got confirmation: our luggage had arrived in Zagreb. Due to a string of unfortunate events, we arrived at the airport with less than 30 minutes before our next flight. Thanks to a few kind and quick-thinking agents, we were reunited with our bags just in time to board our plane to Greece.
Greece: August 2022
We were welcomed to Greece by familiar faces—friends from home who came to visit. After so much time on the road, the comfort of old friendships felt like a breath of fresh air, and the boys were thrilled to have friends to hang out with again.
Greece was a string of lazy beach days on the islands of Naxos and Milos, intertwined with Greek mythology. The boys were deep into the Percy Jackson series at the time, adding a new layer of excitement to our visits. The ancient ruins came alive through the lens of their favourite characters, making places like the Parthenon and Poseidon’s Temple at Cape Sounion all the more fascinating.
Italy: September 2022
Italy was an anchor in our trip—one of the few places with set dates—as we planned our route around being in San Benedetto for a special family reunion to celebrate Derek’s dad’s 70th birthday. Meeting multiple generations of Italian relatives and visiting Ascoli, the hometown of Derek’s grandmother, was incredibly meaningful—a memory we’ll cherish forever.
Over six weeks, we soaked up Italy’s rich history, culture, and cuisine. We learned to row in Venice, gazed across the ancient grounds of the Colosseum, tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain, took goofy photos in Pisa, and walked the ash-covered ruins of Pompeii. And, of course, we indulged in more pasta, pizza, gelato, pastries, and chocolate than we thought humanly possible, leaving Italy with full hearts and slightly tighter clothes!
Split, Croatia: October and November 2022
After months on the road, we began to hit a wall. We were burnt out from constant planning, and we all started craving more space—and, for the kids, more independence. While in Italy, we decided to slow down. Rather than heading to Turkey and Asia as originally planned, we returned to Croatia and spent two months living abroad.
We enrolled the boys in water polo and tennis lessons, caught up on schoolwork, and settled into life in Split. Aside from short trips to Plitvice Lakes and Dubrovnik, our days were spent living a regular, day-to-day life. During this time, we were also joined by more friends from home, which added to the fun and made our stay even more memorable.
Staying put helped immensely. We rented a larger condo, giving everyone their own space. And with Split being such a walkable city, the boys had the freedom to head out on their own—something they were ready for. It was exactly the reset we needed to reignite our energy and rediscover the joy of travel.
Vancouver, Canada: December 2022
We unexpectedly found ourselves back home for December. It was a welcome change of pace and the perfect chance to reconnect with friends and family over the holidays. And as luck would have it, less than a week after we returned, Mason needed surgery for appendicitis. We were incredibly grateful to navigate that at home rather than abroad.
After our time in Split and a month back home, we felt refreshed, reenergized, and ready to begin the next chapter in Asia, and some of our most memorable adventures yet.
Vietnam: January 2023
With several months of creature comforts, we were thrown into new surroundings and back into the adjustment phase. We again felt out of our comfort zone, navigating unfamiliar cities, overcoming language barriers, and adapting to local cuisine, with renewed concerns around water safety and foodborne illness. It took a few weeks, but we eventually found our rhythm again.
While we had pictured ourselves biking through lush green rice paddies and swimming in the turquoise waters of Lan Ha Bay, we arrived just after the harvest to chilly, rainy weather and muddy fields. Still, Vietnam offered rich experiences—from learning about the Vietnam War to exploring ancient dynasties—and gave us a deeper appreciation of the country’s complex history and resilience.
Southern Thailand: February 2023
Over the next few days, we immersed ourselves in Bangkok’s golden temples and bustling streets before heading south to Krabi. There, towering limestone cliffs rose dramatically above the turquoise waters, creating a stunning backdrop for snorkelling and unwinding on the soft, powdery sands.
India: February 2023
We planned a short visit to India, landing in Jaipur before heading north to Ranthambore National Park. When we asked the boys what they wanted most from the trip, Jackson answered: “I want to see tigers in the wild.” Ranthambore is known for having one of India’s highest concentrations of wild tigers. While sightings are never guaranteed, we were fortunate to spot several during our safari.
On the way back to Jaipur, we detoured to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal. I wondered if the iconic monument would live up to its hype, and it absolutely did. The perfect symmetry, intricate carvings, and the brilliant white marble left us in awe.
Despite the country’s breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and incredible food, travelling through India was sobering. Witnessing the stark poverty and daily struggles was difficult, and we grappled with feelings of guilt visiting tourist sites while so many suffered just steps away.
Cambodia: March 2023
Our time in Cambodia became one of my most treasured memories. It was here that Mason’s “must-see” adventure came true when we visited the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Reserve—a small wildlife rescue center hidden deep in the jungle where endangered animals are cared for, rehabilitated, and released back into the wild. Mason’s dream was to see a pangolin, and not only did he get to observe these elusive creatures, but he also helped with their feedings. Learning about the plight of these highly trafficked animals pulled at our hearts.
Our visit to the Killing Fields was a deeply moving reminder of Cambodia’s tragic history. Walking through the grounds where so many lives were lost was a humbling experience for our family and deepened our understanding of the hope and resilience of the Cambodian people.
Next, we ventured to Siem Reap, a truly enchanting place. Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat was a moment of pure awe. The vast ruins, many reclaimed by the dense forest, felt surreal and peaceful, a majestic glimpse into an ancient civilization.
It was in Siem Reap that we met Nakry, a tuk-tuk driver whose kindness and generosity left a lasting impression. He even invited us to his home to meet his family, and we still keep in touch. Throughout our journey, I’ve been deeply moved by the kindness of strangers, especially those who have so little to give. I often think back to my favourite Christmas movie, Love Actually, to that first scene where Hugh Grant’s character reflects on the state of the world and ends with, “If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling love, actually… is all around us.” After a year of travel, this has been my biggest takeaway: love, actually, is all around us.
Northern Thailand: March 2023
When we thought of Thailand, we pictured the bustling streets of Bangkok and stunning beaches. However, the northern part of the country offered a completely different experience. Our time in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Sukhothai became the highlight of our visit. We visited an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, admired the unique White Temple in Chiang Rai, and biked among the ancient ruins in Sukhothai.
It was during our time in Asia that we faced some tough decisions. Initially, we had planned to travel full-time for two years, but ultimately, we returned home after 17 months. For us, school commitments and financial considerations were the main factors in shortening our journey.
As our trip neared its end, we realized we had a choice: we could visit several countries but limit activities, or select fewer places and fully immerse ourselves. We chose the latter, deciding to explore five more countries before heading home.
Indonesia: April 2023
The natural beauty of Indonesia took our breath away. We started in Sumatra, trekking deep into the jungle to see orangutans. The hike was one of the most physically demanding experiences we’ve ever had, but the reward was unforgettable. We saw several orangutans, including a few babies. These curious and soulful creatures amazed us; we could have watched for hours.
More incredible wildlife awaited us when we flew to Flores Island and took a day trip to Komodo Island to see the ancient Komodo dragons and swim with giant manta rays. Afterward, we headed to Gili Trawangan for sun, snorkelling, and relaxation before going inland to Ubud in Bali.
Asia, overall, was the most challenging part of our travels. We were extremely budget-conscious, often staying in basic accommodations that left much to be desired and relying on low-cost transportation. The noise and bustle of major cities sometimes felt overwhelming, and over four months, we dealt with three bouts of food poisoning. Yet, Asia was filled with incredible “must-see” wildlife adventures that often pushed us out of our comfort zones. Despite the challenges, we remain deeply grateful for our time there.
Australia: April 27 & 28, 2023
With our new plan, we decided to break up the journey from Indonesia to Florida, USA, by scheduling a stopover in Sydney, Australia. After four months in Asia, we were ecstatic to be in a country where water safety wasn’t a constant concern — it made us appreciate how much we take for granted. The boys raced through the airport until they found a fruit smoothie kiosk, savouring every last drop.
Despite battling jet lag, we made the most of our two days — exploring The Quay, attending a symphony at the famous Opera House, and snapping selfies with Australia’s cuddliest residents at Featherdale Wildlife Park.
United States: May 2023
Hawaii
Our brief stopover in Honolulu was a welcome chance to unwind on the beach and reorganize our luggage. By the end of our time in the Aloha State, we’d sent two of our four backpacks home to lighten our load for the rest of the journey.
Florida
Arriving in Orlando was a blur. In just six days, we endured five overnight flights and crossed 12 hours of time zones, travelling from Bali, Indonesia, to Orlando, Florida.
Once there, we dove into our second Family Fun Week abroad, soaking up all the excitement at Universal Studios. For a family of Harry Potter fans, Harry Potter World did not disappoint. We rode rollercoasters, wandered Diagon Alley, saw the Hogwarts Express, and, of course, sipped plenty of butterbeer.
We also took a day trip to Crystal River, where we swam alongside gentle manatees in their natural habitat — a truly unforgettable and peaceful experience that connected us to Florida’s unique wildlife.
Panama: May – June 2023
We were buzzing with excitement after our adventures in the Wizarding World and ready to road trip around Panama. But not so fast — we were knocked down by our fourth round of COVID and spent the first week stuck in our rental apartment.
Once we recovered, we hit the road. Our visit to the Panama Canal—an engineering marvel—was a sight to behold, but we quickly discovered that Panama has so much more to offer. Our next stop was Boquete, a charming town in a lush valley, known for its rich coffee and chocolate, and offers perfect hikes and refreshing swimming spots. The beaches in Boca del Toro left us in awe — our favourite was Starfish Beach, a quiet, secluded stretch with crystal-clear water where dozens of bright orange starfish rested on the soft sand.
Bolivia: June – July 2023
We initially struggled with altitude sickness in Bolivia—just walking around our apartment in La Paz felt like climbing a mountain. Exploring wasn’t even an option for the first couple of days. But once we acclimatized, Bolivia turned out to be the biggest surprise of our entire trip—and quickly became one of our favourite destinations.
The country’s diversity blew us away. In a single country, we experienced the dramatic peaks of the Andes, the lush biodiversity of the Amazon basin, and the sparkling landscapes of the Uyuni salt flats. Each region felt like stepping into a completely different world. For our dinosaur lovers, Bolivia was also a treasure trove of ancient history, with fossil sites and preserved dinosaur footprints we could walk alongside.
Our time in Bolivia was fast-paced, moving from one adventure to the next. Still, each stop deepened our appreciation for a country that wasn’t originally on our radar—and became one we’ll never forget.
Mexico: July 2023
Our last stop was Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Here, we explored the remnants of ancient Mayan civilization and checked off another Wonder of the World—Chichén Itzá. We also visited the stunning clifftop ruins of Tulum overlooking the Caribbean Sea and explored the ancient pyramid at Coba.
The boys loved swimming in the crystal-clear cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula, snorkelling vibrant reefs in Cozumel, and getting their first taste of an all-inclusive resort with a day pass—a bit of luxury after months of rugged travel.
Our final “must-see” of the trip was swimming with whale sharks. Gliding alongside these gentle giants in the open ocean was a surreal and humbling experience—an unforgettable way to end a journey that had already given us so much.
Reflections
Looking back on 17 months of travel across six continents, 21 countries, and countless unforgettable moments, we’re in awe of all we experienced. There were bouts of sickness, the odd setback, and moments of sheer exhaustion—but far more often, we found beauty, growth, and a deeper connection to the world and to each other.
This journey wasn’t just about seeing the world but about becoming a team, discovering our limits, and finding joy in the unexpected. We left home looking for adventure and returned with so much more: memories to last a lifetime, a deeper bond as a family, and the knowledge that we can navigate anything together.
Ready to Get Started?
Check out these related posts to help plan your World Trip:
• Our 17 Month World Trip Itinerary
• How much does a World Trip cost?
• Building a World Trip Itinerary
• This or That? Saving to Make it Happen
• How to Involve Your Kids in Planning a World Trip?
