family sabbatical: where should we really go with young kids?
So, here’s the deal: my partner and I are planning a big family adventure—nine months on the road with our two boys, ages 7 and 4. We’re starting from Vancouver in January, and honestly, the idea sounds amazing... but also a little overwhelming! We’ve done our fair share of backpacking and international trips before the kids, and even a few with them, but never anything this long or ambitious.
We’re an active bunch—think lots of biking and hiking, not just sitting on a beach (though I wouldn’t say no to a few lazy days). We want to keep things moving, but not so fast that the kids (or us!) melt down. Here’s our rough plan: start somewhere warm (maybe the Philippines or a new spot in Indonesia), then hit New Zealand’s South Island in an RV, swing through Japan, check out Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, maybe more?), and finish up with a summer in Europe—especially Eastern Europe and maybe France for some camping.
But here’s where I get stuck: Is this too much for little kids? Has anyone actually done something like this and survived to tell the tale? And what’s the real scoop on traveling in an RV in New Zealand with kids—do they love it, or do they just fight in the backseat the whole time? Also, is it crazy to think about buying a car in Europe for a couple months, or is that just a paperwork nightmare?
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s tried a big trip like this with young kids. What places surprised you (good or bad)? Any absolute must-dos or places you’d skip if you could do it over? And seriously, how do you keep everyone happy when you’re all together 24/7 for months? Sometimes I wonder if we’re dreaming too big, but then again, isn’t that what makes the best stories?
If you’ve got tips, warnings, or even just a funny story about a travel meltdown, I’m all ears!
#familytravel #travelwithkids #sabbatical #roadtrip #parentingadventures #Travel
