Q&A with 4 travel influencers taking a family gap year

Take a look behind the Instagram feed and discover what it’s really like to live as a nomadic family. Would you be ready to take the plunge?

They have graced the screen of the Five Star Kids Instagram feed and made us envious in the best possible way with their endless family adventures. From waking up surrounded by hot air balloons in Cappadocia to cruising down the Kinabatangan River with wild pygmy elephants feeding and swimming right beside them, these families are shunning convention to embark on a non-stop holiday.

It is estimated that over 40 per cent of the US workforce will be made up of freelancers by 2020. Combine this with homeschooling, which is growing at an exponential rate, and it’s easy to see why nomadic sabbaticals are on the rise. We dive into the world of four of our favourite Instafamilies to gain insight into the ups and downs of family travel and their motivations for living life on the go.

Val, @nappy_nomad_

What has your little one gained from your constant travels?

When we arrived in Thailand, our first daughter was six months old and was shy with strangers. From the first day everyone we met wanted to hold her. At first, I was scared of all the body contact and communicable diseases, but then I just let it happen. After a few days she got used to it and embraced all the love … The result? Well, ever since, she has been extremely open to new people and makes friends quickly. I’m sure that experience changed her for life.

What has been the biggest challenge of exploring?

It’s being separated from family for a long period. Last time we were looking at photos of Grandma and Grandpa, our oldest (almost three) started to cry. This is so heartbreaking that you start to question your lifestyle.

Most memorable moment?

Waking up to the sound of the ocean and birdsong in an absolutely deserted place in New Zealand. The next supermarket was more than 50 kilometres away.

Andrea, @ohdeardrea

What has your little one gained from your constant travels?

Marlowe has gained a world of insight, education and knowledge through travel. We learn so much more out in the world rather than sitting behind a desk. Marlowe has learned about different cultures, people, religions, cuisines, nature and more, all through travel.

What have you gained?

I’ve gained a new set of eyes. It’s like when a friend visits your home for the first time – your view on your personal space changes. You’re more able to see your space through their eyes. I feel that way in travel. I’m able to see the world for myself, with my own perspective, but also able to gain some insight into how Marlowe sees the world, too.

What has been the biggest challenge of exploring?

Honestly, the most difficult thing about extended travel is probably keeping a healthy diet. We eat much better at home than we do out in the world.

Gillian, @wherearewegoingtomorrowtravel

How have you grown as a family?

Before we left on this adventure, life was very busy, scheduled and organised. Now we have learned to just go with it, step outside our comfort zones and know that everything happens for a reason and it will all work out. After being caught in the middle of the big 7.1-magnitude earthquake on the Gili Islands and being stranded there, we learned that life is too short to hold back on what you want to do.

How do you overcome challenges?

Doing our own thing every once in a while helps. Sometimes we do activities that suit our own interests while the other parent minds the kids. This allows us to take time out and let off steam.

What keeps you going?

It took a lot of courage to pack up our whole lives to embark on this journey. We always said, “What’s the worst that can happen? We can just get a flight home at any time!”

Kirianna, @rileys_travels

What has your little one gained from your constant travels?

When Riley was born, we were adamant about not stopping, knowing that the benefits of travelling would be a great gift and later, create a little traveller. Together, we overcome challenges and make wonderful memories. I want him to care, have empathy, be genuine and kind. Exposing him to the world plays a massive part in this. He will openly play and share a meal with local children in less privileged countries; he has no idea of ethnicity or religion. He is just happy to make a new friend.

Can you ever go back to suburbia?

We are now living in New South Wales on the beach with our new addition, born in June. It’s tough. I have already flown away three times in the past five weeks with itchy feet, although we do like having a base where we can recharge.

Most memorable moment?

Cappadocia, Turkey. We were up watching the sunrise dance with the giant hot air balloons floating by, and it happened to be Riley’s first birthday. That very morning, Riley began to walk unaided.

This article originally appeared in Five Star Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.