What happens when a young couple swaps their wedding vows for an epic global adventure? In our latest podcast episode, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Seth and Sarah, a couple who decided to trade a traditional wedding for a one-way ticket to Europe. This decision not only transformed their lives but also brought an unexpected joy into their world: their daughter Millie. The episode offers an eye-opening conversation about their adventures, the challenges they faced, and the incredible lessons they learned along the way.
Seth and Sarah began their journey by backpacking across Europe, North Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. They embarked on this adventure with a spirit of exploration and a desire to see the world. However, their travels were temporarily halted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, they welcomed their daughter Millie into their lives. As soon as travel restrictions were lifted, they resumed their globetrotting adventures, this time with a baby in tow. From Canada to Jamaica, they navigated the complexities of traveling with an infant, mastering the art of packing light and finding necessary supplies on the go.
One of the most significant turning points for Seth and Sarah was their decision to transition from occasional vacations to full-time travel. Rising mortgage rates and the desire to share their budget travel tips with the world motivated them to make this life-changing choice. Their blog, atlasadventure.com, became a platform to document their journey, share travel planning advice, and provide personalized travel services. The couple also delved into the world of social media, maintaining a presence on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, despite the challenges it posed.
Traveling as a family unit brought its own set of rewards and hurdles. Seth and Sarah's approach to travel planning is meticulous yet flexible. They emphasize the importance of contingency plans, sharing anecdotes like their memorable detour to En Masse, France, when their original plans fell through. Their blog aims to provide peace of mind and options for travelers, especially families with young children. The couple also shared insights into their future travel aspirations and their culinary escapades, particularly in Peru.
A unique aspect of their journey is their approach to "world schooling" Millie. This form of education allows Millie to learn through real-world experiences as they travel. Seth and Sarah highlight her impressive language skills and social interactions with children from various cultures. They also discuss the initial skepticism from family and friends about their unconventional lifestyle and the extensive research and safety measures they take to ensure smooth travels. Tools like Google Earth play a crucial role in their planning process, helping them familiarize themselves with new destinations.
Long-term travel in Europe presents its own set of challenges, especially with the Schengen Zone's 90-day limit. Seth and Sarah share their strategic planning tips for extended stays, including the benefits of longer rentals and the challenges posed by more countries joining the Schengen Zone. They discuss alternatives like Montenegro, Albania, and non-Schengen countries such as Britain and Ireland. Their experiences in Greece, Turkey, and the potential for future travels to Albania and Corfu are also explored. The couple reflects on how their lifestyle has inspired even their most travel-averse relatives to embrace travel after visiting them abroad.
In addition to sharing their travel experiences, Seth and Sarah offer practical advice for other young couples considering a similar lifestyle. They encourage taking the plunge and emphasize that the experiences and knowledge gained through travel are invaluable. They also discuss the financial aspects of their decision, including selling their home and putting their belongings in storage to fund their travels.
The podcast episode also touches on the couple's experiences with different cultures and cuisines. Sarah, a trained chef, finds immense joy in exploring local markets and trying to reconstruct dishes from various countries. Their daughter Millie, who has been exposed to diverse foods from a young age, enjoys trying new flavors and has developed a taste for dishes like haggis and black pudding.
Seth and Sarah's journey is not just about seeing the world; it's about making meaningful connections and giving back to the communities they visit. They share heartwarming stories of donating clothes, toys, and books to local shelters, teaching Millie the importance of empathy and generosity. These experiences have left a lasting impact on Millie, who often expresses happiness about helping others.
Overall, this podcast episode offers a compelling narrative of a family living their dream of traveling the world. It provides valuable insights into the logistics of long-term travel, the rewards of world schooling, and the importance of flexibility and planning. Seth and Sarah's story is a testament to the endless possibilities that come with embracing a nomadic lifestyle and serves as an inspiration for others to rethink what is possible for family life.
Follow the story of Jim and Rita, who sold their home to travel for the next few years here in this blog, and on the podcast "Travels With Jim and Rita", available on all major podcast platforms.