For some families on the road long-term, putting kids in local schools while traveling becomes an important component of the journey. No, I'm not talking about fancy (and often expensive) international schools, although those can be a good option for some. What I'm talking about are just the regular local schools of a city or country. With local kids speaking and playing in the local language. There are a number of benefits, and it may not be as difficult to do as you think. ::: Like what you’re hearing? Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio. We would be extremely grateful! iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you! ::: Putting Kids in Local Schools While Traveling As many traveling families know, travel and education go hand in hand. There are hundreds of ways to approach education when traveling, but one you may have not thought about before is putting your kids into the local schools of the country you're traveling in. This isn't for everyone, and it doesn't work everywhere. That said you may be surprised at how easy and useful it can be to put your kids into a local school outside of your home country. Related Episodes: Putting Kids in Local Schools This isn't the first episode where I've talked to parents who've enrolled their kids in locals schools. Some of these guests were just visiting, while others were moving there for a year or for much longer. Listen in! New Zealand: The North Family Southern France: The Prince Family (and a second episode) Kerala, India: The Kramer/Moore Family Dominican Republic: We3Travel Peru: Michelle Mundy Spain (Andalucia): The Rauch Family Moving to Spain: The Wagoner Family (and their first episode) Mexico (Guanajuato): The Luxpats Mexico (Tulum, Cozumel): Crystal Blue Mexico (San Miguel de Allende): The Elliot Family Mexico (Merida): The Morales Family Morocco: The Mouttaki Family (her first episode) England: The Davies Family ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST Names: Stephen Lead, Gloria Tong, and their daughters, Penelope & Clementine Hold passports from: Australia & the UK Type of travel: Long-term travel A few places they've been: Japan, UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Spain Sevilla Mexico Guatemala, Panama, Chile FIND THEM ON Their Blog: Steve & Glo Putting Kids in Local Schools While Traveling In this episode of Epic Education Radio, I talk with Stephen Lead, an Australian dad who has been traveling with his wife and two young girls for a year. They've put the girls into local schools in both Spain and Mexico so far. When we met in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Stephen and I went out for drinks and soon the topic turned to our experiences putting kids in local schools while traveling. We've done it, and so had Stephen. In fact, there are many episodes of this podcast with guests who have put their kids in local schools. I've had a few requests for more info and Stephen was keen to talk about it, and that' show this episode came to be. TLDR: Main Points of Putting Kids in Local Schools While Traveling Enrolling in local schools can be quite cheap and easy in many countries There are opportunities for local schools in Spain, Mexico, France, Malaysia, New Zealand, India, the Dominican Republic, and more In general, the younger the child, the more opportunities for enrollment Short-term enrollment is easy for primary school-aged kids and younger. Some schools require some paperwork, such as a birth certificate (or a copy of one), while others require almost none. Don't over plan or stress over the preplanning. Some schools work out, some don't. Book accommodation based on convenience to town or whatever you're interested in, rather than accommodation close to the school. List of other episodes with parents putting kids in local schools at the end of the post. Benefits of Putting Kids in Local Schools While Traveling When I suggest putting your kids in a local school, your first question may be "Why?" For many families, the routines of school and work are part of the reason for traveling in the first place. I get that. And I'm not suggesting this route for everyone. That said, both Stephen and I have learned that it added to our travels and relationships in positive ways. Below I break down a few of the reasons why putting kids in local schools can be rewarding: Make Local Friends Kids sometimes need other kids. Putting your kids into a local school gives them an opportunity to interact with children their age. When kids are young (say, 9 or younger), it's much easier to play and have fun without the need for verbal communication. And yet, as they play, your child will be picking up the local language much faster than any textbook could give them. Language Learning Attending locals schools can be a great way to learn a new language. I won't say it's easy at first, but being around local kids is a huge boost to language learning. Sure, kids are sponges and they'll soak up so much from being in a class where only the foreign language is spoken, but it's the playtimes where real progress happens. Time Apart If your family is traveling long-term, then you see a lot of each other. Whether it's for a summer or a year, long-term travel families are with each other 24-7, and that can be draining. This goes double for guys like Stephen and me, who are still working full-time as we move around. Sometimes you need a few hours to knock out a deadline. Sometimes you want to have a leisurely lunch with your wife. By the same token, sometimes the kids need to play games with other kids. Stephen's Experience Putting Kids in Local Schools While Traveling Stephen and Gloria have two adorable daughters, and the oldest, Penelope, was starting school and going to be the youngest in her class. So what Stephen and Gloria decided to do was take a year to travel, studying Spanish along the way. Their first main stop was Seville, Spain, where they put the kids in local Spanish schools. Here they attended a local Montessori school. There were a lot of tears the first week, he says. But by week two, both girls were happy to head to school. As for schools in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, they discovered lots of options once they arrived. In fact, they wouldn't have known just how many options if the school they planned on fell through (details in the podcast). This helped them realize that when putting kids in local schools, don't stress out too hard with the preplanning. For example, their entire plan for the Mexican school fell through, but they were able to find another great option once they arrived. My Experience Putting Kids in Local Schools While Traveling   If you're new to this blog, then you should know that my kids have attended local schools in Japan, Malaysia, and Spain. And they may soon attend local schools in Mexico, as well. That said, each is a different situation. In Japan, they were local kids, as well. Both kids were born there and speak Japanese. In Malaysia, they utilized the Distance Learning Program of an international school on the island of Penang. They weren't actual students at the school, but could use the library and join extracurricular activities. In Spain, they were really thrown into the deep end. We lived in Valencia, Spain for almost two years, and they attended local Spanish schools the entire time. They didn't speak any Spanish when we arrived. None of us did! Yet when we left, both kids had loads of Spanish friends and spoke Spanish quite well. It was tough in the beginning, but it worked out in the end! Would You Consider Putting Your Kids in Local Schools? Would you put your kids into a local school in a foreign country? Where? Have you put your kids in local schools somewhere? What was your experience like? Let us know!   Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help your travel. Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

Epic Education Radio: Family Travel Podcast

EER152: Putting Kids in Local Schools While Traveling

Korea with kids — this South Korea travel blog post & podcast will get you ready to buy flights! There are many things to do in Korea with kids...or without them. Surprisingly, travel in South Korea hasn't caught on like it has in Japan and China. But we're here to tell you that Korea is a great place to explore. Read on (and listen in!) for Korea travel tips, as well as advice on things to do in Seoul and exploring Korea's beautiful Jeju island. ::: Like what you’re hearing? Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio. We would be extremely grateful! iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you! :::   South Korea Travel Blog: Korea Travel Tips Today I talk with Sejal Parekh to hear about travel in South Korea. Sejal and her husband have just spent time in Japan, Korea and now Bali, where we spoke from. In this Epic Education Radio episode, I ask Sejal all about exploring South Korea with kids. We talk about things to do in Seoul with kids, exploring Jeju Island with kids, and more.   IN THIS EPISODE 02:18 Intro convo - Bali plastic 06:47 Intro to Sejal's Family 08:49 Why Korea? Why Korea with Kids? 11:31 Things to do in Seoul 17:09 DMZ: Korea Travel Blog 23:14 The energy of the Hongdae neighborhood 28:20 Communication & food/eating in Seoul 35:08 Getting around Seoul 40:06 Pop band encounter 41:48 Things to do at Jeju Island 45:52 Accommodation on Jeju Island 48:50 Getting to Jeju Island from Seoul 50:40 More things to do at Jeju Island   ABOUT   Names: Sejal Parekh, her husband, and their 4-year-old daughter Hold passports from: the UK (London) Type of travel: Living abroad (in the US) and long-term travel A few places they've been: Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Greece   FIND THEM ON Instagram   Things to Do in Seoul, Things to Do at Jeju Island & More This episode is between two family travelers, but as you'll see, all the great things to do in South Korea are for everyone. Not just kids or families. We discuss why they chose travel in Korea. We also talk about food, accommodation, getting around and more South Korea travel tips. If you're interested in exploring East Asia, then this South Korea travel blog post & podcast should whet your appetite! Why Korea? Why Korea with Kids? When I asked Sejal why they chose to travel in Korea, she explained that it had been on her list for a while. Some of her old coworkers had been and sent back pictures. In addition, we both agreed that Korea is in many ways the "it" place in East Asia right now. In fact, lots of cultural and commercial cues point to Korea. Whether it's in design, in music, in fashion or in the beauty industry, South Korea is at or near the center of many present trends. Another reason why travel in South Korea with kids is worth your time is that it is a very safe and well-run country. The crime rates are extremely low, and the infrastructure is strong. Transportation is fast and effective, and you'll have no problem getting online. Korea and Japan: Travel South Korea with Kids You may already know this, but Korea and Japan are extremely close to each other. Sejal and I talk about how fast and easy it is to get back and forth between the two counties. Flights from Tokyo to Seoul are around 2.5 hours, where flights from Osaka to Seoul are much less. If you're planning to visit Japan (and we certainly recommend that you do), then consider visiting Korea as well. Sejal and her family had just spent over a month in Japan before they visited Korea. Their Korean trip was for three weeks. Yet Sejal says that if they hadn't already booked flights out, they would have extended their stay. Where to Stay in Seoul: South Korea Travel Tips   Their first stop was Seoul. This is the capital of South Korea and (arguably) the most vibrant and dynamic city in the country. Sejal chose the Dongdaemun neighborhood because it had lots of the elements they like in city travel. There were cafes, restaurants, and bars on hand. It also holds the futuristic convention center designed by Zaha Hadid. Things to Do Seoul: South Korea Travel Blog One of their favorite things to do in Seoul was simply to pick a different neighborhood each day to walk through. In addition here are your (fairly touristy) things to do in Seoul with kids and how they felt about them. The Hop-on, Hop-off Bus — Things to Do in Seoul With Kids We have frequently recommended taking the open-top tourist buses in famous locations. This can be a great way to get your bearings in a new city and help you navigate your way later. However, Sejal says that they wouldn't do the hop-on, hop-off bus in Seoul again. Why? For one, it's hard to actually get your bearings because Google Maps don't work in Korea. Therefore, they couldn't orientate themselves as they would have liked to. The DMZ - South Korea Travel Blog Visiting the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) may be considered a "touristy" activity by many. Yet Sejal and her husband found it very interesting and meaningful. In fact, they were there just days before the US President's famous 2018 visit. Sejal describes taking a small tour group. They had excellent guides who told stories of the relationship between North and South Korea. We then talked about how one day Korea's DMZ would be like Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin. Hopefully. How nice it would be in the Korean DMZ was nothing more than a tourist attraction. Hongdae One of my favorite things to do in Korea is exploring Seoul's Hongdae District. Occupying the area of several colleges and universities, the Hongdae District is action-packed. Expect lots of cool restaurants, cafes, trendy clothing and design boutiques and more. It is a nightlife area, as well, but extremely lively 24-7. Food & Communication: Things to Do in Korea with Kids Sejal explains that English levels appeared to be lower than in Japan during their experiences in the country. They often ran into language barriers but found people to be very helpful. Eating in Seoul: South Korean Food & Restaurants Sejal recalls several times when they had to skip trying a restaurant because they couldn't read the menu. Unless there were pictures, they didn't risk it. Solo travelers may take the risk more often. However, when traveling with young kids like Sejal is, sometimes it's best to go with what you know. Lots of Korean food is fried and/or meat-based. That said, it's still possible to eat vegetarian in Korea. Many places have veggie-friendly dishes, but you should be prepared to ask for them. Prepare a card with the word "vegetarian" written in Korean. Getting Around Seoul: South Korea Travel Blog Seoul is a very walkable city with a clean, modern and efficient transportation system. Whether you're traveling in Korea with kids or on your own, you'll find many transportation options. Taxis are clean and safe, as well. But here's the thing: English is not widely spoken in South Korea. This can make it tricky talking to taxi drivers and subway attendants. And because of Hangul, Korea's writing system, it can be hard to read a map. Speaking of maps, Sejal explains how Google Maps don't work well in Korea. Instead, most people use Kakao Maps, a local provider. But that means that the maps are often in Korean, which can be tricky to read. Korea's Jeju Island: South Korea Travel Blog   Straight from the megalopolis of Seoul, Sejal and family flew to Jeju Island. Sejal and family found plenty of fun things to do at Jeju Island, which she describes in the podcast. Often called "Honeymoon Island" by South Koreans, Jeju has peaceful beaches, green, pastoral hills, and a thriving art scene. No wonder many South Koreans still choose to take their honeymoon here! In fact, anyone who wants to get away from the gritty urban scene will find Jeju Island to be one of the best places to visit in Korea. How to Get to Jeju Island: Things to Do at Jeju Island Korea This beautiful dot of green is around 70 kilometers south of South Korea's southern border, but it's around a 90-minute flight from Seoul in the north of the country. If you're planning more Korea travel south of the capital, then consider a variety of ferries that leave from ports along the southern border. Most people, however, may find the flying from Seoul to Jeju Island works best for their Korea travel itinerary. Things to Do at Jeju Island: South Korea Travel Tips   There are loads of things to do in Seoul, Busan, and other major Korean cities. However, Jeju Island attractions are also varied and appealing. When looking for things to do at Jeju Island, Sejal and family discovered great beaches, nature trails and much more. "I thought it would just be a pretty island with beaches," she says, "but it was all that and much more." There are other great things to do at Jeju Island besides exploring the shoreline. Jeju Island has loads of natural beauty past the beaches. For example, there are lots of hillside trails and waterfalls in the interior. On the cultural side, Sejal recommends visiting the Jeju Art Village. Here, she was surprised and impressed by the variety and quality of art on display. Sejal is also interested in the beauty industry. She discovered that many of the leading Korean beauty products originate in Jeju Island's volcanic soil. Haenyeo Divers: Things to Do at Jeju Island One of the most interesting things to do at Jeju Island for Sejal was to visit the Haenyeo divers. These all-women diving groups are part of a matriarchal society on Jeju Island. In fact, they listed by UNESCO as "intangible cultural heritage." Unfortunately, most divers are now in the 50's or all the way up to their 80's. With this in mind, it's entirely possible that this cultural tradition may not exist in the next generation. Getting Around Jeju Island: Korea with Kids Originally, Sejal and family planned to hire a rental car on Jeju Island. Thanks to high fees and complications with their driver's licenses, they went with bicycles and local buses. And they're glad they did. They took local buses all over. They also easily rented a bicycle with a child's seat, which made for some fun exploring Jeju Island. Exploring things to do at Jeju Island was “very manageable without a car," she says, "despite what other people will tell you." Where to Stay on Jeju Island: South Korea Travel Tips When looking for where to stay on Jeju Island, Sejal and family decided to avoid resorts. Instead, they chose a "modern" hotel...with mixed results. According to Sejal, she felt that South Korean tourism is on the tipping point of something good. However, it's not there just yet. While their room wasn't bad, there were a few things she wished were different. If they return again, she explains, then they would look for a guesthouse, Airbnb or another arrangement. Know Any Fun Things to Do in Korea? If you combine both Sejal's and my time in Korea, we've only spent a little over a month in the country in our individual trips. Sejal saw lots of Seoul and Jeju Island. In contrast, I've only visited one district in Seoul a few times. That's why we need your help. We want this South Korea travel blog post to be more comprehensive. What are some great things to do in South Korea? Tell us things to do in Seoul. Tell us things to do in Busan. Give us details on things to do at Jeju Island and beyond. Where else should we explore?     Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help you find fun things to do in Korea with kids. If you're looking for things to do in Seoul or things to do at Jeju Island, I hope that this South Korea travel blog post helps! Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER151: Things to Do in Korea with Kids — South Korea Travel Blog

Everest Base Camp Trek Tips The Everest Base Camp Trek: could you do it? Could you conquer it, on your own, independently and with two kids? That's what Ronnie and Any Jones have done. When most people attempt the Everest Base Camp hike, they buy loads of equipment and/or hire a tour company and guides to help them make it happen. Not the Jones family. In this episode, we talk to them about how they managed to do the Everest Base Camp Trek on their own, without porters or a travel agency. If you've ever dreamed of Everest Base Camp hike, then listen in. It's not for the faint of heart, but they loved it so much they've made new plan to hike the Himalayas again. ::: Like what you’re hearing? Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio. We would be extremely grateful! iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you! ::: The Everest Base Camp Trek - Independently & With Kids The Everest Base Camp Trek. AKA the "EBC." Many try it. Many fail. Hiking the Himalayas is a challenge for anyone. Hiking the Himalayas as a suburban family with no prior experience? That's another thing entirely. But that's what Ronnie and Any Jones decided to do. It was one of the most meaningful experiences their family's had thus far in their adventures. The Everest Base Camp Trek (a.k.a. the EBC) is no small feat, but once they decided to take on the challenge, they found a way to make it work. In this episode, I talk to Ronnie and Any about how they planned their Everest Base Camp Hike. We discuss why they chose to do the Everest Base Camp hike independently rather than going through a large and expensive travel agency. Looking for Backpacks & Other Travel Gear? IN THIS EPISODE 03:07 The Family RV that started it all 07:11 Arriving in Nepal & illness 12:20 The Most Dangerous Airport in the World 14:41 Altitude Sickness when hiking in the Himalayas 21:06 Planning & Resources for Hiking in the Himalayas 23:46 Training for the Everest Base Camp trek 26:39 Money & Hiking the EBC Independently 43:00 Things to You Need to Hike the EBC 53:12 The Positives of Doing the Everest Base Camp Hike together ABOUT Names: Ronnie and Amy Jones, and their two sons Hold passports from: USA Type of travel: RV Travel, Trekking, and Long-term Travel A few places they've been: US National Parks, Bali, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Nepal, and others IN THEIR BAGS Buff Headwear for sun protection Bentonite Clay Capsules and Dr. Schulze's Products for digestive issues LINKS & RESOURCES They used this blog post a lot while planning The highly suggest Shona's Alpine Kathmandu for outfitting yourself (no website). He describes it in more detail in the podcast. FIND THEM ON Where the Jones YOUTUBE channel! Hiking The Himalayas with Kids Meet the Jones family. Less than a year ago, they were living in the United States (St. Louis, MO.) with only a Canadian Stamp in their passport. Fast-forward to the present, and they've been on the road, traveling in Asia for nearly nine months. Most of that time was spent traveling in Southeast Asia, but they had one crazy idea: walk the Everest Base Camp Trek. Unlike many who do the Everest Base Camp Trek, they decided to do it on their own. They arranged flights, acquired gear and stayed in Nepalese tea houses along the way. They planned their Everest Base Camp hike as they traveled so that by the time they reached Nepal, they were ready. Here's how it went down. Before the Everest Base Camp Trek — a Prelude Long before the Everest Base Camp hike became a dream, the Jones family was living in St. Louis, Missouri in the United States. Yet they had aspirations to see more of the world. Their first step was to sell their stuff, buy an RV and travel around the US, visiting National Parks. As they traveled, hiking and trekking became something their family loved to do. As travel in Southeast Asia became their focus, Ronnie looked online for potential places to hike. Of course, the mother of all treks appeared: the Everest Base Camp Trek. That's when Ronnie knew he wanted his family to see "The Big Guy." Mount Everest itself. They started their Southeast Asian travels in Bali, moving on to Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and other exotic locales. And as they traveled, they planned their Everest Base Camp hike from afar. They had around eight months to prepare for the climb to Everest Base Camp. Our Destinations Page Has Travel Tips for Bali, Vietnam, Malaysia, & More  Why Attempt the Everest Base Camp Trek Independently? I ask Ronnie and Amy about why they chose to do the Everest Base Camp hike on their own. Why not hire guides? Why not go through a travel company. Ronnie says that he is not discouraging people who plan their Everest Base Camp Trek with professionals. Indeed, there are many benefits to going with them. For example, if you walk the Everest Base Camp Trek with a tour company, all your flights and accommodation are taken care of by them. In addition, you get porters, local sherpas who will carry your heaviest bags up the trail for you. According to Ronnie, there were many times along the EBC that they wished they had those porters. After all, the family has a Youtube channel to run. That means Ronnie was carrying a laptop, cameras and other electronics. Another benefit of doing the Everest Base Camp hike with a tour group is that most things are already paid for. Since they hiked the EBC independently, they had to carry lost of cash on them. When to Plan an Everest Base Camp Trek According to Ronnie, there are two main Himalaya hiking seasons. Most people do the Everest Base Camp hike between May and June or during a window in November. That way, you avoid hiking the Himalayas during the rainy season or in the coldest part of the year. Their entire trip needed to fit into one of these windows. The Benefits of Doing Everest Base Camp Hike Alone   If you can hike the Himalayas with someone carrying your stuff, why wouldn't you? Well, money is one thing. Ronnie explains that it's cheaper to do the EBC on your own. The Everest Base Camp cost isn't as high as you might think it is, and we discuss how they prepared for that as well. That said, the real benefit of independent trekking was time. Most tours that do the Everest Base Camp hike are in and out very quickly. Ronnie and Amy wanted to give their kids — and themselves — enough time to adjust to the altitude. They wanted to be physically ready to do the EBC on their own schedule. That turned out to be the right solution for them. Altitude Sickness (& Other Obstacles) During an Everest Base Camp Trek Hiking in the Himalayas brings you to great heights. This is a potential hazard. One of the most dangerous aspects of hiking the Everest Base Camp trek is altitude sickness. It could come in the form of intense headaches. Or it could manifest itself as nausea. It could be both, or worse. For some, if they're not careful, hiking the Himalayas can be deadly. Ronnie and Amy wanted to make sure they had enough time to arrive acclimate before hitting the trail. "Our secret weapon was time," he says. This turned out to be true, as they needed that time. Perhaps it was partly due to altitude sickness, but there were other health problems as well. Murphy's Law struck. Amy and the boys both fell ill in the days and weeks leading up to their Everest Base Camp hike. They had just traveled through Thailand, Vietnam, and India with almost no health issues. Now they faced strep throat, an eye infection and digestive issues. Right as their dream of the hiking the Himalayas becomes reality. As a consequence, they postponed their hike to EBC for a week. But they had time. Therefore, they were able to rest and recover in Kathmandu and push back the EBC trek until everyone was feeling better. Kathmandu: The Gateway to the Everest Base Camp Trek While in Kathmandu, the Jones family bought or rented everything they needed for the Everest Base Camp hike. They had just been traveling in Southeast Asia. Of course, they didn't want to be lugging around boots, sleeping bags, and parkas. Instead, they found everything they needed in Thamel, an area of Kathmandu that Ronnie calls "the trekking supply capital of the world." Here they rented sleeping bags, backpacks and down coats. Everything else they bought. The total cost of gear for the Everest Base Camp hike? Less than USD $1,000, and that's for a family of four. According to Ronnie, it's completely possible to hire your own guides and porters from here. There were plenty of capable, certified guides and porters for hire. Just makes sure they're certified, he says. The Most Dangerous Airport in the World Ronnie describes flying into Lukla, which is often known as "the most dangerous airport in the world. There's a mountain on one side of the runway. There's a cliff on the other. Flying in on small prop-planes, the pilots have to get it right. It didn't help that there were still some rough bellies on the flight, but they made it. Training for the Everest Base Camp Trek Hiking the Himalayas requires strength and endurance. So how did this family from St Louis prepare to walk the EBC while on the road? Part of their training, Ronnie says, is simply finding as many hikes and treks as they traveled. Another crucial component was Insanity Max 30. The family did this high-intensity workout program every day for the two months leading up to flying to Nepal. Gear: What They Needed for the EBC (and What They Didn't) I asked Ronnie and Amy about specific hiking gear or other things that were essential to their Everest Base Camp Hike. Aside from boots and clothing, what did you need? And what didn't you need to hike the Himalayas? One of the most important items in their bags were supplements that they refer to as "stoppers" and "goers." And when I say "stoppers" and "goers," this is all about the toilet. Sometimes you need to go. Then there were other times where your body wants to go, but you're hiking the EBC and need to stop that urge quickly. When you're eating a steady diet of Dal Baht (lentils and rice), that can affect people differently. They used bentonite clay and supplements from Dr. Schulze's line to control this on the hike. Sunscreen and water were other essential items for hiking the Himalayas and other high-altitude places. The sun along the Everest Base Camp hike will scorch any exposed skin. By the same token, the thin, dry air can dehydrate someone much faster than they think. This goes double if you're hiking uphill for hours and hours each day. Another sun protector they mentioned is a buff. Somewhere between a scarf and a neck-warmer, a buff makes it easy to cover your neck, ears, and face when needed. Surprisingly, one thing Ronnie says he didn't need was a big, nice flashlight. The extra weight was a burden and they ended up using the light on their phones at night anyway. Go figure! Looking for Backpacks & Other Travel Gear? What's Next After Hiking the EBC? The Jones family is already planning their next big Himalaya hike. This time, they're going to K2 in Pakistan. And they're not going alone. Fellow family travel blogger (and friend of the show) Alyson Long and her family will be joining them. Would you like to hike K2 with them? If so, they're looking for a third family to round out their team. If your family is interested and up to the task, get in touch. This is no walk in the park, so serious applicants only! Have You Been to Everest Base Camp? Would You Want To? This is a serious question. To be honest, hiking the Himalayas is not at the top of my list. Keiko and I hate cold weather, and you would just have to enjoy winter to hike the Everest Base Camp trek. Then there's the Everest Base Camp cost. For that money, I'd rather be sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere. How about you? Are you up for hiking the Himalayas? Do you want to know how to go to Everest Base Camp? Tell us in the comments! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book a hotel using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help hiking the Himalayas. Is hiking the Himalayas on your bucket list? Have you hiked in the Himalayas before? Let us know in the comments.  Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER150: The Everest Base Camp Trek – Everest Base Camp Hike with Kids

Overlanding Africa with kids: would you do it? This week's guest just finished an amazing trip through six African countries — all in a Land Rover. If you're interested in what it's like to drive across the African continent, listen in! Overlanding Africa with Kids If you've ever thought about driving across Africa, then this is an interview for you. Jenny Lynn and her family have just returned from overlanding Africa for months. They started in South Africa. Then they drove through Mozambique, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Namibia. ::: Like what you’re hearing? Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio. We would be extremely grateful! iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you! ::: Land Rovers, Camping, Self-Drive Safaris & More In today's episode of Epic Education Radio, we talk to Jenny about shipwrecks, self-drive safaris, sand traps and more. We talk planning, budgeting and the on-the-ground experience of overlanding Africa. If you're interested in exploring places like Mozambique, Tanzania, and Namibia with kids, then listen in. Or look for more overland travel stories The last time we spoke to Jenny, she and her family were living in India. As we catch up, she tells me about the changes since we last talked. Her husband decided to take a voluntary redundancy package so they could plan an overland trip in Africa with their two young boys. IN THIS EPISODE 03:29 Leaving India for Africa 09:25 Planning no Planning 13:36 Land Rover 16:02 Budget 18:47 Tanzania 24:39 food & cooking 29:33 Health & Safety 34:45 Africa bad rap 40:11 Country by country   ABOUT Names: Jenny Lyn, her husband, and their two young boys Hold passports from: the UK Type of travel: Overland travel A few places they've been: India, Nepal and many countries. On this trip, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Namibia. LINKS & RESOURCES Tracks4Africa Books & Maps Drive Moz   FIND THEM ON TraveLynn Family | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest What is Overlanding? The term "overlanding" is the idea of driving yourself from country to country. No planes. The term is often used when talking about driving across continents like Africa, Australia or South America. However, I consider any long-term, multi-country trip where you drive yourself the entire way to be overlanding, or overland travel. That could be by car, train, boat or bicycle. It could be on foot. As long as you stay on the ground and cross over the land that way, let's call that overlanding.  How to Plan an Overland Trip  One of the trickiest parts of the planning became an act of pure luck and serendipity. A South African friend rented them their own Land Rover, complete with stove, fridge, and tents that pop up on the top. They camped their way through Mozambique, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Namibia, stocking up at local markets along the way. She describes their ride and the patterns of life in more detail in the podcast. Did they have any experience overlanding in Africa? Not really. They had backpacked in various African destinations before kids. They had also had driven a 2-wheel-drive car there. That said, they learned that overlanding Africa is a completely different thing. Did they have any 4-wheel-drive training? Not before they left. They learned along the way. It was a challenge but worth it, she said. There were roads turned to slush because of massive rains. There were sandtraps where local kids helped them push the landrover out. Overlanding in Africa is not for the faint of heart, but at the same time, it's not as hard as one might think. Is Overlanding Africa Safe? Many of you are probably asking yourself: is overlanding Africa safe? According to Jenny, absolutely yes. Sure, there are hazards to navigate: wildlife, bad roads, and the corrupt police are a few. That said, Jenny says that it was much easier than you might expect. As for health and safety, we discuss immunizations and first aid. Aside from a few scrape and bruises (kids are kids after all), they had no incidents. As for food, Jenny says that they could always find things some of their staples. Things like eggs, potatoes, and bananas were common, with other things available in different places. We also talk malaria: a genuine concern in many countries in Africa. She talks about the medicine they took and her reasoning behind it. Overlanding Mozambique with Kids According to Jenny, many had warned them that Mozambique would be a challenge. That they would be stopped frequently by local police and other irritations. However, this turned out not to be the case for them at all. They had no issues overlanding in Mozambique and enjoyed some of its amazing beaches. In fact, Jenny says that they rival the beaches of Australia — a bold statement to be sure. Overlanding Tanzania with Kids For the Lynn family, it turns out, overlanding in Tanzania was the real challenge. For one thing, there are political changes happening in the country. This made some interactions with police and government officials more awkward. Then there were the prices. For example, everyone wants to see the Serengeti, right? So did Jenny and family. However, the prices and paperwork made it a no-go. However, they chose a lesser-known National Park (Tangiri) for a self-drive safari. The result: it was a 10th of the price but with plenty of wildlife. Another challenge in Tanzania was the weather: the country was having the worst rains in a decade. This made overlanding Tanzania even more of a struggle. They ended up speeding through the country and leaving earlier than they planned. But not before seeing Mount Kilimanjaro, which made the visit all worth it. Overlanding Malawi with Kids Jenny says that despite some initial issues with their entry visa, they loved their time in overlanding Malawi. The people were warm and welcoming, she says and there are some great hikes that even little kids can do. The country is dense, so it's easy to get from one place to the next without long drives. Of course, Lake Malawi is another highlight. Overlanding Namibia with Kids Out of all the African countries they visited on this trip, Namibia is where she recommends to first-time visitors to the continent. Overlanding Namibia is easier, she says. There are better roads, good medical care, and affordable self-drive safaris. What's more, Namibia has some of the most unique and otherworldly landscapes in the world. There are deserts and jaw-dropping landscapes. Then there is the Skeleton Coast, with its many shipwrecks just off of the beach. Have You Been Overlanding in Africa? I'd love to hear your stories, tips, and advice for overlanding Africa. Let us know! It's definitely on our list. How about you? Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help your travel. If you're really considering overlanding in Africa I hope this helps! I'm also always looking for more tips and info on Mozambique with kids, Namibia with kids, Malawi with kids, Zambia with kids, and Tanzania with kids. Help us make overlanding Africa with kids better for other traveling families! Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER149: Overlanding Africa with Kids: Land Rovers, Camping, Self-Drive Safaris & More

Trying new foods while traveling is difficult for some adults. It can be even more difficult for kids — especially if they're already picky eaters. Today's episode is all about tips for picky eaters, and the families who travel with them. Do you travel with picky eaters? How do you handle it? Read on, listen in, and add your insight in the comments. Trying New Foods While Traveling There are loads of tips for picky eaters on the web — both for adults and children. For me, food is an essential part of the joy and discovery of travel. For some people, however, trying new foods is an assault on normality. This can be especially challenging when traveling with children. Many kids are extremely picky eaters. That's why it can be a challenge to keep your kid fed, happy, and healthy while traveling. Especially if they're unwilling to try new foods. Today I talk with Emma Morrel, a mom of two who has had to deal with some picky eaters in her family. She decided to write about it on her blog after a trip to Italy with two other families. It was then that she discovered that they couldn't find a single meal that all six children with them would eat. "I knew I couldn't be the only parent with this problem," she explained, "so I asked my readers about it." The results are here. See All Food-Related Posts  (Japanese, Malaysian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Spanish & more!) IN THIS EPISODE 02:26 Intro 04:21 Life in Doha 07:45 Why write about trying new foods? 09:53 The really picky stage 12:03 Bali food games 20:04 Compromises 22:57 Carbs & breakfast 24:44 Packing food & snacks ABOUT Names: Emma Morrel Hold passports from: The UK Type of travel: Living abroad & short-term travel FIND THEM ON Wanderlust & Wetwipes | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Tips for Picky Eaters and their Families In this episode of Epic Education Radio, Emma and I discuss tips for picky eaters and different ways of keeping kids well fed while on the road. Emma and I come from different perspectives: she lives in Doha with two kids under seven. We presently live in Mexico (with kids raised in Japan, Malaysia, and Spain) who are now 15 and 12 at the time of writing. We both have our own ways of getting our kids to try new foods, but this discussion is just the tip of the iceberg. There are loads of ways to get picky eaters to try new foods. We only discuss some of them. What are yours? Games & Wordplay: Trying New Foods   Emma talks about the time they went to Bali with kids. For dinner was satay: skewers of chicken grilled over charcoal and dipped in a peanut sauce. Emma didn't tell the kids it was satay. She called them "chicken lollipops." And it worked. She also recalled a Charlie & Lola book where Charlie called mashed potatoes "fluffy clouds." Sometimes changing the name is all it takes to picky eaters to try new foods. I mentioned that when EER guest Karen Beddow was in Rwanda, everything her kids was served was "chicken curry." Why? Because the kids like chicken curry. Carbs, Choices, & Compromises: Tips for Picky Eaters Other tips for picky eaters that we discuss dealt with breakfast, autonomy, and dealmaking. For example, she and I both agreed that a carb-filled breakfast is often a bad choice — even if the child is trying new foods. Carbs tend to burn right through a child, and they're hungry again quickly. We also talked about giving picky eaters a choice at dinner — even if the choice is between two things they don't like. Giving a choice gives children a sense of autonomy that can be reassuring when they're in a new place. Compromises are also required when trying new foods. Not every meal on the road will be a balanced one. There will be places without vegetables on the menu, and there will times when all the food might be new and foreign to the child. When this happens, make a deal. Offer rewards of what they like at a later time. Pack Your Own: Tips for Picky Eaters Another great tip for traveling with picky eaters is to always carry some food of your own. Emma talks about cereal bars and other snacks to keep "hangry" kids satiated. I talk about carrying a collapsible insulated bag and all the treats we pack it with. Everyone should be trying new foods while traveling, but one of the best tips for picky eaters that I can suggest this: have a backup. Do You Have Tips for Picky Eaters? Do your kids like trying new foods while traveling? Do you? What are your tips for picky eaters and getting them to try new foods? Tell us in the comments!   Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help your travel. Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER148: Trying New Foods - Tips for Picky Eaters & Their Families

If you think the idea of a road trip in Norway with kids sounds interesting, then this is the episode for you. Today we talk about an incredible Norway road trip and some of the fun things to do in Norway. A Road Trip in Norway with Kids We've driven/ridden in many places around the world, but we've never taken a road trip in Norway with kids. Yet after talking to this week's guest, it's now on my list. Today we talk again with Jeff Bogle from the Out With the Kids blog. The first time we spoke, it was all about cruises. This week is a very different topic: driving in Norway and a pretty incredible road trip through Norway.   ::: Like what you’re hearing? Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio. We would be extremely grateful! iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you! ::: IN THIS EPISODE 10:20 Intro to Jeff 11:52 Norway Road Trips — Why Norway? 17:14 Skipped Oslo and Drove West 22:03 Bergen Norway 26:10 The Only Disappointment 31:23 Food in Norway 35:41 Book Towns in Norway 39:24 Alesund Norway 42:14 Trondheim Norway   ABOUT Names: Family blogger & Iris Award-winning photographer Jeff Bogle, his wife, and teen/tween daughters Hold passports from: USA Type of travel: Short-term travel, family cruises for kids, road trips A few places they’ve been: 20+ countries and counting, including Turkey, Greece, the UK/Ireland, Spain, and France.   LINKS & RESOURCES My first conversation with Jeff was about cruises Jeff tells us what to avoid in Norway A little more on the disappointing rail and cruise in Flåm   FIND THEM ON Out With The Kids (aka OWTK) | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest The Bogle's Norway Road Trip Dreamed up and planned while traveling in Ireland, the Bogle's adventure started with flights to the Oslo airport. From there, they skipped Oslo entirely and instead drove west. From here their Norway road trip took them to Bergen, Alesund, Trondheim and other fascinating places. "It’s the prettiest place we’ve ever been, full stop," he says, "Top to bottom.” That's a pretty large claim for Jeff, who travels a lot — both with his family and on his own. Then again, many of the scenes they encountered sound magical. For example, during this road trip in Norway, they saw crystal-clear fjords and snow-capped mountains. And they sat in wooden hot tubs on a deck overlooking it all. During his road trip in Norway, Jeff describes a scene where they watched snowflakes "as big as a baby's fist." These flakes dropped so slowly that they could even make out the patterns on them as they fell. Driving in Norway: Norway Road Trip Tips According to Jeff's experience, driving is Norway is easy. Even with loads of snow, the roads are clear and easy to follow. That said, he explains that just about any road trip in Norway will involve lots of tunnels. In fact, one of the longest tunnels in the world (that's not underwater) is in Norway: 25 kilometers long. Some tunnels even have roundabouts, rest stops and forks in the road. If you're claustrophobic and taking a road trip in Norway, this may be something to consider. A road trip in Norway will also likely involve car ferries — especially in the west of the country. With so many fjords and other bodies of water, travel in Norway requires some time to cross to the other side. They had one close call during their trip, actually — because of a flight delay, they had to rush to reach one car ferry. The last ferry of the day left just 15minutres after they reached if after a long drive. Food in Norway: Norway Travel Tips Jeff and family had some fantastic food during their road trip in Norway. There was still plenty of snow on the ground when they were there. Yet his vegetarian daughters were still able to find enough to eat, including (their surprise and delight) avocados! Jeff also saw lots of fish and wild game on menus, as well. One of his favorite meals of the trip was a halibut pulled right out of the fjord in they had taken a boat ride on. He also had an amazing Italian meal in Bergen at a place called Olivia's. So much so that I'll put a link to it in the show notes here. Like Iceland, Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia, food in Norway isn't cheap. If you take a road trip in Norway, prepare yourself for sticker shock. That said, Jeff talks about that it wasn't as bad as expected. Sure, there were some $100 breakfasts. Then again, that meal at Olivia's — one he claimed to be vaulted into the top 5 of his life — was approximately USD $90 for his family of four. Book Towns in Norway: Norway Travel Tips Books? The Bogles are fans. Both of Jeff's daughters are huge readers and Jeff and his wife both love the printed page as well. That's why for their Norway road trip itinerary they stopped in Fjærland. It's here that many old buildings are taken over by used books. Thousands and thousands of them. Unfortunately, their side trip to Fjærland didn't go as planned. More on that in the episode. They had better luck later when they reached Trondheim. They found a great "book barn" cafe, where they snacked while being surrounded by books. Once they walked outside, they realized that they were standing at the city's most picturesque wharf. The Only Disappointment of their Road Trip in Norway Jeff and family had an amazing time. In fact, they're already planning a return trip. That said, there were a few minor let downs during their road trip in Norway. For example, in Flåm, they took a very well-known (and very expensive) train ride that is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. That may be true, but because of the multiple tunnels, it was hard to capture it on camera. A fjord cruise in the same area was similarly disappointing. Not terrible, he says, but not worth the price and time required. Jeff describes it best in the podcast itself. More on Their Road Trip in Norway These are just a few of the things Jeff tells me about their road trip in Norway. Listen in as he describes snowy sunsets, Norwegian soccer stadiums, and looking for the northern lights. Have you taken a road trip in Norway? Do you have any advice for someone wanting to take a road trip in Norway? Tell us all about it in the comments below! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book room or car for your Norway road trip using these links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help you make the most of your road trip in Norway. If you've taken a Norway road trip and are willing to talk about it and about driving in Norway, get in touch! Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories, and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER147: A Road Trip in Norway with Kids — Norway Road Trip Tips

Many of the best road trips in Mexico can be found in the Yucatan Peninsula. With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Caribbean sea on the other, Mexico's Peninsula is an incredible place to travel alone, with friends or with the entire family. There are so many things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula — including some of the best road trips in Mexico. Today we discuss hitting the road for a Yucatan vacation. Why is driving the Yucatan Peninsula one of the best road trips in Mexico? Listen in as we talk about jumping in Yucatan cenotes, exploring Mayan ruins, swimming with turtles in Akumal and other things to do in Akumal, as well as many other places to explore on your Yucatan vacation.   ::: Like what you’re hearing? Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio. We would be extremely grateful! iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you! ::: Best Road Trips in Mexico: A Yucatan Vacation With well-maintained roads, abundant nature, and fascinating cultural opportunities, driving the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the best road trips in Mexico. There are so many things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula, with kids or without. Beautiful beaches, exotic Yucatan cenotes, jungles, wildlife like the turtles in Akumal, and ancient jungle pyramids like the Coba Ruins. It's all here in the Yucatan Peninsula, and that's the focus of today's episode: one of the best road trips in Mexico. On the show this week is returning guest Rob Taylor of 2TravelDads. Rob has found plenty of fun things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula — both solo and with his family.   IN THIS EPISODE 02:44 Intro 04:29 Why the Yucatan is the best road trip in Mexico 07:13 Yucatan vacation itinerary, starting in Cancun 09:14 Iguanas in the Yucatan 10:36 Leaving Cancun and driving south 13:09 Things to do in Akumal: Turtles in Akumal 16:35 Things to do in Akumal: Yal-Ku Cenote 22:41 Driving in the Yucatan 27:19 Mayan ruins in Tulum 32:44 Coba ruins in Mexico 36:35 Valladolid (Rob's favorite city in Mexico) 41:47 Isla Holbox 46:39 Hotels in the Yucatan   ABOUT Names: Rob Taylor, his husband, and their two boys Hold passports from: US Type of travel: Short-term travel, camping, road trips A few places they've been: Mexico, the Caribbean, China, the UK and all over the US   LINKS & RESOURCES Rob's Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary Rob's Favorite Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan    FIND THEM ON 2 Travel Dads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula Today Rob and I construct a Yucatan vacation itinerary for anyone considering a visit. This is constructed road-trip style, since driving in the Yucatan is safe and easy. Even so, this same trip could happen via buses, taxis, or personal drivers. We visit the Coba Ruins. We explore Yucatan cenotes, and we swim with turtles in Akumal. And of course, we do what everyone should do on a Yucatan vacation: swim, eat well and relax. What else would you expect from one of the best road trips in Mexico? Why Yucatan Vacation? Why is it the Best Road Trip in Mexico? Rob and I both think that a Yucatan Vacation is home to some of the best road trips in Mexico. Why? For one, the Yucatan's roads are flat with good signage and infrastructure. Secondly, it's easy to pick up a car rental at Cancun's International airport. In addition, Rob explains the benefits of traveling in the Yucatan with kids. He describes it as an ideal marriage between history, culture, and nature. The Yucatan Peninsula is part of Mexico, but it has its own unique culture, that is infused with its Mayan past. Sure, there are great restaurants, beautiful beaches, and abundant wildlife. But you also have the Mayan culture, seen both in the dozens of archaeological sites but also living within the locals. The Yucatan also has unique flora and fauna. Especially fauna. There are dolphins off the coast and flamingos in Rio Logartos and Celestun. There are the turtles in Akumal, as well as tropical fish when snorkeling. Then there are monkeys, crocodiles, deer and more. And did we mention the turtles in Akumal? Yucatan Road Trip: Start in Cancun For our Yucatan road trip itinerary, we start in Cancun. This is a major tourist hub, with massive hotels and entertainment complexes. Cancun is also where the Peninsula's largest international airport is. For most people, this is the best place to fly into. For Rob and his family, the Yucatan vacation starts soon after landing. They leave the airport and, after picking up a rental car, go straight to the beach. Before they leave Cancun, they visit a few of the Mayan ruins in or near the city. That's right: there are Mayan ruins in Cancun! Visiting Mayan ruins are certainly one of the best things to do in the Yucatan peninsula, and even Cancun has them. The most famous Mayan ruins in Cancun are places like San Miguel and El Rey. They are probably not far from your Cancun hotel. Things to Do in Akumal - Turtles in Akumal After some beach time and the Mayan ruins in Cancun, Rob suggests heading south. One of his favorite destinations is Akumal. One of the most famous things to do here is swim with the turtle in Akumal, and that's what Rob recommends here. He has been several times and has always seen turtles in Akumal. In fact, he talked about the last time he was there he "only" saw eight turtles in Akumal. At other times, he saw nearly twice that many. Akumal is his favorite place for snorkeling in Mexico. Swimming with turtles in Akumal is awesome, but another of the best things to do in Akumal is to visit Cenote Yal Ku. Only a short drive from Akumal, Cenote Yal Ku is both freshwater and saltwater, as the cenote opens up into a lagoon. That means you get sea life like parrot fish and angelfish in what is usually a freshwater swimming spot. Yucatan Cenotes Rob said that Cenote Yal Ku was one of his favorite cenotes in the Yucatan, but what are Yucatan cenotes? I certainly didn't know about Yucatan cenotes before we visited Mexico. A cenote is a freshwater sinkhole, part of a vast underground water system that is unique to the Yucatan Peninsula. The water is fresh, clean and mostly underground. Some Yucatan cenotes are open to the sun, while others are in caves with little light from above. Rob talks about some of his favorite Yucatan cenotes — a crucial part of our road trip in Mexico That said, keep in mind that these Yucatan cenotes aren't free. Some of the most famous large Yucatan cenotes on the east coast of the peninsula cost USD $10 or more, per person. On the other hand, many Yucatan cenotes in the interior or west coast cost as little as a dollar. It's also worth remembering that no sunscreen or mosquito repellant is allowed in Yucatan cenotes. The chemicals can damage the fragile ecosystems there, so if you're prone to burns or bites, cover up. Mayan Ruins in Mexico If you want to see Mayan Ruins in Mexico, then you're headed to the Yucatan. It's a huge part of what makes the peninsula one of the best road trips in Mexico. In fact, one of the best things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula — with or without kids — is visiting the Mayan ruins. Rob started with the Mayan ruins in Cancun, surrounded by hotels and high-rises. But he didn't stop there. We talked about many others, including the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum. Rob's favorite, however, is the Coba Ruins, which are inland. Deep in the Yucatan jungle, the Coba Ruins in Mexico are massive and largely intact. And as Rob explains, travelers can still climb the pyramids here. Places like Chichen Itza no longer allow climbers, but places like Uxmal and the Coba Ruins in Mexico still allow you to reach the top. Rob talks about his experience in the podcast. More of the Best Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula These are only a few things we discuss in our hour-long conversation about things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula. Listen in and hear Rob talk about flamingos in Rio Logartos, Cathedrals in Valladolid, restaurants in Holbox and much, much more. Listen in and you'll understand why we think that one of the best road trips in Mexico starts at the Mayan ruins in Cancun and covers the Yucatan Peninsula. Have You Had a Yucatan Vacation? Recommend Other Road Trips in Mexico! This episode is all about the best things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula and the best road trips in Mexico. What would you add? Where did you go? What did you do? Where did you stay? What (and where) did you eat?  Did you climb the Coba ruins in Mexico? Did you swim with the turtles in Akumal? Any swimming in Yucatan cenotes? We love the Yucatan and want to keep our posts on things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula updated. So tell us about your Yucatan vacation in the comments! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help you find all the best things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula and have one of the best road trips in Mexico Do you want to swim with turtles in Akumal? Do you want to climb the Mayan Coba ruins in Mexico? Then we hope you find our Yucatan vacation tips useful!  Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER146: Best Road Trips in Mexico - Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula

Things to do in Cartagena. Things to do in Medellin, and adventures in Bogota. Once considered one of the most dangerous regions of the world, the country of Colombia has come a long way. There are loads of things to do in Cartagena and Medellin for curious travelers. But is Colombia safe to travel? We discuss that today. Colombia: Things to Do in Cartagena, Things to Do in Medellin From cartel HQ to an up-and-coming travel destination, Colombia has a lot to offer. There are beautiful beaches and verdant mountain towns. Family travel in Colombia is growing in popularity as well. Today we'll talk to Jade Shannon about her recent trip to Colombia with kids under 5. We talk food, internet and her tips for things to do in Cartagena and Medellin. Much more below.   ::: Like what you’re hearing? Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio. We would be extremely grateful! iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you! ::: IN THIS EPISODE 05:50 Why Family Travel in Colombia?  07:29 Planning Family Travel in Colombia  08:53 Is Colombia kid appropriate? 12:45 7-10 day Colombia itinerary: things to do in Cartagena & Medellin 14:40 Medellin VS Cartagena 16:15 Things to do in Cartagena 18:47 Food in Cartagena 22:44 Phone/Power/Internet in Cartagena 23:47 Things to do in Medellin 26:25 Museums in Medellin 31:42 Tours in Medellin 37:17 Guatape: Day trip from Medellin 40:57 Challenges in Colombia  46:02 Bogota Drama ABOUT Names: Jade Shannon, her husband, and sons (5 years and 8 months old) Hold passports from: Canada & Australia Type of travel: Short-term & Long-term travel A few places they've been: Jade has been to 60 countries. On this 5-month trip, they visited Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama. LINKS & RESOURCES Our first conversation with Jade (episode #102) Real City Tours Fernando Botero FIND THEM ON Our Oyster | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram   Why Travel in Colombia? Why Visit Cartagena and Medellin? When asked about why she chose family travel in Colombia, Jade admits that Colombia was on her husband's bucket list. Jade was still on maternity leave for their 8-month-old son, so they planned a 5-month trip in Latin America. Why not? Her family travel in Colombia was memorable in many ways. Her favorite things to do in Medellin were museums and tours. What were her favorite things to do in Cartagena? Walk around, mostly, because it was such a beautiful place. Then again, her tips for travel in Cartagena are great for anyone considering a trip. Is Colombia Safe To Travel? When most people think of Colombia, they think of Pablo Escobar and the ruthless drug cartels. One must remember, however, that this was decades ago. Is Colombia safe to travel? The answer is both yes and no. Jade considered safety in Colombia when planning her trip. With this in mind, they chose to fly between cities instead of taking buses through remote parts of the country. If you ask Jade "Is Colombia safe to travel?" Her answer might be conflicted. On one hand, they had an amazing five months in Latin America. On the other hand, just before the trip ended, her husband was mugged in Bogota. More on that later. Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia For Jade, Cartagena was the best city in Colombia to explore. The buildings are colorful, the streets are secure, and the weather is warm. The food in Cartagena sounds great, too: lots of seafood, chicken & rice and other dishes and drinks flavored with coconut. One of their favorite things to do in Cartagena was eating avocados: the best they've ever had. As for Cartagena attractions, Jade talk about visiting the fortress. It was here that they protected the city from actual Pirates of the Caribbean. Her 5-year old loved the cannons. Overnight & Day Trips from Cartagena Another of the best things to do in Cartagena we discuss is visiting the islands near the city. Jade and her family spent some time on Baru Island, which is the only island connected to the mainland by a bridge. While beautiful, it isn't for everyone. For example, there is no running water, and power only at night. Power outages also make it a challenge. When looking for things to do in Cartagena, consider this. Then again, a day trip is also possible. Cartagena VS Medellin Colombia Another interesting place to visit in Colombia is Medellin, which contrasts Cartagena in many ways. For example, while Cartagena is on the coast, Medellin is in the Andes. Where Cartagena is tropical, Medellin is high-altitude, with spring-like weather year round. Things to Do in Medellin Colombia When I first asked Jade about things to do in Medellin with kids, she said that there wasn't as much for kids. Yet as we spoke, there were several places that I knew my kids and I would like to visit. From museums to exotic fruit, Jade talked about some great things to do in Medellin Colombia. Museums in Medellin Jade mentions two museums that she thought were great things to do in Medellin. The Museo de Antioquia is home to much of the work of Fernando Botero known. Best known for his paintings and sculptures of strangely obese figures, Botero grew up in Medellin. Then there is Parque Explora. This interactive children's museum sounds like Jade's favorite thing to do in Medellin with kids. Listen in to the podcast for more detail. Tours in Medellin Jade and family also took some interesting tours in Medellin. One of them was called the Barrio Transformation Tour. This Medellin tour showed them how a mountain of trash in the city became an actual neighborhood. The Medellin tour that I am most interested in, however, is the exotic fruit tour. Here they went with a guide to local markets to sample over a dozen fruits that you won't find in any conventional supermarket. There were a few we know such as dragonfruit and passionfruit (Colombia has many kinds). Then there were others with names like "tree tomato" and "lulu." Overnight / Day Trips from Medellin One of the day trips from Medellin Jade's family took was to Guatape, a small, colorful village with a system of lakes. There was also a large rock they climbed with over 750 steps! Challenges of Family Travel in Colombia Jade and family had a great time exploring things to do in Cartagena, Medellin and elsewhere. That said, there were some challenges along the way. Various members of the family got sick here and there, most likely from food or water. For example, since Jade was breastfeeding, she drank lots of fresh juices on Baru Island, where potable water is brought in. Her husband? He drank beer. Who got sick? Not her husband. Then there were the power outages here and there. Baru island was a challenge, but being able to snorkel with phosphorescence made up for it. Trouble in Bogota (Is Colombia Safe Part II) That was not the only challenge they faced in Colombia. While in Bogota at the end of their trip, her husband was mugged at knifepoint. He was unharmed and very little was taken, but the assailants got away with his phone and wedding ring. This was on a busy street in the tourist section of town at 8 pm. Filing a police report isn't one of the best things to do in Colombia for travelers, but that's what happened at the end. And it turned out that this was not an uncommon occurrence. After five months exploring South and Central America, this was the first time anything like this had happened. She goes into more detail in the podcast. What Do You Know About Travel in Colombia? Do you know of good things to do in Cartagena? Any tips on things to do in Medellin? Where else should we go when we visit Colombia? Tell us your tips in the comments below! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help your travel in Colombia. If you know fun things to do in Cartagena and things to do in Medellin, let us know! Is Colombia safe? Tell us about your travel in Colombia! Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER145: Colombia Travel - Things to Do in Cartagena, Things to Do in Medellin

Family Travel in Germany Here are the places to visit in Germany with kids. Looking for things to do in Germany with children? If so, then this week's guest has lots of ideas for you. From castles to museums to water parks, there are loads of cool places in Germany for family fun. Listen in and read on for more! ::: Like what you’re hearing? Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio. We would be extremely grateful! iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you! ::: Places to Visit in Germany with Kids Christine Leger has been living in Germany with kids for the last four years. In that time, she has spent lots of time seeking out great places to visit in Germany with kids. And in this week's episode, we discuss a lot of them. From castles to waterparks, there are countless places to visit in Germany. According to Christine, you'll never run out of things to do in Germany with kids! IN THIS EPISODE: Germany with Kids 02:10 Intro 03:26 Planes, Trains & Automobiles 10:08 SIM cards in Germany 13:27 Eating in Germany 16:05 Kids in Germany 19:22 Weather in Germany / Getting Around Germany 22:44 One-Week Itinerary: Places to Visit  in Germany 27:38 Fairy Tale Road & Romantic Road 28:55 Tropical Islands Waterpark 30:15 Berlin with Kids 31:49 Hamburg & Hannover with Kids 37:38 Germany: Not Open on Sundays ABOUT Names: Christine Leger, her husband and two kids (6 and 3 years old at the time of recording). Hold passports from: Canada Type of travel: Living abroad (Germany) and short-term travel A few places they've been: Western & Eastern Europe IN THEIR BAGS Travel Essentials & Recommendations  "I can’t go anywhere without my packing cubes. It makes the few suitcases we do travel with that much easier to pack strategically. And we know where everyone's things are. We also travel with a corkscrew; there is nothing better than blogging in the dark with a tall glass of wine after the kids have gone to bed. Lastly, we can’t forget our travel adapters. With all this technology in our backpacks, we want to make sure they are charged on proper cables that we can trust." Travel Gear for Kids  "The kids always carry their own child-sized backpack. This holds their in-flight entertainment, a change of clothes, diapers for the baby and any snacks or toys they want to bring. We always take at least one small packet of crayons, a coloring book, and a new Crayola Colour Wonder package. If they go nuts and try to marker the walls in the hotel, it doesn’t leave a mark. We also always pack their swimsuits, regardless of destination. You never know when you will find yourself near a pool. In addition, we take a Travel Cot with the kids, now that they have outgrown a crib. When the kids are too big for a crib but still too young for a big bed without railings, a travel cot is a great way to go." Travel Gear for Babies "Surprisingly, we don’t bring that much extra for the baby than we do for the toddler/big boy. Yes, she still has her stroller, and we always take the carrier for those attractions that don’t allow for strollers (or cities that aren’t stroller-friendly). When flying, we only bring enough diapers for the first few days and buy the rest once we’ve settled in. There is always a grocery store nearby and we don’t want to waste the luggage space. Unless we are traveling to Disney, which is hard to make offsite purchases, or an expensive economy like U.K, then purchasing on the economy is generally the best way for us." Baby Strollers "Personally, we have used a handful of strollers in the past six years when our first was born. We have found that BOB Gear was the best for our traveling needs. It doesn’t fold the flattest, but the rugged wheels and added accessories more than make up for it. We were able to adapt the stroller to hold our car seat when our baby girl was born. That made for one less thing we had to buy new upon her arrival." Luggage "With the hundreds of types of luggage out there, it really is hard to decide which is the best. We prefer to use hiking backpacks. We can store 7 days’ worth of clothes and toiletry bags for two people in each backpack — plus purchases at the destination. This now leaves us hands-free to push a stroller, hold a child’s hand, navigate with our phones or simply enjoy a coffee. Tuck in the straps and most airlines will check these backs right at luggage drop off. Rarely have we been asked to visit Oversized luggage. While this is a minor inconvenience, there is no extra charge for this feature." Electronics  "Even before we started blogging, we always took our fully loaded camera bag and cell phones. Now, we have added a GoPro and a handful more lenses for the camera. We still want to enjoy our vacation and can’t simply stop what we are doing in order to spend hours taking that perfect photo. Therefore we need the best gear possible and a little “this will do” attitude. We don’t claim to be professional photographers and while the kids are around, I don’t see that changing any time soon." FIND THEM ON Tapped Out Travelers | Facebook | Twitter  | Pinterest Travel In Germany with Kids: The Basics Before Christine detailed the things to do and places to visit in Germany with kids, I asked her to about a few practical questions about travel in Germany. For example, I wanted to know about a few nuts-and-bolts issues related to family travel in Germany. Topics like transportation in Germany, German food, the weather in Germany, and other issues. Here are a few points from our conversation. Planes, Trains & Automobiles Germany has three main international airports: Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. Christine suggests flying into one of them and out of another. That way you don't have to backtrack the same area. Considering all the things to do in Germany with kids, she has a point. We discuss rental cars in Germany, as well as German train travel. She highly recommends taking the trains and explains the different train systems and how many of the train cards work. Rental cars in Germany are an option, but roads can be narrow. Eating in Germany & Expectations of Children Christine says you'll find plenty of good food in Germany — especially if you like sausages. Finding pork on the menu is not a challenge. There are some German restaurants that don't allow children or only allow them until a certain time in the evening. In fact, these restaurants don't hesitate to tell you this, either. This was not a big deal for Christine — she understands why some places would like to maintain a certain ambiance. And screaming kids would ruin that ambiance. Besides, there are plenty of restaurants in Germany that are great for families. We also discussed the German cultural norms around children. Christine explains that there is a very "It takes a village" type of mentality in Germany. Children go out on their own from a young age, she explains. Therefore, in German society, there’s an expectation that responsible adults around the child will take care of the child in your absence. For example, let's say that your child is misbehaving and you are not around to reprimand them. It's quite possible that a nearby adult will speak to the child, or bring it to your attention if you haven't seen it. It's never done with ill intent, Christine stresses. That's just how things are done. Weather in Germany / Getting Around Germany If you visit Germany, bring waterproof clothing. Christine says that the weather in Germany can turn rainy frequently, so be prepared. In addition, she also mentioned that many of German roads are cobblestone. This can be rough on small-wheeled strollers. It can also destroy certain wheeled luggage. More on this in the podcast. Places to Go & Things to Do in Germany with Kids   There are loads of things to do and places to go in Germany, so I started my questions with a one-week itinerary. What are the top things to do in Germany if you only had seven days? Things to Do in Munich: Germany with Kids According to Christine, there are lots of things to do in Munich within a short distance. The southern German city has a Legoland, and a fantastic zoo. Just outside of town in the Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired the design of the Disney's castle. It's only a 90-minute drive from Munich towards the Austrian border. Things to Do in Berlin with Kids Looking for things to do in Berlin? Christine suggests Checkpoint Charlie. She also speaks highly of Tropical Islands, an indoor waterpark just outside of Berlin. At Tropical Islands Waterpark, the weather always stays warm and balmy even on a frosty January night. This is one of the best places to visit in Germany in winter. Have You Been to Germany with Kids? Christine had great tips on things to do and places to visit in Germany, but I'd love to hear your tips, as well. Do you know any great places to visit in Germany? Things to do in Berlin? Things to do in Munich? Or things to do in other German cities? If you know any great places to visit in Germany, please fill us in! Let us know in the comments! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help you find the best places to visit in Germany with kids. Do you know of fun things to do in Berlin with children? Do you know any family-friendly Munich attractions? Tell us in the comments! Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER144: Things to do & Places to Visit in Germany with Kids

Family Travel in Egypt Today Travel in Egypt today. Thanks to instability after the Arab Spring, Egypt Tourism took a nosedive. But travel in Egypt today is back on the table for many families. Today we talk Egypt travel with someone who just went. ::: Like what you’re hearing? Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio. We would be extremely grateful! iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you! ::: Sand, Pyramids & Uber - Family Travel in Egypt Today Travel in Egypt today is off the table for many people. Once the Arab Spring kicked into high gear in 2011, the Egypt tourism numbers took a nose dive. Concerns about safety and instability were the norm until 2015 or so. On the other hand in the years since, there has been an uptick in travelers keen to see the pyramids, the Nile and the Valley of the Kings. Today I talk with Diane Vuković about her recent trip to Egypt. We discuss how to get around, what to do, what to see, and more practical matters about family travel in Egypt today.   IN THIS EPISODE 03:12 Intro 04:57 Why Travel in Egypt Today 09:05 Is Egypt Safe? 19:16 Deserts & Whale Bones 23:14 Accommodation in Egypt 24:20 The Drop in Egypt Tourism 25:40 Food in Egypt 33:54 Internet in Egypt 35:23 Things to Do in Egypt 35:61 Preparing for Egypt Travel 39:46 The Egyptian Museum 40:21 Islamic Cairo 41:41 Boat Tours on the Nile River 43:46 Tunis Village 49:03 Luxor and the Valley of Kings   ABOUT Names: Diane Vuković, her husband, and her 7-year-old daughter Hold passports from: USA & Serbia Type of travel: Living in Serbia, Camping around Europe, & short trips 2 months or less A few places they've been: Peru, Egypt, and all over Western and Eastern Europe   LINKS & RESOURCES Uber (not available in Luxor) Careem (Egypt's Uber) Wekalet El-Ghouri Arts Center The Fayoum Art Center Valley of the Whales  Valley of the Artisans Recommended restaurant (with usable bathroom) FelFela Another recommended restaurant Sofra IN THEIR BAGS Anti-diarrhea kit (probiotics, activated charcoal, electrolytes, loperamide capsules) Sawyer Mini water filter Headscarf (bought immediately upon arrival) Slippers (for walking on the cold tile floors in hotel rooms!) One-dollar bills (for tips & bribes) Headlamps Toilet paper FIND THEM ON Mom Goes Camping | Facebook |Twitter | Pinterest One Family's Travel in Egypt Today Diane lives in Serbia, where she camps with her daughter a lot. Serbian winters, however, are very cold. That's why Diane tries to go somewhere warm every winter. Last year it was Peru, and this year she decided on some Egypt travel. Diane is a passionate backpacker, but she is no ordinary backpacker. For example, for this Egypt holiday, she went over 7 months pregnant. And that's with her 7-year-old daughter and new husband. Why Holiday in Egypt? Why Travel in Egypt Today? When I asked Diane why she chose to travel in Egypt, she said she wasn't exactly sure why. That said, her daughter is fascinated by bones, and Egypt today has some of the most famous bones in the world. "What kid doesn't love mummies and pyramids?" she asks. In addition, she explains, places like Egypt are completely embedded in popular culture. There's something interesting about seeing them with your own eyes. Is Egypt Safe? When Diane told people that she planned to travel in Egypt, the most common question was "Is Egypt safe?" The question shows an inability to see the bigger picture. "I would be more scared in New York City or Belgium right now, " she says, referring to recent acts of terror that happened near the time we spoke. But seriously: is Egypt safe? By most standards it is. That said, Diane says that you still need to take precautions and avoid certain places. For example, her family avoided Sinai area, because of reports of unrest. She also skipped a trip to a specific desert near the Libyan border due to reports of trouble. In addition, they avoided Christian landmarks and areas, which are often where trouble might appear. In some places, she explains, there are tourist police waiting for travelers to appear. They will escort you through the area, or simply tell you to move on. Pickpockets in Egypt Today Their biggest concern during their travel in Egypt today was pickpockets. Petty theft is a problem from Brighton to Barcelona to Baltimore, but one must be prepared for it. Diane talks about how they handle money and reveals a clever hiding spot for her debit card. Traffic in Cairo Another safety concern was simply crossing the road. Crosswalks were few and far between in Cairo, she explains. Yet when they did find a crosswalk, their light never turned green. This meant a lot of running across major roads whenever there was a pause in the traffic. "Even to get to Egyptian Museum you have to cross a highway," she says. As a pregnant woman with a young daughter and a husband who walks with a cane, this can be dangerous. Enter Uber. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and local service Careem makes a huge difference in Egypt today, says Diane. The Cairo metro system is completely usable, she says, and worth trying at least once. That said, ride-sharing apps are ideal for many situations. Why? Because they give you door-to-door service and the price is fixed. Taxis are doable as well, she explains, but be prepared to haggle a bit. Hotels in Egypt Today Diane and her family mostly stayed in "hostels," but they weren't the kind of youth hostels you may think of. For example, most of them were just private rooms, and they didn't get to meet other travelers like they had hoped. That said, if you want to stay in a hotel in Egypt, you shouldn't have a problem. There are plenty of rooms available as Egypt Tourism numbers are still in recovery. In 2010 there were nearly 15 million tourists. By 2016 than number plummeted to less than 4 million, but Egypt travel numbers have been on the rise since. Things to Do in Egypt Today   Diane filled her Egypt travel itinerary full of great activities. Some were conventional and some were not. For example, she and her daughter spent two days in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. They also took a boat tour of the Nile, complete with buffet meal and bellydancers. In addition, they went to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. But they didn't actually visit the Valley of the Kings. Instead, they went to the less populated "Valley of the Artisans" for a unique experience. Her tips and thought on the area in the podcast. That's not the only unique experience they discovered in their Egypt travels. They also visited the ancient village of Tunis, known for its pottery. Then they drove into the desert to see whale skeletons. Yes, whale skeletons in the desert. The entire area was once a sea, and the massive bones are the last indication of what was once a vast sea. More Tips for Egypt Travel Today This is only a part of what we discussed about family travel in Egypt today. Listen in as we discuss food, finding bathrooms (harder than it sounds), whirling dervishes and more. Would You Travel in Egypt? Have You Traveled in Egypt? Tell us about your travel in Egypt. Where did you go? What did you do? How do and/or your family enjoy Egypt travel? Tell us in the comments! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help you research family travel in Egypt. Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories, and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER143: Sand, Pyramids & Uber - Family Travel in Egypt Today

Big Family, Small RV Living - Living in an RV with 4 Kids RV living holds a romantic appeal to some people. In fact, many people dream of dropping out of the 9 to 5 and living in an RV full-time. Many will dream about it, but few families actually pull it off. One of those families are the Royals, and today I talk to Bryanna Royal about RV living. In addition, we discuss what it's like moving from large RV living to progressively smaller vehicles. ::: Like what you’re hearing? Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio. We would be extremely grateful! iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you! :::   Big Family, Small RV Living - Living in an RV with 4 Kids Living in an RV can be a challenge for many people. Living in an RV with four children can be an even bigger challenge. Now go from a massive Diesel Pusher Class A rig which (think 18-wheeler) to a micro-mini trailer and a 12-passenger van. That's a big drop in size and space! Read on for more about small RV living and living in an RV with children.   IN THIS EPISODE 02:37 Intro to the Royals 04:56 Favorite RV Living Destinations 06:30 Letting Go: From the Big Decision to Actual RV Living 13:28 Transitioning to Small RV Living 18:10 RV Size Pros & Cons & Travel Styles 20:58 Differences Between RV Class Sizes 24:37 Limits of Minimalism: From Large RV to Small RV 32:45 Utilizing RV Space 36:26 Internet & Living in an RV 40:48 Work & RV Living   ABOUT   Names: Bryanna Royal, her husband, and 4 kids (10y/o, 8y/o twins & 6 y/o) Hold passports from: USA Type of travel: Living in an RV - RV Living in the US, Canada & Mexico A few places they've been: All over the US, as well as Baja, Mexico and several places in Canada   RV TRAVEL LINKS & RESOURCES Why They Decided To Downsize How They Afford Fulltime Family Travel  The Steps to How We Became A Fulltime Traveling Family  How To Start A Virtual Business So You Can Travel Full Time  Bryanna's Course on Starting a Virtual Business   RECOMMENDED GEAR FOR RV TRAVEL Solar Panel Sea Eagle 370 Inflatable Kayak Adult Life Vest Kids Life Vest Lap Tray for kids Tablets Headphones Water Bottles Gas Can Gas Can Holder Buff headband TBA Gear Chair   FIND THEM ON Crazy Family Adventure | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Youtube RV Living — From Large to Small Living in an RV can be a challenge for many people. Living in an RV with four children can be an even bigger challenge. Now go from a massive Diesel Pusher Class A rig which (think 18-wheeler) to a micro-mini trailer and a 12-passenger van. That's a big drop in size and space! From 2,700 ft Home to Living in a Small RV Bryanna tells me about their gradual transition from a large house to small RV living. Believe it or not, living in an RV was not their dream over the years. In fact, these high-school sweethearts bought a home with the intent of settling permanently. "We thought the house would be where grandbabies would come and visit us," she says with a laugh. However, life as they knew it began to feel confining. They started thinking about RV living as a way to explore more with their kids. The transition wasn't quick or easy. For example, it took almost a year from when they decided to try RV living to actually selling the house and living in an RV. "At first I thought 'Why wouldn't everyone do this?'" says Bryanna upon reflection. "Then once we started I understood. It's hard." We discuss the process of minimizing your belongings. Living in an RV means living with less space. A lot less space. That's why minimalism plays an important part of the process for RV living. Getting rid of furniture and appliances is one thing, but what about kids' toys? What about photo albums? Bryanna tells us more about their process in the podcast. From Big RV Living to Small RV Living The Royals started out living in an RV around 39 feet (11+ meters) long. When they first set out, they thought bigger would be better. Yet while they still see value in large RV living, they soon realized that they wanted to try something smaller. RV living at this size gives lots of comforts and amenities, she explains. On the other hand, it also comes with certain limitations. For example, big RV living can limit where you can go. Some roads and bridges can't handle the weight of RVs this large. Besides, RV vehicles this size don't do well off of paved roads. Bryanna tells me that if you're planning to stay in one place for months, then large RV living might be a good option. Having said that, she and her husband realized that they wanted more freedom of movement. This required living in an RV much smaller than what they had. Bryanna details each vehicle and their pros and cons in the podcast. They first traded in their massive RV for a somewhat smaller one. Then later they went even smaller to the RV they live in today. And they love it. Now they have the freedom to go offroad more often and see and drive to places that were once off-limits to their vehicle. Small RV Living and Managing Space With each move to a smaller RV, the Royals had to assess what they carried with them. What would stay and what would go? Small RV living means utilizing every bit of space available to you. That goes double when living in an RV with kids. Bryanna talks about decision process on what stays and what goes. This deals with everything from clothes to toys to kitchen utensils. How They Work While Living in an RV Before they left on their "Crazy Family Adventure," Bryanna's husband worked a full-time job. At first, he was able to convince his employer to work remotely. Yet eventually, that became a burden as well, since he still sat in front of a laptop 9-5. Fast forward to today, and he has found new opportunities, while Bryanna has her own online business. We discuss that internet is like in RV living, and how they manage. Running an online business while living in an RV is a challenge, but they have found a way. Listen in to hear more. Have You Thought About Living in an RV? Does RV living appeal to you? Have you dreamed of leaving the house and the office for living in an RV and traveling? If so, tell us about it. And get in touch with Bryanna — she has the first-hand experience that may be what you need! Are you living in an RV? Can you help others considering RV living? Let us know in the comments!   Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help you with RV living. Are you living in an RV? Can you help others considering RV living? Let us know in the comments!   Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER142: Big Family, Small RV Living - Living in an RV with 4 Kids

Buying a car in Mexico: it’s one of the best ways to see the country and can be an immensely rewarding way to travel. Check Out All of Our Mexico Posts! This week’s guest has a lot of experience buying a car in Mexico, and she shares her experience here. Aimee and her husband sold everything and left to drive around Mexico with their two daughters, two dogs, and a cat. This is their story. There are lots of twists and turns, so listen in and learn from their mistakes! Buying a Car in Mexico Buying a car in Mexico and then driving around Mexico with two kids, two dogs, and one cat. That’s what Aimee Lynch and her husband Jason did. In fact, they’ve bought three cars in Mexico, and they’re still driving around Mexico right now. Today we talk about their adventurous road trip and lessons they’ve learned along the way. Jason and Aimee are from Iowa, far from any ocean. Then they decided to give Mexico a try and moved to Cozumel, right on the Caribbean Sea. At first, they lived without a car in Mexico. Instead, they lived out of their suitcases. But eventually, the kids wanted to try going to a local school and taxis or walking wasn’t a realistic option. That’s when they decided to buy a car in Mexico for the first time.   IN THIS EPISODE 02:36 Intro 03:11 Why Mexico? Why drive around Mexico? 7:01 Cars in Mexico 09:05 Mobile Mechanics 11:24 Re-Registering the Truck 15:07 Playa del Carmen, the Jeep & Pets 18:31 Leaving Playa del Carmen for Driving Around Mexico 27:51 San Miguel de Allende & Oaxaca 31:50 Car Insurance 35:08 Health Insurance 38:58 Car Maintenance 41:22 Tips for Driving in Mexico 44:57 Destinations 46:53 The Size of Mexico Paperwork: Buying a Car in Mexico Their first car was a beat-up old Blazer. It did the job and was all they needed to get around Cozumel with the kids. They were surprised to discover that paperwork for buying a car in Mexico was surprisingly simple. In fact, all the owner had to do was sign a paper saying that they give the car to you. Simple, right? Wrong. Soon they found out that buying a car in Mexico is a little more complicated than that. When they went to re-register the truck, they hired a lawyer to help with the paperwork. There they discovered that since they didn't have the original title, they technically couldn't drive the car or sell it. Nor could they replace the original title. As Aimee says in the podcast they chose an unusual solution: they gave the car to a local Mexican friend. They were planning to leave Cozumel for the mainland and in her words, they had got their money out of the Blazer, so it was time to move on. Buying a Car in Playa del Carmen Cozumel was a great place to start with their limited Spanish. However, Aimee says that if they wanted to truly immerse themselves in Spanish, they would have to head to the mainland. The Lynch family then moved to Playa del Carmen, where they bought a Jeep Cherokee. They loved the Jeep, but eventually, they decided to drive around the country. The Jeep was not big enough for their family, their pets and all of their stuff. It was time to buy a car in Mexico once more. Using the same Lawyer from Cozumel, they went to a local used car dealer and left with a Chevy Suburban. After some complications with the lawyer, they decided to deal directly with the dealership. The dealer told them to go ahead and proceed with their traveling plans, so Aimee's family left Playa del Carmen on a huge Mexico road trip. They drove from Playa del Carmen to Merida, and then out of the Yucatan Peninsula and up to Mexico City, Puebla, San Miguel de Allende and beyond. Then it was on to Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca before they decided that they wanted to slow down and possibly return to Cozumel for a while. Use a Lawyer When You Buy a Car in Mexico All along the way, they waited to hear that their paperwork was finished. Eventually, the car dealership told them that it couldn't be done and that they wanted to buy the car back from them...at a cheaper price. More details in the podcast. This is when Aimee and Jason realized that the lawyer was probably right. If you're going to buy a car in Mexico, she says, hire a lawyer and listen to them. Fortunately, they were able to work it out. They stood up to the dealership, who backed down and "suddenly became very nice," once they said that they would hire a lawyer again to help. Flying in, Buying a Car in Mexico & Driving the Country There's much more to the story of the Lynch's experience buying a car in Mexico. Make sure to listen to the podcast for the details. We discuss the paperwork you need to buy a car in Mexico and dealing with police at checkpoints. We talk about driving tips, and car insurance (spoiler alert: if you buy a car in Mexico, make sure to buy car insurance, too). Aimee talks about additional benefits of Mexican car insurance that you might not think of. Car Maintenance: Buying a Car in Mexico Buying a car in Mexico is quite cheap compared to the United States. So is car maintenance, although the methods might be different from what you're accustomed to. Aimee tells stories of mobile mechanics who bring the garage to you, and of unorthodox ways of getting a car started. Mexico Road Trip Destinations Once you buy a car in Mexico, where do you want to go? Aimee has some suggestions. She says that having a car in Playa del Carmen was great because it helps give you access to all the amazing cenotes nearby. We can agree that the Yucatan Peninsula is a great place to drive in Mexico. If we were to buy a car in Mexico and stay long-term, places like Merida and Tulum would be a great place to start. The roads are flat, straight and open. That was not the case for the road from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, on the Pacific coast, she says. Google Maps said it would take six hours, but it took them 10. Full of sharp left-and-right switchbacks, they drove carsick at 20 miles an hour for what seemed like an eternity. Take our advice: go to Puerto Escondido — it's fantastic — but fly in. She also talked about driving in San Miguel de Allende, but more as a warning. They loved driving in Central Mexico, and San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful town. That said, the streets are quite narrow. We would agree. We love exploring San Miguel de Allende with kids, but driving on it's hilly, narrow cobblestone streets would be a headache. It reminds us of Toledo in Spain, actually). Conclusion: Buying a Car in Mexico Aimee and I discuss lots more than buying a car in Mexico, so listen in. If you want to buy a car in Mexico, she's the right person to talk to and it open to questions from listeners. ABOUT Names: Aimee and Jason Lynch, their two daughters, two dogs and one cat Hold passports from: USA Type of travel: Overland travel A few places they've been: All over Mexico — Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Merida, Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Jalisco, San Miguel de Allende, Lake Chapala and more.   FIND THEM ON The Everyday Journey | Facebook | Twitter  Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help you buy a car in Mexico or drive around Mexico with your family. Are you buying a car in Mexico? Did this post help?  Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER138: Buying a Car in Mexico & Driving Around Mexico with Kids

Lapland Holidays - Things to Do in Northern Finland with Kids Lapland holidays are all about ice, snow, and Santa. Have you been to northern Finland with kids? After listening to this episode, you may start planning a Lapland holiday of your own. Listen in as we discuss Lapland safaris, Lapland reindeer, the Lapland Santa and Christmas in Lapland. All this and other exciting topics related to visiting northern Finland with kids. ::: Like what you’re hearing? Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio. We would be extremely grateful! iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you! ::: Dogsleds. Ice hotels. Reindeer pulling sleighs, and a town where it's Christmas every day of the year. Welcome to Lapland Finland, a place of wonder, and a fantastic idea of a family holiday. Today's guest is Katja Gaskell. The last time we spoke, we talked about Mexico City for episode #86. Today, we talk about something completely different: Lapland for kids. Katja recently visited Lapland during winter and had an amazing time. Today she fills us in on Lapland holidays and all the fun things to do in Lapland with kids. Have you been to Lapland Finland? Have you been to Lapland with kids? If so, tell us about it in the comments. If not, then listen in, read everything below and start planning your Lapland holiday now!   IN THIS EPISODE 02:34 Intro 03:55 Why Finland with Kids? 06:40 Lapland Holidays: The Nuts & Bolts 07:38 Package Holiday to Lapland VS. Planning it Yourself 09:30 More Nuts and Bolts 12:21 Where to Stay in Lapland Finland 13:47 Things to Do in Lapland 16:21 Cross-Country Skiing in Lapland Finland 18:05 Lapland Culture: Kids in Public 19:12 Lapland Reindeer Sleigh Rides 20:46 Lapland Santa  25:17 What to Bring to Lapland    ABOUT Name: Katja Gaskell, her husband and three kids (now 10, 8 & 3 years old) Hold passports from: The UK Type of travel: Living abroad & short-term travel A few places they've been: Lived in Australia, India & Mexico, traveled all over Asia, Central America, and Europe   LINKS & RESOURCES Katja's post on visiting Lapland with kids   FIND HER ON Globetotting | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter Where is Lapland? Lapland is in the far northern part of Finland, bordering Norway, Sweden, Russia, and the Baltic Sea. Most of Lapland Finland is within the arctic circle. Lapland has been associated with Santa Claus and Christmas since the 1920's. When you see the landscapes and the herds of Lapland reindeer in the area, it's easy to see why! Lapland Weather & Arctic Travel As you might have guessed, Lapland is quite cold for most of the year. Winters last approximately seven months, and most of that time in darkness. Because of Lapland's proximity to the north pole, concepts like day and night take on new meaning. Visit northern Finland in January and there are around three hours of daylight. Visit in June or July and the sun literally never sets. This can be tricky to get used for some people, but Katja says that life goes on in the dark. Visiting Lapland during the polar night was a magical experience for her entire family. Getting to Lapland Finland & Lapland Tours Katja talks about the many package tours to Lapland from the UK. In fact, there now are direct flights from Heathrow to two cities in Lapland. In the Uk, there are many package tours to Lapland — especially near the Christmas holidays. These "Meet Santa" Lapland package tours are usually for only a day or two. They provide all the winter clothing you need — boots, snowsuits, etc. — making it as easy as possible for your kids to meet the Lapland Santa. Katja feels that these Lapland package tours were too rushed for her family. In fact, they chose to build their own Lapland itinerary so they could see and do more in the region. "To rush through [Lapland] and not stop and savor it would be a real shame," she told me. Things to Do in Lapland with Kids   If you're going to Lapland with kids, then visiting the Lapland Santa is probably on your list. That said, there is so much more to do in Lapland, and that's what Katja told me about first. Cross-Country Skiing in Finland She and her family love skiing, so they tried cross-country skiing in Finland. "The Fins make it look very easy," she says with a laugh. Skiing also gave them the opportunity to see the stars and hear the silence like few places in the world have. Katja has lived in Sydney, Mexico City, and New Delhi, over the last decade or so. Having lived in megacities for so long, she explained, gave the darkness and the silence a new meaning. Snowmobiles & Sleigh Rides in Lapland Finland Katja and family explored this winter wonderland by any means. Lapland holidays usually involve reindeer, so a Lapland reindeer sleigh ride was in order. They also rode snowmobiles on a Lapland Safari, as well as taking a dogsled. Along the way, they would stop at a Kota (Finnish-style hut) for a warm drink and some treats before heading back out into the snow. They also spoke to an old Finnish reindeer herder, who told them about his life through a translator. More info on this in the podcast. Christmas in Lapland In the town of Rovaniemi, Finland Christmas is every day of the year. Here is where you can visit Santa's "village," and get a chance to meet Lapland Santa himself. Out of all the things to do in Finland with kids, this may be on the top of many families' lists. How about for Katja. As she explains in the episode, her kids are at different stages belief and disbelief. Listen in to see how they reacted to Lapland Santa's visit. More About Lapland Holidays & Lapland with Kids Listen in to hear more about Katja's family holiday in Lapland. We talk more about Lapland food, rental cars in Lapland, where to stay in Lapland and what to bring with you. Listen in! Have You Had a Lapland Holiday? What did you do? Where did you stay? Tell us all about your Lapland holidays in the comments below.   Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help you plan the best Lapland holiday, Have you been to Northern Finland with kids? Have you ridden a Lapland reindeer sleigh and met Lapland Santa. Have you ever experienced Christmas in Lapland? Tell us about it! Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER141: Lapland Holidays - Things to Do in Northern Finland with Kids

EER140: Rwanda Gorillas, a Rwanda Safari & Travel in Rwanda Today When people talk about the country of Rwanda, they rarely think of Rwanda today. The horrors of Rwanda history are real and should be well-remembered. Yet we must also remember that 1994 was a long time ago — a lot can happen in 20 to 25 years. Rwanda today is one of the safest places on the African continent. Expect friendly people, a fascinating culture and one of the largest jungles in Africa. That includes the gorillas of Rwanda. Today we talk about Rwanda gorillas, a Rwanda safari, the Rwandan people and the joys of exploring Rwanda today. ::: Like what you’re hearing? Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio. We would be extremely grateful! iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you! ::: IN THIS EPISODE 02:33 Intro to Karen 04:14 Why Travel in Rwanda? 09:08 Getting to Rwanda with Kids 10:34 Safety & More in Rwanda Today 16:24 Internet in Rwanda 19:35 Food in Rwanda Today 22:23 A Rwanda Safari 29:03 Gorillas in Rwanda 36:49 Visiting Rwandan Schools 42:37 Going to Rwanda with fair skinned/haired children (expect attention) 47:17 Accommodation in Rwanda   ABOUT   Names: Karen Beddow, her husband and three girls (7 years & and 6y/o twins) Hold passports from: the UK Type of travel: Local UK travel and now longer-distance travel A few places they've been: Rwanda, Malawi, all over the UK & Europe   LINKS & RESOURCES Her main post on their Rwandan Adventure Friends of Rwandan Rugby Her Video with the Gorillas in Rwanda! World Fusion Rwanda Tours   FIND THEM ON Mini Travellers UK | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Travel in Rwanda Today Today's guest is Karen Beddow of Minitravellers. She recently had the chance to visit Rwanda and decided to make it into a family trip. When her husband turned 40, he decided to get involved in a charity. That charity became Friends of Rwandan Rugby. Why Friends of Rwandan Rugby? More on that in the podcast. With hubby planning to visit Rwanda for charity work, Karen decided to make it into a family trip. She had recently taken the kids from the UK to Orlando Florida for a visit to Disneyland. Once she realized that they could handle a flight that long she decided it was time to try something more adventurous. Yesterday: Disneyland. Rwanda today. Seems like a natural transition, right? Ha. "My friends said 'are you crazy?'" Karen says with a laugh. Karen wasn't sure how the kids would respond to travel in Rwanda. But you know what? They loved it. Our previous guest Jason Marshall also loved Rwanda during his family's round-the-world trip   Is Rwanda Safe? When Karen began planning her travel to Rwanda, there was one question she heard more than any other: "Is Rwanda safe?" The irony of this question was not lost on Karen, who lives in the UK. She explains that at the time people were asking her "Is Rwanda safe," a bomb had just exploded in Manchester and "the whole of the UK was on high alert." She told her friends that she was more afraid of flying out of Manchester airport at the time. Twenty-five years ago, Rwanda was a nightmare, and it should never be forgotten. But is Rwanda safe now? Yes. The Rwandan people "are incredibly proud of how they've changed it around," Karen explains. "They were given the chance to turn it around," she continues, "and they all want to talk about how good it is now." We talk about how safe it is in Rwanda today, and not just in Kigali, but in the villages as well. We also talk about some other forward-thinking policies in effect in Rwanda today. For example, Rwanda has put a ban on bringing plastic into the country. Internet in Rwanda Today With all the advancements in Rwanda, today have come improvements to their infrastructure. One part of that is the internet. You won't find high-speed broadband like in Chiang Mai or many places in the west. However, you will find internet where there was none before. Don't expect broadband wifi, Karen says. Instead what you'll find when you travel in Rwanda are 3G and 4G networks. You'll also find Whatsapp, the social media platform that much of the world uses to communicate. You buy a new SIM for your phone, then buy credit from shops along the road. There are places with wifi in the cities, but don't expect it to be reliable all the time in Rwanda today. Karen explains more in our conversation. Read more posts related to Africa  Things to Do in Rwanda with Kids Karen's family had some amazing experiences during their Rwanda travels. They visited schools in Rwanda and played with the kids there. They took a Rwanda safari, as well, which was an incredible experience for all. On their Rwanda safari, they saw rhino, zebras, giraffes and countless hippos. Yet, they didn't see lions, and one reason they didn't is that in Rwanda the animals run free. Rangers don't constantly track them for tourists. The Rwanda Safari Approach There are different approaches to running a safari park, Karen explains. In places like South Africa, guides and rangers constantly monitor animal location. Here you are guaranteed to see the entire spectrum of wildlife there. That may be good for the spectators and shutterbugs. Yet there are downsides to animals being constantly surrounded by Range Rovers full of clicking cameras. Rwanda tourism and the Rwandan government have chosen a different approach. Like in Kenya, the animals are left to roam. For example, guide and trackers will try to locate them, but there are no guarantees. From a family travel perspective, this can be problematic: what if no animals cross your path? Then again, there's something to be said about the approach with respect to the animals' well-being. Gorillas in Rwanda This Rwanda Safari approach goes several steps further when it comes to the Rwanda gorillas. Visiting the gorillas of Rwanda is one of the most amazing things Karen has ever done, she says. But it's not for everyone. The Rwanda tourism and the government of Rwanda have placed a lot of restrictions on visits, and for good reason. Few mountain gorillas remain. That's why the new Rwandan government wants to support them and the community where they live. Want to see the gorillas in Rwanda? You have to be over 15 years old. The gorillas are so big, and while not really dangerous, the gorilla guides need to make sure that everyone stays calm in the jungle. "In reality," says Karen, " nobody wants to shoot a mountain gorilla." Indeed. Group Size (Visiting the Rwandan Gorillas) The Rwandan government limits the size of groups visiting the mountain gorillas as well: 10 people max, and you visit one family of gorillas only. You get one hour, and then you're out. Each family of Rwanda gorillas sees only one group per day. With that knowledge, consider that there are only 10-12 families of gorillas, so that means 100-120 people per day. That's it. Visiting the gorillas of Rwanda is not cheap either. The price for this was once USD $750, but recently the Rwandan government doubled that. Paying USD $1,500 for one hour with wild mountain gorillas in Rwanda sounds exorbitant — and it may be. Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild may now be out of reach for most normal people and solely for the rich. That said, consider that the money spent to see Rwanda gorillas goes back into the community. For example, many of the men who were once poachers now have a salary to serve as guides and rangers. When given the choice, they would much prefer to be guides and rangers. Karen and her husband had an incredible experience, which she talks about in the podcast, and as you can see right here. More Info on Tourism in Rwanda Today This is only a portion of our talk on tourism in Rwanda today. Listen in to hear more about things to do in Rwanda, visiting Rwandan schools, the charity they worked for and what it's like when Rwandan children see their first fair-haired, fair-skinned child singing in their schools. Have you traveled in Rwanda or elsewhere in the African continent? Get in touch and tell us about it! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help your travel. If you're interested in Rwanda gorillas, Rwandan safaris & travel in Rwanda today, we hope this helps you plan your trip!   Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER140: Rwanda Gorillas, a Rwanda Safari & Travel in Rwanda Today

Long-term travel planning can be a challenge. Long-term travel planning for a family is even more so. There are so many factors to consider when planning a gap year, a round-the-world trip or other forms of long-term family travel. These invariably involve money, education, travel gear and more. And that's before you actually consider where to go! Listen in as we talk about what one family is considering before they leave their home, with plans to return after a year or longer. IN THIS EPISODE 02:21 Intro 03:14 Long-Term Travel Planning 04:45 Overview of Long-Term Travel Planning 09:27 Budgeting Long-Term Family Travel 12:49 Saving for Long-Term Travel 15:13 Main Aspects of Long-Term Travel Planning 18:33 Logistics & Paperwork 24:09 Leaving His Job (and Finding Another) 27:55 Long-Term Travel Gear 31:40Long-Term Travel Itinerary - Southeast Asia & Eastern Europe 34: 17 Other Long-Term Travel Planning Essentials ABOUT Names: Mark Wyld, his wife Becca and their daughters Willow & Marley Hold passports from: Australia Type of travel: Short-term travel, & now planning long-term travel A few places they've been: All over Australia & Europe FIND THEM ON Wyld Family Travel |Facebook |Twitter | Instagram| Pinterest Long-Term Travel Planning For Families Some long-term traveling families dive in head-first. They sell their house and possessions to hit the road indefinitely. Other families plan to travel for a year or more and return to the house or hometown they left. Both methods have their benefits and challenges. Today we'll talk about long-term travel planning for families who plan to return "home." Why do I put "home" in quotes? Simply because after a year or more on the road, your definition of "home" may change. It did for me (although after 20+ years, I've haven't moved back to where I first left). And it has for many of the families I know who choose gap year travel, round-the-world travel or other forms of long-term family travel. Here are a few previous guests who've traveled for a year or more: The Suero Family (Ecuador, France, RV in Europe & More) The Cannon Family (Peru, Myanmar & more) The Goldstein Family (Malaysia, Namibia, Iceland & more) The Koria Family and the Lynch Family (Both Driving around Mexico) The Stuler Family (Living in Ecuador, with one year of full-time RTW travel) The Shetty Family (RTW travel with babies) More on Long-Term Travel More on Gap-Year Travel More on RTW (round-the-world) Travel More on Short-Term Travel Today's long-term travel guest is Mark Wyld from Wyld Family Travel. You may remember him from episode #67. Mark and his family are passionate family travelers. Until now, their family travel experiences have been short-term, then returning to their home and schools in Australia. Now Mark is planning long-term travel for the family: 12-18 months in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. Are they selling everything to hit the road? No. They're keeping the house, keeping the cars, and their daughters will return to their schools in the same grade. Long-term travel like this offers its own challenges, and that's what we talk about today. Leaving for a year or more and then returning like this raises specific questions: What do I do with my house? My cars? How will I save and budget for this trip? Where will we go? How much will each country cost? What about my job? What about insurance and other paperwork? Which immunizations and other medical prep should we consider? How can I keep the kids up-to-date with school so they can return to the same class? These are just a few questions that Mark has asked himself lately, and we discuss them in the podcast. Why Long-Term Travel Planning? Why Now? The Wyld family have been long-time traveler fans, but Mark has dreamed about doing long-term family travel for years. It's something he's always wanted to do. However, work, school, and other obligations kept pushing the dram onto the back-burners. Then his father died. His dad had talked about taking one last holiday but didn't get a chance to take it. For Mark, this was a sign. It was time to take the big trip. Is there ever a right time to plan long-term travel? Probably not, but none of us are getting any younger, so Mark decided to push forward. Long-Term Travel Planning for Homeowners Mark had no intention of selling his home. At his age (mid-40's) he didn't want the risk of starting over with loans and all of the other complications of buying a house. But what do you do with your house when you'll be gone for a year or more? Mark had to consider homeowner's insurance, but there were other factors he needed to consider. Who would keep the lawn cut? How would be pay for "council rates," which are the fees for city services such as garbage pickup? Money: Budgeting & Saving for Long-Term Travel Long-term family travel isn't as expensive as some people think it is, but it ain't free. In order to plan long-term travel for your family, there has to be a savings plan and a budgeting plan. Mark talks about how they save for long-term travel, and some of it is stuff you probably know: don't buy new stuff unless it's vital. Eliminate silly extras, and put as much money away as you can. Last year, Mark and his wife Becca save over 30,000 Australian dollars (approx USD $23,000). They are not hedge-fund managers or bank presidents. What they are is dedicated. Saving like that takes commitment. Then there is the budgeting for the money spent on the road. Mark is estimating they'll spend about AUS 1,000 (approx USD $760) a week, but he's still hammering out the details. Mark has numerous bank accounts set up for this trip. One account is for spending money on the road. Another is for house-related expenses while they're away. A third is for when they return. He explains more in detail in the podcast. They'll be traveling to places where your money can stretch further. Places in Southeast Asia like Thailand, Bali, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Then they'll move to Eastern Europe and countries like Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Romania. Education, Travel Gear & More Long-Term Travel Planning Aspects Money is only one aspect of long-term travel for families. In this episode, Mark and I talk about the gear they plan to bring — or have sent to them later. We also talk about how they plan to educate the kids as they travel, and how their hometown school will help facilitate this so the girls can remain with their class when they return. All this and more in this episode of Epic Education Radio. Listen in! And please share! Further Reading & Listening The Suero Family (Ecuador, France, RV in Europe & More) The Cannon Family (Peru, Myanmar & more) The Goldstein Family (Malaysia, Namibia, Iceland & more) The Koria Family and the Lynch Family (Both Driving around Mexico) The Stuler Family (Living in Ecuador, with one year of full-time RTW travel) The Shetty Family (RTW travel with babies) More on Long-Term Travel More on Gap-Year Travel More on RTW (round-the-world) Travel More on Short-Term Travel Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help you plan long-term family travel.   Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER139: Long-Term Travel Planning (For Families Returning Home)

All about family travel, slow travel, gap year travel and living abroad with kids. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and strategies for people who travel with kids— and for those who plan to. Tune in each week to hear inspired family travelers discuss specific destinations and describe how they handle issues like education, money, accommodation, parenting, technology and more. We talk about the gear, websites, apps and other resources we use, and answer questions from those who have yet to hit the road. If family travel or living abroad is important to you, then this podcast is designed to make your journey better, cheaper and more meaningful.

hubhopper

Epic Education Radio: Family Travel Podcast

hubhopper