Digital Nomad Family Podcast

We had a great week in Bariloche, from hiking and biking to eating WAY too much chocolate, there was something for everyone.  If you're planning to be in Bariloche, then here's my suggestions for how to spend 5 days with teens/older kids. If you would like to ask specific questions, have an idea for the show, or just want to say hi, send me an email or head to Instagram and give us a follow.  Links to places I talked about in the show: Rent e-bikes here, you must be 14+ for this place. Rent bikes here. Make sure you take your passport when you get the bikes. You gotta eat at Patagonia Brewing! This place would be a great activity if you don't/can't bike. You can either hike up the hill, about 30-45 minutes, or take the cable car.  Check out this episode to hear about how we created our own chocolate tour.  This chocolate shop has an ice rink! This is where we went to go on some hikes. Just take bus 20 to the end, walk along the road to the entrance, and you'll see a map of trails you can pick from. We went down to the lake! The escape room was definitely a highlight of the week for all of us.  Whenever you're ready for some pretty yummy fondue, head to Fondue Club Bariloche.   

I love doing this for my family. We have a blast each a every time we make our own tour. Whether it's a food type tour or a sight seeing type adventure you're looking for, don't be afraid to make a custom tour for your family.  What to do this for an upcoming trip you have but want a little help, I've got ya! Just fill out this form and we will set up a time chat about what you want, then I will create a custom PDF for your group.  What did you think of this episode? Please leave a review and make sure to follow the show!

Many of us have had mixed results with group trips. But with the tips and ideas in this episode I will help you navigate this little monster with less stress so you and everyone else in on your trip has an amazing experience with as little stress as possible.  Have you taken a group trip? Any tips or great stories! Email me and let me hear 'em! Feel free to follow us on Instagram. :)

First things first: let's define "skill learning"-- this means that you are going to go somewhere in the world with the intention of learning from someone or something.  I'm going to give you 7 tips for how to set yourself and your family up to take full advantage of this time.  Have a thought about the show or this episode? Have you ever gone somewhere to learn a new skill? I'd love to hear from you! Send me an email.

Our family had such a fun day with Turkish Arts while in Istanbul. Learning what Ebru is (Water marble painting) and spending some time enjoying this art was a very cool and relaxing afternoon for the 6 of us.  I also give you 3 (albeit basic) ideas for what you can do with the papers after your day here.  Have you ever done Ebru? Email me and let me know! Also, while we don't do much on Instagram, you're always welcome to check us out there!

Hey everyone! I'm so glad to be back here! I know it's been a while.    If you are interested in checking out Amare Beach Club for you family, just click the link.  Also, if you have any thing you'd like me to know, topics to talk about, or just wanna say hi, send me an email!

If your family is planning to spend any time in Cartagena, Colombia, then one thing you'll see is the beach! Sadly though, the beaches in the main city are not wonderful, but that doesn't mean you can't find a way to have a fantastic day at the beach while you're there! Enter-Amare Beach Club! We had the chance to spend all day at this relaxing and fun beach club on Isla Bomba, and I'm here to give you all the details! I hope that on your adventures you get the chance to check out Amare, just make sure you tell Pablo that Marissa says "Hi!" PLEASE NOTE: The audio on this episode isn't my best. There was a huge Central America rainstorm and the sounds of the rain and wind come through. Sorry guys!  

In this episode I am going to give you the inside scoop about our money! And I hold nothing back. :)  If you have ever questioned how much money a family needs to live this way, I hope this episode gives you a good look into how our family of 6 manages money and plans for the future.  I promise, you will not regret getting the EveryDollar app, and this link will save you $10 off your first year's subscription.   Also, if you know a way to help us lower our monthly ATM fees PLEASE send me an email with your thoughts.  

Living from 1 country to another is amazing, and one of the things we had to think about early on was the sourvenirs we would be collecting from each country. In this episode I talk about what we do, and I give some ideas for what your family can do to manage this part of travel.  I'd love to hear what your family does for keepsakes! Send me an email and let me know. 

Are you getting ready to plan a THEMED TRIP?! So exciting! I talk about just that in this episode.  Make sure you download the PDF that goes along with this episode. I recommend using in with the app GoodNotes.  Also, if you would like to also have the regular trip planning guide, you can find that on our website.  Just fill out the little form! I would love to hear your thoughts about doing an episode all about Google Maps? Let me know what you think!

In our house in the United States we had a fireproof safe that we kept all the important documents in. So, when we started traveling, and when we realized this was a long-term lifestyle for us, we got rid of most of our stuff, expect that safe, it's no at Eric's parents house. But, what do we do with the documents that we want to travel with. Why would we treat them as unimportant and just have them in a drawer? This folder is fireproof, waterproof and big enough to hold all the important documents you want to have with you as you're traveling around this amazing world. Also, the app LastPass is what we use to keep digital information safe.  Have a document you always travel with? Email me and let me know! 

Have you ever wanted to travel with someone who isn't a traveler? Have YOU yourself not traveled much, but want to see a new part of this world? Then this is the episode for you! I'm giving you 7 reasons why London, England is my go-to place to tell new travelers to visit.  In this episode I talk about this episode: Episode 7, Best Way to Plan a Trip I also talk about the fact that I offer consulting for trip planning. I also do this this for almost anything Nomad Family Related, if you'd like to learn more about that, just email me!  

In the previous episode I talked about the Otorongo Amazon River lodge and how great it was. If you are looking for an Amazon adventure, this is your place.  In this episode I'll share with you some must take items to make your time in the jungle just as memorable and, just maybe, a little more comfortable.  I would love to connect with you! Either shot me an email, or go over to Instgram and send me a message. 

We spent about 9 days in the Amazon Jungle in Peru, and it was amazing. This episode is all about the lodge that we chose to stay at, it's called Otorongo Amazon River Lodge, and we recommend them 100%.  The episode will give you a general overview of the lodge, the schedule and how it works, but if you have specific questions, please message me on Instagram and I'll be happy to talk in more detail.  Just for the record, we paided for this trip, so everything I say is my real opinion. :) 

In this episode I (Marissa) will being talking with my oldest son, Martin, about facing fears. As a nomad kid he has had the opportunity to do things that he wouldn't have had if we lived a rooted life in the USA. And sometimes those opportunities do challenge him to face fears.  This is a great episode to listen to WITH your kids becuase we believe that the more we can connect our kids with other TCKs (third culture kids) the better.  Make sure your subsribed to the podcast! That's the best way to make sure you hear every episode.  Also, feel free to follow us on Instagram. 

Watching the kids overcome their fears and the physical limitations that they thought they had was amazing! We knew that this adventure at Treetopia Park would be fun and challenging, but we were not prepared for how proud we would be of the kids when we got in the van after climbing 5 monster trees in the cloud forest of Costa Rica.  Want to experience this for yourself? Check out Treetopia Park to book your own amazing tree climbing adventure.  Do you follow us on Instagram? You should!  Also, if you haven't checked out our website yet, you can here. 

The former Nazi Concentration and Extermination camp is a very well known location in Poland. And while it is a very overwhelming place to visit, we felt it was a very important place to go as a family to help our kids learn lessons from this painful part of history.  But, this is a choice that each family needs to make based on their kids and family make up.  If you are curious about what visiting this hallowed ground  with kids was like for us, and you want some ideas and input into what you can do to prepare your family for this experience, I will do my best to approach this topic with as much sensitivity as this location is entitled to.    This is the guide that we used for our visit to the camp. Have you been to Auschwitz-Birkenau as a family? Want to share your experience? Email me and tell me your thoughts. 

In this series we will be talking about ways to create a home faster, easier, and cheaper. Each episode will focus on 1 aspect of moving into a new space and what we can do to make this more systemized so nothing gets overlooked or takes too long. Get your Settling In Guide that goes along with this series.  This episode is focused on LEAVING! What needs to happen so that you leave the space in as good, if not better, shape than when you got there? I believe that leaving a long-term stay is very important because many hosts have negative views on long-term stays, and if I leave a space poorly that host might beside to stop doing long-term stays altogether! This is very bad for the long-term traveling family community. So, as a way to keep the reputation of long-term travelers positive, let's leave well!   The Settling In Guide will allow you to have 1 document that you use over and over in each new space to turn each new place into a home. It also helps you think through each new space to save you money in the long-run as a full time traveler.  This guide will become your go-to resource each time you pack up and settle in to a new space because it will hold your first few meal ideas for any country, a shopping list for the first time at the grocery store, important questions to ask about your new home city, and much more.  I was able to create this Settling In Guide based on 7 countries on 4 continents. After turning numerous houses into a home for my family, I know that I can help you do this faster, easier, and cheaper than if you did it without this resource.  Opening the guide in GoodNotes will very easy allow you to write on it, then erase the answers and fill it in again and again for each new home you have!

 In this series we will be talking about ways to create a home faster, easier, and cheaper. Each episode will focus on 1 aspect of moving into a new space and what we can do to make this more systemized so nothing gets overlooked or takes too long. Get your Settling In Guide that goes along with this series.  This episode is focused on protection. I talk about protecting yourself (especially your wallet) while traveling from place to place. What can you do to make the space you're stay more kids friendly? What can you do to make moving out easier? What can you do to make sure you don't get random charges for damage or broken cups? This episode will go into detail about all that and more! The Settling In Guide will allow you to have 1 document that you use over and over in each new space to turn each new place into a home. It also helps you think through each new space to save you money in the long-run as a full time traveler.  This guide will become your go-to resource each time you pack up and settle in to a new space because it will hold your first few meal ideas for any country, a shopping list for the first time at the grocery store, important questions to ask about your new home city, and much more.  I was able to create this Settling In Guide based on 7 countries on 4 continents. After turning numerous houses into a home for my family, I know that I can help you do this faster, easier, and cheaper than if you did it without this resource.  Opening the guide in GoodNotes will very easy allow you to write on it, then erase the answers and fill it in again and again for each new home you have!

In this series we will be talking about ways to create a home faster, easier, and cheaper. Each episode will focus on 1 aspect of moving into a new space and what we can do to make this more systemized so nothing gets overlooked or takes too long. Get your Settling In Guide that goes along with this series.  This episode is focused on those first meals that you plan to make when you get settled in. These need to be easy, fast, and use ingredients that are available universally in whatever part of the world you're in. If you plan to be in Europe for 6 months, then create and use the list for what's available there. When we move to South East Asia, maybe you'll have to create a different list because the groceries are different or you plan to eat out 95% of the time. That's totally ok! But then when you get to Australia, you need a list again...see how this works. That's the amazing thing about this life, it changes greatly place to place. So this particular list will reflect that.  The Settling In Guide will allow you to have 1 document that you use over and over in each new space to turn each new place into a home. It also helps you think through each new space to save you money in the long-run as a full time traveler.  This guide will become your go-to resource each time you pack up and settle in to a new space because it will hold your first few meal ideas for any country, a shopping list for the first time at the grocery store, important questions to ask about your new home city, and much more.  I was able to create this Settling In Guide based on 7 countries on 4 continents. After turning numerous houses into a home for my family, I know that I can help you do this faster, easier, and cheaper than if you did it without this resource.  Opening the guide in GoodNotes will very easy allow you to write on it, then erase the answers and fill it in again and again for each new home you have!

Get your Settling In Guide that goes along with this series to get the most out of it! There are more tips, ideas, and list in the guide!   In this series we will be talking about ways to create a home faster, easier, and cheaper. Each episode will focus on 1 aspect of moving into a new space and what we can do to make this more systemized so nothing gets overlooked or takes too long. This episode is focuse on 7 questions that I believe are vital to learn the answer to in order to feel settled in your new location. Some of these are about the space itself, some are about the town as a whole. There are even more question in the Settling In Guide so make sure you get that so you have all the questions! The Settling In Guide will allow you to have 1 document that you use over and over in each new space to turn each new place into a home. It also helps you think through each new space to save you money in the long-run as a full time traveler.  This guide will become your go-to resource each time you pack up and settle in to a new space because it will hold your first few meal ideas for any country, a shopping list for the first time at the grocery store, important questions to ask about your new home city, and much more.  I was able to create this Settling In Guide based on 7 countries on 4 continents. After turning numerous houses into a home for my family, I know that I can help you do this faster, easier, and cheaper than if you did it without this resource.  Opening the guide in GoodNotes will very easy allow you to write on it, then erase the answers and fill it in again and again for each new home you have!

In this series we will be talking about ways to create a home faster, easier, and cheaper. Each episode will focus on 1 aspect of moving into a new space and what we can do to make this more systemized so nothing gets overlooked or takes too long. This episode is focused on checking the new place for certain items that a family needs. Some of these items will be very reasonable to ask the host/homeowner to supply if they are not in the space when you get there. Others will simply be comfort items, but will allow you have feel “at home” in a new place.  If you liked this episode, make sure you get your complete Settling In Guide. This resource will allow you to have 1 document that you use over and over in each new space to turn each new place into a home. It also helps you think through each new space to save you money in the long-run as a full time traveler.  This guide will become your go-to resource each time you pack up and settle in to a new space because it will hold your first few meal ideas for any country, a shopping list for the first time at the grocery store, important questions to ask about your new home city, and much more.  I was able to create this Settling In Guide based on 7 countries on 4 continents. After turning numerous houses into a home for my family, I know that I can help you do this faster, easier, and cheaper than if you did it without this resource.    Here's a very travel easy knife sharpner! AirBnB's always have dull knives!     

Passports are required for this lifestyle, we know that. But if you need to renew your OR your kids' passports while your out of your passport country?   Not to worry! This epidsode is all about how to renew your passsport while not in your home country. What you need, how it's done, what you need to take with you, etc.  If you're a U.S. citizen then here's the link to the State Department website. Be sure you check out what they say you will need. Wanna watch "The IT Crowd" with us? Make sure you have a good VPN like Surfshark. Set it to UK to unlock this hilarious show!  Have you subscribed to the podcast yet? Right now (Aug. 7, 2023) about 40% of listeners aren't! So go ahead and subscribe, it's very helpful AND you will never miss a show. How are you? Really? Let me know!

My family had a blast at Los Chorros. It's about 25-30 minutes outside of San Salvador, so it's very easy to get to!    I wasn't able to find a ton about this place online so I hope this helps you as you're planning your families day out to Los Chorros.  Make sure you follow us on Instagram so you can see the pictures of the things we talk about here! Also, if you have any thoughts for an episode idea, I'd love to hear it, send me an email.

In this series we are going to talk about some of the “worst case” situations. Each episode will highlight 1 area of being a Digital Nomad Family that doesn't get talked about often, but I really do feel like these are all very important topics that we must address in order to be as responsible Digital Nomads as possible.   This episode is focused on the question "when do we stop full time travel?". And the reason it's so short is because only YOU can answer this for your family. So think of this episode as your encouragement to have this conversation with your family.    Would you like to hear an episode about renewing passports in a foreign country? Let me know! Are you guys looking for a VPN? I'd recommend Surfshark.

In this series we are going to talk about some of the “worst case” situations, each episode will highlight 1 area of being a Digital Nomad Family that doesn't get talked about often, but I really do feel like these are all very important topics that we must address in order to be as responsible Digital Nomads as possible.    This episode is focused on what do we do when our kids say they want to stop being a full time traveling family? Listen to learn about how all our choices (or at least almost all) come back to the 3 desires of: Significance-Acceptance-Security. When our kids say the want to stop, we need to respectfully listen to them, ask quesitons, and then find a way to help them fulfill whatever desire they are seeking: Significance, Acceptance, or Security.   Need a VPN? SurfShark has been GREAT for our family.  Have a podcast episode idea? Let me know.

In this series we are going to talk about some of the “worst case” situations, each episode will highlight 1 area of being a Digital Nomad Family that doesn't get talked about often, but I really do feel like these are all very important topics that we must address in order to be as responsible Digital Nomads as possible.   This episode is all about marriage. AND my husband is my guest! Listen in as we talk about a couple very important ways to keep your marriage strong as you travel full time together and manage all the extra stresses that this lifestyle brings.    Have you left a reivew yet? I'd REALLY appriciate it if you did.    Wanna talk with me? Send me a email. 

In this series we are going to talk about some of the “worst case” situation, each episode will highlight 1 area of being a Digital Nomad Family that doesn't get talked about often, but I really do feel like these are all very important topics that we must address in order to be as responsible Digital Nomads as possible.  Have you even secretly wished you were back in your passport country? Have you even looked at your suitcase and thought "if I have to pack you 1 more time, I'm gonna kick you out of a train!"? Do you ever feel guilty for missing an event back "home" that you may have made an effort to go to if you were in the country?  Then you're in good company! Let's talk about the travel blues that full time travel can bring and 5 ideas to help us get through it.   Please make sure you subscribe to this podcast! It really does help us.   Also, if you would like to send me an email, you can right here! I'd love to hear from you.

In this series we are going to talk about some of the “worst case” situations, each episode will highlight 1 area of being a Digital Nomad Family that doesn't get talked about often, but I really do feel like these are all very important topic that we must address in order to be as responsible Digital Nomads as possible.   The focus in this episode is setting your kids up to get to a safe place or with a safe person if somthing happens you, Mom and Dad. I know there is a VERY small chance that this would happen, but having a plan in place for what the kids need to do if the adults are unable to make decisions will help you manage things like date nights, going to meetings, and all time the kids may be without mom and dad for a bit.   If you'd like to talk with me, send me an email from our website.

In this series we are going to talk about some of the “worst case” situations, each episode will highlight 1 area of being a Digital Nomad Family that doesn't get talked about often, but I really do feel like these are all very important topics that we must address in order to be as responsible Digital Nomads as possible.   This episode is focused on family and friends back in your passport country that either may not support your lifestyle or there are certain aspects they constantly get stuck on. Let's jump into how we can navigate these hard moments in our relationships with the people we love, but don't agree with. 

Part 4 of 4!  This is a great episode to share with another family, so I'm going to challenge you to share this with TWO people you think will get something positive from it for their family.  This episode is all about setting "SMART" goals. Not sure if you're setting "SMART" goals? Listen to see what they are and how you can create them in your family. The point is to make the goal, and create a plan to accomplish it.  Get Your SMART goal setting guide here.  Have an idea about an episode topic? Email Marissa Here!

Part 3 of 4 in Leading our Families Well series: Spiritual Health GET YOUR GOAL SETTING GUIDE HERE PLEASE NOTE: My family is a Christian family, and the couple that I interview in this episode are leading a Christian family.  Nothing we say is meant to offend, we are simply stating our personal beliefs. If you don't agree with us, that's fine.  This is a space where people can come together and learn from others with different worldviews. If you hear something said in this interview and would like to talk more about it, please reach out to either me (Marissa) or Alicia or Wadell Simon.  Make sure you follow Wadell and Alicia on Instagram! 

Part 2 of 4: Leading our Families Well: Physical Health   Get your Goal Setting Guide Here   In this episode we talk with Lindsey Bomgren from Nourish Move Love all about leading our families well in the area of physical health. Check her our on her website and make sure you sign up for the newest program we chat about in the show!   If you haven't already subscribed to the show, please do. And if you've listened to 3-4 episodes, leaving a review would be amazing!

PART 1 of our Leading Our Families Well Series.  In this episode we get to hear from Tiphini Axtell (be sure you check out their WEBSITE and INSTAGRAM) all about leading our families mental health well.  Tiphini shares so many wonderful thoughts in this episode and I can't wait for you to listen! Mental health can be a hard area to lead well in our families, but this episode will not only encourage you to do so, but also give you ideas for HOW to lead this part of your family stongly.    Have a minute? Please go leave us a rating and review on iTunes! Not sure how to do that? Check out this video. 

As a full time traveling family, we understand the valleys that this lifestyle can bring, and home-sickness is one of those lows that can happen to our kids.  In this episode I have a very special guest, my daughter Rilee, on to talk about 4 ways parents can try to help their kids when they are feeling home-sick.    We would LOVE a reivew on iTunes! If you leave one, we may just read it on an upcoming episode! Follow us on Instagram to see the daily adventures we get into:  Family Of Dashes.  

GET THE DIGITAL NOMAD FAMILY HOLIDAY GUIDE HERE   As a full time traveling family, holidays can be tricky. First you have the “what holidays DO we celebrate?” question to sort out. Then you have the “are there any holidays that we need to be back in our passport country for ''. Not to mention the “when I was growing up we celebrated like (fill in the blank with the amazing holiday tradition you had when you were young). Knowing how to manage these important yearly events can help you live your best nomadic life as a family.  In this episode of Digital Nomad Family Podcast I will help you feel as confident as you can about keeping and creating Holiday traditions as a nomad family. Make sure you follow me and my family on Instagram!

The 6th of 6. This one is for all things random. There's no logic here people! So please don't try to find it. These are just things that I, Marissa, mother of nonsense, enjoy and find helpful as I travel full time with my family. So, without future ado, or sponsorship, I show you my 5 Favorite Random items for travel. If you want any of these things please click on the link below, I get a small commission from Amazon if you buy through my links. Wysi Wipes: We found out about these guys when planning a backpacking trip, and boy are they great! They come in a few different sizes, but we really like the smaller ones. I always have a few in my bag. They are great for cleaning faces, wiping off dirty swings at a park, cleaning a dirty table, and so much more! You can use any liquid to make them big, including rubbing alcohol to clean cuts. But we only do water. They are great!  Shopping Bags: Ok, full disclosure, I don't have these ones, BUT they are on my list to get! I love how small they get and they have a zipper! That would be great for using as a beach/park/school/personal item bag! Having our own grocery bags is great because that way I don't have to pay for bags at each new place, and it's better for the environment than always getting plastic ones.  Reusable water bottle: Ok, I understand if you don't want THIS water bottle. But hear me out! Grayl is a fantastic company with a solid product. Not only can you use this to filter water if you are at a place where you question the quality of drinking H2O, but you can also use it as a “normal” water bottle without the filter factor. I think the size is great, but I like a bottle on the smaller side, I don't like lugging a huge thing around the world.  Amazon FireStick: It's small, it's convenient, it's just nice! While a lot of places that we stay have smart TV's it's so very nice to not have to log in and log out of all the different accounts we have just to watch TV! We went on our test trip without this and for us, having it is better than not. If you like to watch shows on multiple apps, I'd highly suggest sticking this in your bag.  Extra Phone protectors: Accidents happen…just ask my phone about Paris…and when they do it's nice to have a backup screen protector to put on. These really don't take up that much space, and being about to put a new one on without shopping around for one in a new country is nice. We didn't buy an entire pack of these for each phone. We bought the pack in the USA, put one on our phones, then brought the ones that were left with us.    Ok, that's it! The last list of my 5 Favorite Things. What about you? What random item do you travel with that you truly think makes travel better for your family? Let me know either via an email or over on Instagram. 

Episode 5 of 6! Wow almost at the end of this 5 Favorite Things series. The 5 items talked about in this episode are all about health/safety. What can you do to make sure your family stays as healthy as possible when traveling full time? And what can you do to be safe in a different country?  Check out what my family takes with us to make sure we stay healthy and safe in a new place.    Ring Cameras: These are a huge comfort. Not only do they allow us to keep an eye on our house when we are out sightseeing or on an extended trip, but also when you are first getting to know the sounds of house, it's nice to be able to pull up the cameras while you're in bed just to make sure everything is good. We travel with 3 of these and love the comfect they give. Smoke Detectors: Other countries have a very loose relationship with smoke alarms. In fact in the 14 houses we have stayed in NONE of them had any type of fire detection. These help us sleep in peace knowing that if something happens we can get out. Along with these, it's a good idea to create a fire plan for each place you stay. You can never be too safe in this area.  Water filter: A lot of countries don't have safe drinking water, but buying water for 6 is expensive. So, having a water filter allows us to drink the water at home and save some money, while still being healthy and safe. There are many types of water filters but we are VERY brand loyal to Sawyer. We have the Squeeze and Tap and recommend both.  Pepto Bismol Tablets: Just in case you didn't listen to the recommendation above, this one will greatly help! “Travelers' stomach” is REAL y'all and these little babies really help. Taking them when you are sick, or when you know you've eaten/drank something that wasn't as sanitary as your stomach is use to will not only help you feel better, but also help you not have to find a pharmacy and explain what's wrong, get the right medication, and then make sure you have ENOUGH medication.

This episode is all about “tech”. Now, by “tech” I, Marissa your host,  mean "stuff that requires some type of plugging in/app usage/wifi…" It's kind of a broad range! But all these items make life easier in one way or another.  Check out the links to grab some of these items for yourself, and remember, I'm not sponsored by any of these companies, we just use and like these things!   RocketBook Notebooks: We use these daily. We really like that the kids can still have “paper” notebooks for school, drawing, journaling, etc. but we don't have to cary multiple notebooks. Being able to write, scan it on their iPads, then erase it is great for full-time traveling Ancher Portable Charger: This product makes almost every “packing/must have/favorite things” list we have ever seen for travel. BUT it's because they are great. These power banks are just good. They are sturdy so the kids won't break them, and they charge up fast, and charge phones/iPads fast. I promise, they are worth all they hype they get! Logitech iPad covers: I feel like its important to get my kids ready to live in the “real world”, which means being able to use a computer well. And these cases turn an iPad into a computer. I feel like getting one with a trackpad was 100% worth it for the kids because they really do get a normal computer feel. Also, these cases have protected the iPads VERY well. Expensive, a little, worth it, YEP.  GlocalMe: A hotspot is nothing new. And this is what we have gone with. I like how this one offer the data packages. Since we don't use it that often, this option worked perfectly for us. If you will be using a hotspot a lot, maybe not the best option. But if you simply need something for a back-up/occasional use, check this out.  Headphones: Headphones are CRAZY personal, meaning you have to consider what the person wearing them needs. Some people like wireless over the ear, some people like wireless in ear, kids need smaller over the ear ones, and some people are fine with the “old fashion” wired and in ear type. For our family we have a mix. Ryan needs over the ear because he has to wear special earplugs on airplanes, Martin likes in-ear wireless, and Marissa likes the old fashion in-ear wired type. So, you really have to just think about what each person needs.    Now it's your turn! What "tech" items are always and forever will be in your bag? Let me know by either sending an email or sending me a message on Instagram!

Part 3 of 6. This one is all about clothing. When you don't own that much clothing, what you do have is very important. And while we don't want to spend loads of money on our clothing, there are some brands that are simply worth spending a little bit more on. Here are the brands that you will always find in our bags, and something that just helps on laundry day!   ExOfficio Underwear: This is hands down the best pair of underwear we've ever had. And the reason we will always buy them: antimicrobial! I'm having a hard time in painting a picture for you in a respectful way, so let's just say this: with 3 kids who are in a season of life when showering daily is VERY beneficial, these underwear are amazing on long travel days or out in the middle of nowhere adventures, when a daily bath isn't available.  Also, they are quick dry, meaning you can wash them in the sink, roll them in a towel then hang them (preferably in the sun) and they will dry fast! Seriously, they are worth every penny. Darn Tough Socks: There is only 1 brand of sock in our house, and it's this. These are not only extremely comfortable, but they last forever. Seriously, they are guaranteed for LIFE! And they have so many different cushion levels and styles you are guaranteed to find a pair (or 10) that you love. We use these for everything: from backpacking to just running to the store. They are the best. Teva Shoes: We are very brand loyal to Teva and we can't get over how long they last! Now, if you still have kids who get a new pair of shoes every 6 weeks, maybe not the shoes for them, but if you are basically done growing grab a pair. We love how they hold on to our feet well so we don't have to worry about losing a shoe while on a day hike, and who hasn't had someone step on the back of your flip-flop resulting in a painful big toe wedgie and broken shoe? Yeah, no fun, and no more with these. Also, the grip on them is nice, so you will have better traction on those slippery trails or sidewalks.  Thinx Teen Period underwear: Hi! Rilee here! These are life savers! I travel with three pairs of period underwear (I would suggest starting with three and if you like them, then you can buy more). Like, let's say you're on an airplane and it's an eight-hour or a cross-ocean flight, but the pilot never turns the seatbelt sign off. You don't wanna break the rules BUT you need to get to the bathroom to change a pad,well you can wear period underwear for the whole flight (even cross-ocean)! Also, they are so much more comfortable than a pad. Especially when sleeping I don't know how a tampon feels but that does not mean I am ruling them out! If you do wear tampons I think these are still perfect for you! Period underwear is also cheaper than pads or tampons, you only have to buy them once, but with pads and tampons, you have to buy them SEVERAL times. I feel much more confident when I wear them and not pads. Sea to Summit clothesline: ok, full disclosure, we don't own this. We do have a line, but it's simply a long piece of cord. This is on our list to get when we get back to America. Having a small line to dry stuff on is a game changer when it comes to doing laundry on the road. Whether you are in the backcountry, or just have a lot of wasing to do at your AirBnB, having a line you can put up allows you to wash and dry clothing fast then just laying it on a table, and trust me, I've done that! Do yourself a favor and just grab this and toss it in your bag!     .................... Follow Marissa and her family on Instagram to see a bit of their daily life, they are Family Of Dashes.

In this 2nd of a 6 part series I, Marissa your host and totally inept APP user, will talk about my 5 favorite apps that help us a nomadic family. Now, please don't mistake this episode as me trying to come off as a tech expert, because I am NOT! But, with these 5 apps we are able to do school, entertainment and family relations in a better way while we are moving around this globe.  HOOPLA: This app is connected to the public library you live near in the United States. So, make sure that you have a library card for each person you want to sign up for this. You can “check out” 8 books each month, and no more. But having free access to books, movies, and music is awesome! It's been a great part of our schooling for the kids. And since it's free you really can't lose! Disney +: Why this app? There are 2 main reasons: 1) National Geographic is amazing. We use this to watch educational shows, and see places that we will be traveling too. While we were in Europe we watched the “Europe from Above” series, while in Paris we watched “Notre-Dame Race Against the Inferno” to learn about the fire. Also, there are many fun ways to connect movies and travel. While on our trip in the Amazon Rainforest we downloaded and watched “Jungle Cruise”.  Reason 2) Travel days can be long! And the great thing about this app is you can download movies and shows on each person's device. That means before we head to the airport for a 13 hour travel day, each of our kids can pick out the movies they want to watch. That helps SO much, and if you're a parent you understand how great it is for each kid to watch what they want and not have to share a screen.  GoodNotes: This app helps with everything in our lives. Even in the digital world it's so easy for kids to get “messy”. This allows them to have a notebook for each of their subjects, but also they can use it to journal or draw or write stories or poems, whatever they want. You can also use it to plan your trips. Just create a notebook for the place you are going and you can keep all your notes and links and facts and places to visit all in one place.  Marco Polo: We use this app DAILY to talk to our family. It's so easy. You just send a video message to your group (a group can be 1 or 20 people, you pick who is in each group) and whenever they are ready they watch it and can respond. It's great for those moments when you're out and about and you see something cool and think “I wish my mom or dad or friend could see this?”. Just open the app, take a video and bam, they see it! This app has helped our family in America feel better about our traveling because they can actually see where we are, and what we are doing, and it's helped us by allowing us to feel like our families are up to date with what's happening in our lives.  WhatsApp: This probably isn't a new one for you, but just in case you haven't heard of it, I wanted to talk about it. The best thing (in my opinion) is the video calling. My mom doesn't have the same type of phone as me, so direct phone to phone video calling isn't possible, but with WhatsApp we can video call easily, and it works just as good as that other green button with the video camera on it. If you have someone you want to be able to call a lot, but don't want to pay lots to do it, this can be a great option. I don't use the social side of it, but it's there if you want it. .................... Marissa is NOT sponsored by any of these apps, she just really likes them! Follow Marissa and her family on Instagram to see the daily adventures they get into, they are Family Of Dashes. Link to the Test Trip Podcast Episode  

In this first of a 6 episodes series Marissa highlights her 5 favorite PERSONAL items. In this case, personal has the meaning of "important for 1 person, but manybe not another". So while you may not see the the value of these items, the point is to help you get ideas about things YOU want to make sure you have in your own bag when you are a full-time traveler.  ITEMS TALKED ABOUT IN THE SHOW: DIVA CUP: This makes long travel days not a big deal! Having to be on a flight where the captain NEVER turns the seatbelt light off use to stress me out, but not any more. Also, not having to get to the store when your house is 20 minutes away from the closest city, is very nice.  Leaf Shave Razor: Now, you MUST have a check bag with this, because this is a straight edge razor. So, if you only do carry on, this won't work for you. But we love this razor. We own 4! Not only will you get an amazing shave, but this reduces the amount of waste you have with shaving products. LOVE THAT! These are the blades we use. We are very brand loyal to them.  Packable Measure Cups and Spoons: I'm so happy to have these in my kitchen. Many countries don't use the same measuring system as America, so I like being able to cook and bake using the system that I grew up with.  Insulated Coffee Cup: Eric travels with a mug very similar to this, and he uses it every day. If you enjoy a nice cup (or 3) of coffee in the morning, just keep in mind that other countries tend to have smaller mugs then we do in the United States. So, for Eric to have this for his morning cup o' joe is very nice.  Bathroom Scale: Having this is huge motivation for me and Eric. Some people don't need to know the number on the scale, but for us it's very motivational! Side benefit, you can use it to weight your luggage.    .................... Follow Marissa and her family on Instagram to see the daily adventures they get into, they are Family Of Dashes.

In this episode Marissa talks about how they do school in their family. The main way is by project/experience based learning. This means that the kids use 1 big experience (like going to the Amazon Rainforest for 10 days) to center their learning around.  Marissa also talks a little bit about the legal requirments to home school your kids in her home state of Virginia.  The main focus of education in Marissa's family is on helping each kid learn how they learn best. Because knowing how to learn is a vital key to life.    LINKS FROM THE SHOW: Interactive map with a preview of the homeschooling laws in that state Hoopla Digital Library    .................... Follow Marissa and her family on Instram to see the daily adventures they get into, they are Family Of Dashes.

Marissa talks with Tara Shambaugh about how connect travel with the education of our kids. While Tara's family was traveling she combined where they were in the world with what her son was learning. Because of this the education and travel worked together to help him learn by hands on activity and work at home.  If you are traveling within the U.S.A. make sure you go to as many National Parks as you can. The Junior Ranger programs are great quality, and if you have a 4th grader and are a U.S. citizen you can get a free pass to the parks.  Make sure you follow Tara on Instagram to see what her and her family are up to nowadays! 

In this episode Marissa talks with Jesper and Cecilie Conrad. This couple has 4 kids, and are very familiar with unschooling and world schooling. If you have every wondered what unschooling is or isn't, this episode is for you. Marissa learned so much about how to still be the mother of her children, but release the control over their education a bit. Make sure you check out Jesper and Cecilie at their: website Instagram Facebook   .................... Huge shout out to our sponsor Divi Agency Coach Follow Marissa and her family on Instram to see the daily adventures they get into, they are Family Of Dashes.

In this episode Marissa shares how she plans her family trips, whether long or short.  She talks about the 3 most important questions to ask before making final plans, and helps you figure out your prioirites for the trip you're planning.  If you found this episode helpful, be sure to go over to Instagram and ask for the PDF this episode walks through.    .................... Huge shout out to our sponsor Divi Agency Coach Follow Marissa and her family on Instram to see the daily adventures they get into, they are Family Of Dashes.

Ready to hear the direct thoughts from a kid in a nomadic family? In this episode Marissa is interviewing her son, Ryan, and asking him what he thought of the test trip they took to Istanbul and Poland.  If you are becoming a nomadic family, know that you're not alone! This interview highlights the thoughts that kids may have when traveling, and will (hopefully) give you confidence to travel the world wih your family.  .................... Huge shout out to our sponsor Divi Agency Coach Follow Marissa and her family on Instram to see the daily adventures they get into, they are Family Of Dashes. Are you enjoying the show? We would love it if you left us a review on iTunes. 

The time is getting close to leaving your passport country, but you want to make sure you leave in a way that helps your kids feel a sense of closure, but also excitement about what is coming.  Well, hang on tight, becuase in this "drinking from a fire hose" episode Marissa gives you 10 ways to leave your passport country well.  .................... Huge shout out to our sponsor Divi Agnecy Coach Follow Marissa and her family on Instram to see the daily adventures they get into, they are Family Of Dashes. Enjoying the show? An iTunes review would really help us reach more families with the show. 

Are you still trying to figure out if a Digital Nomad lifestyle is right for your family? Then you need to take a test trip. In this episode Marissa talks all things test trips.  Know what a test trip is, but trying to figure out how to make it work for your family? Marissa gives some practical tips to help you take one. Links to what was talked about are below. .................... Huge shout out to our sponsor Divi Agnecy Coach Follow Marissa and her family on Instram to see the daily adventures they get into, they are Family Of Dashes. Exofficio Underwear. The BEST in the world.  Darn Tough socks. Can't go wrong with any of these.  Rocketbook notebooks keep us able to do school without needing "normal" notebooks!  

Don't pack those suitcases yet! Marissa is going to highligh 3 imporant things to do before you leave your passport country.  When you make the choice to become a nomadic family, there is a lot to think about. And, honestely, a lot of it will be things you think about naturally or things you learn from other nomadic families.  So this episode is all about the often overlooked tasks.     .................... Huge shout out to our sponsor Divi Agnecy Coach Follow Marissa and her family on Instram to see the daily adventures they get into, they are Family Of Dashes.    

Why are you traveling around the world with your family? We get this question a lot! And, if you are going to be a digital nomad family, chances are you will too.  In this Episode Marissa gives 5 reasons why families become nomad, AND she gives practical advice on how to handle this question when it's thrown at you.    .................... Huge shout out to our sponsor Divi Agnecy Coach Follow Marissa and her family on Instram to see the daily adventures they get into, they are Family Of Dashes.