Our Offbeat Life

Wonder Year Interview In this episode, the authors of the book, 'Wonder Year', discuss their experience of travelling with their families for an extended period. Each author discusses how world-schooling, or using the world as a classroom, shaped their family's journey as well as the numerous experiences they had. They delve into the logistical elements including planning and packing, and also address the challenges faced and misconceptions about extended family travel. They emphasize a central theme of curiosity, explaining how a thirst for knowledge drives learning, cultural appreciation, and connection. The authors encourage families to pursue their own world-schooling journeys, assuring there is a supportive community waiting to welcome them. Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Wonder-Year-Long-Term-Family-Worldschooling/dp/1637560249/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XLFSRUK4KKRD&keywords=wonder+year&qid=1702533907&sprefix=wonder+year%2Caps%2C325&sr=8-1 Credits: Host- David Cole Guests: John Yates & Karen Yates Announcer- Brodi Cole Editor- David Cole Theme Music: Ella Doran ♩ ♪ ♫ ♬ Travel the World was written and performed by Ella Doron for Helen Doron Teen English, for the Helen Doron Educational Group Visit the ⁠Helen Doron Song Club ⁠ on YouTube for the full song ♩ ♪ ♫ ♬

Executive Summary: The podcast tells the story of John and Karen, a married couple with two kids who decided to travel the world full-time after reaching a low point in their relationship. It covers how they prepared financially, got their kids on board, road schooled the children, dealt with accidents abroad, found purpose through travel, supported local communities, and made the lifestyle sustainable. Their story proves that with proper preparation and resourcefulness, full-time travel can be accessible for more families. Action Steps/Key Insights/Takeaways: Test your partner's openness to new lifestyle ideas if your relationship needs a change (00:05:15) Dramatically reduce living expenses by traveling to lower cost of living countries (00:14:28) Have multiple remote income streams as backup (00:15:05) Let passions and interests drive children's education (00:26:11) Prioritize relationships - don't let tension fester (00:53:13) Interact with local communities for more fulfilling experiences (01:07:20) Show Notes: Introduction John and Karen reached a low point in their marriage and needed a change (00:04:49) A question about moving abroad led them to discover full-time travel (00:05:15) Preparing To Travel They saved aggressively and reduced expenses to fund a year of travel (00:14:23) Created remote income streams as backup (00:14:59) Involved their kids in the decision (00:09:31) Hitting The Road Early visa issue created setback but they persisted (00:47:52) Spent extended time in Vietnam due to COVID (00:08:40) Faced serious scooter accident but received care from strangers (00:42:29) Family Travel Lifestyle Kids favorite travel memories are normal activities made special by new locales (00:33:25) They practice self-directed education focused on passions, not standardized curriculum (00:24:04) Make relationship communication priority no matter what (00:53:13) Giving Back Built sustainable Etsy shop to support local Guatemalan woman (01:00:41) Conclusion Full-time travel can be affordable with strategic preparation and openness to alter lifestyles (01:08:45) Here are some links to find and follow John and Karen. https://www.etsy.com/shop/VibrantGuatemala https://www.facebook.com/Karen.InspireMyMoney/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-yates/ Inspiremydreams.com Credits: Host- David Cole Guests: John Yates & Karen Yates Announcer- Brodi Cole Editor- David Cole Theme Music: Ella Doran ♩ ♪ ♫ ♬ Travel the World was written and performed by Ella Doron for Helen Doron Teen English, for the Helen Doron Educational Group Visit the Helen Doron Song Club  on YouTube for the full song ♩ ♪ ♫ ♬

Lacy's story demonstrates the rewards of worldschooling, even as a single parent. Her top motivation was providing her daughters with a better education and quality of life. Traveling opened up abundant opportunities she never could have imagined while stuck in her old job and lifestyle. The experience has created an unbreakable bond and given her kids a broader perspective on the world. Lacy's example gives single parents everywhere permission to think outside the box. With some creativity and willingness to take a risk, you can craft the adventurous, fulfilling life you've always wanted.

This episode is an interview with a couple, Ritchie and Abigale of  Meat Around The World, Richie and Abigail share what life is really like on the road as they overland through the Americas with their young daughter Zoe. After getting inspired by shows like "Long Way Round," they bought a truck camper in the U.S. and slowly meandered their way from Arizona down through Mexico and Central America. Now in their 4th year of slow, immersive travel, they've formed meaningful connections with locals, dealt with challenges like breakdowns and border issues, and given their daughter a one-of-a-kind on-the-road education. Richie and Abigail offer sage advice for families considering full-time overlanding – from budgeting smartly to not putting off dreams for “someday." Though not always easy, the rewards of discovering new places as a family far outweigh the comforts of a stationary life. Their BLOG is: https://www.meataroundtheworld.com/ Their Instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/roadschoolaroundtheworld/ The Article they mention is: https://expeditionportal.com/border-shock-an-overlanding-familys-nightmare/

This episode of the "Our Offbeat Life" features Bradley and Jenny who are full-time family travelers. The discussion revolves around Bradley and Jenny's extraordinary experiences traveling the world with their children, including giving birth abroad during a pandemic and establishing a home base in New Zealand. They share advice on financial management while traveling, navigating work and immigration processes in different countries, and understanding local cultures. The conversation ends with a trivia quiz and their reflections on the benefits of slow travel. K͟e͟y͟ ͟P͟a͟r͟t͟s͟ ͟o͟f͟ ͟t͟h͟e͟ ͟C͟o͟n͟v͟e͟r͟s͟a͟t͟i͟o͟n͟: 1. Introduction and Background: David introduces the podcast and guests, Bradley and Jenny. 2. Travel Lifestyle: The couple explains why they began full-time travel and their experiences, including having children while abroad. 3. Financial Aspect: Discussions around the financial implications of their lifestyle. 4. Locations and Cultures: The couple recounts their experiences in various countries they've visited. 5. Schooling and Child Rearing: They discuss the approach to their children's education during travel. 6. Immigration Process: They share their experience of gaining residency in New Zealand. 7. Conclusion: The conversation ends with advice on slow travel and a trivia game.

Our Offbeat Life's very own David and Brodi drove from the US to the southernmost tip of South America with their son over the course of 2 years. This episode is all about their inspiration, ups and downs, favorite places, and tips for family travel along the Pan American Highway. This journey is truly inspirational for anyone thinking about long-term travel with kids. In this recording from a recent live stream, we share the motivation, logistics, favorite places, challenges, and top tips for an epic pan American highway road trip with family.

Have you ever dreamed of packing up your family for an extended Mexico family travel trip across Mexico? Does the thought of driving a minivan through small pueblos and winding mountain roads sound appealing? As remote work becomes more commonplace, more families are embracing location independence and hitting the open road for Mexico family travel. In this fascinating interview, Stephanie shares her family's experience traveling through Mexico for twelve months in a minivan. She offers practical tips and captivating stories that will inspire your own epic family road trip through Mexico family travel. Join me as we explore the highlights of their Mexico family travel journey, from getting started with travel to their triumphant return home.

In this episode, we'll recap Zee's travel journey and top lessons for single moms considering long-term travel with their kids. From navigating co-parenting to worldschooling tips, Zee shares practical advice on keeping travel fun and fulfilling for the whole family.   Whether you're dreaming of a short-term adventure or multi-year odyssey, Zoe's story proves full-time family travel is possible, even as a solo parent. So read on for inspiration to take the leap into your own family's travel lifestyle!

David interviewed Colleen about her experiences of full-time travel with her family, including the challenges of education while traveling and adapting to new cultures. They discussed her journey through South America, detailing the benefits of flying versus driving and the difficulty of packing for constantly changing terrain and seasons. They also talked about the importance of having a varied approach to financing, including owning a home, having investments, and relying on both W2 income and freelancing.Colleen shared her family's experience transitioning back to life in the US after a long trip and Colleen shared helpful tips for families considering a similar lifestyle. They also reminisced about their travels and the different foods they encountered, with Colleen sharing her favorite food discovery in Mexico and David emphasizing the importance of food in travel experiences. They discussed their experience with healthcare while traveling and how they handled their pets and home while away.At the end, David and Colleen engaged in a playful lightning round, discussing their coffee preferences and experiences while traveling, and a lighthearted travel trivia game, highlighting the fun and educational aspects of travel and the importance of connecting with others through shared experiences. Overall, this podcast interview provides insights into the challenges and benefits of full-time travel with a family, as well as practical tips and lighthearted moments.

Welcome to another episode of Our Offbeat Life, where we highlight the stories of individuals and families who break free from traditional lifestyles to live their dream life. Today, we're excited to share an incredible journey of a family that is trading 10 acres in Chile for a bus! Our guests today are Donnie and Carla, a globetrotting couple from Argentina and California who have made the Chile their home. They ignited their love for travel when they got married in Italy, and since then, they've been on a quest to find a lifestyle that allows them to explore the world without constraints. Their journey took them to Chile, a country they fell in love with for its safety, affordability, and most importantly, the opportunity it offered their children to grow as free-range kids. Here, they bought a property and turned it into an eco-guesthouse called "El Rincon". Running this guesthouse was no walk in the park, but the rewards were immense - living close to nature, exposing their children to different cultures, and hosting an array of interesting guests including fire dancers, magicians, and artists! But as they say, change is the only constant. Donnie and Carla have now decided to switch gears and are in the process of converting a bus into a live-aboard vehicle for their future travels. This transition from a sprawling property to bus living is being prepared gradually, with their children actively involved in designing and building their new home on wheels. In this episode, they share their experiences - the good, the bad, and the challenging - of downsizing and preparing to move into a bus. They discuss the intricacies of residency processes, adjusting to a new lifestyle in a foreign land, and the importance of research and planning for families looking to follow in their footsteps. What I love about Donnie and Carla's story is their commitment to prioritizing experiences over material possessions, and their belief in working hard wherever they go to sustain their lifestyle. Their goal is to provide unique educational opportunities for their children through world schooling, a concept that's gaining popularity among travel-loving families. Despite the uncertainties about their future plans after selling their property, Donnie and Carla's story is a testament to the fact that it's possible to craft a life of travel and adventure with your family if you're willing to think outside the box. If you are interested in booking at El Rincon or buying El Rincon get in touch with Carla by going to their website https://elrinconchile.cl/ Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Guesthouse.el.rincon Booking.com at https://booking.tp.st/CXNg0U7X And be sure to tell them that Our Offbeat Life sent you ;)

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we sit down with Bethany Baker, the inspiring mind behind Beyourbestwithbethany.com, who along with her husband embarked on a life-changing journey by selling their home, buying a van and driving through Central and South America with their young daughters. Bethany shares her transition into a digital nomad life, a dream that took five years to manifest into reality. She provides insights into how they manage work, family life, and homeschooling while on the road. Listen as she discusses her unique approach to homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of following the child's interests, and ensuring the basics of education are covered. Bethany also shares her recommendations for tech tools and apps that have proven indispensable in managing work and travel, including Google Fi, Skyroam Solis, Express VPN, and more. She shares her family's favorite travel destinations, from the bustling streets of Mexico City to the serene landscapes of the sacred valley in Peru. Budgeting and financing long-term travel is a challenge many face, and Bethany offers her perspective on this important aspect, along with sharing her must-haves for traveling as a nomad. She also candidly shares some of the challenges encountered during their travels, highlighting the need for resilience and problem-solving skills. Bethany underscores the importance of communication and teamwork in maintaining strong relationships while traveling. She dispels common fears about safety, emphasizing that traveling is often safer than expected. As a bonus, Bethany offers invaluable advice for families considering full-time travel, stressing the importance of support, planning, and joining world schooling groups. Join us in this episode as we delve deep into the world of worldschooling, nomadic lifestyle, and the adventurous road less traveled.

Are you thinking about committing to a full-time family travel lifestyle? Anna talks about her recent journey, sharing tips on how to get started! From connections with like-minded families, to unschooling her children and financial stability while traveling, she goes into all of the aspects involved in worldschooling and nomadic living. Learn how Anna engaged her children in the decision-making process and found affordable accommodations while traveling. Plus get advice on staying engaged as a family, creating happy and healthy experiences together, and upcoming plans for a world school pop-up event in Buenos Aires! https://www.facebook.com/groups/buenosairespopup2023 Don't miss this episode as Anna brings you along for her incredible journey of full-time family travel!

Join us in this heartwarming episode as we chat with Rachel Carlson, the dynamic force behind the Worldschool Pop-Up Hub. As a seasoned worldschooler herself, Rachel shares her rich experiences, personal anecdotes, and insights into the vibrant world of worldschooling communities. We dive deep into what worldschooling means for families on the move, exploring how these global communities provide not just educational opportunities but also a sense of belonging and connection. From the sunny shores of the Mexican Caribbean to the vibrant city life in Tokyo, we'll discover how these hubs serve nomadic families. Rachel also gives us a sneak peek into the life-changing experiences at the Worldschool Pop-Up Hub, where families from around the globe gather to share knowledge, create lasting memories, and cultivate a love for lifelong travel. Whether you're already a worldschooling family or just curious about this unique approach to education and travel, this episode is packed with practical advice, specific recommendations, and inspiring stories that will make you see the world (and schooling!) in a whole new light. So, buckle up and join us on this thrilling journey into the heart of worldschooling communities. This is one conversation you won't want to miss!

Welcome to the first episode of our series on full-time family travel! In this exciting kick-off, join David and Brodi Cole, the charismatic duo behind the Our Offbeat Life travel blog and podcast. Known for their adventurous spirit and knack for finding unique experiences, David and Brodi have made a lifestyle out of being a full-time traveling family. In an engaging twist, they don't bring in a guest for this episode - instead, they interview each other! They delve into their backgrounds, share stories from their travels, and discuss why they chose to embark on this unconventional journey. Listen in as they reveal the ups and downs, the challenges and triumphs, that come with being a full-time traveling family. From homeschooling on the road to maintaining a sense of community, David and Brodi offer practical advice, specific recommendations, and plenty of inspiration for families considering a similar path. But this episode isn't just for those dreaming of world travel. Even if you're simply curious about how a family can turn travel into a lifestyle, there's plenty to discover. So, buckle up and join us for a fun, informative, and friendly chat with David and Brodi Cole. This is one conversation you won't want to miss!

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