Single mum taking family round world

[caks]

I am planning to take my two children: 8rs and 12yrs out of school ofr a year for an around the world trip.
I am anxious to do this but feel that travelling will teach my wee ones more than school can just now.

I am looking for any advice and tips from anyone else who has travelled with their family - single parents or couples who have taken their children. Is there anyone else planning such a trip and if so what route are you following?

[lauras]

Take a look at the delightful book, "One Year Off: Leaving it All Behind for a Round-the-World Journey with Our Children" by David Elliott Cohen. It's not really a tips-oriented book, but it's a charming account of one family's experience with all of its ups and downs.

I spoke recently with a family who had traveled for an extended period with their children, and they began their trip with a month-long stay in Oaxaca, Mexico so they could all attend a language institute. They then traveled extensively through South and Central America really perfecting their new language. Antigua, Guatemala is also known for its language schools, many of which will tailor their classes for children. Guatemala has some of the best-priced language schools in Latin America.

[GreatDeals]

Certainly not a trip around the world, my family and I took a trip cross country (USA) and it was truly a learning experience. I was about 13 years old and now, more then 20 years later, I still thank my folks for taking me on that adventure. We rented an RV for about 4 months and took off.

Certainly made me appreciate the country that I lived in and the oppurtunity to meet different people that I would NEVER have met is truly amazing. If you and your family have 1/100th of the time that I had, it will be well worth taking them out of school.

I'm so jealous....:p

[jfrenaye]

I agree. What a great trip. The only concern I have is to keep the traveling between destinations manageable for the 8 yr old. Those long flights can be a hassle.

I have been to Africa and China (from mainland US) with my three kids and it has been a challenge.

Make sure you have more money than needed, don't marry your itinerary, and take time to really immerse yourself in the culture of your host location--they will learn so much!

[finchnyc]

I'm not sure if you've made your trip around the world or not, but wanted to point out you may need notarized permission from your children's father in order to take them into certain countries. It's better to be safe and carry the documentation than ruin your plans.

Additionally, A Medical Treatment Authorization Letter is also a good idea to have with both parents' signatures. This will avoid any issues that might come along with unexpected and time sensitive emergencies.

For more info on legal requirements, you can look here:

http://www.familytravelforum.com/articles/p/79/article/10545


Good luck!