Long-term Family Travel - our Hopes and Concerns

Embarking on a long-term family sabbatical can feel like jumping out of a plane - it's exhilarating and full of possibilities but it's also daunting and comes with risks. The rush of excitement and the potential for growth and adventure can be both thrilling and scary. But like a seasoned skydiver, with careful planning, communication and support, we believe that we can overcome our fears and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We may encounter some turbulence along the way, but by embracing the thrill of the jump and working together as a family, we can soar to new heights and create unforgettable memories that will stay with us forever.

Hopes:

We believe that a long-term family travel can bring a lot of positive changes in our life. Here are some of the hopes that we have:

1. Strengthened family bonds:
   Spending a lot of time together as a family in a new environment can create a stronger sense of unity and foster closer relationships. Even though we have always tried to prioritize our family bond, daily life demands such as work, school duties and other roles can make it challenging to stay connected. To be honest, the consequences of the pandemic have hit us particularly hard and our marriage has suffered as a result. We found ourselves functioning in our respective roles as parents, employees, friends and neighbors and almost forgot to take care of ourselves and our relationship as a couple. Travel has always been a kind of therapy for us, and for our 12-month sabbatical we intend to focus on strengthening our family bond even further. While every family member will undoubtedly learn and grow from this experience, our primary goal is to have fun together and enjoy all the amazing things that the world has to offer. We are mindful that our children will soon (10 years pass by so quickly!) be off living their own lives and we want to make the most of our remaining time together as a family.

2. Cultural enrichment:
   As someone who grew up in an East German household, Andrea has felt the urge to break out of past social and political beliefs at an early age. Her experiences as an au pair in the USA for two years, her studies in South Africa and a six-month traineeship in Spain allowed her to broaden her perspective immensely. Similarly, Alpay, who grew up in a Turkish household in conservative Germany, was provided with valuable learning experiences from the get-go due to the differences in culture. Now, as parents, we want to make sure that our kids understand that the world does not end at political borders. In today’s interconnected world, cultural enrichment is not just a luxury but a necessity for personal growth and understanding, we believe. Whether it's exploring different countries, learning new languages or immersing oneself in diverse communities, the benefits of exposure to different cultures are immeasurable. By stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing the unknown, we open ourselves up to a world of unique traditions, perspectives and ways of life. We hope that Laila, Emmet und Malik will learn to appreciate diversity, develop empathy and gain a global mindset, fostering an open-mindedness that will serve them well throughout their lives. It may sound aloof but our personal experiences have taught us that cultural enrichment enriches our souls, expands our knowledge and reminds us of the beauty of our shared humanity. Additionally it helps put the “simple conflicts” that seem to surround German society into perspective.

3. Increased confidence and independence:
   For us traveling goes beyond mere sightseeing. We know it has the power to instill confidence and independence in all of us. When we embark on our journey to unfamiliar lands, we will be forced to adapt to new situations and navigate through uncharted territories. This process of learning and adjusting shall help us build resilience and self-assurance. Whether it will be figuring out transportation in Japan or communicating with locals in India, every challenge we overcome will hopefully boost our confidence. Moreover, being exposed to diverse cultures and lifestyles shall encourage us to embrace our individuality. We think that the ability to navigate through unfamiliar environments and confidently face the unknown is a valuable life skill that can teach our children (as well as us adults) how to adapt to new situations.

4. Greater appreciation for home:
   We are thankful for our home. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful house with a garden, offering ample space for each family member to feel not only safe but also pursue their individual hobbies. We take pride in our ability to redecorate our home according to various seasons and occasions (birthday parties, Easter celebration etc.), infusing it with the spirit of celebration. However, there are moments when we find ourselves yearning for something more, when our familiar surroundings become a bit monotonous. Perhaps you've experienced the feeling of returning home after a business trip? Have you ever felt that surge of joy rushing through you as you recount your experiences and embrace your loved ones even tighter? It is during these times that we realize the depth of our longing, a longing for that extra touch of excitement and appreciation for the place we call home. While we would never take our (grand-)parents or friends for granted, there is an innate desire to rediscover the magic and rediscover the beauty of what we have right in front of us. And so we do already make little plans on how to remodel certain aspects in our house and our surrounding or maybe get some new pets after we come back home.

Concerns:

However, of course, we also have some concerns when it comes to planning and executing our year-long travels. Some of these concerns are:

1. Financial burden:
   One of the primary concerns we frequently encounter and receive numerous inquiries about is the financial burden associated with long-term traveling. There is no denying that embarking on an extended travel journey can be costly. Whether you are traveling alone or as a couple, the financial responsibility differs significantly when compared to supporting an entire family where most individuals cannot contribute substantially to the household finances. It is our desire to enjoy the journey without constantly worrying about expenses. Additionally, we aim to maintain a similar standard of living for our children upon our return, preserving what they have become accustomed to. Therefore, we have recognized the utmost importance of approaching this topic with a prudent budgeting mindset to avoid any potential financial strain. We have adopted various strategies such as meticulous expense tracking, seeking cost-effective accommodation options, and being mindful of daily expenditures. We firmly believe that budgeting is an essential skill for any traveler, and effective planning plays a crucial role in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

   Our past experiences have allowed us to strike a balance between fulfilling our wanderlust and ensuring financial stability. Consequently, we will continue to plan wisely, remain conscientious about our spending habits, and make informed choices throughout our journey. While we have saved some money over the years and sold a few belongings to support our aspiration of traveling the world, we must acknowledge that this dream wouldn't be possible without the incredible opportunity provided by Alpay's employer Airbus. Its "Care for Life" program enables employees to take time off and receive salary payouts over various time periods, granting us the financial support we need. We are immensely grateful for this opportunity.

   In conclusion, we firmly believe that careful budgeting and wise financial planning lay the foundation for unforgettable experiences while providing peace of mind throughout any adventure. By adopting these principles, we can embark on our journey with confidence, knowing that we have prepared ourselves adequately for the financial aspects of long-term travel.

2. Safety and health concerns:
   This is a topic that is mostly running in Alpay’s mind. Andrea is a very optimistic person and has never been encountered any serious issues while traveling, like theft, illness or natural disasters, nevertheless we are all aware that there are some things that we cannot control so it’s a topic that we don’t want to underestimate when we travel with our kids. First and foremost, maintaining good health while traveling is paramount. We made it a priority to research and understand the potential health risks specific to the destinations we plan to visit. This includes staying updated on any required vaccinations, carrying a well-stocked travel medical kit and having comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. By being proactive in our approach to health, we aim to minimize the chances of falling ill and ensure that we are equipped to handle any unexpected health concerns that may arise.
   Additionally, we recognize the importance of safeguarding our belongings and personal information. We take precautions such as using secure luggage locks and keeping copies of important documents. Being vigilant and aware of our surroundings is also crucial to prevent theft or scams. We familiarize ourselves with local customs and regulations, seeking advice from trusted sources and fellow travelers to ensure we are well-informed about any specific safety considerations unique to each destination.
   In the face of natural disasters or unforeseen emergencies, we understand the importance of staying informed and having contingency plans in place. We plan on monitoring local news and weather updates and we have already registered with our country's embassy and regularly read the news of the Ministry of Foreign Affair. This way, we hope to be able to respond appropriately and efficiently should any unexpected situations arise.

   While there may be uncertainties along the way, we firmly believe that being prepared and informed empowers us to navigate these challenges effectively, allowing us to focus on the incredible experiences and unforgettable memories that await us during our journey.

3. Education and career impacts:
   We are aware that taking a year off can have an impact on children's education and it may be challenging for us adults to take time off work or return to the careers after the trip. However, we firmly believe that the unique learning opportunities and exposure gained from travel can outweigh the temporary disruption. To address this concern, we take proactive measures to ensure our children's educational needs are met. We developed a homeschooling curriculum tailored to German school’s expectations, our kids’ interests and the destinations we visit. We will integrate immersive cultural experiences, local history lessons and practical life skills into Laila, Emmet & Malik’s education, hopefully providing them with a well-rounded and diverse learning experience. On the other hand, we have had numerous open conversations about our intentions and the potential benefits that can be gained from our upcoming journey in our work lives. We have proactively planned ahead and highlighted our transferable skills such as adaptability, cultural sensitivity and problem-solving abilities to showcase the value that this experience will bring to our professional development. We firmly believe that the skills we acquire during our travels will enhance our abilities in the workplace and make us more well-rounded individuals. In fact, even before embarking on our grand adventure, we have already begun taking new professional steps. We have learned how to build a website, honed our writing skills through creating this blog and improved our videography abilities. This commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement is something we aim to instill in our children as well. By demonstrating our own dedication to personal growth, we hope to inspire them to embrace lifelong learning and develop a proactive mindset.

   In conclusion, through careful planning, open communication and a proactive mindset, we are confident in our ability to navigate the impacts on education and careers. We believe that this journey will ultimately enhance our personal growth, broaden our horizons and provide us with valuable experiences that will positively impact our lives and those of our children.

4. Homesickness and adjustment:
   Recognizing the potential challenges of adapting to new environments, we have already prioritized the importance of staying connected with our friends and family back home. Understanding that homesickness may arise, we have made plans to purchase international data plans for our phones and utilize messaging and video apps like FaceTime to stay in regular contact with our loved ones. To help Laila, Emmet & Malik cope with the transition, we have incorporated journaling into their homeschool plan, encouraging them to document their experiences and emotions. Additionally, we will maintain this blog where we can share our adventures with you who is interested, creating a sense of connection and allowing our friends and family to be part of our journey. We also plan to send postcards and souvenirs to loved ones, offering tangible reminders of our travels and keeping them involved in our experiences. Recognizing the importance of stability and familiarity, we have identified the need for routines during our travels. These routines will provide a sense of security and continuity amidst the ever-changing environments we will encounter. As parents, we understand that establishing a sense of belonging in our new communities is crucial. We will actively engage in activities that allow us to explore local traditions and customs as well as seek out opportunities for social interaction. By participating in community events and connecting with locals, we hope to foster a genuine sense of belonging and create a home away from home. Through our commitment to maintaining connections, embracing routines and immersing ourselves in new communities, we are confident that we can overcome the initial challenges of homesickness and adjustment. We believe that with time and the support of our network, both back home and in our new environments, we will grow stronger as a family and successfully navigate our exciting journey together.

5. Finding balance - Planning ahead and embracing flexibility in our journey:
   Planning for our grand adventure has presented us with a challenge already: striking the right balance between meticulous preparation and leaving room for spontaneity. Andrea, with her penchant for planning, diligently researches each destination, considering factors such as the ideal time to visit, visa requirements and cultural customs. Selecting destinations and activities that cater to the ages and interests of each family member comes naturally but finding a realistic balance in allocating time for each location and incorporating rest days to prevent burnout proves to be more challenging. While we recognize the importance of planning ahead, especially when it comes to securing affordable flight tickets and suitable family accommodations, we also understand the value of maintaining a flexible itinerary. Flexibility allows us to embrace unexpected events, such as flight cancellations or illnesses, without feeling constrained. Moreover, it opens doors to unforeseen opportunities to immerse ourselves in new cultures, fostering a deeper connection with the places we visit. At times, we may need to remind ourselves that the purpose of our journey is to create lasting memories as a family rather than adhering strictly to a rigid schedule. It is in these moments of spontaneity that we often encounter the most delightful and cherished experiences, right? By embracing flexibility, we can say "yes" to impromptu adventures, local recommendations and serendipitous encounters that add richness to our travels. So, as we navigate the intricate balance between meticulous planning and staying open to unexpected opportunities, we approach our journey with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. We understand that while planning provides structure and security, flexibility allows for the magic of discovery. By striking this delicate equilibrium, we are confident that we will create a remarkable adventure, filled with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

In conclusion, embarking on a long-term family sabbatical is like jumping out of a plane - exhilarating yet daunting. With careful planning, communication and support, we believe we can overcome our fears and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our hopes include strengthening family bonds, cultural enrichment, increased confidence and independence and a greater appreciation for home. However, we also have concerns about the financial burden, safety and health, education and career impacts, homesickness and adjustment and finding the right balance between planning and flexibility. By addressing these concerns with proactive measures, staying connected with loved ones and embracing both structure and spontaneity, we are confident in our ability to navigate the challenges and create unforgettable memories together.