We get asked a lot about how you plan your route. Of course, there is no perfect recipe to follow. Here are a few key themes to help guide your discussion.
Democracy Rules:
First off, get everyone’s input and try to include each family member’s #1 pick as part of the plan. This helps get the kids involved and you may find it interesting to see where individual interests lead you.
Flexibility, Flexibility, Flexibility:
This is perhaps the most important lesson we learned. Keep open space. For us pivoting back to Europe for a month-long recovering during the holidays after 2+ months in Africa was a life-savor. It’s impossible to predict your needs, so be prepared to “flow like water” as our good friend Ryan counselled us.
Follow the weather:
It is so much easier to travel compactly if you follow warm weather. Plan your route to match the seasons.
Book Remote, Complicated Travel Ahead of Time:
In some areas, particularly Africa, flights are limited. Consider booking large connecting flights (and don’t forget your visas!) early.
Do Less, Experience More:
This is a marathon, not a sprint! You will quickly lose interest in seeing every Instagram-worthy sight. Also, moving every few days as a family takes energy and can wear you down to the point that you are not in the family space to actually enjoy the destination. This is really hard because it means saying no to many places, but it is worth it!!! If you can’t say no, consider a fast-paced start, anticipate a crash, and then built in some recovery time. Also, when you stay places longer you may be able to find monthly rentals which are dramatically cheaper than nightly rates.
Pins on a map:
It worked for us to have a few set parts of trip that served as pins on the map between which we could fill with destinations that flowed our way organically. For us, we had to book sailing trips far in advance for discounts and had friends committed to join us on specific dates, so these served as our pins. Other spots that require advance bookings could also serve as your pins (ie: reservations like hut trips on the Routeburn Track on South Island, NZ).