Why Waiting for the ‘Perfect Time’ to Travel with Your Kids is a Myth

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me,

“We’d love to travel with our kids, but we’re waiting for the right time,”

I’d probably have enough to book another family holiday. I get it. The thought of packing up your life and heading out on an adventure with kids can feel overwhelming. There are so many things to worry about—Will we be able to afford it? Will it be safe? Will the kids even remember it? These are real fears, but I’m here to tell you something I’ve learned from my own experiences: the “perfect time” doesn’t exist. And waiting for it? That’s how you miss out on moments you’ll never get back.

Brad taking the faith walk over the glass Bridge at the Famous Cobbold Gorge. Baby carriers are a God send for travelling parents!

That Time We Almost Talked Ourselves Out of a Family Trip

A few years ago, we almost didn’t make the leap into full-time travel. At the time, life was good. The kids were in a great school with wonderful teachers and close friends. Brad had a stable job that paid the bills and gave us financial stability. We had a routine that worked—a life that most people would describe as “comfortable.” But deep down, we knew something was missing.

Our days were predictable, our weeks blurred together, and while we weren’t unhappy, we weren’t truly fulfilled. We craved something different—something that would shake up our routine and help us reconnect as a family. That’s when the idea of full-time travel crept in.

But, oh, the doubts!

“Are we crazy for wanting to give all this up? What about the kids’ education and friendships? What about Brad’s stable job? What if it’s a disaster, and we regret leaving everything behind?”

We debated for months, going back and forth, trying to convince ourselves that maybe it wasn’t worth the risk. But something inside us kept asking,

What if the life we’ve built isn’t the only way to live?

What if there’s more out there waiting for us?

Finally, we decided to take the plunge. We rented out our house, packed our lives into a caravan, and hit the road to explore Australia full-time.

I won’t pretend it wasn’t scary or that it all fell into place immediately. But looking back now, I can honestly say it was the best decision we’ve ever made.

How Travel Changed Everything for Our Family

Since we started this journey, our lives have completely transformed—for the better.

The kids have closer bond since being on the road.

• We’re More Connected. With fewer distractions, we’ve grown closer as a family. Instead of rushing through our days, we spend quality time together—whether we’re hiking through a rainforest, eating dinner under the stars, or just having play fights in the caravan.

• The Kids Are Happier and More Resilient. They’ve adapted to new environments, made friends in new places, and discovered a love of learning that goes far beyond the classroom. Watching their confidence grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

• Our Work Feels More Meaningful. Brad left his stable job to pursue work that aligns with our values and passions. It’s been challenging, yes, but also deeply fulfilling. We feel like we’re finally living with purpose, rather than just checking boxes on a to-do list.

• Our Kids Are Closer Than Ever. Living in close quarters has had its moments of chaos, but it’s also brought our kids closer as siblings. They’ve become each other’s best friends, learning to work together and support one another in ways we never saw before.

  You Don’t Need to Go to Extremes to Reap the Benefits

  I know what you’re probably thinking:

  That sounds amazing, but I can’t just pack up my life and travel full-time!”

  And you know what? That’s okay. You don’t have to do something as extreme as what we did to experience the magic of travel and the connection it brings to your family.

  Even just one trip—whether it’s a weekend road trip, a week by the beach, or a few days exploring a new city —can have an incredible impact.

  Taking a break from your daily routine, stepping out of your comfort zone, and spending uninterrupted time together as a family is where the magic happens.

  Here’s what we learned:

  the “perfect time” to travel doesn’t exist.

• Life will always give you reasons to stay where you are—routine, comfort, fear of the unknown. But if you take that leap, even just a small one, you might find that the rewards far outweigh the risks.

  If there’s one thing I hope you take away from our story, it’s this: You don’t have to wait. You don’t have to give up your entire life like we did. But you can take that first step toward reconnecting, making memories, and living life more fully.

  The best time to travel? It’s now. Don’t let the fear of imperfection hold you back from discovering the joy that travel can bring to your family.