A Family's Year-Long Journey Around the World

While in Sucre, Bolivia, I encountered the McGuinness family during breakfast at our hostel. Their inspiring journey of a year-long family adventure captured my attention! Cath provides insights into their experiences, financial planning, and educational strategies for their teenage daughters.

Family Members: The McGuinness Family: Rob (52), Cath (50), Beth (16), and Megs (14)
(Cath is a General Practitioner, while Rob works as an Urban Designer.)
Hometown: Truro, Cornwall, SW England
Blog: https://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/mcgrtwtrip/1/tpod.html

1. When did you start planning your year abroad?

Four years prior, Rob and I imagined traveling for a year during a drive back home from a camping trip in France. We realized 2014 was the perfect year for our daughters' schooling schedule—specifically, September.

To make it happen, we needed funds. I kept an eye out for a property and discovered a quaint two-bedroom cottage we loved, despite its potential. It was a significant choice to sell our main house, but we eventually committed. Selling our primary residence took two years, filled with challenges and financial strain. We both worked tirelessly, but finally, we purchased our gear, booked tickets in early September 2014, and set off!

The McGuinness Family enjoys the Great Barrier Reef in Australia (Photographs courtesy of the McGuinness family.)

2. What was your travel route?

Our journey began with flights through Greece (island hopping to ease into backpacking), then to India (focusing on Rajasthan), followed by Nepal and the Annapurna circuit, a brief stop in Hong Kong, and then a camper van adventure down Australia's East Coast to Melbourne. We then continued to New Zealand, flew to Chile, Bolivia, and Peru, and finished our trip with five days in New York City before returning home in June 2015. Although we had to cut our trip short due to work obligations, it turned out to be a blessing. After ten months of travel, we felt ready to head home.

Left: Beginning the Annapurna trek in Nepal; Right: A challenging river crossing during the trek.

3. What were some travel highlights?

There were both memorable moments and challenges—highlights for me included an overnight camel trek in Rajasthan. The laughter we shared on those camels, the incredible guides, and witnessing them prepare delicious meals under the stars were unforgettable. New Zealand's stunning treks were also remarkable, and our family worked excellently together during active outings. Learning to dive at the Great Barrier Reef and trekking the Salkantay route to Machu Picchu were other standout experiences. Cities like New York, Sydney, and San Francisco became favorites. Don't miss a stay at Undarra near Cairns to explore the lava tubes!

On the downside, we faced a blizzard on the Annapurna circuit that tragically claimed lives—forcing us to retreat mid-trek. Hearing the harrowing stories from fellow trekkers was an education in itself, highlighting the risks of the mountains.

With support from friends back home, Cath and Rob ensured their daughters, Beth (16) and Megs (14), kept up with their education while traveling, aligning their itinerary with the girls' school commitments.

4. How did you handle your daughters' education during the trip?

Education was straightforward in some respects—I taught sciences, math, and French, while Rob covered geography and history. A friend who teaches English assisted us online. We received minimal support from Megs' previous school regarding the curriculum, but she didn't lag behind upon returning.

For Beth, we managed some of her math, while she tackled geography with Rob and attempted French on her own (with mixed results). The challenge was maintaining a routine while constantly on the move, compounded by the unpredictable availability of Wi-Fi.

We primarily focused on lessons in Australia and New Zealand when we had a car or camper, enabling us to organize study times more conveniently while still enjoying sightseeing. It required strict discipline, leading to some disagreements, but overall, it went well given the circumstances.

Sometimes, it was hard for them to see the relevance of certain subjects. Yet, why just read about glaciers, volcanoes, and lava tubes when you can hike them? Witnessing the impacts of earthquakes in Christchurch and exploring Incan architecture in Peru provided invaluable learning experiences.

The McGuinness family enjoyed a memorable overnight camel trek in Rajasthan, India, which became a highlight of their journey.

5. What were your biggest challenges?

Traveling as a family brought both challenges and rewards. One common misconception is that it's all smooth sailing with no conflicts.

We operated on a tight budget, often opting for family rooms or camping, except for a few cheaper stays in Bolivia. Navigating teenage moods was tough at times, especially since we often had no escape routes. There were instances where we simply couldn't let the girls wander off due to safety concerns, which led to tension.

Engaging in outdoor activities like hiking provided the necessary space we all craved. Yet, there were also times we cherished being together—singing in the car, hiking in breathtaking landscapes, exploring cities, and sharing meals around campfires. We've learned to better manage disagreements and now know each other on a deeper level. Not sure if that's entirely good or bad!

Rob and Cath McGuinness at Salar de Uyuni, where they spent nearly five weeks traveling through Bolivia with their daughters.

6. What was your overall trip budget?

Sticking to a budget was challenging, but we improved over time, managing to stay within approximately £200 daily for all expenses. This was easy in India but tricky in Australia, where camper van rentals averaged £80 per day, not including fuel, campsite fees, and food.

7. Any advice for families considering a similar adventure?

Be ready for imperfections, hiccups, and disagreements. Traveling as a group can be stressful. You can't simply show up without accommodation or change plans spontaneously, and managing our budget while finding safe options for the girls was often a struggle. Expect that what you anticipate to be the best experiences might surprise you, while others may not meet your expectations. This wasn't a holiday—much of it involved hard work. Rob and I often felt exhausted trying to keep everything on track, but the enjoyable moments outweighed the challenges. Looking back at our blog and photos, I can't believe all we accomplished. I'm grateful we took this trip.

Since returning, I've faced health challenges, but I'm recovering. I wouldn't have been able to plan such a trip now, making our journey all the more meaningful. You never know what lies ahead, so my advice to anyone considering a similar journey is to go for it if you can.

There will never be a perfect moment.
It's tough, but the memories are invaluable, and you may not get the chance again.

8. What are three essentials you always pack for a trip?

A quality rucksack, an unlocked iPhone (for photos, videos, and music), and a solid pair of boots that serve as both hiking footwear and stylish town shoes. (We invested in family Timberlands, which performed wonderfully!)

9. What's your next adventure?

Our upcoming family project involves expanding our cottage and completing our daughters' education—we can't stay in a two-bedroom home forever. After experiencing various living conditions during our travels, our house feels spacious! Traveling has taught us to prioritize fewer possessions, and we recognize how fortunate we are to call the UK home.

For further insights into the McGuinness family's global adventure, visit their Travel Pod page: https://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/mcgrtwtrip/1/tpod.html