Unschooling and Travel: Exploring the World as a Classroom

Unschooling and Travel: A Q&A with a Parent Who Does Both

If you’re an unschooling family, the world is your classroom. And what better way to learn than by traveling? But how do you balance education and exploration? We spoke with a parent who does both to get some insights.

Q: What inspired you to combine unschooling and travel?

A: I’ve always been curious about the world, but traditional schooling didn’t satisfy that curiosity. When I had kids, I knew I wanted them to have a different kind of education—one that was based on their interests and passions, not just what someone else thought they should learn. Travel seemed like the perfect way to expose them to new ideas, cultures, and experiences.

Q: How do you plan your trips?

A: We don’t really “plan” our trips in the traditional sense. We don’t have a set itinerary or schedule—we just go where our interests take us. Of course, we have some rough ideas of where we want to go and what we want to see (based on our kids’ current obsessions), but we leave plenty of room for serendipity.

Q: Do you worry about missing out on “regular” school subjects?

A: Not at all. The beauty of unschooling is that it’s not limited by subject areas or grade levels. Our kids learn through real-life experiences—whether it’s practicing math by calculating currency conversions or learning history by visiting ancient ruins. They’re constantly absorbing information from their surroundings.

Q: Have there been any challenges along the way?

A: Sure—traveling with kids can be unpredictable! Sometimes plans fall through or things don’t go as expected. But that’s part of the adventure—we’re always learning how to adapt and be flexible.

Q: How do your kids stay connected with friends while traveling?

A: We use technology (like video calls and social media) to stay in touch with friends and family back home. But we’ve also met a lot of new friends on our travels—other unschoolers, fellow travelers, locals—who have become like extended family.

Q: Do your kids ever miss having a “home base”?

A: We do have a home that we come back to periodically, but honestly, our kids are so used to traveling that it feels more like “home” than any physical place. They’re adaptable and resilient—they know they can make a home wherever they go.

Q: How do you handle the logistics of schooling while traveling?

A: We don’t really think of it as “schooling.” Learning is just part of life for us—it happens organically as we explore new places and ideas. That being said, we do bring some educational materials with us (like books, art supplies, and games) to supplement their learning.

Q: What advice would you give to other families who want to combine unschooling and travel?

A: Don’t be afraid to take the leap! You don’t need to have everything figured out ahead of time—just start exploring. And remember that every family is different—you’ll find what works for you. Trust your instincts and follow your passions—it’s an amazing way to learn together as a family.

In conclusion…

Unschooling doesn’t mean putting education on hold while you travel—it means embracing the world around you as your classroom. By combining unschooling with travel, families can create unforgettable learning experiences that go far beyond textbooks or classrooms. As this parent shared her journey through Q&A style post about unschooling and travel – there’s no one-size-fits-all approach; it’s all about finding what works best for each individual family.