How do you Travel Full-Time as a Family and Make Money?
Start with remote income (job, freelance, or small business), travel slowly to cut costs, keep a 3–6-month runway, choose kid-friendly bases, and set up insurance and school before you go. We’ve done this since 2019 with two kids (UK curriculum).
❤️ Why Trust Me
I’ve been living the digital nomad family life since 2019 with my husband and our two daughters. We follow the UK curriculum and enroll our girls in international schools wherever we stay — from Thailand to South Africa.
Over the years, we’ve tested dozens of insurance plans, job platforms, and family travel setups. Everything I recommend here is based on real experience.
Our Simple Framework: Money, School, Logistics
Do you dream of a life filled with more adventures but don’t know where to start? Do you look at stories of full-time travel families on social media and wonder if that could be something for you? Then you are in the right place. Because I had exactly the same feelings and a lot of questions back when we were still trapped in our conventional life.
Let me tell you right off the bat: You can become a full-time traveling family! It’s not as difficult and unreachable as it seems. I promise!
We have been a digital nomad family since 2019, traveling with our two little girls to places like New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Africa.
In this blog post, I will give you an in-depth look at full-time family travel. We will discuss income opportunities, schooling for the kids, and logistics. Ready? Let’s go!
Our Quick Picks
💻 Remote job platforms – the ones that truly help you work from anywhere.
🚑 Have a look at the best family travel insurance (the one we actually use!)
🧳 If you want to travel lighter and smarter, my Digital nomad packing list will help you.
🏠 Find fantastic family hotels in Thailand.
Why We Chose Full-Time Family Travel
Let’s travel back to 2017. That year, our first daughter Lila was born. Until then, my husband and I were employed full-time, spending 9-12 hours a day at the office. My husband was an art director at a large fashion startup, and I was a TV journalist, often on shoots.
We were fully caught up in what I like to call “the system.” We’d just bought a car and taken on some debt, lived in a trendy apartment in downtown Hamburg, and sent a big chunk of our income straight to taxes every month.
Don’t get me wrong — on paper, we were doing fine. We had everything we needed. If one of us lost a job, unemployment benefits would cover us. If we got sick, health insurance had our backs. It was safe, predictable — and a little too comfortable. Like with investments, too much security often means little room to grow. Our vacation days were short (still better than in the U.S.), and between work and bills, there wasn’t much time left for family or big dreams.
I know that’s the reality for most people in the world and they are content with it (and there’s nothing wrong with that!), but for us, it just wasn’t enough. We wanted to see the world, experience adventures, break out of routines, and simply get more out of life.
When our first daughter was born, it felt like the perfect chance to hit pause. In Germany, parents get up to 14 months of paid parental leave (yes, really — 14!). So we decided to use that time for something big.
We packed up our VW T5 Bulli, strapped in the baby seat, and drove from Hamburg all the way to Morocco and back — three months of adventure, freedom, and a first taste of what life on the road could feel like.
When we returned from this incredible adventure, we knew: We had to change our lives!
We just couldn’t go back to our old life and pretend we didn’t know what we were missing. FOMO is real, guys! One night, we sat in our living room surrounded by hundreds of Post-its. “Move abroad.” “Live in the Bulli.” “Spend six months a year in the South.” “Become a digital nomad family.” Every dream we’d ever had was up there on the wall.
After days of debating and dreaming, one idea kept shining brighter than the rest: we wanted to become a full-time travel family. To give up everything familiar and make the world our home.
Two years later, in 2019, we did exactly that. We sold nearly all our stuff, gave up our apartment and jobs, and boarded a one-way flight to Thailand. Since then, we’ve been living as a digital nomad family — and honestly, we can’t imagine doing it any other way.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. We’ve had our fair share of doubts and meltdowns along the way. But looking back, it was still the best decision we ever made.
The Big Benefits of Full-Time Family Travel
Okay, let’s start with the positive aspects that come with a full-time travel family life. Most of these are obvious:
Life is one Big Adventure
When you travel full time as a family, life rarely gets boring. There’s simply no time to fall into a routine, at least not for long. Routines can be a blessing, especially with little kids, but doing the same thing every day eventually feels dull.
On the road, things keep changing. You adjust to new places, time zones, and ways of living. You try new activities, taste unfamiliar foods, and pick up words from different languages. It can be tiring sometimes, but it’s also exciting, eye-opening, and full of beauty.
Family Bonding on a New Level
Back in our old life, I probably saw my husband for about three waking hours a day. Now, it’s so much more. The same goes for the kids. There were days when he was still asleep as I took our daughter to kindergarten, and by the time he came home late at night, she was already tucked in again.
That doesn’t happen anymore. These days, we spend real time together — and the best part is, it’s quality time. Not rushed hours running errands or getting ready for bed, but long dinners on the beach, lazy mornings, and spontaneous trips to waterfalls.
Your Relationship with Your Partner Changes Drastically
When you’re with someone 24/7 and face every challenge side by side, your relationship changes completely. You’re no longer just partners but also co-workers, travel planners, co-parents, and often each other’s only friend in new places.
That’s why it feels so different when one of you is suddenly away for a few weeks. It’s a big shift. I’m not saying one version of a relationship is better than the other, but things definitely change. For us, that change has been a good one — we’ve grown closer than ever.
👉 I wrote a whole article about being a digital nomad couple here.
Endless Educational Opportunities for the Kids
In a conventional life, you’re often tied to just a few schools in your area, and in many countries, you’re even required to enroll your child in one of them. As a full-time traveling family, things look completely different — the world becomes your classroom.
If you prefer traditional schooling, you can simply choose your next destination based on the school. Found a great international school in Bali? Then Bali it is. Your child wants to learn coding? Head somewhere with a program or project that focuses on that.
And if you want more flexibility, there are so many other options — online tutoring, homeschooling, worldschooling, or even unschooling. The beauty is that you get to choose what works best for your family.
Challenges of Full-Time Family Travel
Of course, full-time travel isn’t all sunsets and freedom. There are plenty of challenges that come with this lifestyle — otherwise, everyone would be doing it. Here are the ones I personally find the hardest.
High Travel Costs
Yes, you can travel on a tight budget — but let’s be real. Who really wants to spend 14 hours on a train with two toddlers and then share one bed in a tiny bungalow? I know families who do and absolutely love it, but it’s just not for me. We prefer to pay a bit more for a quick flight, a house with two bedrooms, and some extra comfort.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that your nerves and energy are worth more than saving a few dollars. The downside is that traveling this way can get expensive. Each move means new upfront costs — rent, schools, house deposits.
And even after years on the road, we still end up paying too much now and then. Whether it’s a restaurant, a nanny agency, or a scooter rental, figuring out what’s fair in a new place takes time (and a few overpaid meals along the way).
No Grandparents Nearby
This is probably the hardest part for me. Life would be so much easier if we could just drop the kids off at their grandparents for a weekend. And honestly, the guilt is real.
By choosing this nomadic life, we’ve taken away the chance for our girls to really grow up with their grandparents — and for our parents to be part of their everyday moments. It’s heartbreaking at times. I still get emotional watching them wave at each other through video calls.
But it’s part of the deal we made. We’ve accepted it and make the most of the moments we do get together, usually once a year, and always full of love.
👉 You might also like:
– Life as a Digital Nomad Couple: How We Make It Work
– Living in Thailand with Kids – Experience of a Family of 4
Loneliness is a Constant Companion
Are you the kind of person who lights up a room and makes friends everywhere you go? Then you’ll probably never feel lonely as a digital nomad.
But for the rest of us — the ones who need more time to connect, who are a bit introverted, or just picky about people — loneliness is something that shows up often.
The hardest part is that just when you’ve built a small circle of friends, it’s usually time to move on. That’s tough. And like I mentioned earlier, your partner often becomes your best and only friend.
To be honest, sometimes I enjoy being anonymous. It helps me focus and get things done. But other times, I really miss having a community of families around to share experiences with. That’s when loneliness hits the hardest.
Becoming a Full-Time Traveling Family – Where Should You Start?
That all sounds great, Lulu, you might be thinking. But how do I even become a full-time traveling family? No problem, we’ll go through the topic step by step.
What Kind of Full-Time Traveling Family do You Want to be?
First, let’s talk about what full-time family travel really means. It’s not always as extreme as it looks on social media (or in some of my photos, sorry!). You don’t have to sell everything and give up all your stuff. There are different ways to live this life.
Family Gap Year
This means you take a break from your normal life, rent out your home, take time off work, and travel together. You’ll need savings or an income to do it. A family gap year can last a few months or even a few years.
Half-Time Travelers
Some families prefer to travel only part of the year. They keep their home base and live like digital nomads for about six months each year.
Slowmads
These are nomads who travel slowly and stay longer in one place. That’s us! It’s much easier with small kids. Slowmads often stay several months or even a year in one spot. They can rent homes long-term, enroll kids in local schools, and really get to know each place.
FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) Nomads
These families have planned and saved so well that they no longer need to work. They’ve paid off all debts and live off their savings or investments. I actually interviewed Roksana from a FIRE digital nomad family — you can read her story here.
How do You Want to Earn Money?
Ah, the money topic. Honestly, this is the big one. Without a stable, long-term income, you really shouldn’t start full-time travel. Financial security is key, especially when you have kids.
That can look different for every family. Maybe you have remote full-time jobs, steady freelance clients, or your own business. Whatever it is, make sure your income streams are set up before you leave. Working on the road is already challenging, especially with little ones who need attention. I can’t imagine the stress of running out of money or having to return home because of it.
💡 Pro tip: I always recommend the three-month rule. Travel only when you have enough money to live comfortably for three months and can still afford return flights.
👉 If you want to learn more, I’ve written a full blog post on how to make money while traveling.
👉 And here’s another one with 20 remote work-from-home job ideas.
Where do You Want to Travel to?
Even after all these years of traveling full time, this is still one of the hardest questions for me. So much depends on where you go first. Is it safe? Is the climate comfortable for everyone? Are there schools, good internet, and a doctor nearby? Can we communicate with the locals?
As a general rule, your first destination as a full-time travel family should be easy and comfortable. Pick a country you already know, where you can speak the language (at least a little), and where life isn’t too expensive. It should be fun, not stressful.
For us, that place was Thailand. We fell in love with the country, the people, and how kind everyone is to children. Life there is affordable, and the infrastructure works well for families. Today, Thailand is still our (part-time) home base.
How Will You Be Insured on the Road?
I’m German, and it really shows when it comes to insurance. We Germans love to insure everything — from bikes to toaster ovens. I’ve let go of most of that mindset, but one thing I’ll never skip is travel health insurance. That’s a non-negotiable.
Nothing feels worse than being unable to cover medical costs when your child is sick or your partner ends up in the hospital. We once had friends without health insurance, and when the father got seriously ill in Bangkok, they faced bills of around 3,000 USD (about 2,750 EUR) per day. A week in intensive care at a private clinic can ruin you financially — and emotionally.
So before you leave, make sure you have solid health insurance that covers emergencies at the very least. It’ll save you a lot of stress, hair-pulling, and sleepless nights.
When we first started out, we were insured with the German provider Hanse Merkur. For our family of four, it cost about 200 USD (around 185 EUR) per month and covered almost everything except vaccinations — a really great deal. Unfortunately, after five years they didn’t renew our contract (maybe we weren’t profitable enough!), so we had to look for something new.
In October 2025, we switched to the new SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Complete Plan for the whole family. It covers everything that matters to us — from emergencies to chronic conditions and even cancer treatment (my worst fear!).
Packing and Preparation
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations — you’re almost ready to start your new life! Only a few practical steps are left.
Decluttering and Selling Possessions
Depending on your travel style, you might need to give up your apartment and get rid of most of your belongings. Sell things, donate them, give them away, or, as a last resort, store them with family or in a storage unit.
I found this part surprisingly freeing. It’s shocking how much stuff you collect over the years — and how little of it you actually need. Standing in front of those expensive curtains you once spent weeks choosing, only to realize how meaningless they are, can be an eye-opener. It’s not even about the curtains, but all the time and energy spent buying things that don’t really matter.
We became minimalists almost by accident. At first, it felt strange and uncomfortable, but now it’s simply part of who we are. When I walk into a “normal” house these days, I feel overwhelmed. I catch myself thinking, “Why do people need so much stuff? What do they even do with all this?”
If you’re about to start this process, don’t worry — it gets easier and more freeing with every box you let go of.
👉 Become a Minimalist in 10 Easy Steps
👉 Why Owning Less is Good for Your Mental Health
Essential Digital Nomad Travel Gear
Of course, some essentials come with the life of a digital nomad family. The most important things are those necessary to generate income.
This includes technical gadgets:
INIU Slim 10000mAh Portable Charger – $15.98
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones – $249.00
Nulaxy Dual Folding Phone Stands (2-Pack) – $8.99
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) – $74.99
Travelon RFID Blocking Zip Wallet – $24.92
👉 Here’s the complete digital nomad shopping list!
👉 Also, find my big guide on nomad packing here.
Vaccinations
No matter how you feel about vaccinations, it’s something you should sort out before you start traveling. Check which vaccines are required for entry to certain countries and which ones are recommended because of local health risks.
We began our vaccinations about eight months before departure, covering everything we might need. That timing worked perfectly — we were fully immunized and ready to go when it was time to leave. It gave us peace of mind and saved us from having to get expensive emergency shots abroad (like rabies, for example, after a dog bite).
👉 Find out about the most important vaccines for Thailand travel.
On the Road: Daily Life as a Traveling Family
Routines and Flexibility
Especially as a full-time traveling family, you need routines that make life smoother. For us, that means taking care of the essentials right on the first day in a new place. We move into our house, rent scooters or a car, hire a nanny, stock up on groceries, find nearby vegetarian-friendly cafés, and check out local sports options.
Travel days can be exhausting, I know. But trust me, sorting everything out on day one makes a huge difference. By day two, you can already start living your new “normal” instead of feeling like you’re still in transition.
Education
As I mentioned earlier, we’ve been following a traditional educational path for our two daughters. Wherever we are, they attend local international schools. The big plus is that they make friends quickly and learn from teachers with very different backgrounds.
But there are downsides too. Changing schools often means constant adjustment — new classmates, new teaching styles, new rules. We’re also tied to school calendars, which limits when we can travel. And since the best schools usually fill up fast, we often have to get on waiting lists months in advance.
Soon, we plan to switch to online tutoring. It just fits better with our lifestyle and the way we like to travel with young kids.
If you’re curious about different worldschooling styles, I recommend reading my interview with best-selling author Erin Riska.
👉 You might also like:
– Why Being a Digital Nomad with Family Sucks (Sometimes)
– How to Travel Around The World and Make Money
Key Takeaways
- Start with income. Secure remote work or freelance clients before leaving.
- Travel slow. Staying months in one place reduces stress and costs.
- Plan schooling early. Research local international schools or online tutors.
- Stay insured. Health travel insurance is essential for families.
- Declutter and downsize. Living with less makes travel easier.
- Pick an easy first base. Start somewhere safe and family-friendly, like Thailand.
- Build community. Join family nomad groups and make local connections.
- Keep a buffer. Have at least three months of living expenses saved.
Final Thoughts on Full-Time Family Travel
I hope this article has given you a clear picture of what it really takes to become a full-time traveling family. The jump from a conventional life to one full of constant change and adventure can feel scary at first, but it’s much more possible than it seems.
Trust me — if we could do it, so can you.
The secret lies in good preparation. Find a travel style that fits your family, make sure your income is steady, and get solid health insurance before you go. Learn to live with less, stay flexible, and be ready for new adventures every single day.
If you have any questions or need more detailed advice, let’s chat in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your aspirations and plans.
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
FAQ – Full-Time Family Travel (2025)
How to travel full-time and make money?
Start with something you can do online – remote work, freelancing, or your own business. Build income long before leaving. One year in advance was the perfect time frame for us.
How to travel as a family of five (or more)?
Choose affordable countries with family-sized rentals, good infrastructure, and low transport costs. Cook at home, book longer stays, and plan your moves less often.
Do we need to sell everything?
No. You can rent out your home, take a gap year, or travel seasonally before committing full-time.
What about the kids’ education?
We follow the UK curriculum and enroll our girls in international schools wherever we stay. It gives them structure and friends fast. But many families mix in online lessons or worldschooling.
Is full-time travel expensive?
It depends on your speed and region. Slow travel in Southeast Asia can cost less than life at home in western countries. But if you travel fast, you’ll end up paying way more.
Do we really need travel insurance?
Yes. Private care abroad can be costly. Always have health insurance that covers emergencies and big medical bills. We go with the new Safetywing Nomad Insurance Complete plan.
8 Responses
very informative articles or reviews at this time.
Thank you! I’m glad it’s helpful for you!
This was such a refreshing read, Lulu. Love how honestly you shared the leap into full-time family travel it’s super inspiring! At HappyOuting, we work with a lot of families looking to start the same journey. Your story will help so many take that first step
Thank you so much, Amritesh! That really means a lot. It’s such a wild ride when families take that leap into full-time travel. I’m so glad the post resonated. And it’s great to hear about the work you’re doing at HappyOuting! Wishing you and the families you support all the best on their adventures. Lulu
Full-time family travel in 2025 is all about smart budgeting, flexibility, and shared adventure. With the right prep, you can turn the world into your classroom and create priceless memories together!
I just finished reading your incredibly helpful guide on full‑time family travel — your real‑life advice and honest tips make the idea of exploring the world with kids feel both inspiring and achievable. Also, for fellow travelers planning logistics, resources like Ezybook Airport Parking paired with your insights would make any departure or layover even smoother!
I’ve always been afraid of traveling with toddlers. My husband and I love to travel, but after our second child, we pretty much stopped. This article is so motivating for me.
That means so much, Bella. Thank you for sharing this. Traveling with toddlers can feel scary at first, especially with two little ones. I’m so happy the article gave you a little confidence boost.