When we first set out on our homeschooling and travel journey, we had a rigid plan: one full year in Querétaro, Mexico. But as any seasoned traveler will tell you, the road has a way of rewriting your itinerary.
What started as a single-city plan evolved into a dynamic, flexible lifestyle where we changed countries every three months. We found that 90 days was the “sweet spot” – long enough to stop being a tourist and start feeling like a local, but short enough to keep the sense of adventure alive.
Our Strategy: The “Next Destination” Checklist
We don’t follow a pre-set map. Instead, our next move is usually decided by a blend of real-time research and intuition. If you’re looking to adopt a flexible travel style, here are the factors we weigh:
- Political Climate vs. Reality: We read the news, but we don’t let headlines dictate our lives. To get the “ground truth,” we join local Facebook groups. While the news might report a state of emergency, locals can tell you if life is actually functioning normally.
- Example: In Lima, Peru, the news warned of upheaval, but our local contacts confirmed it was manageable. The only real hurdle? A temporary restriction on foreigners buying SIM cards—a small price to pay for an incredible experience we would have otherwise missed.
- Infrastructure & Ease of Movement: For a family on the move, transportation is everything. We prioritize cities with reliable ride-share apps (like Uber) and solid infrastructure.
- Proximity & Airfare: We often look at a map, see what’s nearby, and check flight costs. Moving to a neighboring country often keeps travel days short and budgets intact.
- Cost of Living & Weather: We chase the “eternal spring” or comfortable seasons while ensuring the local economy aligns with our monthly budget.
The Airbnb “Peace & Quiet” Test
One of our biggest secrets to staying sane while traveling with children is our Google Maps strategy. Before booking an Airbnb, we use Street View to scout the area.
- Avoid Main Roads: We look for residential pockets away from major arteries to avoid traffic noise.
- Vibe Check: We look for nearby parks, grocery stores, and walkable streets to ensure we aren’t stranded in a concrete jungle.
Our Journey So Far: From Querétaro to Medellín
Our path has been a beautiful evolution of culture and connection:
- Querétaro, Mexico: We spent three months immersed in museums, local festivals, and the unforgettable magic of Día de los Muertos. It taught us how to integrate into a community quickly.
- Medellín, Colombia: This became our “Reset Button.” With family nearby and a deep cultural connection, Medellín is where we go to hike, rest in the outskirts of town, and recharge our batteries before the next flight.
- Santiago, Chile: A sophisticated leap into the Andes, where we enjoyed the mountain backdrops and urban structure.
- Lima & Paracas, Peru: Despite the news reporting a state of emergency, our local Facebook checks gave us the green light. Aside from a minor hurdle buying cellphone minutes, we had an incredible time exploring the culinary capital of the world and the stunning coastal landscapes of Paracas.
- Buenos Aires & Bariloche, Argentina: We transitioned from the European flair and bustling “tanguerias” of Buenos Aires to the “Little Switzerland” of Bariloche, where the lakes and mountains offered a complete change of pace.
- Búzios & Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: We will finish our trip with the vibrant energy of Brazil—soaking in the boutique beach vibes of Búzios before diving into the iconic landscape and rhythm of Rio.
The “Month 20” Shift: Finding Balance
Flexible travel is an incredible teacher, but it is also exhausting. By the 20th month of moving every 90 days, we feel a little tired. We realized that while we love the world, our kids (and we!) began to crave the stability of extracurriculars, sports, and long-term clubs.
The beauty of traveling this way isn’t just about seeing new places – it’s about having the freedom to say, “We’ve seen enough for now; it’s time to settle (anywhere…oh, flexibility is a beautiful thing!).”
Key Takeaways for Your Next Trip:
- Don’t over-plan: Let the “flow” find you.
- Verify the news: Use local social media groups for a realistic safety check.
- Prioritize quiet: Use digital tools to ensure your “home” is a sanctuary.
- Listen to your family: It’s okay to change the pace when travel fatigue sets in.
