One great thing about social media is that it has opened up our world view. Family travel has gone beyond just Disney trips and water parks. Some families have even decided to let the world become their children’s classroom- whether it be full-time or during school breaks. One mom has done both, and decided to share her experience with others who might want to do the same.
When Andi Almond moved from Puerto Rico to Colorado, her love of travel came with her.
Growing up on an island, she says, gave her a deep sense of curiosity about the world. ” Fortunately for her, her husband, Randy, shares that same spirit. They even backpacked and volunteered across South America and Southeast Asia before having kids—and they haven’t stopped, even with children in tow.
Traveling with kids: Start small, dream big
The couple started getting their two children used to traveling as babies, from road trips and flights to visit family to multi-week international adventures. They took their kids to Ecuador for three weeks one summer when they were just 7 and 5, living in a homestay and working remotely. Most significantly, in 2022, they went on a yearlong adventure across seven continents as a family, with a mission to show the rich education opportunities that exist beyond traditional classrooms.
She’s a firm believer that starting early makes a difference. “I do think starting early helps kids develop flexibility and comfort in new places. It also helps parents build the confidence to navigate travel farther afield with kids,” she says. Her advice for families feeling overwhelmed? “Start small and local. Practice overnight trips or weekends away. Keep expectations low and snacks high.”
Flexibility is key. Andi, a former journalist who now works in communications, emphasizes that parents shouldn’t feel pressure to maintain their normal routines on the road. She says that it’s okay if bedtimes shift or meals aren’t perfect. Kids feed off your energy—”if you stay calm and open, they do too.”
Making the world your classroom
Thanks to Tiktok and Instagram, we’ve gotten a firsthand look at families who have decided to make their world their classroom. And given their wanderlust, it’s no surprise that after years of travel, the Almond family took a leap into “worldschooling” also. Andi’s book, “The Everywhere Classroom: How One Family Turned Wanderlust into Worldschooling and How You Can Too,” shares their journey and offers insights for families who want to integrate learning into their travels—even if just for a week or two.
So where should parents start if they’re thinking about worldschooling?
“The first step is getting clear on your goals,” Andi says. “What do you want your kids to get out of this experience? Is it a deeper cultural understanding? Language immersion? Family connection? Educational flexibility? Your answers will help shape your approach.”
There are plenty of models that parents can choose from- whether it’s personalized learning with local experiences, online courses that give more structure, or a mix of both. Andi and her husband met with their kids’ teachers to align on grade-level goals. Then on the road, they built lessons around what was around them—climate change while hiking Patagonia, ancient history in Greece, spiritual beliefs with local guides in India.
Her kids journaled daily, read books by local authors, wrote essays, and explored science concepts on the road. “We certainly didn’t get everything right off the bat! I talk openly about the ups and the downs- and there were plenty!- in my book,” she says. “Being flexible, checking in with your kids on what’s working – and what’s not – adapting as you go, and maintaining a sense of humor and humility are key!”
Budget-smart travel tips for families
Not everyone can take a year off or fund months of international travel—and Andi knows that. She’s passionate about helping families travel more, even during peak school vacation times.
“It’s all about flexibility in where you go, when you go, and how you go. Look at lesser-known destinations that don’t spike as much during school breaks, or flip the script and explore places during their off-seasons,” she says.
“One of our favorite approaches is what we call location roulette. Instead of locking in a destination and trying to find affordable flights, we flip it: stay open to where the cheapest flights can take you, and let curiosity lead the way. Google Flights makes this super easy—you can enter your home airport and travel dates, then search “anywhere” to see which destinations are most affordable during that window. It’s a fun way to discover places you may never have considered, and it keeps costs down.”
She also recommends flying midweek, looking into alternate airports, traveling with another family to split lodging costs, and choosing accommodations with kitchens to save on meals. “Some of our most meaningful travel experiences have happened far from big-ticket destinations.”
And don’t sleep on road trips, she adds: “Some of our most memorable family moments have happened close to home.”
Five reasons to show your kids the world
For parents wondering why it’s worth the effort to bring kids along for the journey, Andi offers five powerful reasons:
- Curiosity – New environments spark questions and a lifelong love of learning.
- Confidence – From trying new foods to navigating public transit, kids gain valuable life skills.
- Resilience – Travel pushes them out of their comfort zones.
- Empathy – Meeting people from different backgrounds builds understanding and respect.
- Connection – Shared experiences on the road deepen family bonds in ways that busy daily life can’t.
You don’t have to go big to find meaning
Andi’s message to other families is clear: you don’t need to sell everything or win the lottery to make travel a meaningful part of your life.
“You don’t have to win the lottery, sell everything, or take a full year off to travel purposefully as a family and infuse learning into your explorations. Even weeklong adventures or venturing to a neighboring state can be full of meaningful learning and connection. What matters most is the mindset: curiosity, intentionality, and presence,” she says.
Ready to dive deeper? “The Everywhere Classroom” is full of tips, real-life stories, and advice for families curious about worldschooling. Follow Andi and her family’s adventures at www.andialmond.com and on Instagram at @4almondsabroad.
