🌍 From the Heart: My Honest Reflections After Nearly a Year of Full-Time Family Travel

When we left the UK nearly a year ago, I didn’t really know what to expect. So many people told me that travel changes you, but I never truly understood what that meant until now.

This journey hasn’t just been about discovering new cultures, beautiful landscapes, or unforgettable experiences — it’s been about discovering myself. The emotional side of full-time travel, the self-awareness, and the gratitude for lifethat I’ve now found are beyond what I ever imagined.

✈️ Stepping Away From Routine & Facing My Fears

Leaving the UK and stepping out of our comfort zone has been eye-opening. When you remove the usual routines and familiar surroundings, you really start to see who you are. I’ve been scared in unfamiliar countries, faced different kinds of fear, and had to build confidence to speak to strangers as we move from place to place.

But every time I’ve done something that scared me, I’ve grown stronger. Full-time family travel has taught me courage, humility, and how to trust myself.

💔 The Struggles of Being Away From My Daughter

One of the hardest parts of this journey has been being away from my eldest daughter, Teegan, who lives with my mum back in the UK. She’s nearly 17 now, independent, and carving her own path — and as much as I want to be there for her, I know it’s important to respect her space and freedom.

Still, there’s a longing. I miss her deeply. Some days I ache to be near her, and I don’t know when our next hug will be. But I’m incredibly grateful for technology — for video calls, voice notes, and messages that help us stay close, even across oceans. Seeing her smile through the screen means everything.

🐶 Missing My Four-Legged Friend

Another emotional struggle has been saying goodbye to our dog, Obi, before we set off. I’ve always been a big dog person — walking, adventuring, and just having that unconditional love meant the world to me. Rehoming him was heartbreaking.

Now, wherever we travel, I share my love with the stray dogs we meet along the way. I offer them food, affection, and kindness. It doesn’t replace Obi, but it fills a small part of that space in my heart.

🌿 A Spiritual Awakening & Following My Calling

Before leaving the UK, I felt something shift inside me. Some people call it a spiritual awakening, but for me, it just felt like a deep calling — a whisper that grew louder, telling me to spread my wings and be free.

It wasn’t a random decision; it felt like destiny. When Joe and I finally made the leap to sell everything and start this digital nomad family journey, I knew it was meant to be.

Now, almost a year in, I can finally say that I feel aligned with my purpose.

💼 Leaving Behind a Career That Didn’t Fit

Before travel, I worked as an occupational therapist, moving through different companies. I wanted to help people, but I always felt restricted — my creativity and ideas didn’t fit into the box. I wanted to make a difference, but the system felt broken, and the environment was toxic.

Now, through travel, I connect with people all over the world in more authentic, meaningful ways. I still love helping others, but I’ve learned that I also need to keep some love and energy for myself. I can’t pour from an empty cup — and travel has helped me find that balance.

🧘‍♀️ Finding Balance Through Mindfulness

Sak Yant Tattoo in Thailand - full video here!

I’ve become deeply drawn to Buddhism and mindfulness practices. I try to meditate daily, to stay grounded when things feel overwhelming or uncertain. Yoga also keeps my mind, heart, and body in alignment — because as a mum, I know that if I’m not okay, the whole ship wobbles.

Travelling full-time as a family can be intense — we’re together all the time. I’ve learned that it’s okay to take time for myself, to breathe, reflect, and reset. It’s not selfish — it’s essential.

💬 Connection & Community on the Road

Joe and Tilly are best friends — they’re like two peas in a pod. I love watching their bond, but I’ve also learned how important it is for me to make my own connections too.

So I’ve started joining local groups, workshops, and community events wherever we land. Whether it’s creative classes, women’s circles, or volunteering, it helps me feel connected and supported. I also keep in touch with friends back home — voice notes, video calls, and heartfelt chats keep loneliness at bay.

🌳 Nature: My Constant Companion

When I’m out in nature — surrounded by trees, birds, or mountains — I feel grounded. Nature is my reminder that everything is unfolding exactly as it should.

Of course, there are days I question everything. What have I done? Am I selfish for bringing my family on this journey? Am I a bad mum? But then I look around — at the beauty, the freedom, the love — and I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Travel has opened my heart, connected me to the earth, and allowed me to live in flow.

👩‍👧 Navigating Travel With a Teenager

Travelling with a teenager comes with its own challenges. Tilly needs friendships and connection, and we’re learning how to support that as we move around. Sometimes she needs encouragement to find new friends — so I’ve even thought about setting up teen meetups for traveling families.

Family travel is all about compromise — balancing everyone’s needs and energies. But watching Tilly grow, explore, and learn through world schooling fills me with pride every single day.

💖 Growing, Healing & Becoming Whole

As a travelling mum, I’ve learned to loosen up — to guide rather than control, to trust rather than fear. I’m becoming more content in my own skin and with the environments I find myself in. My spiritual practice continues to shape me into a more grounded, open, and loving person.

Travel has changed me — not just the places I’ve seen, but who I’ve become. It’s taught me resilience, patience, and joy in the present moment.

To all the mums, wives, and families out there wondering if they can do this — you can. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. The journey will challenge you, stretch you, and reveal the parts of you that you didn’t even know were there.

Because sometimes, to find yourself, you have to leave everything behind. 🌏✨