9 Months on the Road: How We Swapped the 9–5 for Full-Time Family Travel
Hey there — we’re Smiths On Tour 👋
I’m Emma (Mum), in January 2025, we packed up our home, sold all of our stuff, and set off on a one-way adventure to see what life could look like outside the 9–5 routine.
Since then, we’ve travelled from Mexico, through Central America, down to Colombia, and across to Southeast Asia— all in just nine months.
It’s been wild, emotional, messy, and completely life-changing.
We started out looking for freedom — but what we’ve really found is ourselves!
We share our journey (and all the lessons in between) over on our YouTube channel, Smiths On Tour, where you can see what full-time travel as a family of three really looks like — not just the highlight reel.
Why We Left the 9–5 Behind
Before we hit the road, our days looked like so many others: alarm clocks, commutes, deadlines, after-school rush, school pressures and “maybe next year” dreams.
We were living for weekends and short holidays, always feeling like time was running faster than we were.
One day after a long shift on the hospital ward (seeing people seriously unwell), I asked the question that changed everything:
“What if we didn’t wait until retirement to live the life we actually want?”
So we stopped waiting and went for it!
We traded in routine for adventure, stability for spontaneity, and a house full of stuff for a life full of stories.
How We Learn on the Road: Worldschooling, Not Schooling
One of the biggest questions we get is:
“What about school? How does Tilly learn?”
The short answer — she learns from the world. 🌍
We’ve stepped away from the standard school system because we believe education shouldn’t just come from textbooks.
Tilly’s classroom is wherever we are — a rainforest, a night market, a museum, a community project.
She keeps journals and creative projects, reflecting on what she learns through travel — whether that’s understanding new cultures, learning business basics from our family budgeting, or developing life skills that can’t be taught in the traditional classroom.
We focus on creativity, business studies, and real-world learning.
Because for us, the goal isn’t to tick boxes — it’s to help her grow into a confident, curious, independent human who sees possibilities everywhere, with no limits!
If you’re curious about this approach, check out our post:
👉 Worldschooling: Learning from the World Instead of the Classroom
9 Months In: What Full-Time Family Travel Is Really Like
It’s not a permanent holiday — it’s a lifestyle.
Some days are absolutely magic: waking up to the sound of the sea, meeting incredible people, or watching Tilly thrive as she learns something new.
Other days are hard: missed buses, dodgy Wi-Fi, laundry disasters, and moments of homesickness.
But the best part?
We’re together. We have time — the one thing we never had enough of before.
We’ve learned to slow down, to be flexible, and to laugh when things go wrong (and they do go wrong). Every day brings something unexpected — and that’s exactly what we wanted.
Tips for Families Who Dream of Doing the Same
If you’ve ever thought, “Could we actually travel full-time as a family?” — here’s what we’ve learned in our first nine months:
Travel slower than you think you should.
Staying longer saves money, builds stability, and helps kids adjust.Keep learning flexible.
Whether it’s worldschooling, creative projects, or local experiences — let your kids’ curiosity lead.Simplify everything.
Less stuff = less stress. Every kilo you own, you carry.Build multiple income streams.
We earn through content creation, freelance work, and partnerships — but everyone’s mix looks different.Connect with other families.
The worldschooling and travelling-family communities are incredible — you’ll find support everywhere.Expect the wobbles.
It’s normal to question your decision, especially in the first few months. Keep going — it’s worth it.
What We’ve Learned So Far
Freedom is amazing — but it takes effort.
The world is kinder than you think.
Teens are far more adaptable than we give them credit for.
The less we own, the more we feel alive.
You can plan everything — and still have to wing it half the time.
We’ve also learned that life isn’t something you find — it’s something you create!
We’re still on that journey, still exploring what “home” looks like when it’s not tied to a single place.
What’s Next for Smiths On Tour?
Right now, we’re travelling through Southeast Asia, soaking up the culture, learning as a family, and continuing our search for a lifestyle that gives us balance, joy, and purpose.
We don’t know exactly where this road leads — and honestly, that’s the best part.
If you want to follow along, we’d love to share the journey with you:
🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel, Smiths On Tour for regular updates and behind-the-scenes life.
💌 Read our latest posts:
For You: Families Who Dream of Freedom
If you’re sitting there wondering, “Could we really do this?” — maybe you’re not looking for an answer. Maybe you’re looking for permission.
And if that’s the case, consider this it!
Because if we can do it — three ordinary people (not rich) who just wanted more out of life — you absolutely can too.
Here’s to freedom, connection, and creating a life you don’t need a holiday from.
🌍 The search continues…
— Emma, Joe & Tilly
Smiths On Tour
