Epic Education Radio: Family Travel Podcast

Buying a car in Mexico: it's one of the best ways to see the country and can be an immensely rewarding way to travel.

Check Out All of Our Mexico Posts!

This week's guest has a lot of experience buying a car in Mexico, and she shares her experience here. Aimee and her husband sold everything and left to drive around Mexico with their two daughters, two dogs, and a cat. This is their story. There are lots of twists and turns, so listen in and learn from their mistakes!

Buying a Car in Mexico

Buying a car in Mexico and then driving around Mexico with two kids, two dogs, and one cat. That's what Aimee Lynch and her husband Jason did. In fact, they've bought three cars in Mexico, and they're still driving around Mexico right now. Today we talk about their adventurous road trip and lessons they've learned along the way.

Jason and Aimee are from Iowa, far from any ocean. Then they decided to give Mexico a try and moved to Cozumel, right on the Caribbean Sea. At first, they lived without a car in Mexico. Instead, they lived out of their suitcases. But eventually, the kids wanted to try going to a local school and taxis or walking wasn't a realistic option. That's when they decided to buy a car in Mexico for the first time.

IN THIS EPISODE

• 02:36 Intro
• 03:11 Why Mexico? Why drive around Mexico?
• 7:01 Cars in Mexico
• 09:05 Mobile Mechanics
• 11:24 Re-Registering the Truck
• 15:07 Playa del Carmen, the Jeep & Pets
• 18:31 Leaving Playa del Carmen for Driving Around Mexico
• 27:51 San Miguel de Allende & Oaxaca
• 31:50 Car Insurance
• 35:08 Health Insurance
• 38:58 Car Maintenance
• 41:22 Tips for Driving in Mexico
• 44:57 Destinations
• 46:53 The Size of Mexico

Paperwork: Buying a Car in Mexico

Their first car was a beat-up old Blazer. It did the job and was all they needed to get around Cozumel with the kids. They were surprised to discover that paperwork for buying a car in Mexico was surprisingly simple. In fact, all the owner had to do was sign a paper saying that they give the car to you. Simple, right?

Wrong.

Soon they found out that buying a car in Mexico is a little more complicated than that. When they went to re-register the truck, they hired a lawyer to help with the paperwork. There they discovered that since they didn't have the original title, they technically couldn't drive the car or sell it. Nor could they replace the original title.

As Aimee says in the podcast they chose an unusual solution: they gave the car to a local Mexican friend. They were planning to leave Cozumel for the mainland and in her words, they had got their money out of the Blazer, so it was time to move on.

Buying a Car in Playa del Carmen

Cozumel was a great place to start with their limited Spanish. However, Aimee says that if they wanted to truly immerse themselves in Spanish, they would have to head to the mainland.

The Lynch family then moved to Playa del Carmen, where they bought a Jeep Cherokee. They loved the Jeep, but eventually, they decided to drive around the country. The Jeep was not big enough for their family, their pets and all of their stuff.

It was time to buy a car in Mexico once more.

Using the same Lawyer from Cozumel, they went to a local used car dealer and left with a Chevy Suburban. After some complications with the lawyer, they decided to deal directly with the dealership. The dealer told them to go ahead and proceed with their traveling plans, so Aimee's family left Playa del Carmen on a huge Mexico road trip.

They drove from Playa del Carmen to Merida, and then out of the Yucatan Peninsula and up to Mexico City, Puebla, San Miguel de Allende and beyond. Then it was on to Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca before they decided that they wanted to slow down and possibly return to Cozumel for a while.

Use a Lawyer When You Buy a Car in Mexico

All along the way, they waited to hear that their paperwork was finished. Eventually, the car dealership told them that it couldn't be done and that they wanted to buy the car back from them...at a cheaper price. More details in the podcast.

This is when Aimee and Jason realized that the lawyer was probably right. If you're going to buy a car in Mexico, she says, hire a lawyer and listen to them.

Fortunately, they were able to work it out. They stood up to the dealership, who backed down and "suddenly became very nice," once they said that they would hire a lawyer again to help.

Flying in, Buying a Car in Mexico & Driving the Country

There's much more to the story of the Lynch's experience buying a car in Mexico. Make sure to listen to the podcast for the details. We discuss the paperwork you need to buy a car in Mexico and dealing with police at checkpoints. We talk about driving tips, and car insurance (spoiler alert: if you buy a car in Mexico, make sure to buy car insurance, too). Aimee talks about additional benefits of Mexican car insurance that you might not think of.

Car Maintenance: Buying a Car in Mexico

Buying a car in Mexico is quite cheap compared to the United States. So is car maintenance, although the methods might be different from what you're accustomed to. Aimee tells stories of mobile mechanics who bring the garage to you, and of unorthodox ways of getting a car started.

Mexico Road Trip Destinations

Once you buy a car in Mexico, where do you want to go? Aimee has some suggestions. She says that having a car in Playa del Carmen was great because it helps give you access to all the amazing cenotes nearby.

We can agree that the Yucatan Peninsula is a great place to drive in Mexico. If we were to buy a car in Mexico and stay long-term, places like Merida and Tulum would be a great place to start. The roads are flat, straight and open.

That was not the case for the road from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, on the Pacific coast, she says. Google Maps said it would take six hours, but it took them 10. Full of sharp left-and-right switchbacks, they drove carsick at 20 miles an hour for what seemed like an eternity.

Take our advice: go to Puerto Escondido — it's fantastic — but fly in.

She also talked about driving in San Miguel de Allende, but more as a warning. They loved driving in Central Mexico, and San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful town. That said, the streets are quite narrow. We would agree. We love exploring San Miguel de Allende with kids, but driving on it's hilly, narrow cobblestone streets would be a headache. It reminds us of Toledo in Spain, actually).

Conclusion: Buying a Car in Mexico

Aimee and I discuss lots more than buying a car in Mexico, so listen in. If you want to buy a car in Mexico, she's the right person to talk to and it open to questions from listeners.

ABOUT

• Names: Aimee and Jason Lynch, their two daughters, two dogs and one cat
• Hold passports from: USA
• Type of travel: Overland travel
• A few places they've been: All over Mexico — Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Merida, Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Jalisco, San Miguel de Allende, Lake Chapala and more.

FIND THEM ON

The Everyday Journey | Facebook | Twitter 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help you buy a car in Mexico or drive around Mexico with your family. Are you buying a car in Mexico? Did this post help? 

Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

Lapland Holidays - Things to Do in Northern Finland with Kids

Lapland holidays are all about ice, snow, and Santa. Have you been to northern Finland with kids? After listening to this episode, you may start planning a Lapland holiday of your own. Listen in as we discuss Lapland safaris, Lapland reindeer, the Lapland Santa and Christmas in Lapland. All this and other exciting topics related to visiting northern Finland with kids.

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Dogsleds. Ice hotels. Reindeer pulling sleighs, and a town where it's Christmas every day of the year. Welcome to Lapland Finland, a place of wonder, and a fantastic idea of a family holiday. Today's guest is Katja Gaskell. The last time we spoke, we talked about Mexico City for episode #86. Today, we talk about something completely different: Lapland for kids.

Katja recently visited Lapland during winter and had an amazing time. Today she fills us in on Lapland holidays and all the fun things to do in Lapland with kids.

Have you been to Lapland Finland? Have you been to Lapland with kids? If so, tell us about it in the comments. If not, then listen in, read everything below and start planning your Lapland holiday now!

IN THIS EPISODE

• 02:34 Intro
• 03:55 Why Finland with Kids?
• 06:40 Lapland Holidays: The Nuts & Bolts
• 07:38 Package Holiday to Lapland VS. Planning it Yourself
• 09:30 More Nuts and Bolts
• 12:21 Where to Stay in Lapland Finland
• 13:47 Things to Do in Lapland
• 16:21 Cross-Country Skiing in Lapland Finland
• 18:05 Lapland Culture: Kids in Public
• 19:12 Lapland Reindeer Sleigh Rides
• 20:46 Lapland Santa 
• 25:17 What to Bring to Lapland 

ABOUT

• Name: Katja Gaskell, her husband and three kids (now 10, 8 & 3 years old)
• Hold passports from: The UK
• Type of travel: Living abroad & short-term travel
• A few places they've been: Lived in Australia, India & Mexico, traveled all over Asia, Central America, and Europe

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Katja's post on visiting Lapland with kids

FIND HER ON

Globetotting | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Where is Lapland?

Lapland is in the far northern part of Finland, bordering Norway, Sweden, Russia, and the Baltic Sea. Most of Lapland Finland is within the arctic circle.

Lapland has been associated with Santa Claus and Christmas since the 1920's. When you see the landscapes and the herds of Lapland reindeer in the area, it's easy to see why!

Lapland Weather & Arctic Travel

As you might have guessed, Lapland is quite cold for most of the year. Winters last approximately seven months, and most of that time in darkness. Because of Lapland's proximity to the north pole, concepts like day and night take on new meaning. Visit northern Finland in January and there are around three hours of daylight. Visit in June or July and the sun literally never sets.

This can be tricky to get used for some people, but Katja says that life goes on in the dark. Visiting Lapland during the polar night was a magical experience for her entire family.

Getting to Lapland Finland & Lapland Tours

Katja talks about the many package tours to Lapland from the UK. In fact, there now are direct flights from Heathrow to two cities in Lapland. In the Uk, there are many package tours to Lapland — especially near the Christmas holidays. These "Meet Santa" Lapland package tours are usually for only a day or two. They provide all the winter clothing you need — boots, snowsuits, etc. — making it as easy as possible for your kids to meet the Lapland Santa.

Katja feels that these Lapland package tours were too rushed for her family. In fact, they chose to build their own Lapland itinerary so they could see and do more in the region. "To rush through [Lapland] and not stop and savor it would be a real shame," she told me.

Things to Do in Lapland with Kids

If you're going to Lapland with kids, then visiting the Lapland Santa is probably on your list. That said, there is so much more to do in Lapland, and that's what Katja told me about first.

Cross-Country Skiing in Finland

She and her family love skiing, so they tried cross-country skiing in Finland. "The Fins make it look very easy," she says with a laugh. Skiing also gave them the opportunity to see the stars and hear the silence like few places in the world have. Katja has lived in Sydney, Mexico City, and New Delhi, over the last decade or so. Having lived in megacities for so long, she explained, gave the darkness and the silence a new meaning.

Snowmobiles & Sleigh Rides in Lapland Finland

Katja and family explored this winter wonderland by any means. Lapland holidays usually involve reindeer, so a Lapland reindeer sleigh ride was in order. They also rode snowmobiles on a Lapland Safari, as well as taking a dogsled.

Along the way, they would stop at a Kota (Finnish-style hut) for a warm drink and some treats before heading back out into the snow. They also spoke to an old Finnish reindeer herder, who told them about his life through a translator. More info on this in the podcast.

Christmas in Lapland

In the town of Rovaniemi, Finland Christmas is every day of the year. Here is where you can visit Santa's "village," and get a chance to meet Lapland Santa himself. Out of all the things to do in Finland with kids, this may be on the top of many families' lists.

How about for Katja. As she explains in the episode, her kids are at different stages belief and disbelief. Listen in to see how they reacted to Lapland Santa's visit.

More About Lapland Holidays & Lapland with Kids

Listen in to hear more about Katja's family holiday in Lapland. We talk more about Lapland food, rental cars in Lapland, where to stay in Lapland and what to bring with you. Listen in!

Have You Had a Lapland Holiday?

What did you do? Where did you stay? Tell us all about your Lapland holidays in the comments below.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help you plan the best Lapland holiday, Have you been to Northern Finland with kids? Have you ridden a Lapland reindeer sleigh and met Lapland Santa. Have you ever experienced Christmas in Lapland? Tell us about it!

Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

EER140: Rwanda Gorillas, a Rwanda Safari & Travel in Rwanda Today

When people talk about the country of Rwanda, they rarely think of Rwanda today. The horrors of Rwanda history are real and should be well-remembered. Yet we must also remember that 1994 was a long time ago — a lot can happen in 20 to 25 years.

Rwanda today is one of the safest places on the African continent. Expect friendly people, a fascinating culture and one of the largest jungles in Africa. That includes the gorillas of Rwanda. Today we talk about Rwanda gorillas, a Rwanda safari, the Rwandan people and the joys of exploring Rwanda today.

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Like what you're hearing?

Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio.

We would be extremely grateful!

iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you!

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IN THIS EPISODE

• 02:33 Intro to Karen
• 04:14 Why Travel in Rwanda?
• 09:08 Getting to Rwanda with Kids
• 10:34 Safety & More in Rwanda Today
• 16:24 Internet in Rwanda
• 19:35 Food in Rwanda Today
• 22:23 A Rwanda Safari
• 29:03 Gorillas in Rwanda
• 36:49 Visiting Rwandan Schools
• 42:37 Going to Rwanda with fair skinned/haired children (expect attention)
• 47:17 Accommodation in Rwanda

ABOUT

• Names: Karen Beddow, her husband and three girls (7 years & and 6y/o twins)
• Hold passports from: the UK
• Type of travel: Local UK travel and now longer-distance travel
• A few places they've been: Rwanda, Malawi, all over the UK & Europe

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Her main post on their Rwandan Adventure
• Friends of Rwandan Rugby
• Her Video with the Gorillas in Rwanda!
• World Fusion Rwanda Tours

FIND THEM ON

Mini Travellers UK | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Travel in Rwanda Today

Today's guest is Karen Beddow of Minitravellers. She recently had the chance to visit Rwanda and decided to make it into a family trip. When her husband turned 40, he decided to get involved in a charity. That charity became Friends of Rwandan Rugby. Why Friends of Rwandan Rugby? More on that in the podcast.

With hubby planning to visit Rwanda for charity work, Karen decided to make it into a family trip. She had recently taken the kids from the UK to Orlando Florida for a visit to Disneyland. Once she realized that they could handle a flight that long she decided it was time to try something more adventurous. Yesterday: Disneyland. Rwanda today. Seems like a natural transition, right? Ha. "My friends said 'are you crazy?'" Karen says with a laugh.

Karen wasn't sure how the kids would respond to travel in Rwanda. But you know what? They loved it.

• Our previous guest Jason Marshall also loved Rwanda during his family's round-the-world trip

Is Rwanda Safe?

When Karen began planning her travel to Rwanda, there was one question she heard more than any other: "Is Rwanda safe?" The irony of this question was not lost on Karen, who lives in the UK. She explains that at the time people were asking her "Is Rwanda safe," a bomb had just exploded in Manchester and "the whole of the UK was on high alert."

She told her friends that she was more afraid of flying out of Manchester airport at the time.

Twenty-five years ago, Rwanda was a nightmare, and it should never be forgotten. But is Rwanda safe now? Yes. The Rwandan people "are incredibly proud of how they've changed it around," Karen explains. "They were given the chance to turn it around," she continues, "and they all want to talk about how good it is now."

We talk about how safe it is in Rwanda today, and not just in Kigali, but in the villages as well. We also talk about some other forward-thinking policies in effect in Rwanda today. For example, Rwanda has put a ban on bringing plastic into the country.

Internet in Rwanda Today

With all the advancements in Rwanda, today have come improvements to their infrastructure. One part of that is the internet. You won't find high-speed broadband like in Chiang Mai or many places in the west. However, you will find internet where there was none before.

Don't expect broadband wifi, Karen says. Instead what you'll find when you travel in Rwanda are 3G and 4G networks. You'll also find Whatsapp, the social media platform that much of the world uses to communicate. You buy a new SIM for your phone, then buy credit from shops along the road. There are places with wifi in the cities, but don't expect it to be reliable all the time in Rwanda today. Karen explains more in our conversation.

Read more posts related to Africa 

Things to Do in Rwanda with Kids

Karen's family had some amazing experiences during their Rwanda travels. They visited schools in Rwanda and played with the kids there. They took a Rwanda safari, as well, which was an incredible experience for all. On their Rwanda safari, they saw rhino, zebras, giraffes and countless hippos. Yet, they didn't see lions, and one reason they didn't is that in Rwanda the animals run free. Rangers don't constantly track them for tourists.

The Rwanda Safari Approach

There are different approaches to running a safari park, Karen explains. In places like South Africa, guides and rangers constantly monitor animal location. Here you are guaranteed to see the entire spectrum of wildlife there. That may be good for the spectators and shutterbugs. Yet there are downsides to animals being constantly surrounded by Range Rovers full of clicking cameras.

Rwanda tourism and the Rwandan government have chosen a different approach. Like in Kenya, the animals are left to roam. For example, guide and trackers will try to locate them, but there are no guarantees. From a family travel perspective, this can be problematic: what if no animals cross your path? Then again, there's something to be said about the approach with respect to the animals' well-being.

Gorillas in Rwanda

This Rwanda Safari approach goes several steps further when it comes to the Rwanda gorillas. Visiting the gorillas of Rwanda is one of the most amazing things Karen has ever done, she says. But it's not for everyone. The Rwanda tourism and the government of Rwanda have placed a lot of restrictions on visits, and for good reason. Few mountain gorillas remain. That's why the new Rwandan government wants to support them and the community where they live.

Want to see the gorillas in Rwanda? You have to be over 15 years old. The gorillas are so big, and while not really dangerous, the gorilla guides need to make sure that everyone stays calm in the jungle. "In reality," says Karen, " nobody wants to shoot a mountain gorilla."

Indeed.

Group Size (Visiting the Rwandan Gorillas)

The Rwandan government limits the size of groups visiting the mountain gorillas as well: 10 people max, and you visit one family of gorillas only. You get one hour, and then you're out. Each family of Rwanda gorillas sees only one group per day. With that knowledge, consider that there are only 10-12 families of gorillas, so that means 100-120 people per day. That's it.

Visiting the gorillas of Rwanda is not cheap either. The price for this was once USD $750, but recently the Rwandan government doubled that. Paying USD $1,500 for one hour with wild mountain gorillas in Rwanda sounds exorbitant — and it may be. Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild may now be out of reach for most normal people and solely for the rich. That said, consider that the money spent to see Rwanda gorillas goes back into the community. For example, many of the men who were once poachers now have a salary to serve as guides and rangers. When given the choice, they would much prefer to be guides and rangers.

Karen and her husband had an incredible experience, which she talks about in the podcast, and as you can see right here.

More Info on Tourism in Rwanda Today

This is only a portion of our talk on tourism in Rwanda today. Listen in to hear more about things to do in Rwanda, visiting Rwandan schools, the charity they worked for and what it's like when Rwandan children see their first fair-haired, fair-skinned child singing in their schools.

Have you traveled in Rwanda or elsewhere in the African continent? Get in touch and tell us about it!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help your travel. If you're interested in Rwanda gorillas, Rwandan safaris & travel in Rwanda today, we hope this helps you plan your trip!

Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

Long-term travel planning can be a challenge. Long-term travel planning for a family is even more so. There are so many factors to consider when planning a gap year, a round-the-world trip or other forms of long-term family travel. These invariably involve money, education, travel gear and more. And that's before you actually consider where to go! Listen in as we talk about what one family is considering before they leave their home, with plans to return after a year or longer.

IN THIS EPISODE

• 02:21 Intro
• 03:14 Long-Term Travel Planning
• 04:45 Overview of Long-Term Travel Planning
• 09:27 Budgeting Long-Term Family Travel
• 12:49 Saving for Long-Term Travel
• 15:13 Main Aspects of Long-Term Travel Planning
• 18:33 Logistics & Paperwork
• 24:09 Leaving His Job (and Finding Another)
• 27:55 Long-Term Travel Gear
• 31:40Long-Term Travel Itinerary - Southeast Asia & Eastern Europe
• 34: 17 Other Long-Term Travel Planning Essentials

ABOUT

• Names: Mark Wyld, his wife Becca and their daughters Willow & Marley
• Hold passports from: Australia
• Type of travel: Short-term travel, & now planning long-term travel
• A few places they've been: All over Australia & Europe

FIND THEM ON

Wyld Family Travel |Facebook |Twitter | Instagram| Pinterest

Long-Term Travel Planning For Families

Some long-term traveling families dive in head-first. They sell their house and possessions to hit the road indefinitely. Other families plan to travel for a year or more and return to the house or hometown they left. Both methods have their benefits and challenges. Today we'll talk about long-term travel planning for families who plan to return "home."

Why do I put "home" in quotes? Simply because after a year or more on the road, your definition of "home" may change. It did for me (although after 20+ years, I've haven't moved back to where I first left). And it has for many of the families I know who choose gap year travel, round-the-world travel or other forms of long-term family travel.

Here are a few previous guests who've traveled for a year or more:

• The Suero Family (Ecuador, France, RV in Europe & More)
• The Cannon Family (Peru, Myanmar & more)
• The Goldstein Family (Malaysia, Namibia, Iceland & more)
• The Koria Family and the Lynch Family (Both Driving around Mexico)
• The Stuler Family (Living in Ecuador, with one year of full-time RTW travel)
• The Shetty Family (RTW travel with babies)
• More on Long-Term Travel
• More on Gap-Year Travel
• More on RTW (round-the-world) Travel
• More on Short-Term Travel

Today's long-term travel guest is Mark Wyld from Wyld Family Travel. You may remember him from episode #67. Mark and his family are passionate family travelers. Until now, their family travel experiences have been short-term, then returning to their home and schools in Australia.

Now Mark is planning long-term travel for the family: 12-18 months in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. Are they selling everything to hit the road? No. They're keeping the house, keeping the cars, and their daughters will return to their schools in the same grade.

Long-term travel like this offers its own challenges, and that's what we talk about today. Leaving for a year or more and then returning like this raises specific questions:

• What do I do with my house? My cars?
• How will I save and budget for this trip?
• Where will we go? How much will each country cost?
• What about my job?
• What about insurance and other paperwork?
• Which immunizations and other medical prep should we consider?
• How can I keep the kids up-to-date with school so they can return to the same class?

These are just a few questions that Mark has asked himself lately, and we discuss them in the podcast.

Why Long-Term Travel Planning? Why Now?

The Wyld family have been long-time traveler fans, but Mark has dreamed about doing long-term family travel for years. It's something he's always wanted to do. However, work, school, and other obligations kept pushing the dram onto the back-burners.

Then his father died.

His dad had talked about taking one last holiday but didn't get a chance to take it. For Mark, this was a sign. It was time to take the big trip. Is there ever a right time to plan long-term travel? Probably not, but none of us are getting any younger, so Mark decided to push forward.

Long-Term Travel Planning for Homeowners

Mark had no intention of selling his home. At his age (mid-40's) he didn't want the risk of starting over with loans and all of the other complications of buying a house.

But what do you do with your house when you'll be gone for a year or more? Mark had to consider homeowner's insurance, but there were other factors he needed to consider. Who would keep the lawn cut? How would be pay for "council rates," which are the fees for city services such as garbage pickup?

Money: Budgeting & Saving for Long-Term Travel

Long-term family travel isn't as expensive as some people think it is, but it ain't free. In order to plan long-term travel for your family, there has to be a savings plan and a budgeting plan. Mark talks about how they save for long-term travel, and some of it is stuff you probably know: don't buy new stuff unless it's vital. Eliminate silly extras, and put as much money away as you can. Last year, Mark and his wife Becca save over 30,000 Australian dollars (approx USD $23,000). They are not hedge-fund managers or bank presidents. What they are is dedicated. Saving like that takes commitment.

Then there is the budgeting for the money spent on the road. Mark is estimating they'll spend about AUS 1,000 (approx USD $760) a week, but he's still hammering out the details.

Mark has numerous bank accounts set up for this trip. One account is for spending money on the road. Another is for house-related expenses while they're away. A third is for when they return. He explains more in detail in the podcast.

They'll be traveling to places where your money can stretch further. Places in Southeast Asia like Thailand, Bali, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Then they'll move to Eastern Europe and countries like Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Romania.

Education, Travel Gear & More Long-Term Travel Planning Aspects

Money is only one aspect of long-term travel for families. In this episode, Mark and I talk about the gear they plan to bring — or have sent to them later. We also talk about how they plan to educate the kids as they travel, and how their hometown school will help facilitate this so the girls can remain with their class when they return.

All this and more in this episode of Epic Education Radio. Listen in! And please share!

Further Reading & Listening

• The Suero Family (Ecuador, France, RV in Europe & More)
• The Cannon Family (Peru, Myanmar & more)
• The Goldstein Family (Malaysia, Namibia, Iceland & more)
• The Koria Family and the Lynch Family (Both Driving around Mexico)
• The Stuler Family (Living in Ecuador, with one year of full-time RTW travel)
• The Shetty Family (RTW travel with babies)
• More on Long-Term Travel
• More on Gap-Year Travel
• More on RTW (round-the-world) Travel
• More on Short-Term Travel

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help you plan long-term family travel.

Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

We talk a lot about family travel, but what about solo travel female travel for mothers? Sure we've discussed single mothers travel, and other single-parent travel. But what I'm talking about today is solo female travel for mothers...on their own, and without their spouse or children coming along. How do you feel about that? We discuss it today, in this week's episode of Epic Education Radio.

Traveling Alone — Solo Female Travel for Mothers

Meet Lillie. By day, she's a 7th grade English teacher in Boston public schools. By night, she's a travel blogger. She loves traveling with her husband and kids. She also loves solo female travel and didn't want to give that up when she started a family.

And why should she?

In today's episode, we discuss the value of solo travel for women and mothers, and the obstacles many of them face.

Timecodes: In this Episode

• 02:17 Intro
• 03:44 Why Solo Female Travel for Mothers?
• 05:51 Why Solo Travel for Women is Important
• 12:33 How to Travel Solo
• 16:15 Keeping Score & Google Docs
• 17:34 Solo Travel for Mothers Without Support
• 23:00 The Emotional Side: How to Deal with Unsupportive Family
• 26:48 How to Tall to the Kids About It
• 32:17 Gear
• 34:22 Resources

Solo Female Travel Tips & More

Lillie travels a lot with her family. Yet she also takes solo trips to places like Turkey, Dubai, and Bonaire (a favorite of another EER guest).

Solo Travel as a Mother?

When people hear about solo female travel advice, they usually think of young college kids on a gap year — long before starting a family. In contrast, Lillie is proposing solo travel after children.

Why? Lillie explains that not only does her solo trips make her happy. In fact, hey also help strengthen her relationships with her husband and her children. It also fortifies bonds between father and kids, as well.

Solo Travel for Women and How to Do it as a Mom

Lillie walks us through several tips for planning solo mom travel. There are many aspects to consider. First, there is simply the logistical side (time and money). Then there is the emotional side. For example, moms often have to navigate relationships with spouses or relatives. Some of these relatives (or even spouses) have outdated ideas about a woman's role in the family.

Then there is talking to the kids about it, as well. Lillie talks about how and when to talk to kids about "mommy's trip" and how to best handle it at different ages.

Overall, there are lots of great tips for planning and managing a solo female trip as a mother. And a lot of reasons why you should consider it!

Have You Done Any Solo Female Travel as a Mother? Where did you go? How did your family handle it? Do you have any additional advice regarding solo travel for women and mothers?

Travel Gear Mentioned

• Chaco Sandals
• Looking for more shoe options?
• Leota Dresses
• Sony Alpha 5100 Digital Camera
• Zeiss 16-70mm lens
• Read our tips on the best travel cameras

Find Lillie Online

Around the World L |Teaching Traveling |Facebook | Instagram |Pinterest| Twitter

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help your travels. If you're planning solo female travel as a mother, then we wish you the best and hope to help you as best we can. 

Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

If you're considering family travel in Europe, then make sure to visit Slovenia with kids. There are lots of fun things to do in Slovenia with kids: from fairy-tale castles to white water rafting. Whether you're traveling to Slovenia with toddlers or teens, you'll find plenty of fun. Today we talk all about the best experiences in Slovenia for kids.

Family Friendly Slovenia — Things to Do in Slovenia with Kids

Meet Inga. She is a native Slovenian and has lots of great travel tips and advice on the best experiences in Slovenia for kids. At the time of writing, her own kids are eight and five. Inga and her kids have traveled to Japan, Canada, Singapore and many places in Europe. However, one of their favorite places to explore is Slovenia, where they find loads of fun and educational experiences. Here are her tips for family-friendly Slovenia.

Timecodes: Slovenia with Kids

02:41 Intro 03:34 Slovenia info Location 05:57 When to Visit Slovenia with Kids 08:00 Getting Around Slovenia with Children 10:18 7 days in Slovenia Travel Itinerary 14:18 Ljubljana with Kids 19:05 Slovenia's Fairy Tale Aspect 20:55 Bled with Kids 23:48 Slovenia OUtdoor Activities 27:31 Slovenian Food 33:06 Internet in Slovenia 36:46 Slovenia Travel Resources 38:31 Travel Gear for Slovenia with Kids

Where is Slovenia? Why Slovenia with Kids?

With Austria to the north and Croatia to the south, Slovenia sits next to Italy on the Adriatic sea. The Venice airport is less than three hours by car from Ljubljana the Slovenian capital. Only about the size of the US state of Rhode Island, Slovenia has both the beach and the mountains. Slovenian attractions include museums, castles, and festivals. In addition, you'll find lots of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, rivers, and lakes.

Slovenia is also very safe for family travelers.

When to Visit Slovenia with Kids

Summers are the busiest season in Slovenia, but there are lots more activities and warmer weather as well. Winter in Slovenia is very cold and "white," as Inga puts it, as fog often covers part of the capital.

Inga suggests spring and fall to visit Slovenia, as there are fewer tourists and great nature opportunities.

A 7-Day Slovenia Travel Itinerary

Inga suggests starting in the capital, Ljubljana. After a few days, head north to the city of Bled and then onto Slovenia's smaller towns and the great outdoors.

Ljubljana with Kids

There are lots of things to do in Ljubljana with kids, says Inga. Ljubljana has great parks with playgrounds and a good zoo. There are also lots of museums and galleries, which she says are now quite family friendly (we like that).

One of her top suggestions is the Saturday Morning Market, as well as taking a riverboat ride. More details in the podcast.

Bled with Kids and Outdoor Activities in Slovenia

After leaving Ljubljana, Inga suggests heading north to Bled. It's a beautiful town with a stunning lake and other opportunities to commune with nature.

Then she explains some of the great places to hike, camp and swim in Slovenia. Rafting and canyoning too (we love canyoning!).

Food in Slovenia for Kids

Inga details some of the delicious food in Slovenia but also emphasizes that Slovenian food varies by region. For example, the area close to the Austrian border east more food like their northern neighbor (ie. sausages, schnitzels, etc). In contrast, the area near the Italian border might eat more pasta.

That said, throughout Slovenia, you'll find lots of dairy (yogurt, cheese, etc) and locally-made honey.

More detail about specific Slovenian foods and desserts in the podcast.

Have You Been to Slovenia with Kids?

I'd love to hear your tips and advice on activities in Slovenia for kids. Have you been to Slovenia with children? Where did you go? What did you do? Where did you stay? Tell us about it in the comments!

FIND THEM ON

Cool Kidz Cool Trips | Pinterest |Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help your travel.

Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

If you visit Hawaii as a family, you'll find plenty of things to do in Hawaii Big Island with kids. This week's guest tells us all about her suggested Hawaii travel itinerary and all the things to do on the big island. Whether you're in Hawaii with toddlers or Hawaii with teens, these tips on Big Island attractions will get your excited. 

Big Island Attractions: Hawaii With Kids

Meet Harmony. She and her family just enjoyed a great holiday on Hawaii's Big Island with kids, and she wants to share what she learned. Like many of us, she mixed a bit of relaxing Hawaii holiday with many of the educational opportunities that the Big Island attractions offer.

Timecodes: Hawaii Big Island with Children

• 02:26 Intro
• 04:16 When to go to Big Island with Kids
• 05:52 Places to go
• 12:17 Mauna Kea Observatory
• 15:30 Kahaluu Beach
• 19:14 Driving in
• 23:58 Keauhou Shopping center
• 25:35 Hawaiian Food
• 30:16 Resources
• 33:28 Gear 

When to Go to Hawaii Big Island with Kids

Weather in Hawaii is pretty good all year round. That said, Harmony mentions two times of year when you should consider avoiding visiting the Big Island. Christmas in Hawaii may sound appealing, but the crowds are massive. That's the same for the Hawaii Ironman: almost all Big Island accommodation is booked.

Things to Do in Hawaii Big Island with Kids

Some of the most interesting things to do on Hawaii's Big Island are also some of the most educational.

Volcano National Park with Kids

Harmony talks about visiting the Volcano National Park, where you can see actual lava flow and lava tubes. Her tips on getting the most out of your visit in the podcast.

Mauna Kea Observatory

Hawaii is a great place to see the stars. Harmony talks about visiting the Mauna Kea Observatory. There you can stare into the galaxy using powerful telescopes. It doesn't matter if you're in Hawaii with teens, tweens or toddlers, this is a place to experience first hand.

Harmony's tips on when and how to visit the observatory in the podcast.

The Best Big Island Beaches, Shopping and More

Harmony talks about some of the best beaches on the Big Island and where they enjoyed most. She talks about seeing sea turtles and making leis with orchids. Hawaiian food is also discussed, as well as Hawaiian shaved ice: a new favorite for her kids.

Driving on the Big Island

Harmony talks about driving on Hawaii's Big Island with kids and you may be surprised with what you hear. For example, it's important to fuel up before heading out for the day, because there are large stretches where there isn't a gas station to be found.

More tips on car rental and Driving in Hawaii Big Island with kids in the podcast.

Mentioned Resources

• Pinterest
• Public Libraries
• I mentioned using Overdrive

Gear Mentioned for Hawaii with Kids

• Sunscreen (Harmony used up to 8 bottles & a few face sticks)
• iPads
• Snorkels (bring your own)
• Reefs flip-flops

FIND THEM ON

Momma To Go | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter

Have You Been to Hawaii's Big Island With Kids?

What did you see? What did you do? Where did you stay? I'd love to get more family travel tips and advice on what to add to the best Hawaii Big Island itinerary. Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help your travel Hawaii with kids. Are you looking for things to do on Hawaii's Big Island with kids? I hope that this post and this podcast can help. 

Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

Will you visit India with kids? Traveling to India with children can be a bold move, but a rewarding one. In this week's episode, we're talking India traveling tips with a family who lives in Bangalore. Anyone planning a trip to India with kids and looking for family-friendly India travel ideas should listen in!

TIMECODES: In this episode

• 02:26 Intro
• 03:20 Why India? Why India with kids
• 13:38 Best times to visit
• 15:58 India travel itinerary: India's Golden Triangle
• 18:44 Goa and Kerala
• 19:57 Hampi
• 21:20 Sleeper trains in India for kids
• 23:23 Food & hygiene in India
• 34:52 Other India travel tips
• 37:11 India's app culture
• 43:55 Recommended travel gear for India

:::

Like what you're hearing?

Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio.

We would be extremely grateful!

iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you!

:::

India with Kids

Meet Jenny Lynn. She and her husband Jason tried backpacking in India before they had children. Fast forward a few years and they're living in the UK with two young boys. Then there was an opportunity to transfer Jason's job to Bangalore. They took it.

In this episode of Epic Education Radio, Jenny tells us all about traveling in India with kids. We talk about food in India, train travel in India and lots of other important travel tips regarding India for families. Listen in! And please share!

Why Visit India? Why India with Kids?

Travel in India is polarizing. After traveling to India, some people return home starry-eyed, waiting to return. Others leave early and never want to come back. When I ask Jenny about this, she says that she can relate to both sides. "India is a place of ups and downs," she explains, "but there's an energy here that gets under your skin."

The Challenges of Traveling in India with Children

India travel offers some unique challenges and rewards. The rewards are obvious: the privilege of experiencing one of the most fascinating cultures and histories in the world. The food, the colors, the spices, the architecture, and dance. And of course, the "energy" that Jenny speaks of.

The challenges seem even more obvious: the poverty, the filth, the street-level desperation. Then there is the yawning gap between rich and poor, and the corruption that festers between them.

There is the noise. And the chaos. Then there are the issues with food safety and overly "enthusiastic" touts, hawkers and panhandlers. It's a lot to take in. Jenny describes many of the issues she faces living in India, and what travelers should expect.

When and Where: India Travel Tips

Jenny talks about some of the best places to visit and the best time to visit India. In general, Jenny recommends visiting India with children in November through January. Otherwise, you may have to deal with a "hissing 40 degrees (Celcius / 104ºF)" and oppressive humidity.

Know where to go in India? Know things to do in India? If not, then Jenny has lots of suggestions. We talk about the typical "Golden Triangle" route (Delhi, Taj Mahal & Jaipur) and how the suggests tackling it. Jenny also talks briefly about Kerala, Rishikesh, Hampi and other favorite India destinations.

Then discuss exploring Goa with kids, India's famous beach getaway has lots of potential for family travelers. We also talk a lot about train travel in India and how to get the most out of it.

Does Jenny recommend train travel in India? Absolutely. We discuss India train classes and their experience in India's sleeper class for overnight train trips.

Apps, Food, and Safety in India

Jenny gives great practical information about many aspects of Indian family travel. She talks about how to avoid spicy food in India. We also discuss real issues that Western women and fair-haired children face and how best to address them.

Jenny also details several very useful apps to use in India. Whether it's a taxi or the supermarket, India has an app for it.

Have You Been to India with Kids?

Question: have you been backpacking in India with children? Have you lived in India with kids? Listen in to Jenny's story and tell us if you relate. This is the first post on An Epic Education regarding Indian and I want to provide as much information and insight as I can. Chime in below!

About

• Name: Jenny Lynn
• Hold passports from: The UK
• Type of travel: Living & traveling in India

What's in Her Bag

• Amazon Kindles
• Hand sanitizer
• A sarong
• A thermos of hot water

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Ola and Uber for rides in India
• I mentioned similar apps: Grab (Malaysia) and Cabify (parts of Mexico)
• Supermarket delivery app: Big Basket
• Takeout app: Food Panda
• And of course, online giants like Amazon India and Airbnb
• Get USD $40 credit with Airbnb
• Booking.com

Find Jenny Online

Travelynn Family | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest| Twitter

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help your travel in India with children.

Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories, and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

This week's topic is family traveler safety tips we've learned in our years of full-time travel with kids. Listen in as I run through some travel advice on how to travel safely with kids.

Our Family Traveler Safety Tips

Child safety is always a priority for parents, and when considering travel with kids, that's one of the first things we moms and dads think about. After leaving our home in Japan in 2013, our family has lived in many countries and traveled to many places, including:

• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Spain
• Mexico

What have we learned about family traveler safety? A lot. Most importantly, we've learned that family travel is safe in most of the world. In fact, in some places, it can be safer to travel with kids than without!

Don't fall for the media's depiction of places like Mexico and other nations in the developing world. Sure, there are unsafe places, and there are regions here and there that you should avoid. But in general, much of the world is a safe place to explore with kids.

In this solo episode of Epic Education Radio (just me, no guest), I talk about some of the most important family traveler safety tips we know. These are not just for city travel or for deep in the developing world. These are not just international travel safety tips. They can be used in your hometown as well!

You can find a more detailed post about family traveler safety advice here

Pre-Trip: Family Traveler Safety Tips

The first safety tip for kids is to play the "What If" game. Here's where you run through lots of travel safety situations and ask them what they'd do if it actually happened. Questions like:

• "What if we get separated in the market?"
• "What if a stranger asks you a question on the street?"

Questions like these aren't to scare your child. They're asked to prepare them.

Next, it's time to role play. Here's where you act out all the family travel safety situations. Make it fun, but make sure they understand.

Another important family traveler safety tip is to pre your documents and devices. In the episode and companion blog post, I detail what paperwork you should prepare and where to store it. Then I talk about the importance of charged devices so you can pull up your info when needed.

Insurance: The Most Important Family Traveler Tip Of All

Do you need family travel insurance? You're damn right you do. There are many reasons why you should have insurance during any family vacation or trip. To be honest, you'll probably be like most people and never need it. But if you do, it feels very good knowing it's there.

• Here are my tips for finding the right travel insurance for you.

On the Road: Family Traveler Safety Tips

Okay. You've prepared your kids for travel, and you've planned your trip. Now it's time to hit the road. Here are a few family traveler safety tips for the trip itself.

The first big family traveler safety tip is to simply avoid looking like a target. Don't wear flashy clothes and watches, and be discreet with your camera and smart devices.

When traveling in crowded places, always make sure to choose a designated meeting point in case you get separated. Wearing bright colored clothes can also help you spot each other in the crowds.

If you do get separated, make sure your children have contact info on them. Also, I know some traveling parents who take a quick phone shot of their child every morning on the road. That way if you need to describe your child to someone, you have an up-to-date picture with the clothes that they're wearing that day.

Want More Family Traveler Safety Tips?

Listen in as I talk about code words, license plates and more. Do you have a family traveler safety tip you could share? Tell us in the comments!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help you travel safe with kids.  

Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.

Anyone considering an Ireland family vacation will be looking for the best things to do in Ireland with kids. This week's guest has a lot of experience in discovering Ireland for kids.

:::

Like what you're hearing?

Then please subscribe, rate & review Epic Education Radio.

We would be extremely grateful!

iTunes is a search engine as well, and so when you rate and review us, you help others find us. Thank you!

:::

Ireland with Kids: Building an Ireland Family Vacation Itinerary

Meet Jody Halsted, manager of the Ireland Family Vacations blog and a regular visitor to the Emerald Isle. Jody goes to Ireland with kids every year, and she still hasn't seen it all. For a country the size of the US state of Indiana, Ireland is a culturally dense place to explore, with plenty of fun for the entire family. In this episode of Epic Education Radio, we discuss the food, the festivals and the fun that Ireland offers to families.

Why Ireland with Kids?

Ireland is full of fun, exciting and educational opportunities for traveling families. There are castles and stories of princesses and fairies. There are festivals, music, and art. In addition, Ireland has a history steeped in science and literature. Writers, scholars, astronomers and other scientists called Ireland home. Their stories are waiting to be explored in Ireland with kids.

Then there are the beautiful nature walks and the filming locations. Ireland's natural beauty is unique in the world. That's one reason why movies like Star Wars: The Last Jedi and TV shows like HBO's Game of Thrones filmed here.

In addition to all this, Ireland is safe and full of friendly English-speaking people. Therefore, there is no language barrier for visitors from North America, Australia and elsewhere. Despite this, she says, Ireland family travel is not a focus of Ireland Tourism Board. There are families who want to explore Ireland with teens. There are young parents who want to visit Ireland with toddlers. However, Jody says that the country markets mainly to older travelers and honeymooners. Families just aren't their target demographic.

This is an opportunity that Jody has taken advantage of. With her site, Ireland Family Vacations, she helps families who want to visit Ireland with children get the most out of their time there. In today's episode, we discuss her travel tips for a great Ireland family vacation itinerary. Listen in for many fun and educational opportunities in Ireland for kids.

Best Times to Visit Ireland with Kids

Weather-wise, there is no one distinct season to visit Ireland with children. That said, there will be some rain almost every day, so plan your wardrobe accordingly. Even in the middle of summer, you should plan for the chance of wet weather and cooler temperatures.

Weather aside, Jody recommended visiting in the shoulder seasons. July and August are peak times. With this in mind, consider visiting Ireland with kids in May/June or in September. During these shoulder seasons, you'll find smaller crowds and slightly better weather.

Events in Ireland for Kids

Jody talks about the music festivals and the Christmas Markets in Ireland. Whether you're in Ireland with babies or in Ireland with teens, there will always be something great to see and do.

We also talk about St. Patrick's Day in Ireland, which is quite different than what many people might expect. Many an Ireland family vacation itinerary includes Saint Patrick's Day in Dublin or elsewhere. Yet you should be aware that it is not the booze-fueled party that you may find in North America.

Sure, a lot of bars in the big cities are cashing in on the holiday's notorious reputation. But you can enjoy Saint Patrick's Day in Ireland with children without going on a beer-guzzling bender. For many Irish families, St. Patrick'ds Day is a holy day. In fact, for many places in Ireland, the pubs are closed and people are at home having a feast with their families.

Food in Ireland for Kids

When considering Ireland family travel, many parents want to know about food options. In case you're wondering, yes, you'll find lots of potato dishes when you visit Ireland, but as Jody explains, there is much more than that.

Most of Ireland is rural, she explains, so you can expect much of the menu items to be local. Local vegetables, meats, and fish, in particular. Picky eaters will find chicken cutlets, shepherd's pie and fish and chips just about everywhere, and menus are clearly marked for allergies.

If you don't find what you're looking for, she says, just ask. There's a good chance that they can whip up some standard dishes for you off-menu.

10 Days in Ireland with Kids: Ireland Travel Itinerary

Jody has discovered that most people are looking for a nine to ten-day Ireland family vacation itinerary. That's usually five weekdays bookended by two weekends.

Most people fly in and out of Dublin. But if you want to see more, she recommends starting in Dublin but then flying out of Shannon or Cork.

Dublin with Kids

You could spend your entire trip in and around Dublin with kids if you wanted, says Jody. There is so much to do in Dublin with children, but Ireland is more than its capital city! If your Ireland travel itinerary is around ten days, then spend two days or less in Dublin with children.

One of her top recommendations here is the Museum of Archaeology. You can be in Ireland with tweens, teens, or toddlers, and you'll find something interesting here.

More recommendations on Dublin for kids in the interview.

Cork with Kids or Kilkenny with Kids?

After leaving Dublin, Jody says it's time to make some decisions. With limited time, you may need to decide between visiting Cork or Kilkenny.

In Cork, you have the Blarney Castle, the Black Rock Castle, and all of the history of the Titanic's Voyage. You also have the tour of the Jamison Factory. Whiskey drinker or not, Jody says that this is a surprisingly interesting tour (I know I love visiting similar places).

In Kilkenny, you have one of the only round towers where you can climb all the way to the top. In addition, Kilkenny has something special for sports fans: hurling. This Irish sport resembles something between rugby and field hockey, and you can watch a game in Kilkenny.

Killarney, Limerick, & Much More

From here, Jody describes so many more things to do in Ireland with kids. We talk about the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. She tells me about the Bunratty Castle and its historical reenactments.

We also discuss the merits and dangers of visiting Skellig Michael. This is the UNESCO Heritage site where Star Wars: The Last Jedi was filmed, but it's not built for tourism. (Spoiler alert: don't visit with little kids).

There is one of the most information-rich episodes I've ever recorded. If you're planning am Ireland travel itinerary — or know someone who is — then this is the episode for you. I simply can't write it all down here. Listen in and hear for yourself!

Timecodes: In This Episode

• 02:36 Intro
• 03:39 Homeschooling
• 05:27 Why Visit Ireland? Why Visit Ireland with Kids?
• 12:26 When to Visit Ireland with Children
• 20:50 Food in Ireland for Kids and Picky Eaters
• 27:18 Irish Destinations, Attractions in Ireland and Ireland Travel Itineraries
• 30:19 Dublin with Kids
• 33:42 Kilkenny or Cork with kids?
• 47:23 Where Else in Ireland? County Donegal & and more

About

• Names: Jody Halsted
• Hold passports from: USA
• Type of travel: Ireland Family Vacations

Travel Gear & What to Bring to Ireland with Kids

• Rain Boots
• Waterproof Jacket
• Olympus PEN Camera

Links & Resources

• Travelwifi.ie
• Google maps
• Tripit
• OPW Heritage Pass

Find Jody Online

Ireland Family Vacations | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you,  we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase or book using those links. My opinions are my own and I only recommend places/services that I believe will genuinely help your travel. We hope that this helps you find things to do in Ireland with kids. Are looking for things to do in Ireland with teens. Or visiting Ireland with toddlers? No matter what kind of Ireland family travel you have planned, I hope that my conversation with Jody helps! 

Full-on family travel fundamentals. Epic Education Radio is interviews, stories and advice for people who decide to make travel a priority in their family's life...and for those who want to. Tune in each week to hear stories and advice from new traveling families, and hear how they've handled various family travel-related issues like education, socialization, working, budgeting, accommodation, road-parenting, safety, technology and more. We talk gear, websites, apps and other resources for traveling & nomadic families, and answer questions from those who would like to do something similar.