The relentless pace of modern life is prompting a growing number of families to consider radical departures from routine, seeking extended periods of disconnection and reconnection. One London family, grappling with the pressures of packed schedules and the looming prospect of their children growing up too quickly, embarked on a year-long journey across Asia and Europe, a decision driven by a desire for shared experiences and a recalibration of priorities.
Lisa Lucas, a marketing consultant, and her husband, an academic, decided in July 2024 to rent out their London home and temporarily dismantle their established lives. Their motivation, Lucas explained, stemmed from a feeling of being perpetually “scraping by,” juggling work, school, social commitments, and the everyday demands of family life. The aim wasn’t simply a vacation, but a deliberate attempt to “freeze time” and create lasting memories before their two daughters entered adolescence.
A Carefully Planned Itinerary
The family’s plan involved establishing temporary bases in three distinct locations – Tsukuba, Japan; Great Neck, New York; and Leiden, the Netherlands – interspersed with five-week travel periods between each. This structure allowed for immersion in local cultures while maintaining a degree of stability for the children’s education. Lucas transitioned her marketing consultancy to focus on travel writing and speaking engagements, while her husband’s research provided a framework for selecting locations that aligned with his academic interests and offered legal residency options for the family.
In Japan, the family initially intended to homeschool their daughters, but an unexpected request from their eight-year-old to attend a local Japanese school altered their plans. The school readily welcomed the girls, who quickly adapted to the new environment, participating in daily routines such as walking to school independently, changing into indoor shoes, assisting with lunch service, and contributing to classroom cleaning. This experience, Lucas noted, fostered a sense of independence and adaptability in her daughters.
Their time in Great Neck, New York, offered a contrasting experience, with the girls attending a traditional American school and navigating the complexities of a different educational system. The family lived with relatives outside the city, and Lucas’s husband commuted by train, providing a glimpse into a more suburban lifestyle. The experience also brought a sobering awareness of school safety concerns, with the introduction of active-shooter drills.
The final leg of their journey took them to Leiden, in the Netherlands, where the girls enrolled in a small international school. The Dutch emphasis on cycling and outdoor activities provided a different rhythm of life, with the girls participating in gardening programs and exploring the city by bicycle.
Minimalism and the Road
A key element of the family’s adventure was a commitment to minimalism. Living out of backpacks forced them to prioritize essential possessions and shed the weight of material attachments. Lucas described this as liberating, allowing them to focus on experiences rather than managing belongings. She found herself wearing a single black maxi dress for much of their time in Asia, demonstrating the practicality of a pared-down wardrobe.
Parenting on the road presented its own set of challenges. Initially, the daughters expressed reluctance about leaving their friends and familiar routines. However, the family navigated these concerns by emphasizing the opportunities for new experiences and fostering a sense of unity. Lucas highlighted the importance of creating a safe and secure environment for the children, while also encouraging them to embrace adaptability as a valuable life skill.
The journey wasn’t without its moments of homesickness, with the daughters frequently expressing a desire to return home. However, the family persevered, sharing adventures such as exploring waterfalls, observing snow monkeys, and connecting with new friends. Lucas celebrated her birthday on a Thai beach, a stark contrast to her usual January routine.
A Return with New Perspectives
Upon returning to London after 13 months, the family found themselves transformed by their experiences. The shared adventures had strengthened their bonds and clarified their priorities. Lucas emphasized that the trip had instilled a greater appreciation for slow time together, a shift away from the relentless pursuit of material possessions and a packed schedule. While grateful to be home, they are already contemplating future extended adventures.
The family’s story reflects a growing trend of individuals and families seeking alternative lifestyles that prioritize experiences over possessions and connection over convenience. It underscores the potential for travel to foster personal growth, strengthen family bonds, and provide a fresh perspective on the complexities of modern life.
