I’ve had some questions about our upcoming trip to Europe, so I thought I’d do a post to work through each of those!
In all honesty, I feel like I still have so many questions myself!
HOW DID YOU PICK THE TIMING?
If this idea of temporarily relocating to Europe seems sudden, I can assure you it’s not. Since before we even had kids, John has dreamed of spending extended time overseas. He was born in Portugal and has travelled extensively throughout his life. It’s always been very important to him that our kids see the world.
We came very close to moving to Switzerland for a work position a few years ago, but it was in the middle of COVID and I’ve never regretted that opportunity fell through.
The idea of an extended stay has come up again and again, especially since John works for a company headquartered in Finland. A few recent work-related developments brought this plan back to the forefront, but the main reason we’re doing it now is the timing of Belle’s education.
Where we live, Grade 9 is a bit of a “flex year.” Credits don’t count toward her high school diploma; it’s more of a transition between middle and high school. If we don’t go now, the academic side of things would become a lot more complicated.
Our original plan was to stay longer and set up a more permanent base (and get the kids registered in a school, etc), but for all sorts of reasons, a four-month multi-location trip feels like the right fit for this season of life. Manageable, adventurous, and not so long that we need to overhaul our lives.
WHAT ABOUT SCHOOL?
Thankfully, both schools our kids attend have been very supportive. There won’t be any formal testing or grading while we’re away.
Technically, they’ll be “homeschooled,” but I use that term loosely. We’ll use IXL for math and read for literacy. The focus will be on exploring other cultures and gaining real-world experience in different contexts.
Having watched John thrive in a career filled with international travel, I’ve come to recognize that travel confidence/savvy is an underrated life skill. Knowing how to handle train strikes, lost luggage, and unfamiliar menus is something you can’t learn from a textbook!
WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH YOUR HOUSE?
Since this trip is shorter than originally planned, a friend will be staying in our home while we’re away.
We did consider renting it out, but the potential headaches (and paperwork!) outweighed the benefits. Yet another reason I’m glad we’re not committing to a longer stint—four months feels like the sweet spot between adventure and chaos.
WHAT’S SCHENGEN?
I’d never heard of Schengen before talking with Kyria last year. It’s a word that sounds fancy but basically just means “the European travel zone.”
The Schengen Area is made up of 29 countries (most of the EU, plus a few others) that share open borders. That means you can zip from Portugal to Spain or from Austria to Germany without stopping for passport control. Handy!
But there’s a catch. For Canadians (and most non-EU citizens), you can only stay 90 days within any rolling 180-day period in the Schengen Zone. After that, you have to spend some time outside it before coming back.
Since we’ll be in Europe for about four months total, we’ll split our time between Schengen countries (like Germany and Finland) and non-Schengen countries (like Albania and the UK). That way, we stay within the legal limits while still getting to explore a mix of regions.
WHAT DO THE KIDS THINK ABOUT THIS?
They’re ecstatic. When we first floated the idea earlier this year, they were ready to leave immediately.
They’ve each got well-established friend groups, so I don’t think either of them is too worried about the social side. They both love exploring new places and see this as a big, exciting adventure.
So far, there’s been zero hesitation or complaint.
I’m sure there will be moments when they miss home, friends, and familiarity, but both seem to have inherited a healthy dose of wanderlust from John. I’m excited to see how this experience shapes their confidence and curiosity.
HOW WILL YOU TRAVEL BETWEEN COUNTRIES?
As much as possible, we’ll rely on trains and buses for local and regional travel. There will definitely be a few flights, and we hope to rent cars for certain road trips along the way.
HOW WILL YOU PACK?
We’ll only stay in fully furnished places, so we can travel light—a carry-on and backpack per person for the entire four months.
I know some people pack more for a weekend getaway! But we’ll be hauling luggage on public transport, and big suitcases would limit what we can do. Worst-case scenario, we’ll have to buy some things along the way.
I think/hope the simplicity will be freeing. Less to pack, less to lose, less to worry about.
We’ll also be investing in another set of compression cubes.
WHAT’S THE PLAN?
There are still so many details to work out. But here is the current game plan (sketched out in the faintest pencil).
Fly to Germany around March 1st. Make our way to Munich. John has colleagues and an office in the city, so that will be our first home base. But we’ll plan to do lots of short trips outside of Germany since it’s such a central location (hoping to get to at least Austria, Czechia, and Switzerland). At some point in our trip we are aiming to get to Monaco (for Indy) and Italy (for Belle).
We’ll be based in Munich until mid-April (we think?!) and then we’ll aim to spend some time in non-Schengen territory. We were originally picturing most of that time being spent in Albania, but Bosnia is also calling our name. Now we’re thinking of splitting time between these two countries. I mean… MOSTAR! Maybe a week in each spot?
May will be spent in Finland. While there, we’ll likely take ferries to other Nordic countries and we’re definitely planning to connect with my brother who lives in Copenhagen in late May/early June.
Depending on our Schengen days left, we’ll be spending the last bit of time in the UK. Rachel has coordinated accommodations for us in Wales (I am beyond thankful for her willingness to help!!!), and we’ll plan on making Cardiff our home base with trips to Scotland and some time spent in London as well.
- March: Fly into Germany. Munich.
- April: Munich + Albania/Bosnia
- May: Finland/Denmark
- June: UK. Fly out of London.
I think that covers all the main questions that came in.
A huge thank you to everyone who’s sent suggestions, links, and travel tips or connected us with friends living overseas. Keep the ideas coming; I’m loving all the inspiration.
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That’s so good the schools are so supportive about this – I was wondering about the school aspect too.
Regarding Schengen, there’s an exception (or perhaps it depends on how you define open borders). There are EU countries not included in Schengen but members of the EU. Ireland is one of those (and perhaps the only one), but we still travel freely between Ireland and other EU countries without visa or limitations, yes we need to pass through passport control but as an ordinary person with an EU passport you’ll always get through and I consider that an open border too.
Good point! John is going to try to travel on his EU passport because he will already have quite a few days under his belt when we arrive from his work trips to Europe.
I’d love to make it to Ireland but I don’t think it’s going to happen this time???? But it’s on my short-list for future trips.
Wait – what happened to Portugal? Have you taken it off from your itinerary?
Well, it doesn’t really matter, because your plans are absolutely amazing as they are. You will see places I’ve never been to (Albania, Bosnia) but I’ve heard that these countries are fantastic – not overrun by tourists, raw and real and very authentic.
Your kids are going to have the time of their lives, and it’s great that their teachers are fully behind the plan. This whole itinerary feels like one of those once-in-a-lifetime family stories that gets retold for years!
Portugal is up in the air. There is still lots of uncertainty and, for the most part, I’m okay with that. We get to be flexible on this trip. We might even find a way to add in Zurich because some family will be there in May (probably won’t work, but a girl can hope).
It does feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it also feels like if we don’t do it now…it won’t happen. So I’m happy we’re taking the leap, if a bit nervous about the whole thing.
This sounds amazing!!!!! What a terrific experience for all of you!!!!
I know there will be plenty of moments where I am questioning all my life choices, but I also feel confident those will all be forgotten over the years and this will be one of the most pivotal parts of my parenting “career” and my kids’ lives and memories of our family time.
I could not be more excited if I was going on this trip! Belle and Indy will have a blast.
Hey, you wanted to fit in more international travel, right??? I’m sensing a great opportunity for a European blogger meet up 🙂
I’ve never been, but I’m excited for you. My son did an internship in Munich one summer and was very impressed with the River surfing, so don’t miss it!
My brother lived in Munich for a few years and I have heard nothing but good things about the city! I will be sure to look out for river surfing; would definitely need a wetsuit in March!
What an incredible opportunity this is! Elisabeth, your family will never forget this time in their lives. The timing could not be better, honestly, because they are old enough to really remember and soak in these experiences, but young enough (just barely in Belle’s case!) to not have it affect their schooling negatively. Four months sounds like a perfect time period as well. Your house will be cared for, you can travel light…it’s going to be great. Yes, lots of logistics involved, which are STRESSFUL but oh! What a wonderful thing this will be. So many interesting cultures to explore. I think you’re smart to travel with carryon only. After all you can always buy something new if needed, you’ll have access to laundry, and there is NO way to pack four months worth of toiletries so you’ll HAVE to purchase those later anyway. I’m so excited for you!!!
I feel like we are squeezing this in by the skin of our proverbial teeth! This is our last shot and we’re doing it, Nicole. EEEEEEKKKK!
Since Bosnia is a possibility can I mention the work done by Remembering Srebrenica?
https://srebrenica.org.uk/
The trip sounds exciting a fantastic experience for the children.
Best of luck, from the sourthern-most part of non-Schengen EU 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this, Mands. I would really like to get to Mostar and I have heard that Sarajevo is a must-visit. The history is heartbreaking, but it’s very important to me that my children get a better appreciation for the atrocities that have happened; especially in light of the fact history, so horrifically, continues to repeat itself.
Wait, are you in Cyprus??? This is definitely on our radar while in Albania…
Sunny Cyprus checking in 🙂
If you are tempted to swing by I’m happy to be a sounding board for your logistics. We also have great hiking here, especially during the spring months, and 10,000+ years of history to deep dive into.
How exciting! We have been talking about taking the ferry to Cyprus and I will 100% be sure to reach out for suggestions if this ends up working!!!
Four months seems like the perfect amount of time- nice and long, but not long enough to completely disrupt your lives at home. I love that the kids are so on board! What an amazing experience for them. I absolutely CANNOT WAIT to hear all about your adventures!!!
Yes, four months feels very doable. We had originally talked about a year, and then 6 months, but this feels like the perfect duration!
That is too bad about Ireland! But that only tells you you’ll need to come back to this part of the world soon again. There are direct flights from the UK btw if you want to go for a weekend only.
This is so cool! I haven’t been to many of the places you are staying, so I’m very excited to see these places through your eyes!
I have a question: How many people that you talked to at the schools said, “I wish I was your kid!”? I bet that is non-zero at least. What an amazing adventure this will be for your family.
Ha. So far no one has been begging to hop in our suitcase (good thing, we’re just taking carry-on), but I hope our kids understand some day how fortunate they are to be getting this experience!
I feel like 4 months is a great amount of time for all the reasons you mentioned! LONG but not sooo long that everything has to be totally upended. I also think that if it got “too” long it could lose some of the appeal after a while and/or you could lose steam! I also can’t believe how quickly it suddenly feels like it’s coming up! All of a sudden I blinked and now it’s the end of 2025 and March is just around the corner! EEEK!!! (Which makes me realize we should probably look at get our spring break plane tickets booked- though we don’t go until March 25.) This will be a family bonding experience like none other. I’m jealous, because I feel like we barely see the boys anymore half of the time! Having 4 months of dedicated time to explore and be together sounds amazing. (I realize you’ll probably also need some ahem, “space”, from all the togetherness too… lol. Hopefully that can be factored in somehow ;))
Exactly! It’s long enough to settle in and start feeling a bit more like home and actually get to see and explore A LOT, but not so long that we can’t see the “end” of the trip. Or so I hope.
YES. My biggest concern is my own energy levels, especially since I really crave solo time. We’ll see what we can manage. I’m sure there will be some tougher moments, but I’m also pretty sure that those will be forgotten in the grand scheme of things as we’ll get to experience so many cool things!
This does feel like our last big event as a family. I know I’ll blink and Belle will be done high school. Hopefully they cherish these memories the rest of their lives.
What an exciting time for you and your family! I look forward to reading all about your adventures!
Reading about this ties me up in all sorts of knots of emotions. So I’ll just sit quietly in those and ask a very unimportant question: Is the cathedral photo Exeter?
It’s Notre Dame in Paris, from our March Break trip there earlier this year.
I cannot recommend travel enough to anyone and everyone. And that you are taking the kids along for 4 months, is fantastic. My head would be exploding with trying to decided what countries, and what cities to visit. It. Is. So. Difficult. As there are so many great places and spaces.
I’m also kind of envious of you getting to places like Bosnia or Albania, places I’d love to visit. I took my mum to Yugoslavia (as it was back in the day), and did places like Poland and Hungary. And being flexible is a must. It’s cashing in on the local deals that make travelling light great fun.
I can also second Munich and Cyprus as great places to visit (among so many). I hope you all have an absolutely fantastic time while there.
There is so much to decide and sort out and I feel like our plans are constantly evolving. But it’s almost time to book tickets and that makes it all feel VERY real!
This sounds like an amazing travel plan, and I’m so excited for your family! And I’m really hoping that you’ll blog about your experiences because I’d love to follow along with you. March will be here before you know it!
Definitely going to be blogging along the way <3
I’m so excited for you and your family! This will be a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity to see and do so much. And your kids are at such great ages did this since they have some level of independence, especially Belle! I can’t wait to follow along!!
Yes! I cannot imagine doing this with kids much younger. I am always in awe of parents who travel with young kids. Awe and also horror. NO PART OF ME had any desire to travel when my kids were younger. But now’s the time!
Mr and I frequently dream about extended vacation time spent in Italy or Switzerland, so I am extremely excited for y’all! Can’t wait to hear and see your adventures 🙂
Italy is absolutely lovely (I’ve never been to Switzerland but have heard nothing but good things).
I think I could very easily spend extended time in Italy. The food alone is just…so dang good!
This is going to be such a fantastic experience for your whole family! And I am very excited that you’ll start your Europe stint in Germany (Munich!). Maybe I should tell you that I’ll be heading to Germany as well in March/April and that I might swing through Munich (on our way back from the Italian Alps at the beginning of April). Maybe… just maybe…. we’ll be able to MEET UP???? The possibility of that being an option is making me really giddy just about now!
WHAT????!!!!!!! OH MY GOODNESS. I would LOVE a blogger meetup in Munich with the (in my mind) OG German blogger. Gah. How incredibly wonderful and meta. I am trying not to get too excited BUT I AM SO EXCITED <3 <3 <3
Thank you so much for the update Elisabeth! I Love seeing this trip form! Soo exciting, and extra exciting that you can come visit Wales too 🙂
I am so excited for all these plans to start coming together and cannot wait to finally meet you and your family!
[…] of our goals while living in Europe is to capitalize on just how easy it is to move between countries. Things are so […]