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Last year we spoke in front of the students at Brigham Young University and shared our story on how we became a full-time traveling family.
Garrett shared some of his entrepreneurial journey and how he acquired the skills to start a tech company and eventually became a travel journalist
What inspired the author and his wife to become a full-time traveling family?
Possible formal article:
HOW WE GOT STARTED AS A FULL-TIME TRAVELING FAMILY | Speech at BYU
In the summer of 2017, my wife and I quit our teaching jobs, sold or gave away most of our possessions, and embarked on a journey to visit all 50 states of the United States with our three young children, then aged 9, 7, and 4. We planned to homeschool them, live in a camper trailer, and explore the natural and cultural diversity of our country while working online as freelance writers and editors. We had dreamed of traveling more extensively since our honeymoon in Europe, but we had postponed it for various reasons, such as career goals, financial stability, and family planning. However, after experiencing some personal and professional challenges, we realized that life is too short and uncertain to defer our dreams indefinitely. We wanted to spend more quality time together, learn and teach more holistically, and broaden our perspectives and skills. We also hoped to inspire others to pursue their passions and embrace the unknown.
We faced many initial difficulties and uncertainties. We had to learn how to drive a truck and haul a trailer, how to maintain and repair basic appliances and systems, how to navigate unfamiliar roads and parking spots, and how to organize and balance our work and leisure time. We had to adapt to a smaller living space, variable weather conditions, and limited access to resources and services. We had to cooperate more closely as a family, respect each other’s boundaries and needs, and practice patience and gratitude in challenging situations. We also had to promote our services and find clients who valued our skills and vision.
However, we also experienced many joys and opportunities that we had never imagined before. We saw amazing natural wonders, such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Acadia National Park, that sparked our curiosity and appreciation for the Earth’s beauty and complexity. We visited historic and cultural sites, such as Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New Orleans, that deepened our understanding and empathy for diverse people and events. We met friendly and interesting people, such as fellow travelers, RV enthusiasts, and locals, who shared their stories and wisdom. We tasted delicious and diverse food, such as lobster in Maine, barbecue in Texas, and poutine in Canada, that broadened our senses and appreciation for different cuisines. We learned new skills and hobbies, such as hiking, kayaking, and playing musical instruments, that enriched our personal and collective growth.
We also learned some lessons and principles that we believe can apply to any endeavor or stage of life. First, we learned to trust and communicate with each other more honestly and respectfully. We had to rely on each other’s strengths and weaknesses and clarify our expectations and boundaries regularly. We also had to express our gratitude and support more often and effectively. Second, we learned to embrace and adapt to change more positively and creatively. We had to accept that things might not always go as planned or expected and that we had to be flexible and resourceful to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities. We also had to challenge ourselves to learn new skills, acquire new knowledge, and try new experiences that stretched our comfort zones and broadened our horizons. Third, we learned to balance and prioritize our time and energy more wisely and intentionally. We had to choose or create activities and work that aligned with our values and goals, and that allowed us to recharge and relax regularly. We also had to respect each other’s individual needs and interests while maintaining a sense of unity and purpose as a family.
After traveling for almost two years, through 37 states and two provinces, we decided to settle down for a while in Utah, where we had some family and friends and where we found some great opportunities to pursue our academic and professional goals. But we have no regrets or doubts about our decision to become a full-time traveling family. We still cherish the memories and lessons and friendships that we gained from our journey, and we look forward to more adventures and challenges in the future. We believe that traveling can be a great teacher and healer, that it can help us to see and appreciate the world and ourselves more fully and wisely. We also believe that traveling can be a great catalyst and inspiration, that it can motivate and enable us to pursue our passions and potential more courageously and joyfully. We hope that we can inspire and support others to follow their dreams and travel more often, whether locally or globally. Thank you.
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