Resources
We are often asked questions about how we’ve managed to create this life or plan our trips, what books we use for teaching our kids geography or what sorts of books might be good to go alongside the unit studies we produce. We will attempt to give some helpful information on those topics on this page. Happy hunting!
How we planned this trip:
There is no 12-step program to follow for planning a family adventure. Much depends on the individual family and it’s members. What is fun for us might be a nightmare for you! (With a friendly nod to the Wood family!) Our best advice is to start small, expect failure and roll with the punches. The more kids you have, the more fun it will be and also the more potential for disaster.
Example: What should have been a rather benign long weekend camp with the Grandparents in Washington D.C. turned into our WORST camping experience ever: Mom had a broken foot and had to take the walking cast on and off to get in and out of the tent, fifty times a day. Dad had to push Mom around the museums in a wheel chair. The nights were so cold we had ice on the inside WITH a heater plugged in and running all night – it was April, not December. Four out of five kids were throwing up (in the tents, all over the bedding in the middle of the freezing night). We were backed into by a non-English speaking illegal alien who did not own the car he was driving; nor was it insured. He pretended not to understand my Spanish either. You get the picture.
We could have packed it in for life and said, “NO MORE!” Instead, we made the best of it and had a very memorable weekend with Grandma & Grandpa’s Great. Even the worst weekend makes for a funny story later!
Below is a list of some of the books and web-sites that we found helpful in organizing such a big undertaking. Also, be sure to check out our Frequently Asked Questions page; with answers, of course!
Favorite BooksOur favorite books
A Charlotte Mason Companion: Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning
Karen Andreola succinctly presents the gist of the inspiring work of Charlotte Mason in a way that both inspires and empowers mothers to teach their own children. Mrs. Andreola manages to paint a lovely picture of life and learning with one's own childre
I, Rigoberta Menchu: An Indian Woman in Guatemala
The autobiography of Rigoberta Menchu, as told to Elisabeth Burgos-Dubray and Ann Wright. This is a sobering story of one woman's experience growing up and living life in the Guatemalan highlands. I love to read something about the life and experience o
One Year Off
by David Elliot Cohen
Do yourself a favor and do NOT buy this book. It is a serious catalyst toward discontent in suburbia. I got it for myself for Christmas (following in my Dad's footsteps!) a few years ago and it was the beginning of the end. This was the book that pushed us over the edge and helped us to decide that it was time to make our dream a reality.
Regards From The Dead Princess
by Kenize Mourad
I found this book in a bargain bin when I was in high school. It captivated me immediately and has remained one of my favorites. It ignited my passion to visit Turkey and to walk the halls of the palace of the Sultan in Istanbul. It is the story of the last Ottoman princess, her marriage to a Raj of India, her flight to Paris to deliver her first baby - who is the author of the book. I am currently re-reading this book and love it as much as I did twenty years ago.
The Traveler's Guide to European Camping
by Mike & Terry Church
This immensely useful book lists campgrounds all over Europe. Anyone interested in visiting the continent across the pond but is worried about the rising Euro and how that translates into the costs of his trip would do well to get a copy of this book.
Traveler's Guide to Mexican Camping: Explore Mexico, Guatemala and Belize with your RV or Tent
Having used Mike & Terri Church's "Camping Europe" extensively whilst cycling last year, what else would we get to head south of the border but their Mexican camping guide? They are extremely well researched and give lots of helpful "extra" informati
Traveling Europe
Indie Travel Guide by Craig and Linda Martin
This e-book and audio-book (DRM-free, so you can use it with any MP3 player) was written by travelers who have actually been to the places they're writing about! Craig and Linda spent 2.5 years traveling through 29 European countries. Plus, there are specialist chapters written by our own Jennifer Miller and Jennifer Marlowe. So, you can trust the information to be accurate. But don't take our word for it, there is a 100% money-back guarantee. And, since this is an e-book, it can be updated. Your purchase provides you with updates to the book for life!
Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-term World Travel
Do not read this book unless you're prepared to get itchy feet! Rolf Potts, in 12 short chapters, will show you how to begin to take your dream and make it a reality. He's a single guy, which simplifies his program significantly, but it's still one of m
Your Child's Health Abroad
by Dr. Jane Wilson-Howarth & Dr. Matthew Ellis
This book assesses health risks by region, suggests items to carry that are specific to children's health, discusses medical kits, avoiding intestinal distress, basic children's health from birth to adolescence, treating the expected injuries of a traveling child, diagnosing illness where there is no doctor and treatment for basic illnesses. It also provides a wealth of advice on all things health related for children, whether at home or abroad. If you are going to do any serious traveling at all with children in tow, this book would be a good addition to your travel library.
Boots 'n' All
Boots 'n' All is your all purpose independent travel site. You'll find help in purchasing 'round the world tickets, information about hotels, youth hostels and destination information galore. They even offer organized adventure travel for those who are less inclined to design their own trips. You can read stories written by other adventurers (we're published on their site as well) and participate in discussion forums that are specific to your destination or mode of travel. This is a good place to start if you are interested in having an adventure but have no idea where to begin!
