How to Prepare for a Nomadic Family Life
Pretty much everyone we have told about selling up and travelling, beginning to live a nomadic family life, has said they are jealous. More and more families are choosing this way of life. We are all nomadic at heart. Long before we had borders, we lived in travelling communities. It’s in our blood.
But why are so many considering it now? A big factor is the perfect storm of rising living costs and the freedom technology now gives us. You can work from practically anywhere in the world. When you compare that with the cost of mortgages or rent, living somewhere else starts to make a lot of sense.
Once you unlock that “what if” scenario, you can’t help but get excited. Suddenly, waking up to sandy beaches in Southern Sri Lanka or opening your curtains to the Himalayas becomes a distinct possibility. Of course, there are challenges — especially with kids. This blog shares both the mindset shifts and the practical steps we’ve been taking as we prepare to live nomadically as a family.
Redefining Home: It’s Not About the House
In my coaching work, I’ve seen how attached people are to the idea of “home” — whether through divorce, financial stress, or other challenges. But the truth is, home isn’t bricks and mortar. It’s you, your family unit, and ultimately, the space within yourself.
This is easier for adults to grasp than children. Our approach with our kids has been gentleness, humour, and familiarity. We remind ourselves that children reflect our mindset — if we stay calm and open, they will too.
Creating a Solid Financial Plan
I’ll be honest — I’m a planner and an overthinker, which really helps with this part. I’ve read countless blogs on budgeting and found a few golden rules:
Track everything in one place — I use Notion to log flights, accommodation, food, and “what if” costs.
Overestimate costs — it’s better to have more budget and not need it.
Plan for debt and bills — include recurring costs like phone contracts or loans in your yearly budget.
Split your accounts — we’ll keep our main funds in a UK bank and use a separate travel account for spending. This adds a safety buffer.
If possible, speak to a financial advisor about investing money you’re keeping aside. And always keep an emergency fund for the unexpected.
Downsizing and Letting Go of Stuff
We actually enjoy this part — inspired by The Minimalists. Selling big items helps fund the trip, while donating creates impact. Many charities will even collect from you directly.
We’ll store only a handful of sentimental items like photos and reports. Everything else gets sold or donated. With kids’ toys, we started the conversation months in advance, helping them choose what to keep or donate. This gives them independence and eases the transition.
Health and Safety on the Road
I live with Type 1 Diabetes, so this is a big focus for us. My approach is:
Stock up on essentials before leaving.
Research global health cover and compare policies.
Be realistic — insurance feels expensive, but it’s vital.
Vaccinations are another key step. We’ve found the musts are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus, with extras like Hepatitis B and Cholera depending on destinations. Start this process 2–3 months before you travel.
Education While Travelling
This is one of the most exciting parts. Can we provide quality education outside the UK system? Absolutely. The world is full of options:
Online platforms — plenty of flexible programmes.
Local hubs — educators around the world offering classes.
The world itself — culture, history, food, and people become the ultimate classroom.
At ages 5 and 3, we’re keeping it simple. When they’re older, we’ll focus more on structure.
Packing Smart for Family Travel
Our plan is two 45–55L backpacks with zip-away straps plus smaller day packs. The kids will carry their own mini-bags, but we’ll take most of the load.
Tips we’re following:
Shop locally for clothing when needed.
Include comfort items (teddies, books, devices).
Use tech to reduce bulk (I use a Kindle Scribe as journal, e-reader, and notepad).
Building a Support Network
One of the joys of nomadic life is connection. We’ve started reaching out to family, friends, and Facebook groups. There are countless communities for travelling families and education hubs worldwide.
Thanks to technology, staying in touch is easier than ever with WhatsApp, Zoom, and eSIMs.
Final Thoughts
I wanted to write this blog before we leave — not after. There are plenty of blogs sharing lessons once families are already on the road. But the truth is, preparing for nomadic family life isn’t as daunting as it first feels.
With planning, flexibility, and an open mindset, you can set yourself up for adventure. Don’t be afraid of the unknown — it’s where the magic happens.
Follow our journey for more tips on living and travelling full-time as a family.
