‍

Does the thought of taking a gap year to travel the world with your family both excite and terrify you?

Traveling long-term with children is exciting – new cultures, languages, and adventures await – but it can also be scary. Uprooting your family, for a gap year of travel in foreign countries comes with a long list of worries.

You might find yourself lying awake at night wondering:

• Will my kids be safe?
• What about their schooling?
• Will we feel isolated without our community?
• Can we afford this?
• What about our jobs?

The good news? With a bit of preparation and the right mindset, these fears can be overcome, turning anxiety into a determination. That feeling of yes we can do this, and we ARE going to do this!

Below, we take the most common “but what about…” questions and show how Boundless Life turns each into an empowering why you should take that family gap year adventure. And these insights come from real-world experiences of nomadic families, including our own Boundless Life community, who have navigated the journey.

Just think – by this time next year, you could be looking back on an incredible journey, marveling at how much your children have grown. All it takes is that first step. Your boundless adventure awaits – let’s make it happen. ✈️🌍

➡️ Don’t miss our FULL guide on how to move abroad with family

‍

‍

Fear #1: Will My Children Be Safe on a Gap Year?

Safety is usually the first concern parents voice when considering a gap year.

News headlines might amplify worries about crime, political instability, or health risks in foreign places. It's completely normal to wonder: Can I keep my kids safe in an unfamiliar environment?

The reality is that many popular expat destinations are very safe and family-friendly. In fact, some countries rank even safer than your hometown (Portugal, for instance, consistently ranks among the world’s safest places​.) Of course, every place has areas safer than others.

With some research, you can find locations abroad where you’ll feel secure. Many families travel to small towns, beach communities, and city neighborhoods that offer welcoming environments and low crime rates.

How to Overcome Safety Fears

Replace fear of the unknown with knowledge and proactive steps that give you confidence:

• Research your destinations: Look up safety indices, local laws, and any common hazards. Join expat family forums or social media groups for candid insights. Other parents can tell you which neighborhoods are best for families and what precautions they take.
• Prepare for emergencies: Just as you would at home, have a plan. Know the local emergency numbers, locate the nearest clinic or hospital, and register with your home country’s embassy when staying for a longer period.
• Choose secure housing: Opt to stay in areas known for their family atmosphere or accommodations vetted by trusted expat programs. Selecting the right location (or housing provided by a program like Boundless Life) will give you extra peace of mind.
• Stay street smart, not scared: Learn the local norms (like traffic rules or how kids get to school), but remember that basic precautions go a long way. Teach your kids a few key phrases in the local language to ask for help. Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night and trust your instincts. Before long, what once felt “foreign” will start to feel like home.

Co-Living, Community & Expat-Friendly Destinations

Consider joining a community designed for traveling families. In Boundless Life communities, for instance, families have local staff and fellow parents around who can offer guidance and support.

When you arrive in a new country and already have a network, you won’t feel alone. One Boundless Life mom noted that being in a community “gave my family a community in an otherwise foreign place” and made her feel safe even while abroad without her spouse​.

Takeaway: Fear shrinks as knowledge grows. The longer you stay in a destination, the more your nerves will give way to confidence. You might even find you feel safer abroad than you did back home once you're settled.

Discover what siblings Mike and Jessica had to say about traveling with their families through Boundless Life cohorts, and how they compare the sense of safety in Pistoia to life back home in the United States.

‍

‍

Fear #2: Healthcare Worries – What If My Child Gets Sick on a Gap Year?

Another big worry for parents is healthcare. We imagine worst-case scenarios: a midnight fever, a broken arm on the playground, or a chronic condition that needs care - all in a place where you might not speak the language or know the medical system. It's intimidating not knowing where to go or who to trust when your child is ill. Will we have good doctors and hospitals? Do we need special insurance? These are all valid questions.

The good news is that you can absolutely arrange quality healthcare for a gap year. Many countries have excellent medical facilities. With a bit of planning, you’ll know exactly where to go if your child falls ill, and you’ll have the coverage to handle it.

How to Overcome Healthcare Fears

Take these steps before and after you move to feel confident about medical care:

• Secure international health insurance: Don’t leave home without a good travel family insurance plan. Ensure it covers doctors’ visits, hospital stays, and emergencies (including evacuation if needed).
• Line up doctors and key info: Ask other expats or your embassy for recommended doctors. Also, save important contacts in your phone and post them in your home.
• Bring medical records and meds: Carry copies of your children’s medical records and vaccination histories. If anyone in your family takes prescription meds, bring a supply. A well-stocked travel first aid kit can handle minor ailments and buy you time for bigger issues.

With these preparations, you'll have a solid healthcare plan in place. Even if a health issue arises, you won’t be caught off guard - you’ll know exactly where to turn for help.

Community Knowledge & Support

Remember that in many countries, fellow parents and travelers are incredibly supportive when it comes to health needs. You might find that if your child does get the sniffles or a fever, help is readily available – whether it’s advice on which pediatrician to see or someone offering to translate for you. Families living abroad often form tight-knit support networks around healthcare.

By planning ahead and tapping into community knowledge, you can ensure that your children will get good care abroad. Knowing you have doctors lined up and insurance in place will significantly reduce this fear.

‍

‍

Fear #3: How Will My Kids Get a Good Education on a Gap Year?

Schooling is a huge factor for parents considering a gap year. We all want to give our children the best start in life, and taking them out of their current school raises big questions.

• Will they fall behind academically?
• Will an international or home-based school be as good as what we have at home?
• Could an unconventional approach affect their college prospects? .

Here's the encouraging truth: there are many paths to a great education abroad, and many are as good as, or even better than, a traditional schooling path.

Families around the world successfully educate their children while living and traveling overseas - through international schools, local schools, homeschooling, or worldschooling. Often, these kids gain unique skills you can’t teach in a classroom, like adaptability, resilience, language fluency, and global awareness.

How to Overcome Education Fears

First, recognize that learning can happen in many forms – and living abroad can itself be an incredible education. That said, you do need a plan. The approach will differ based on your children’s ages and your travel style. Here are a few viable options that many traveling families use:

International or Local Schools

Enroll your child in an international school or a local school, depending on what suits them. International schools offer familiar curricula in your language and a ready-made community of expat kids, which can make the transition smoother.

Local schools, on the other hand, immerse your child in the local language and culture, which can be challenging at first but incredibly rewarding as they become bilingual and deeply integrated.

Both routes have their merits - research and visit schools if you can, and talk to expat parents who have chosen each path to gather insights.

Homeschooling or Worldschooling

If you prefer more flexibility or expect to move frequently, homeschooling abroad is very doable. You can follow an online curriculum from your home country or an international program to stay on track.

Worldschooling goes a step further by using your travels as the curriculum – teaching through museums, historical sites, nature, and cultural experiences around you. For example, a lesson on ancient history might involve exploring real ruins instead of just reading about them.

Boundless Life Education

Programs like Boundless Life offer a structured version of worldschooling, with an experiential curriculum that keeps children on track academically while they explore the local culture.

In the Boundless Life model, children attend an Education Center with other nomadic kids. Such programs provide a nice blend – kids get a consistent education and peers to learn with, while parents don’t have to DIY the teaching. If you’re part of a Boundless Life community, your family has the opportunity to move to different destinations around the world, all the while experiencing continuity through quality education.

Boundless Life family Maria and Jared, a family from Florida featured in our Boundless Life Family Stories. They were anxious about pulling their sons out of public school, but they decided to try a 3-month worldschooling experience in Greece with Boundless Life.

Naturally, they worried about academics. In the end, they discovered their children thrived. They found their kids were excited about learning again, soaking up Greek history and even picking up some of the language. When they returned home, they were right on track in school and brimming with confidence.

‍

‍

Fear #4: What About Friends and Social Life on a Gap Year?

Leaving behind friends, family, and your kids’ playmates is an emotional hurdle. Socialization is a vital part of childhood (and adulthood), and starting over where you know no one can be scary.

Your children might wonder if they’ll make new friends; you might worry whether you’ll find a community or even someone to grab coffee with. It's a valid concern – nobody wants to feel isolated in a new place.

However this fear usually melts away soon after you arrive. Kids are often remarkably adaptable and make friends faster than we expect.

In today’s connected world, you’re never truly alone – there are networks and communities ready to welcome you in most destinations. In fact, many travel parents say their social calendars became even fuller abroad than back home once they connected with the local scene and other travel families.

How to Overcome Socialization Fears

The first thing to remember is that kids are amazingly adaptable. Young children, especially, often make friends much faster than adults do! That shy first day at the park can quickly turn into a game of tag despite language barriers. However, there are plenty of ways to actively help your kids, and yourself, build a social circle abroad:

• Plug into communities of like-minded families.  Even before you move, join online groups for expat families in your destination. Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, or forums can be goldmines for tips and introductions. You might even arrange a meetup soon after you arrive. Having a friendly contact when you land can do wonders for easing the transition.
• Leverage schools and activities: If your kids are in school, get involved in parent events and school functions. Schools are often the hub of family social life. Likewise, sign your children up for sports teams, dance classes, art clubs – activities they love. When kids meet peers, parents meet other parents. A simple chat with another mom or dad at the playground will often spark a new friendship.
• Be patient and say hello: It may take a little time to find your people. There might be moments when you or your children feel lonely at the start. Use that as motivation to get out and explore. Introduce yourself to neighbors, go to the local park, become a regular at a nearby café. Little by little, you’ll start to recognize familiar faces. Stay open to small talk – friendships often begin with a simple hello.

Boundless Community & Friends

In Boundless Life communities, families live and learn together, so children have ready-made friends their age and parents have peers to share a coffee or advice with.

It also helps to know you’re not alone in this concern. In a recent survey, 53% of parents said they’d be more likely to move abroad if they knew they’d have a supportive community and good schooling for their kids​.

In other words, finding your tribe abroad is a game-changer. That’s a big reason we emphasize community-building in everything we do at Boundless Life.

Takeaway: Your family’s social life will rebound and even blossom abroad. Before you know it, you’ll be celebrating birthdays and holidays with new friends!

Just ask Chantal – a mom traveling solo with her daughter through multiple Boundless Life destinations. With the Boundless community always close by, she’s never without support, help, and friendship.

‍

‍

Fear #5: Can We Afford a Family Gap Year?

Finally, let's talk about the elephant in the room: money. For many families, financial uncertainty is the #1 barrier in taking a gap year with the kids. Uprooting your life isn’t just emotionally big – it can be expensive.

Common concerns include:

• What if we run out of savings?
• How will we earn an income abroad?
• What will housing, school, and travel cost us?

Overcoming financial fears starts with homework and a mindset shift. Many families assume a gap year abroad will break the bank, but that depends a lot on where you go and how you live.

In many cases, a lower cost of living abroad can offset new expenses. And with remote work more common now, it’s often possible to keep earning as you travel.

How to Overcome Finance and Career Fears

The answer lies in planning, budgeting, and creativity. Traveling with kids can be done on a wide range of budgets, and in some cases can even save you money depending on where you go. Here are strategies to tackle financial fears.

Create a Budget with a Cushion

Start by researching your destination’s cost of living – rent, groceries, transportation, schooling, healthcare, etc. Compare it to your current expenses.

You might find that living in, Portugal or Bali could cost significantly less per month than your life in a big US city, whereas moving to Switzerland might cost more.

Based on your research, map out a monthly budget for your family gap year. Then add about 10-20% extra as a safety net for surprise expenses.

Plan your Income Stream

If you or your partner can work remotely, you’re ahead of the game - keep that job and take it abroad. If not, consider alternatives. Could you negotiate a sabbatical or remote transition with your employer? Or perhaps find freelance or consulting work you can do online?

Some families rent out their home or sell an extra car to pad their savings. Many digital nomad families today sustain their lifestyle through a mix of remote jobs and online businesses. Figure out what income combination could work for you.

Choose an Affordable Destination

If finances are a top concern, pick locations that fit your budget. Life in a small town in Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe can be far cheaper than in London or San Francisco. Choosing a family-friendly, lower-cost locale sets you up for financial success from the start.

Also research visa options for your chosen country – many offer digital nomad visas or family residency permits that make it easier to stay long-term sometimes with tax breaks.

Read our full guide on moving abroad as a family and download our free ebook for expert tips on choosing the right destination-specific visa for your journey.

Think Long Term & Have a Safety Net

Consider your big-picture finances. Is this a one-year adventure, or do you plan to continue traveling abroad indefinitely?

If it’s short-term, you might keep your house (and rent it out) or arrange a leave of absence so you have something to return to.

If it’s long-term, factor in things like continuing retirement contributions, maintaining health insurance, or your kids’ college savings. Most importantly, build an emergency fund that you can tap if plans change or an unexpected cost comes up. Knowing you have a financial safety net will give you huge peace of mind.

Takeaway: Boundless Life was created with these financial and logistical concerns in mind. By bundling housing, co-working space, and education in cost-friendly locations – and providing a built-in community to simplify day-to-day logistics – we aim to reduce the burden of “figuring it all out” alone​.

‍

‍

Embracing the Adventure of a Family Gap Year, Fears and All

Every day, more families are deciding that “someday” needs to become now. If your heart quickens at the idea of your kids splashing in the Aegean Sea after school or hiking through a Balinese rice terrace on a Tuesday, take it as a sign.

This lifestyle – working, learning, and exploring the world together as a family – is no longer just a daydream on Instagram. It’s accessible and incredibly rewarding in reality, with a little help.

Boundless Life is ready to help you turn that dream into your day-to-day life. We invite you to step out of your comfort zone and into a world of discovery, knowing we’ll guide you through every step of planning and settling in.