Families on the Move
We have been blessed to connect with many amazing families online, all of whom have adapted a travel lifestyle in one form or another. We wanted to take the opportunity to introduce you to them here and highlight the positive aspects travel has had on their families. Welcome our interview series called Families on the Move. Miro & I are honored to a part of this global community we consider our extended family.
Meet the Family Behind Where’sSharon.com
Sharon, 34, the biggest travel addict of the family and currently studying to be a maths and history teacher!
Joshua, 32, the muscles behind our travelling operation
Soraya, 2, a fiery redhead, who loves travelling nearly as much as her mumma
Isaac, 13 months, our big blue eyed boy who loves food and all the attention he gets overseas
Where are you now, where have you been and how long have you been traveling?
Back home in Melbourne, Australia
We just spent 7 weeks travelling through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Taiwan. That was our first trip as a family of 4. I have travelled to over 70 countries in total.
Why do you travel as a family?
Because it is awesome!!!
More seriously though, I believe travel is the best way to learn about the world and yourself. Like many people, I thought my travels would be over, or at least would change drastically with children, but this is not the case. The only thing that has really changed is the rewards – they have increased dramatically!! My two year old just loved our recent trip, so much so that she had a tantrum when I said we had to fly home! She still talks about it all the time and keeps asking for another holiday.
What are some of the benefits your family has experienced as a result your travels?
The quality family time while travelling would be its top benefit. There are so many distractions at home (like work!) that make it impossible for us to spend so much stress free time together. It has definitely made us all closer. I find travel also does wonders for my self confidence and I am sure it will for our kids too, as they grow older.
What inspired you and your family to incorporate travel into your lifestyle?
The fact that I believe that you can learn more by travelling than what you will ever learn at home. I feel like I am living life more fully when I am travelling. I think it is important to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. I see travel as a gift and one I definitely want to give my children. I grew up in Tasmania, and I know many people who have barely left the state. I want my kids to have the world perspective that I never had while growing up.
How do you address education while you are traveling?
The kids are so young, so this is easy. We just do the same things we do at home (like drawing, naming items, etc). I found our two year old’s vocabularly improved significantly while we were away, thanks to being around two adults all the time and all the different things we had to talk about. It will be more challenging as they grow older, but I also can’t wait to educate them about the world as they travel, and hopefully my teacher training will help with that.
Can you share one of your family’s most memorable experiences?
So far, it would have to be my son’s first birthday on the island of Boracay in the Philippines. Such a stunning location for my special little man’s first birthday. He may not remember it, but I always will. It does raise the bar high for next year though!
Can you share one story from your travel experiences when you and your family had an “aha moment”.
The first day we were travelling overland in the Philippines. We were worried how we would cope with a baby, toddler, two suitcases and three day packs on public transport, but we managed it all no problems! We felt invincible after this, and it was a great moment. It has opened the door to further travels for us, now that we know there is no reason to use the kids as an excuse.
What’s next?
We are currently planning a 2 month trip to USA, Costa Rica, Panama and the Caribbean for the end of the year and an even bigger trip is planned for after that.
Name: Sharon
Facebook Page: Where’s Sharon and Family
web site: www.wheressharon.com
