Traveling the World with Kids: A Family's Epic Adventure

Margaret Bensfield Sullivan had a preconceived notion of the families who embark on year-long global adventures with their kids—a picturesque image involving bandanas, babies strapped in carriers, and selfies at roadside noodle stands. Little did she know that she and her own family would soon become a part of this growing community.

Sullivan, a former partner at a brand marketing agency, along with her husband Teddy, a former baseball player, and their children, Willa and James, aged six and four at the time, embarked on an epic journey to explore 29 different countries over the span of a year. They immersed themselves in diverse cultures, savoring new cuisines, and creating lifelong memories amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Their decision to undertake this adventure stemmed from a pivotal moment during a work trip to Tanzania, where Sullivan realized the vastness of the world and the brevity of life. This epiphany led her to propose the idea of quitting their jobs and traveling the world as a family—a proposal met with initial disbelief but eventual enthusiasm from her husband.

After months of logistical planning and tying up loose ends in New York, they set off, following a route dictated by warm weather—a decision that allowed them to travel light and experience diverse cultures without the burden of excessive luggage.

Adjusting to life on the road with small children presented its challenges, requiring the couple to adapt their travel plans to accommodate the needs of their youngsters. However, they soon found that the rewards of traveling as a family far outweighed the initial difficulties.

Their journey took them to remote corners of the globe, including Mongolia and Vietnam, where they immersed themselves in local cultures and created lasting memories. Despite initial concerns about their children's adaptability to constant movement, Sullivan found that the experience became their new normal, fostering a deep bond within the family.

Upon their return, Sullivan documented their adventures in a book titled "Following the Sun," aiming to share their experiences and provide practical advice to other families considering similar journeys.