Life-changing experiences, unforgettable memories, and beautiful pictures are often associated with a year-long family trip. Margaret Bensfield Sullivan shared her stories of unexpected challenges and blunders that occurred during the year she spent abroad with her husband and two kids, including encountering piranhas in Brazil and getting stuck in an airport in Mozambique.
Sullivan’s decision to take the trip stemmed from a desire to shake up their lives and see more of the world beyond their daily routines. After months of preparation, the Sullivans left New York and traveled to 29 countries on six continents, following a warm weather itinerary dubbed “Follow the Sun.”
Throughout their journey, the family faced mishaps like stomach bugs, altitude sickness, and lice infestations, as well as making mistakes such as visiting orphanages in Vietnam. Despite these challenges, Sullivan emphasized the importance of rolling with the punches and learning from their experiences.
The Sullivans also reflected on the gap between their expectations and the reality of their travels, realizing they had less free time than anticipated and needed far less than they packed. Despite the ups and downs, Sullivan highlighted the positive lessons learned, especially in approaching new places with an open mind and recognizing the kindness of people worldwide.
Ultimately, the Sullivan family returned home with a stronger bond and a newfound appreciation for the world’s diversity and generosity. Sullivan’s advice to others considering a similar adventure is to pick a date and commit to it, allowing for a tangible goal to work towards.
Margaret Bensfield Sullivan shares her family’s year-long trip to 29 countries on six continents, highlighting the unexpected challenges they faced along the way. The journey was sparked by a desire to break away from the routine and spend quality time with loved ones. Planning and budgeting for the trip were essential, allowing the family to embark on their adventure with a structured itinerary. Despite mishaps such as stomach bugs, altitude sickness, and lice infestations, the Sullivans embraced the experiences and learned from their mistakes. They also reflected on the assumptions they had made prior to their trip and the reality of life on the road with two young children. Through it all, they discovered the kindness and generosity of people around the world, strengthening their family bond and leaving them with unforgettable memories. Sullivan encourages others to take the leap and embark on their own travel adventures, emphasizing the importance of approaching new places with an open mind and a willingness to learn from the experience.
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