I doubt that this trip really has no ending. Surely at some point the kids will need a real education for reasonable futures. I hope they do remember some of it, but more likely their "memory" will be photos and diaries. I think it is great for a limited period, however, and such trips have been done by more than a few others before (and for a long time). The only thing that really bothered me was the parental rock climbing far from friends and family. Even a minor fall could have been disastrous. That was, in my opinion, irresponsible.
1
I think I am just tired of the endless vanity. To me, this is no different than Kardashians putting themselves on display except these people hold themselves above them. There is a real sense of height-of-fashion here with "Colette" and mother in requisite Boho hat and oversized sunglasses. I find it a turn-off.
1
I admire the spirit of the objectives of what these parents are attempting to achieve. But ovbserving the ages of these kids, they are delusional if they feel they are 'world-schooling' them. At this point this is a great lifestyle for all, but as these children get older how do they intend to actually educate them sufficiently to prepare them to make their own adult decisions? To accomplish this people need to be literate (in some language), numerate and have a more than basic understanding of a wide range of of other fields of knowledge and endeavour. And they need to be prepared to face the possility that, rather than their adult childrem feeling like they can fit in anywhere, they may spend there lives feeling like they don't belong anywhere.
6
I grew up tent camping with my family all over the US and Canada and a little bit in Mexico, mostly in national or state parks. There's a whole lot of places to see right here at home. One does not have to go abroad to have a similar experience. Just get the kids outdoors into natural surroundings while they're young, anywhere.
2
How is this more indulgent than
The second BMW
The 4th Big screen TV
Cell phones and iPads for the kids
Time with your kids is not indulgent it is a gift
The second BMW
The 4th Big screen TV
Cell phones and iPads for the kids
Time with your kids is not indulgent it is a gift
5
There was family vanlife long before millennials: https://sonderers.com/summer-17-adventure/hey-hipster-millennials-you-di...
4
It is as if the worse of Instagram has come to the Times. Photos of the author are swell, but shouldn't the Times be reporting about places rather than a vehicle for self-aggrandizement?
-Michael
-Michael
4
My children grew up with road trips across the North American continent. We mostly visited the west because we were closer to home. The national parks and the ocean were our favorites. While I loved these road trips, my children hated them. I marvel at nature. Hikes through Yellowstone and Glacier fill me with joy. Eating my lunch near a stream is heaven. Smelling the scent of ripe Juniper is invigorating. Even rain doesn't bother me. It changes the landscape and brings out new animals to observe. It is certainly not for lack of trying to share this love with my children, although it wasn't an unending road trip, perhaps only four weeks a year. But it is sad for me that neither one of my grown daughters cares.
4
The negative comments about travel being expensive are based on a lack of knowledge. In the 90s I spent three months in Egypt and spent a total of $600. I was dismayed to meet tourists there who were staying in $100/night hotels and paying cab drivers $50/day to show them around. By being frugal, one can get by on a lot less money than it takes to stay home, especially if you've fallen into the trap of car payments, a mortgage, restaurant meals, etc... "The less you spend, the more you get," is a travel adage I adhere to. Travel can open your mind and you can have a positive impact on the people you meet, as long as you're not the Ugly American. In El Salvador once I met a man who worked two full time jobs to support his wife and six children. He said to me; "Estoy contento," Meaning, "I am content," That's not something I've ever heard an American say. Bravo to this family for experiencing a rich life.
8
I own two vanagons (I've owned 4). Sometimes the adventure is just getting there. In the late 90s I decided to shake things up a little. Everything went to storage but me, the dog, the van and the toys I could put in and on it. For two years I lived out of it, worked part time and pretty much did whatever I felt like. It was occasionally lonely and not always secure and stable, but never boring. I would have loved to have had parents like these, but that's not always possible. In lieu of that, I'd encourage anyone to take some time and just see what's around the next bend, and have that adventurous childhood you may not have gotten as a kid.
6
We have a VW van and take trips with the kids on holiday and weekends and have similar pictures, but the represent exceptional moments when the kids are not board, the van is not overheating, we are rearranging things for the 10th time to cook or to get ready for bed. The truth about family vanlife is that it's hard work for the parents and the kids miss home after a while but it's worth it to have adventures together. I would appreciate a bit more of a realistic portrayal by this family of fears, conflict, transformation, and individual portraits along the way.
11
You know the "truth about family vanlife"? I have been wondering who knows the "truth", and now I know.
One's experience is NOT the truth!
One's experience is NOT the truth!
1
This seems....indulgent
10
I travelled, worked and volunteered my way around the world from 1988 to 1990 (when the map was very different). I invariably had three ethics: learn the language, learn the history, and give back. I do not say this as any kind of a boast. Rather, to simply state that it is possible to go far and go long without the compulsion to instagram your virtuous sense of self to the world. Travel literature (or photo "journalism") always breaks down when the central trope is "ME and the world."
Last word. I'm not a hater, just a person who is responding to the self-promotion of another.
Last word. I'm not a hater, just a person who is responding to the self-promotion of another.
10
There's a theme to many of these comments: "the kids won't remember."
This shouldn't be about the childrens' memory; it should be about their development. Each new sight, sound, taste, feel and smell is a unique experience that helps these little sponges build on their interpretation of the world around them.
One of my favorite memories from living as a frequently-traveling expat is my 2-year-old daughter excitedly telling me that the propeller of our airplane was spinning. A small thing, sure, but it showed me that she was passively absorbing experiences from her travels, even more than we could actively teach.
For now, it's about enjoying those moments. We'll have photos for the memories.
This shouldn't be about the childrens' memory; it should be about their development. Each new sight, sound, taste, feel and smell is a unique experience that helps these little sponges build on their interpretation of the world around them.
One of my favorite memories from living as a frequently-traveling expat is my 2-year-old daughter excitedly telling me that the propeller of our airplane was spinning. A small thing, sure, but it showed me that she was passively absorbing experiences from her travels, even more than we could actively teach.
For now, it's about enjoying those moments. We'll have photos for the memories.
7
Wow. That’s all I can say about some of these sour, cynical comments. Judging by their website, the Harteaus have been able to do this because they are creative, adaptable people. They sold most of their belongings, did a kickstarter, found some generous companies, and continue to be creative to keep the dream going. Yes, they have expenses, but they are not jetting everywhere, staying in plush hotels, or renting picture perfect villas. They’re living in a camper van.
In fact, seeing how this family travels has made me more aware of the cost of staying home. The children are not floating in a vast sea of Disney princess paraphenalia, or all that other stuff. Heck, Trump could probably build his wall if he just built it out all the Lego bricks children have outgrown. The Harteaus are having a real adventure, not a six-night vacation package. More power to them.
In fact, seeing how this family travels has made me more aware of the cost of staying home. The children are not floating in a vast sea of Disney princess paraphenalia, or all that other stuff. Heck, Trump could probably build his wall if he just built it out all the Lego bricks children have outgrown. The Harteaus are having a real adventure, not a six-night vacation package. More power to them.
27
As a kid traveling with parents was great. It was fun and every day was different. We traveled all over the place. Once I started to grow up I wanted to be with friends . When I was 13 it was hard to travel for a long time with my family. If there were other kids my age it was fun. But otherwise I would rather play basket ball with my friends back home. I felt selfish to admit this because it costs a lot of money to travel. But I think these trips are better for young kids.
10
Strange that in all the photos there is not another human being other than the family. Do the children never meet other children? See other ways of life - housing, schools, playgrounds?
Do the parents never feel the urge to stay in a place for a few weeks to volunteer in a temporary emergency, an ongoing clinic, to be of service - to live in a world beyond just the scenery?
I'm not anti travel; lived and worked most of my adult life overseas from Peace Corps, INGO and US Diplomat.
Do the parents never feel the urge to stay in a place for a few weeks to volunteer in a temporary emergency, an ongoing clinic, to be of service - to live in a world beyond just the scenery?
I'm not anti travel; lived and worked most of my adult life overseas from Peace Corps, INGO and US Diplomat.
8
The epilogue in 20 yrs will likely be consistent with many others. There are excellent documentaries about this. The hindsight common denominator....
The children exposed to this lifestyle wind up doing the opposite - living the 9-5 life, providing their kids with an overreactive foundation of societal "normalcy" to compensate for their untraditional upbringing. Others long for lost perceived times that their peers "enjoyed" feeling they prevented from opportunities otherwise available.
Hopefully after these particular children are toddlers, they will take the wheels off their moving house, integrate the children to societal "norms" to provide perspective for their growth.
The children exposed to this lifestyle wind up doing the opposite - living the 9-5 life, providing their kids with an overreactive foundation of societal "normalcy" to compensate for their untraditional upbringing. Others long for lost perceived times that their peers "enjoyed" feeling they prevented from opportunities otherwise available.
Hopefully after these particular children are toddlers, they will take the wheels off their moving house, integrate the children to societal "norms" to provide perspective for their growth.
1
An enhanced Facebook post is not what I pay my monthly subscription for.
21
I must say, I agree. I opened this post and, while the photos are beautiful, I was surprised at how little "meat" there was to the essay.
We were very lucky and could afford to take our children (and did) with us during our many traveling adventures when our children were this young. The problem, which did not occur to us when the children were this young, is that they do not remember any of this when they reach adulthood. Our three children are grown and only seem to remember our travels after they were about 10-12 years. This has been enlightening to us. I often wonder if they would have benefited more from time spent with their grandparents while my husband and I were off seeing the world. The grandparents would have loved it, and the children would have too. Now that we are the grandparent age- I believe we should have been more forward thinking.
9
A wonderful reminder of the spectacular natural world out there. Thanks.
3
I visited Chiapas, Guatemala, Belize and Costa Rica during the 1980s, always on the cheap, always going to the places where most people don't go. For the most part it was a wonderful experience. Unfortunately I don't think I would travel most of the region today.
Last summer my wife and I decided to do a year travel the world. We started in rural Panama (where I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer, same little village). We have two children, nine and seven, and I tell you it was tough. Boredom set in after a few weeks, and then we noticed everything that could bite, sting, eat our children (in lowland Central America), and we freaked out. We had planned on running our business from wherever, but that idea quickly dissolved as the internet would go out, then the electricity, then the phones, then the bus service, etc. So, after two months we finally were honest and said "We tried, let's go home.". I truly am proud of anyone who can pull this off, with children. We may take another shot at it one day...maybe.
11
This is absolutely fantastic. There are many ways to raise a child and I believe this could be one of the most fantastic and rewarding as a family group. Not only is this child more worldly than some of us will ever be, she is also growing up in a way unlike any other which will reap her some hardships but many benefits. Yes, she may miss the fun social aspect of the playground with her kindergarten mates if she was in regular school but when you are in the Amazon basin talking to the locals there, who is to say that what this family is doing is just as good if not better than raising her traditionally?
1
What a wonderful trip; thanks for sharing. Hope you find more time next time you show up in Bolivia, as its beauty is limitless...in spite of its political drawbacks.
1
What do these people do to afford it again??
2
I'm more familiar with the ocean cruising community, where many subsist on writing books, periodical, articles, essays like this one, tutorials, even online presence like blogs and YouTube. Some freelance their skills from place to place - IT, mechanic, etc. I have good retirement savings, a condo that I will rent that will allow me to live aboard my small sailboat next year that will blow me to my next adventures. One can keep costs quite low while living a rich experience.
You will find you can also obtain excellent and extremely low cost health care in many locations abroad.
After eking out a living in NYC for two decades, I still ask myself, how do New Yorkers afford it? But they manage.
You will find you can also obtain excellent and extremely low cost health care in many locations abroad.
After eking out a living in NYC for two decades, I still ask myself, how do New Yorkers afford it? But they manage.
4
They travel in a budget manner. Anyway, what difference does it make???
2
One thing they do is buy textiles-rugs--all sorts of things from the villages they visit and then they will periodically have an online sale. They have a lot of followers on their blog and Instagram
1
And how are the children going to develop the social skills of interacting , forming friendships, with other kids?
1
Kids' early development, social skills and learning are based on modeling who and what they are surrounded by - at no point in this article was there mention or implication of witholding all social interaction with other people, but rather they mention a number of interesting interactions. When you spend massive amounts of time with kids immersing them in all of the conversations and relationships you have, they learn and they learn how to be a kid who can engage with both people and the world around them. Bravo to this family and I hope this inspires more families to enjoy the experience of life, no matter where it is.
8
I never said there was withholding of all social interaction.
However:
On a trip like that the "modeling" cannot be too significant, since there are no lasting, or repeated contacts. Kids need to associate with other kids, get to know them, form friendships, learn experiencing conflicts. Not much of that is going to happen when the contact is fleeting.
However:
On a trip like that the "modeling" cannot be too significant, since there are no lasting, or repeated contacts. Kids need to associate with other kids, get to know them, form friendships, learn experiencing conflicts. Not much of that is going to happen when the contact is fleeting.
1
Wonderful photos. It would be nice to have real captions. Lucky you to be able to do such traveling.
2
This family road trip seems like a fine way to have fun and to spend time with your small children. There are many comments here -- sometimes envious, sometimes angry, sometimes just curious -- about how the Harteaus can afford a family life on the road. The question is natural and I wish the article had addressed it.
I looked at the Harteaus' blog -- http://ouropenroad.com/about/ -- and an article from the NY Times 4 years ago -- http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/31/garden/van-base-with-fan-base.html?mcu.... These make it clear that the Harteaus are not rich. Rather, they seem to be middle-class folk who are professional travellers, making a (probably) modest living through group funding, corporate sponsorship, and the like. It seems to me a legitimate way to make a living -- though it is not what I would choose for myself.
The children look gorgeous and happy. Good luck to the whole family!
I looked at the Harteaus' blog -- http://ouropenroad.com/about/ -- and an article from the NY Times 4 years ago -- http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/31/garden/van-base-with-fan-base.html?mcu.... These make it clear that the Harteaus are not rich. Rather, they seem to be middle-class folk who are professional travellers, making a (probably) modest living through group funding, corporate sponsorship, and the like. It seems to me a legitimate way to make a living -- though it is not what I would choose for myself.
The children look gorgeous and happy. Good luck to the whole family!
23
I want to like this, but I cannot.
It is great to give this to their children. To blabber about it in photo essays is the problem I have with it.
There is a strange, maybe perverse, narcism that drips from every paragraph, infuses every photograph. For someone supposedly interested in the natural world too many sentences have a WE in it, too many photographs show the author, their family, their vehicle.
People have searched for different ways to live forever. They used to just do it, rather than gild their experience for the NYT or some photo blog.
On my world travels I met dozens of people more interesting with more interesting experiences than these folks.
Millenial self-broadcasting parading as enlightened living.
It is great to give this to their children. To blabber about it in photo essays is the problem I have with it.
There is a strange, maybe perverse, narcism that drips from every paragraph, infuses every photograph. For someone supposedly interested in the natural world too many sentences have a WE in it, too many photographs show the author, their family, their vehicle.
People have searched for different ways to live forever. They used to just do it, rather than gild their experience for the NYT or some photo blog.
On my world travels I met dozens of people more interesting with more interesting experiences than these folks.
Millenial self-broadcasting parading as enlightened living.
49
These kids are extremely young. How will they ever remember this world school experience? The mom must've had a couple of babies on the road as well.
2
A lot of cynics here. They appear to live in a van, moving around at a slow pace, in developing countries. The biggest obstacle is overcoming your own mental blockers about the possibility of such a lifestyle.
$0 rent
$0 electricity
$0 car payments
$0 Netflix
Big commitment.
$0 rent
$0 electricity
$0 car payments
$0 Netflix
Big commitment.
28
No 'spit' there are a lot of cynics here! I've traveled in South America and Southeast Asia on about $1500 a month or less.
1
Well said Derek. I can see the children of the cynics with their face and entire world buried in a tiny cell phone screen. Unfortunately we live in a society that lives to work to pay never ending bills and maybe do a little living two weeks a year, instead of working to live a bit more as many in Europe do.
The most appealing thing of the lifestyle depicted is not contributing one's life to work for the enrichment of those at the top.
The most appealing thing of the lifestyle depicted is not contributing one's life to work for the enrichment of those at the top.
2
$0 income, and $0 socked away for retirement (or the kids' college, but maybe their stories of life on the road will earn them scholarships--or jobs without the degree requirement?). All sounds great, and greatly self-indulgent.
Awesome , send yourself and kids out into the bush!!, especilally useful when they get a bit "feral'- Mother Nature is the answer , not Snapchat! (though they may go back to that). In Canada you can also, hopefully, send them treeplanting, ... months in the bush-- Reality Writ Large; other (odd, wonderful) people, clearcuts, gorgeous vistas, lotsa bugs ...wildlife!. Get out there, it doesn't have to be exotic or expensive.
3
I would love to do this a fraction of my time. In reality, my company would not even let me take more than two weeks vacation at a stretch. Even that means I spend 40 hrs each way to gets to my parents.
One would need a sponsor or be Welty to accomplish to support such life style.
One would need a sponsor or be Welty to accomplish to support such life style.
It is amazing how cheaply one can travel when their biggest expense is fuel and food. Young people from Europe, Australia and New Zealand travel, often for year at a time, around South America and Asia on tight budgets. It's not that expensive when you give up "the American Plan".
1
Sorry, don't Instagram, don't Facebook, don't Twit. These kids are how old? Still nursing to almost able to tie her own shoes. I have fewer than five memories of my existence during those years, and, to be honest, I can't swear I didn't imagine or dream them at some time in my adolescent years. None of them involve scenery. If this is really "for the kids" you are wasting their time and your money. Children need other children like bread dough needs yeast to rise to their true potential.
25
You are ruining your children.
:-)
Kind of.
I speak from experience, you see. I grew up in South America, and the country of my birth rewarded the accident of my birth location with a childhood full of eye candy to devour. From the majestic violet mountains, to the sparkling azure of the Caribbean to the sparkling white sandy beaches---my childhood was a kaleidoscope of natural beauty.
Then we move to NJ......and I have been complaining ever since. In fact, like Scrooge, I have made my complaining an absolute hallmark of my personality. I have been in NJ close to 40 years and only recently did I grudgingly admit that i kind of liked it.
I said "kind of".......
So be forewarned. Live human children should not be exposed to that much natural beauty before the age of 10--especially if there are plans to then despot said children in a decoratively challenged area, like say, Trenton. That is a very cruel thing to do.
It's like sensory deprivation and your children may never forgive you.
So if and when you return to the States, consider San Diego. Or Seattle. Or Colorado. Or somewhere where the earth rises up to meet the sky, and colors are never fully dulled by gray winters......
:-)
Kind of.
I speak from experience, you see. I grew up in South America, and the country of my birth rewarded the accident of my birth location with a childhood full of eye candy to devour. From the majestic violet mountains, to the sparkling azure of the Caribbean to the sparkling white sandy beaches---my childhood was a kaleidoscope of natural beauty.
Then we move to NJ......and I have been complaining ever since. In fact, like Scrooge, I have made my complaining an absolute hallmark of my personality. I have been in NJ close to 40 years and only recently did I grudgingly admit that i kind of liked it.
I said "kind of".......
So be forewarned. Live human children should not be exposed to that much natural beauty before the age of 10--especially if there are plans to then despot said children in a decoratively challenged area, like say, Trenton. That is a very cruel thing to do.
It's like sensory deprivation and your children may never forgive you.
So if and when you return to the States, consider San Diego. Or Seattle. Or Colorado. Or somewhere where the earth rises up to meet the sky, and colors are never fully dulled by gray winters......
13
These cynical comments are insane and have no basis in reality!!!!
1
It is infuriating for the NY Times and other upscale publications to continually spew out puff pieces like the Hurteau's photo essay that only act to extoll the exploits of a man or a woman or a family as they go on an elitist, self-indulgent exploration of a region or a country or the world!
Maybe back in the age of exploration when there was real risks, including death, could one see some merit in such a journey. It could even be forgiven up through the 19th when travelogues were the only way people could know about such exotic places. But, now, in 2017, with our ability to use the internet to see everything remotely, there is no reason for anyone to be traveling the world on "road trips" to "discover" the world. Stay home and watch NatGeo! Your whimsical fancy is, along with over population, destroying our planet!
Think about it:
pre-15th Century: <600 million humans
15th-18th Century: Growing towards 1 billion humans
1804: 1 billion humans
1927: 2 billion humans
Now: Over 7 billion humans
Travel - and self-indulgent travel - is the most heinous form of eco-destruction in our wold today as we face overpopulation and resource depletion. The Harteaus, the NY Times and everyone involved in this travel porn should be castigated for their indulgence, not lauded with this grotesque photo essay.
For shame! For shame!
Maybe back in the age of exploration when there was real risks, including death, could one see some merit in such a journey. It could even be forgiven up through the 19th when travelogues were the only way people could know about such exotic places. But, now, in 2017, with our ability to use the internet to see everything remotely, there is no reason for anyone to be traveling the world on "road trips" to "discover" the world. Stay home and watch NatGeo! Your whimsical fancy is, along with over population, destroying our planet!
Think about it:
pre-15th Century: <600 million humans
15th-18th Century: Growing towards 1 billion humans
1804: 1 billion humans
1927: 2 billion humans
Now: Over 7 billion humans
Travel - and self-indulgent travel - is the most heinous form of eco-destruction in our wold today as we face overpopulation and resource depletion. The Harteaus, the NY Times and everyone involved in this travel porn should be castigated for their indulgence, not lauded with this grotesque photo essay.
For shame! For shame!
8
I can only see your point if you travel to the far side of the world only to feast at a McDonalds and shop at the same stores one finds at the local mall.
I'll indulge myself sailing around the world while you burn fossil fuels in traffic jams as you go to work to make your employer wealthier, eat global warming beef hamburgers, heat, cool, refrigerate and illuminate your living space and idly watch TV.
Fortunately observing the world second hand through NatGeo (or FOX!) is sufficient for most people. But some of us want to experience the real thing - like experiencing an eclipse, something that NatGeo and other second hand sources cannot come close to conveying the true experience that is worth chasing around the world.
Overpopulation is certainly something that has to be addressed, but as it is crucial to human economic greed, it will continue to grow at an unsustainable pace. A few of us - wealthy and not - are striving to witness and experience the beauty of the world while it is still there and while the rest of humanity is busy actively destroying it.
I'll indulge myself sailing around the world while you burn fossil fuels in traffic jams as you go to work to make your employer wealthier, eat global warming beef hamburgers, heat, cool, refrigerate and illuminate your living space and idly watch TV.
Fortunately observing the world second hand through NatGeo (or FOX!) is sufficient for most people. But some of us want to experience the real thing - like experiencing an eclipse, something that NatGeo and other second hand sources cannot come close to conveying the true experience that is worth chasing around the world.
Overpopulation is certainly something that has to be addressed, but as it is crucial to human economic greed, it will continue to grow at an unsustainable pace. A few of us - wealthy and not - are striving to witness and experience the beauty of the world while it is still there and while the rest of humanity is busy actively destroying it.
1
You might consider that this couple and their children are inspiring others to seek out information on other parts of the world and to care, yes actually care, about Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, etc. Also, this couple is helping the impoverished people in other countries by spending dollars while traveling.
1
I like the idea, but I remember very little about my life before I was 5. I think the kids would have a more enlightening experience after they're a bit older.
7
Nice way to raise a family! There are many similar families that cruise oceans around the world in modestly sized and equipped sailing yachts with extensive documentation online of their lives. It is great to see it is also done on land.
Life is too short, so it is impressive to see these kids starting their adventures and learning so early in life.
Amazing photos! Thank you!
Life is too short, so it is impressive to see these kids starting their adventures and learning so early in life.
Amazing photos! Thank you!
7
I'm not sure why people feel this lifestyle is only possible for the 1%. A few years of savings on US income would go a long way in SA.
However, it would come with accepting a lot of risks and sacrifices of comfort if you aren't very well off. The article is disingenuous for not pointing that out.
However, it would come with accepting a lot of risks and sacrifices of comfort if you aren't very well off. The article is disingenuous for not pointing that out.
6
Beautiful. I remember Adam Harteau's paintings from the late 90's in Los Angeles- they were unforgettable. Glad to see you're still living in beauty.
4
If you strip down your cost of living, you can do this without a lot of money:
Month to month leases that can be traded out for $70/mo storage units, willingness to sleep in your vehicle (free) or eagerness to hike out to a campsite ($0-10/night). Cooking on a portable stove instead of relying on foodservice to be your personal chef. Having a month-to-month data plan only used when on the road / otherwise using monthly minutes and wifi. And justifying all of your material purchases and not buying unnecessary things that don't improve your life.
It's totally possible, and within reach for the non-rich.
Month to month leases that can be traded out for $70/mo storage units, willingness to sleep in your vehicle (free) or eagerness to hike out to a campsite ($0-10/night). Cooking on a portable stove instead of relying on foodservice to be your personal chef. Having a month-to-month data plan only used when on the road / otherwise using monthly minutes and wifi. And justifying all of your material purchases and not buying unnecessary things that don't improve your life.
It's totally possible, and within reach for the non-rich.
8
True!
I believe that those who knee-jerk straight to the "well...they must be rich and I am not so how can I do this?" position are not of the spirit that would do it in the first place. If a barrier is the first thing a person notices when they read this article, then how many other barriers would one see if he/she DID have the money?
Now...doing this with small children? Wow, touche' I must say and hats off to these parents!
We tried this last summer, my wife and I and two small children, and boy did reality hit us like a ton of bricks. Instead of fighting this (like I am sure these people have many times) we simply came back to Arizona and our house, put our kids back in school, and decided on smaller, shorter road trips as opposed to a "travel the world!" idea. That has worked for us...for now.
Jim in Arizona
I believe that those who knee-jerk straight to the "well...they must be rich and I am not so how can I do this?" position are not of the spirit that would do it in the first place. If a barrier is the first thing a person notices when they read this article, then how many other barriers would one see if he/she DID have the money?
Now...doing this with small children? Wow, touche' I must say and hats off to these parents!
We tried this last summer, my wife and I and two small children, and boy did reality hit us like a ton of bricks. Instead of fighting this (like I am sure these people have many times) we simply came back to Arizona and our house, put our kids back in school, and decided on smaller, shorter road trips as opposed to a "travel the world!" idea. That has worked for us...for now.
Jim in Arizona
1
It's not about the cost of living, it's about the need to deal with what is essentially 5-year gap in your resume.
2
We work full-time professional jobs but try to make at least a few weeks a year for international adventures. It used to be just us hitchhiking in Central America or catching midnight trains in Malaysia, and now we travel with our 6 year old son and 22 month old daughter. We just returned from a few weeks in South Africa and Mozambique. Traveling with kids is not always easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Especially with our son, we can see him grow and understand more about the world by the day. Kids benefit tremendously from these experiences and learn to make new friends as they go.
9
I am all in favor of families taking their kids on the road for an extended trip. What I can't understand is why the Times would make this story a featured article on the website, basically giving free publicity to someone's travel blog. And I agree with a previous post about the picture perfect view presented. The narrative comes across as smug and predictable, rather than engaging. Travel with kids is hard sometimes, but that is also what makes it interesting.
36
Should they have talked bout each family member's diarrhea? Not everybody can do this sort of trip. It's not about comfort and poolside drinks with little umbrellas. Wanna know who comes across as smug? You!!
2
I feel for the kids. from the parents perspective this is an adventure they should cherish. but in retrospect, I imagine the kids will feel the lack of stability and community in their lives and feel disconnected. this makes me sad.
10
How do I make the sound of a 'raspberry'? Well, one is going out to you!
2
Really great. Go for it.
4
It is strange to read about this family's marvelous adventure and the lovely photographs and see so many questioning remarks. In my 20s, my wife and I and our children had very little money, yet we managed to go to many places like national forests in the U.S., lakes which were a mile's hike away, just going to the grocery store can be an adventure and fun, if you welcome it.
I appreciate these parents wish to share with their children the beauties of the natural world. My mother and I used to drive to Yellowstone Park from the Idaho Falls area, and did so several times, from when I was a young boy. Those memories and a few precious pictures have not diminished with age. And they have brought a life long love of the natural world and its wonders.
I appreciate these parents wish to share with their children the beauties of the natural world. My mother and I used to drive to Yellowstone Park from the Idaho Falls area, and did so several times, from when I was a young boy. Those memories and a few precious pictures have not diminished with age. And they have brought a life long love of the natural world and its wonders.
38
Agreed!! What is with the 'liberal' readers of the NYT???
I grew up in the Army and so every year or two we had to move to another base. I was constantly a new student, constantly losing my friends and hoping the old ones remembered me. They usually forgot. It was a painful experience and one that many military kids are scarred by. Children need some stability. A life on the move might be great for adults, but don't assume your kids are doing ok. When they get a little older, stay somewhere and let them be kids.
56
It's nice to have bucks.
31
What a what an amazing way to raise children and live your lives.
You're children will have a perspective that not many people ever to live will have. They will se and learn things about life that you could never do in the "real world", or years sitting in a class room.
I can not believe there are any negative comments on here at all!
Look forward to reading your website.
You're children will have a perspective that not many people ever to live will have. They will se and learn things about life that you could never do in the "real world", or years sitting in a class room.
I can not believe there are any negative comments on here at all!
Look forward to reading your website.
15
I roamed South America for 6 months. It's not safe for children. It's certainly worth the risk for adults, I have no regrets and I wouldn't discourage anyone from doing it, but I am fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and I'll tell you, if you were too and you read their local papers, you'd never go. I think the parents are pretending nothing bad could happen. I hope it doesn't. I'm not a safe nut or one who takes no risks, but I don't think responsible parenting allows for high risk taking. I find this article a bit naive and somewhat in denial of reality.
61
Not safe for children? Children are born there every day and they grow up there. please consider the lens through which you view the world!
18
I've spent over a year in South and Central America and it is safe for children. Did you know that those adults in South America used to be children?
I couldn't disagree with you more. In fact, I'm even confused why you would say this.
I "roamed" South America for seven years and when I started I was 42 and didn't speak any Spanish. I'd bet I was at least, if not more adventurous than you. I met many, many travelers and heard a few stories of trouble, but only a few and they could always be traced back to something foolish the traveler did.
I would highly recommend travel like this with (or without kids). Your life and their will be changed for the better. In a big way.
I "roamed" South America for seven years and when I started I was 42 and didn't speak any Spanish. I'd bet I was at least, if not more adventurous than you. I met many, many travelers and heard a few stories of trouble, but only a few and they could always be traced back to something foolish the traveler did.
I would highly recommend travel like this with (or without kids). Your life and their will be changed for the better. In a big way.
2
the kids would be just as happy to do the same thing in the Ozarks or whatever. but it's always better for kids if the parents are happy.
19
I can barely afford a couple of weeks off in the year. I don't know what to think when I see these articles. I know envy is a bad thing, but with so many struggling now, maybe the NYT can scale back a bit on the good life led by the 1%.
61
This family scrimped and saved for years, sold everything they own, drive a beaten up 1990 VW, and launched a kickstarter campaign to finance their trip. This is hardly the 1%. As they say on their website, a $10 sandwich in NY buys two days of groceries in many countries.
If you're struggling, perhaps you should try not living in the 9th most expensive city in the world, and worry less about material things. Where there's a will, there's a way...
If you're struggling, perhaps you should try not living in the 9th most expensive city in the world, and worry less about material things. Where there's a will, there's a way...
16
It's not always cash. There's a lot of risk taking in countries with weak currencies going on here. The dollar buys a lot south of the border, not still everywhere, but tent pitching isn't that costly. Not everyone can do it, but it isn't the money that's so hard to find for this kind of travel, it's the nerve. The children of course have had that trade off ade for them. I'm against that.
2
Think about their expenses for a minute. Assuming they're not supporting an unused house, or massive storage space back home, it's actually not terribly expensive to live like this at all—a lot less so than living a typical 9 to 5 existence in the U.S. A year or two of saving, and a part-time, online work is all it would take.
One month in you realize how much money we waste on completely unnecessary things in the U.S. on a daily basis.
One month in you realize how much money we waste on completely unnecessary things in the U.S. on a daily basis.
I came back to NYC after spending a couple months down south, really south and all I can say is: Patagonia is certainly pristine and unique. Great photos/adventure Harteau family. Congrats.
If anyone wishes to see more photos about Patagonia: My IG: alexaspensnow.
Cheers to all the travelers and never stop exploring.
If anyone wishes to see more photos about Patagonia: My IG: alexaspensnow.
Cheers to all the travelers and never stop exploring.
9
Alas, the world has an envious way of tearing down the adventurous spirit of those who venture forth where other mortals fear to tread.
For the rest of us, such travels offer boundless inspiration for our own adventures, in whatever way we can find them.
Thanks to the Harteau's for their own own priceless offering!
For the rest of us, such travels offer boundless inspiration for our own adventures, in whatever way we can find them.
Thanks to the Harteau's for their own own priceless offering!
40
Taking children into danger is not an adventurous spirit. Take yourself into any risk you like, but if you choose to have children — you owe them everything. And never the other way around.
5
Arthur, they are not the first, nor hopefully the last, parents to take their children on journeys like this.
No one cares about someone else's vacation pictures. Same concept in relation to youtube, NYT, Reddit, or a spare film festival. Get over yourself.
37
Beautiful shots. Yet as a travel photo "essay," I do not believe this photo fairy tail for one second. You will harvest great images, and I see in the comments you are encouraging us to follow your Instagram and Facebook accounts to build your social media reach.
Anyone with kids knows it isn't one kodak moment after another when you are on the road with very little ones, let alone traveling to remote corners of the world. Yet that what you are trying to portray. Missed opportunity for a genuinely interesting piece.
Anyone with kids knows it isn't one kodak moment after another when you are on the road with very little ones, let alone traveling to remote corners of the world. Yet that what you are trying to portray. Missed opportunity for a genuinely interesting piece.
32
Shameless plug I guess.....
http://www.albaadventures.com/
Work a full time job and try to manage travel. Envious though also realistic. At some point, their kids may want to be at a school too make friends of their own. Until then, I guess keep the journey alive.
http://www.albaadventures.com/
Work a full time job and try to manage travel. Envious though also realistic. At some point, their kids may want to be at a school too make friends of their own. Until then, I guess keep the journey alive.
1
Inspiring and awesome, both the pictures and the intention. Few children are so lucky to have parents brave enough to not coddle them in suburban homes, afraid they may get a bee sting. Looking forward to following your adventures!
22
Curious how you're managing the diaper situation. Dropping disposables all over the world, by chance?
27
Better to stay home and drop them in one place?
WOW! Your children are so fortunate!
10
Just to be clear, I assume this family makes some (or a lot?) of income promoting their lifestyle/blog/other products/art/etc. Seems strange the NYT is basically giving away free advertising space and disingenuous for the family not to mention this while selling their fabulous lifestyle.
I don't begrudge y'all the fabulous lifestyle but let's be honest that this is a tremendous bit of commercial text, not journalism of any kind.
I don't begrudge y'all the fabulous lifestyle but let's be honest that this is a tremendous bit of commercial text, not journalism of any kind.
78
More power to them, if they can monetize it.
6
Ditto. I don't know how to feel about this new van-lifer-supported-by-tagging-products-on-instagram trend. I'm very attracted to the fantasy they promote, but when there's a link to a product they were paid to include in their post it does feel disingenuous, a bit sneaky, and I can't help but feel they're getting paid to permanently vacation.
3
Your photos are incredible. Your journey breathtaking. Enjoy your travels, love, laugh, have fun and look after one another :)
31
This begs a book -- gorgeous photos and compelling mission and great descriptions! Would love to read all about it!!
6
What a fantastic idea to fix the educational system in the US - let *every* family take five or so years to travel the outdoors as you have and teach their children. Is there a method available to fund this sort of thing? How do you apply? Perhaps save for a few years first? What kind of nest egg should I prepare with? Thanks in advance for advice!
8
Avoid debt like the plague that it is. Shot at thrift stores for everything besides underwear and tooth brushes. Cook at home and avoid spending money on $80+ meals out. A good used Honda Civic is cheap and reliable, buy one for cash and never finance a car. For health insurance look at libertyhealthshare.org (it really, really works).
Learn to live on the cheap. Rice and beans are ridiculously cheap and abundant everywhere. Add to that greens and meat once a week and you are good.
Learn a language. Go out this weekend and sleep in a tent. Start small, do little trips outdoors. Learn the art of camping, being efficient, and slowing down.
Good luck!
Learn to live on the cheap. Rice and beans are ridiculously cheap and abundant everywhere. Add to that greens and meat once a week and you are good.
Learn a language. Go out this weekend and sleep in a tent. Start small, do little trips outdoors. Learn the art of camping, being efficient, and slowing down.
Good luck!
Definitely a wonderful education for anyone, given the time and money.
Of course, at some point, the kids should be exposed to some culture and the things -- good and bad -- that humans do. But that can wait.
Enjoy!
Of course, at some point, the kids should be exposed to some culture and the things -- good and bad -- that humans do. But that can wait.
Enjoy!
2
Fabulous! Truly. But how does one afford the gas, the food, clothing ect for this kind of adventure?
39
Hello all!
So pleased to share this photo essay of our travels with you all.
You can follow along on our journey at instagram.com/ouropenroad and on Facebook at @OurOpenRoad, and also read more in depth stories we share at www.ouropenroad.com
Thank you!
So pleased to share this photo essay of our travels with you all.
You can follow along on our journey at instagram.com/ouropenroad and on Facebook at @OurOpenRoad, and also read more in depth stories we share at www.ouropenroad.com
Thank you!
17
Just wondering how you are able to support a life of endless travel.
19
I look forward to your continued posts on your website...I don't do facebook or instagram; however, that could change. A solo life on the road is in my pIan. I commend you on the quality of your writing, your explorations with your children, and the artwork. Adam...are you planning another show in the near future in LA? Your work is good and I have a son in Venice Beach. A huge thanks to the NY Times for this stellar article. Happy, happy healthy trails!!!
3
Wonderful photos and stories! Happy to follow you on IG. We are a full time traveling family too, one year on the road so far @neales_on_wheels
4