Around the World: A Family’s Bold Leap Into Global Exploration
Margaret Bensfield Sullivan once imagined world-traveling families as free-spirited adventurers. They had babies strapped to their backs and posed for selfies at roadside noodle stands. That image felt distant. Nevertheless, everything changed when she and her family embarked on a journey. It shattered her own preconceptions and redefined their lives.
Margaret left behind the bustling corporate world of New York City. She did this with her husband Teddy, a former baseball player, and their two young children, Willa and James. They traded routines for passports. Over the course of a year, they journeyed across 29 countries. They proved that adventure isn’t just for the “fringe.” Instead, it is for any family willing to embrace the unknown.
The Catalyst: A Moment in Tanzania
In 2017, a work trip to Tanzania sparked Margaret’s realization. The world is vast, and time is fleeting. Life’s experiences often take a backseat to professional obligations. She returned home with a renewed perspective. She proposed the unthinkable to Teddy. She suggested quitting their jobs and dedicating a year to global exploration. While the idea initially seemed far-fetched, the couple ultimately decided to leap into the unknown.
Planning the trip became an exercise in logistics and courage. They systematically dismantled their lives in New York. They spent nearly eight months canceling bills and saving. They also sketched out a flexible yet structured travel itinerary.
Following the Sun
The Sullivans began their journey in January 2019. They charted a path that followed warm climates. This allowed them to pack light and embrace the seasons. Their journey spanned South America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
From the outset, traveling with children proved challenging. Adjusting plans to accommodate tired feet, snack breaks, and early bedtimes forced the couple to reevaluate their approach to adventure. Yet, these challenges became opportunities to connect more deeply as a family.
“We thought we knew our kids well,” Margaret reflects. But, this trip allowed us to understand their quirks. We learned about their pet peeves and their true personalities. By the end, we were more bonded than ever.”
Transformative Moments
The family’s year-long odyssey was marked by transformative experiences. In Mongolia, they saw the simplicity and richness of rural life while forging connections with local families. Vietnam offered a moving juxtaposition of history and optimism, where youthful energy shaped a welcoming, future-looking culture.
Other highlights included a breathtaking sunset in Indonesia. There was also an awe-inspiring morning at the Great Wall of China. Additionally, they experienced an exhilarating plunge into the Amazon River. These moments—both grand and intimate—left indelible marks on their hearts.
Travel Through a Child’s Eyes
While Margaret and Teddy worried how their young children would handle constant movement, Willa and James adapted with surprising ease. Traveling with kids, Margaret discovered, often opened doors.
“Everywhere we went, people welcomed us with open arms because of our children,” she shares. “The simple act of kicking a ball with strangers or sharing a laugh bridged cultural gaps.”
A Legacy of Adventure
Their journey wasn’t without sacrifices—career transitions, financial adjustments, and the discomfort of stepping away from familiarity. But the rewards far outweighed the costs. The Sullivans returned home with a treasure trove of memories. They built stronger family bonds. They gained a renewed appreciation for the world’s diversity.
Margaret hopes their story inspires other families to reconsider the limits they place on themselves. “Traveling as a family isn’t just possible—it’s transformative,” she says.
Routines often dominate our world. The Sullivans’ story is a reminder: bold leaps can lead to life’s most enriching chapters.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/5a8mZILcoXY?si=6xXNL14iCWbSl-ft
- https://www.cnn.com/travel/follow-the-sun-traveling-with-kids
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://readloud.net/
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