How to Start a Nomad Family Life: The Complete Guide to Living Abroad with Kids

May 31, 2025

What Is a Nomad Family?

A nomad family is a family that chooses to live a location-independent lifestyle, often traveling the world while working remotely and homeschooling or worldschooling their children. Instead of settling in one place, nomad families embrace the freedom of movement — living in different countries or regions for weeks, months, or even years at a time.

Related terms: nomad families, nomadic family, digital nomad family, nomad family lifestyle.

Why Choose the Nomadic Family Lifestyle?

Families become nomadic for a variety of reasons:

  • Freedom: Say goodbye to rigid schedules and hello to flexibility.
  • Quality Time: Spend more time together without the distractions of 9-to-5 life.
  • Adventure: Explore new cultures, foods, and landscapes as a family.
  • Affordability: Many families find it cheaper to live abroad than at home.
  • Alternative Education: Embrace homeschooling, worldschooling, or unschooling.

Challenges of Raising Kids on the Road

While the nomadic lifestyle offers many benefits, it also comes with unique challenges:

  • Logistics: Visas, housing, transportation, and internet access.
  • Education: Choosing a method that works for your kids.
  • Healthcare: Accessing medical care in different countries.
  • Community: Finding and building friendships on the move.
  • Work-Life Balance: Managing remote work while parenting. Learn to set up your won nomad family office.

How to Prepare for Nomadic Family Life

1. Build a Remote Income Stream

Remote work is the cornerstone of nomad life. Options include:

2. Downsize and Digitize

Minimize belongings and go paperless. Use tools like:

  • Google Drive
  • Notion
  • Cloud photo storage

Check out our complete guide to packing for long-term family travel.

3. Choose Destinations Wisely

Start with family-friendly countries known for safety, healthcare, and affordability. Examples:

  • Portugal
  • Mexico
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Spain

Learn more about the best family destinations.

4. Plan Your Kids’ Education

Explore:

  • Homeschooling
  • Online curriculums
  • Worldschooling
  • Unschooling

Use resources like:

  • Khan Academy
  • Outschool
  • Local expat learning groups

Learn more about edocation on the move in the blog where we explain the difference between homeschooling, worldschooling and unschooling.

5. Get Insurance and Healthcare Sorted

Look into:

  • International health insurance
  • Local clinics and hospitals
  • Emergency plans

What Daily Life Looks Like for Nomad Families

Nomad family life often follows a flexible rhythm:

  • Mornings: Work and school (remote work, lessons)
  • Afternoons: Exploring the local area
  • Evenings: Family meals, downtime, or local events

Some families live in Airbnbs or long-term rentals. Others travel in vans or campers. The lifestyle can be fast-paced or slow travel, depending on your preferences.

See our guide on how to live in a camper with kids.

Tips for Making It Work

  • Start slow: Test it with a 1–3 month trip.
  • Create routines: Kids thrive with structure, even on the road.
  • Join nomad family communities: Find support and playdates.
  • Use tech: Apps for language, learning, travel, and connection.
  • Stay flexible: Things will go wrong — it’s part of the adventure.

Real Nomadic Families to Follow

Looking for inspiration? Check out these nomadic family YouTube channels and blogs:

  • The Bucket List Family
  • World Travel Family
  • Our Rich Journey
  • Raising Voyagers

Final Thoughts: Is Nomadic Family Life Right for You?

Nomadic family life isn’t for everyone, but for many, it’s a path to greater connection, joy, and freedom. Start small, plan thoughtfully, and know that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you want to travel for a year or make it a lifestyle, the adventure begins with a single step.

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