A Jungle in Sumatra, a Lighthouse in Nicaragua, and What Traveling With Your Kids Teaches That School Can't

Think traveling the world with kids is too complicated, too expensive, or just… not realistic? This episode might change your mind. I'm joined by Rebecca Ryell, a family travel coach, travel podcast host, doctor, and mom of three boys, who has spent the past 25 years figuring out how to make long-term, meaningful family travel actually doable. We start with the moment that hooked her on travel for good: getting rescued by fishermen at 18 after she and a friend ran out of fresh water on a trek gone sideways. It's the first of a lot of stories like it in this conversation. Strangers paying her ferry fare home when the money ran out. Neighbors feeding her cats while she's away. Families across five continents opening their homes to people they'd never met. Rebecca has spent 25 years collecting proof that people are kinder than the news would have you believe, and it's changed how she travels with her own kids. We also get into how she and her family have pulled this off logistically, from road-tripping across the U.S. in an RV to living in the jungle in Sumatra, all while raising three boys. One of the biggest game changers? HomeExchange. Rebecca breaks down exactly how it works, why it makes travel more affordable, and how it lets families live like locals instead of just visiting. Think staying in real neighborhoods, connecting with locals, and having experiences you simply can't get from a hotel. If you've been dreaming about traveling more with your kids but aren't sure how to make it happen, this episode is full of practical tips and real encouragement to get you started. To read highlights from this interview, plus see photos and read Rebecca's bio, visit my post on The Gomes Guide on Substack here. 👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide. Support the show