In this episode of Worldschooling Q&A, Astrid and Clint answer one of the most common questions new families ask: How do I even begin worldschooling? Tell us how to start worldschooling as a family.

Worldschooling Q&A – Episode 5

Hosts: Astrid & Clint, creators of The Wandering Daughter

Title: Episode 5: How do I get started with worldschooling?

Episode summary

Clint and Astrid break down the process of how to start worldschooling into simple, actionable steps—starting with weekend getaways, connecting with worldschooling communities, and engaging with like-minded families. From baby steps like exploring a new neighborhood to diving deep with books, hubs, or online courses, they share how any family can move toward a worldschooling lifestyle in a way that fits their goals and comfort level.

You’ll also hear about some great resources, including helpful books, Facebook groups, and guided courses to support your journey.

First step for how to start worldschooling: start small!

When families ask us how to start worldschooling, the first answer we give is often the simplest: start small! 

You don’t need to quit your job or sell your house to begin learning through travel. Small, intentional experiences can help you ease into this new way of seeing the world together.

Begin close to home

One of the most approachable ways to learn how to start worldschooling is by exploring nearby. Try booking a short stay in a new neighborhood or small town within driving distance. Stay in a local home instead of a hotel to get a sense of daily life, shop at local markets, visit nearby parks, or enjoy a family walk through new streets. These micro-adventures help you test what it feels like to live, not just vacation, somewhere new.

Practice living like locals

When thinking about how to start worldschooling, focus on experiences that mimic real life rather than tourism. Cook your own meals, take public transportation, and observe how people in that location spend their days. This perspective helps kids learn that the world isn’t divided into “home” and “vacation” but is full of communities with routines and traditions of their own.

Build confidence step by step

You don’t need to plan a year-long trip to learn how to start worldschooling. Start with weekend trips, then expand to week-long or month-long stays as you gain confidence. The goal is to learn at your own pace and adapt as a family. Every small step brings you closer to building a lifestyle centered on curiosity and connection.

Learn how to start worldschooling from other families

A big part of learning how to start worldschooling is realizing you’re not alone. Thousands of families around the world are already traveling, learning, and growing together. 

Building relationships within this community can help you learn practical tips and feel supported on your journey.

Join worldschooling groups

When you’re figuring out how to start worldschooling, one of the easiest and most valuable steps is joining Facebook or online communities. Groups like Responsible Family Travel, We Are Worldschoolers, or Trailblazing Families are great starting points. You can also find destination-specific groups (for example, search “worldschooling in Thailand” before you go to Thailand or “worldschooling Spain” before visiting Spain) to connect with families where you plan to travel. These spaces are filled with shared wisdom, from budgeting tips to local recommendations.

Learn from shared interests

As you explore how to start worldschooling, look for groups that align with your family’s interests or values. There are communities for families with teens, gamers, eco-conscious travelers, and those focused on sustainable and ethical travel. These smaller circles can help you find advice and encouragement tailored to your lifestyle.

Meet families in real life

Digital connections can easily turn into in-person friendships. If you’re ready to take a step further in how to start worldschooling, search for families in your area who share your goals. Post a message in a local group asking if anyone wants to meet up. Chances are, you’ll find someone nearby who’s already traveling or planning to. Most worldschoolers love sharing their experiences.

Resources for how to start worldschooling

Once you’ve taken your first trips and met like-minded families, the next phase in learning how to start worldschooling is expanding your knowledge. 

Books, in-person gatherings, and guided courses can help you move from dreaming to doing.

Read about other families’ journeys

When researching how to start worldschooling, books can offer both inspiration and practical guidance. Zelie Pollan’s Hit the Road: A Badass Mom’s Guide for Families Who Want to Travel blends real stories with step-by-step advice for beginning the lifestyle. The book Wonder Year shares detailed insights from families who have already made the leap. My own ebook, Hey Kids, Let’s Go Travel, walks families through everything from budgeting to homeschooling on the road. These resources remind us that there’s no single “right” way to worldschool, only the one that works for your family.

Join a worldschooling hub

A growing trend for families exploring how to start worldschooling is joining worldschooling hubs. These are temporary communities where traveling families meet up in one location. 

Some are informal, like families gathering in Guatemala or southern Spain for a few months. Others are structured, offering accommodation, meals, and shared activities. Some of our favorites are Anahata in Mexico, and the Worldschool Pop-Up Hubs, which happen around the world.

Hubs let kids make friends with peers who are also learning from the world, and they give parents space to connect with others living this lifestyle.

Enroll in a guided course

If you’re looking for hands-on guidance on how to start worldschooling, consider a coaching program or structured course. Lizz Quain’s Trailblazing Families course, for example, walks parents through a 12-week process of preparing for long-term travel. It helps families transition from idea to action, covering everything from finances to family dynamics. For those who want more accountability and a sense of community, this can be a transformative next step.

Creating a lifestyle that fits your family

Learning how to start worldschooling isn’t about following someone else’s blueprint, it’s about designing a lifestyle that reflects your family’s values and comfort level. 

Whether you begin with short stays or jump into long-term travel, what matters most is being intentional about how you learn and connect along the way.

Start with friends or familiar faces

Some of the best lessons in how to start worldschooling happen when families travel together. Partner with friends or relatives for a short trip and see what it’s like to share a space while navigating a new culture. Our family once rented a house in Mexico for a month with another family, and the shared experience deepened both our friendships and our learning.

Nurture a spirit of openness

However you choose to begin, remember that there’s no gatekeeping in this community. Everyone’s path to worldschooling looks different. What unites us is a desire to see the world with curiosity, respect, and responsibility. As you explore how to start worldschooling, remember that openness is a helpful mindset that can turn every trip into an opportunity for growth.

Submit your worldschooling questions here!

Episode guide

Start small, start local

• You don’t need to travel the world right away—try a weekend stay in a new neighborhood.
• Focus on experiences like grocery shopping, walking, and local exploring.

Connect with community

• Join worldschooling Facebook groups by destination, style, or age group.
• Reach out to local or online families—you’ll find most are eager to help.

Learn from books and videos

• Astrid recommends books like Hit The Road!: A Badass Mom's Guide For Families Who Want To Travel The World by Zelie Pollon and Wonder Year: A Guide to Long-Term Family Travel and Worldschooling by Julie Frieder, Angela Heisten, Annika Paradise.
• Astrid's gap year ebook, Hey Kids, Let’s Go Travel! is a practical guide to getting started.

Explore hubs and courses

• Worldschooling hubs bring families together in locations like Spain or Guatemala.
• Courses like Trailblazing Families help guide your transition to full-time travel.

Travel with friends

• Rent a house for a month with another family to test the waters.
• It’s a great way to combine community with travel.

Chapters

00:00:00 – Introduction and welcome

00:01:11 – Today’s question: How do I get started with worldschooling?

00:01:40 – First step: Read Astrid’s article on getting started

00:02:00 – Start small: local getaways and neighborhood exploration

00:02:56 – Why staying in a house (not hotel) helps shift mindset

00:04:16 – Join Facebook groups to find community and support

00:05:16 – Big groups vs. local and niche worldschooling groups

00:05:42 – Niche groups by travel style, kids’ ages, and values

00:06:14 – Astrid’s group for ethical and sustainable travel

00:06:34 – Reach out to people locally or online to learn more

00:07:44 – No gatekeeping: worldschooling is open to everyone

00:08:13 – Introverted? Start with books and videos

00:08:37 – Book recs: Hit the Road, Wonder Year, and Astrid’s ebook

00:09:34 – Moving beyond research: courses and hubs

00:10:26 – What are worldschooling hubs and how do they work?

00:11:19 – All-inclusive hub options and organic meetups

00:12:08 – Why meeting other families builds connection

00:12:41 – Trailblazing Families: a 12-week launch course

00:14:20 – Try co-traveling with friends as a low-risk step

00:14:56 – Final thoughts and ways to connect

Further worldschooling resources

• 11 helpful tips for how to become a worldschooling family
• 45 valuable worldschooling resources for families
• What is worldschooling? Top 15 essential facts for famlies

Support the podcast

• Join The Wandering Daughter on Patreon for episode transcripts, extra resources, and live office hours with Astrid and Clint.
• Follow and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
• Leave a five-star review to help others discover the podcast.
• Submit your worldschooling questions to our podcast page.

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