International travel has been one of the most transformative aspects of my life, shaping not only how I approach my personal relationships but also how I view the world and my role within it. For my wife, Erica, and me, travel has become more than a luxury; it’s an intentional act that fosters growth, strengthens our marriage, educates our children, and even enhances our professional lives. Over the past seven years, we’ve visited Portugal, Iceland, Spain, Scotland, England, Ecuador, Peru, France, Mexico, and Nicaragua. These adventures have been pivotal moments in our lives: we were engaged in Portugal, married in Iceland, and embarked on countless journeys with our children, regardless of their ages. While many people comment on how challenging it must be to travel with kids, I wouldn’t trade those experiences for the world. The lessons we’ve learned as a family are invaluable and have profoundly impacted our way of living.

Strategic Location Selection: The Method to Our Madness

When people hear about the variety of destinations we’ve visited, they often assume our choices are random or purely for sightseeing. But the truth is, we put a lot of thought into picking our travel destinations. Each location is chosen with intention, whether it’s proximity to a family friend, ease of navigation, or the opportunity for an immersive cultural experience.

For example, our trip to Spain wasn’t just about seeing the iconic landmarks in Barcelona or Madrid. We stayed in a small town where we could interact with locals, shop at neighborhood markets, and eat authentic, homemade cuisine. Similarly, in Peru, we opted to stay in Pisac, a mountain town where we could experience the daily rhythm of Andean life. By choosing locations strategically, we ensure that every trip deepens our understanding of the world while making logistics manageable for our family.

Involving the Kids in the Journey

Traveling with children has been a cornerstone of our approach to intentional living. While it might seem daunting to include kids in every adventure, we’ve found that involving them in the process not only makes the trips smoother but also enriches their lives in ways that traditional education cannot. Our children are active participants in the planning process. We study maps together, point out countries on the globe, and talk about their unique cultures, histories, and traditions. We’ll share photos, listen to local music, and even attempt to cook traditional dishes from the places we’ll be visiting.

This hands-on, pre-travel preparation builds their excitement and curiosity, giving them a deeper appreciation for the journey ahead. Over time, our children have developed a diverse worldview and an openness to new experiences that are rare for their age. Watching them engage with the world, ask thoughtful questions, and embrace cultural differences has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our travels.

The Beauty of a Flexible Itinerary

One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is to let go of rigid itineraries. Early on in our travels, we realized that sticking to a tight schedule often left us feeling stressed and disappointed if we didn’t check every box on our list. Now, we prioritize flexibility and immersion over the pressure to “see it all.”

Instead of planning out every hour of the day, we establish a “home base” near key attractions and give ourselves the freedom to explore at our own pace. For example, during our time in Scotland, we rented a small cottage outside of Edinburgh. This allowed us to explore the city, hike the nearby hills, and even spend a day simply relaxing as a family without the guilt of “missing out.” By slowing down and focusing on quality over quantity, we’ve been able to fully immerse ourselves in each destination, savoring the local cuisine, culture, and connection.

Reflection and Connection Through Vow Books

One of our most cherished travel traditions is journaling in our vow books. Erica and I started this tradition on our wedding day in Iceland, and it has since become a way for us to reflect on our relationship and our experiences together. Each year, we bring our vow books along on our travels, writing letters to each other about the past year, the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

This practice has deepened our connection as a couple. It’s a way to celebrate our victories, acknowledge our challenges, and express gratitude for each other and the life we’re building together. It also serves as a beautiful record of our journey, both geographically and emotionally, that we can look back on in years to come.

Capturing Memories Intentionally

In the age of smartphones and social media, it’s easy to get caught up in documenting every moment for the sake of likes and shares. But for us, the focus has always been on experiencing the moment rather than capturing it. We’ve made a conscious effort only to take pictures or videos when we feel genuinely moved to do so rather than feeling obligated to document everything.

This approach has resulted in a treasure trove of candid, heartfelt photos and videos. From silly faces and laughter to quiet moments over coffee, these images tell the story of our travels in an authentic way. They’re not posed or curated; they’re snapshots of real, meaningful moments that we’ll cherish forever.

Seeing the World Through Their Eyes

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of traveling with our children is seeing the world through their eyes. Kids have an incredible way of finding wonder in the smallest things, whether it’s chasing pigeons in a Spanish plaza or marveling at the colors of a Peruvian market. Their curiosity and enthusiasm remind us to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us.

Traveling as a family has also taught us valuable lessons about patience, resilience, and adaptability. Not every moment is easy; there are missed flights, unexpected hostel stays, tantrums, and days when nothing seems to go as planned. But those challenges have only strengthened our bond as a family and taught our children the importance of flexibility and perseverance.

The Impact on Personal and Professional Growth

Beyond the personal and familial benefits, international travel has also had a profound impact on my professional growth. As the CEO of Vita Financial, I’ve found that these experiences broaden my perspective, enhance my problem-solving skills, and deepen my understanding of the diverse needs and values of my clients.

Each trip offers new insights that I can apply to my work, whether it’s learning about different economic systems, observing how other cultures approach challenges, or simply gaining a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of our global community. These lessons have made me a better leader and advisor, equipping me to serve my clients with empathy and expertise.

Final Thoughts: An Intentional Life Through Travel

For our family, international travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about living intentionally. It’s about choosing experiences that align with our values, foster growth, and create lasting memories. It’s about teaching our children to be curious, compassionate, and open-minded. And it’s about strengthening our marriage through shared adventures and meaningful reflection.

Yes, traveling with kids can be challenging. Yes, it requires careful planning, flexibility, and sometimes a bit of courage. But the rewards far outweigh the challenges. The lessons we’ve learned, the memories we’ve made, and the perspectives we’ve gained are worth every bit of effort.

As we look forward to future adventures, I’m reminded of how these experiences have shaped us as individuals and as a family. They’ve taught us to be intentional in how we live, to seek connection over convenience, and to find beauty in the journey, not just the destination. And for that, I am profoundly grateful.