10 Things We Learned After Taking a Gap Year (with a Toddler)

When we set out on our family gap year—a journey that took us across more than 20 countries with our toddler— our friends thought we were adventurous (or a little crazy) and our families were both supportive and nervous. We wondered how our son would handle it, how we would feel after being gone for an extended period of time, and what challenges we would face along the way.

Looking back, the experience was indescribable and the most rewarding thing we’ve ever done as a family. We grew closer, learned more about the world than we ever could have from a classroom, and discovered so much about ourselves as a family and couple. Here are the 10 biggest lessons we learned after taking a gap year with a toddler.

1. Toddlers are more adaptable than we give them credit for

Our son thrived in environments we thought would be tough—long flights, tiny apartments, unfamiliar foods. He reminded us that kids don’t need perfection; they need love, stability, and a sense of adventure.

2. Routine is portable

We learned to carry bits of routine with us—nap & bedtime rituals, outdoor playtime, and reading books—so that no matter where we landed, he felt at home. A bedtime story in Japan felt the same as one in Italy.

3. Slower travel is better travel

Moving every few days burned us out quickly. Staying in one place for weeks (or even months) gave our toddler the stability he needed, and it gave us time to sink into local life instead of just passing through.

4. Food is the ultimate bridge

Our toddler found joy in new foods, even if he didn’t like them all, he was always willing to try new foods. Dumplings in China, gelato in Italy, fresh fruit smoothies in Thailand—food became the way he engaged with new cultures.

5. Less stuff = less stress

We took enough clothes to cover 7-10 days and packed carry-on only. By month three, we realized we could use even less than we originally bought and left some older clothes along the way. Packing light made us freer, faster, and calmer (bonus: fewer clothes to wash on laundry day). Plus, clothes may be cheaper in other countries.

6. Playgrounds exist everywhere

Some of our favorite memories aren’t of museums or landmarks, but of playgrounds—where our toddler connected instantly with local kids despite language barriers. Play is universal. Not to mention there were some EPIC playgrounds around the world (“The Cow” Playground in Switzerland, “The Moana” playground in New Zealand, and “The “Robot” playground in Japan)

7. Travel days are harder with a toddler—but worth it

Yes, there were meltdowns at airports (especially through security) and sticky hands on trains. But once we arrived, watching our son run through a piazza or squeal on a tuk-tuk ride made it all worth it. *A key requirement we stuck to was flights less than 6 hours (with the exception of our flight from Rome to Singapore, with a layover in Qatar)

8. The world became his classroom

Castles in Scotland, art in Italy, history in France, trains in Japan, temples in Asia, street food in Vietnam, wildlife in Australia, and island life in French Polynesia—every stop offered lessons our toddler absorbed with wide-eyed wonder. We realized travel wasn’t “delaying” learning; it was enriching it in ways no classroom ever could.

9. Sharing the journey with family made it even richer

Along the way, grandparents, siblings, and friends joined us in different countries—wandering castles in the UK, tasting pasta in Italy, or exploring temples in Thailand. Having family experience the cultures alongside us gave our toddler extra joy (and us extra hands & a needed break!) while creating memories we’ll all treasure forever.

10. The gap year doesn’t end when you come home

The biggest lesson? A gap year changes you forever. We came back with a new definition of “home,” a deeper appreciation for time together, and a desire to keep weaving travel into our family’s future.

Final Thoughts

Taking a gap year with a toddler isn’t easy—but it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll learn patience, creativity, and how little you actually need to be happy. Most importantly, you’ll gain priceless memories as a family and show your child a world full of possibility.

If you’re even considering it, take the leap. Your future self (and your toddler-turned-global-citizen) will thank your future self (and your toddler-turned-global-citizen) will thank you.