Untill they became totally independent our girls came first. since we retired we have travelled, 4 long trips in our Defender to Southern Africa. you can never replace family life.

I think that more than 2.5 weeks would be too much for my wife and little girl to handle, and I think I'd miss them too much to be away for much longer.

I would like to do longer trips, but I think I will leave this until a later stage, when there is not so much need for me to be around - then perhaps my wife can get her license and join me

I know that family is far more important than a collection of nuts and bolts assembled in the garage, and one day lying on my deathbed, I'll not be wishing for the nearness of a motorcycle, I'll be wanting my good lady at my side, and the smile of my daughter to carry me through.

Everything in perspective - but one should not forget to grab the moments of passion that this life has to offer, and if a bike trip is it, then work it all into the mosaic of your life.

A good friend once told me "I'm not interested in the what ifs, should haves, could haves , would haves - that is a waste of my time"

He's the kind of guy who just lives it.

His father recently said to me, mate, I've done it all, If I die right now, there are no regrets - my life is now on extra time.

A wonderful thing to hear from someone who grabs the moment and lives it as it happens.

Don't let the desire for a trip fizzle out because you think it's not possible. Create some balance and work for it.

Also those times away together, travelling as a family can build very important bonds between you. There are too many distractions in this world and families too easily become isolated from each other. Travelling forces you together away from everyday distractions and gives you the chance to just be together.

For those of us who started families late (in my 40s) waiting until the kids fly the coop isn't really an option. There's a 30% chance of not even living that long, let alone being able to enjoy travelling.

Also, the world is changing fast. Countries are quickly losing their individual identities and becoming just another place for a MacDonalds and a Tesco so I feel a strong urge to travel while there is something still to see of a different culture that I can't get in my local indian takeaway!

In about a month and a half I leave for 33 days riding up to the Arctic and back, leaving my wife and three boys behind. Midway thru the trip, I will be at the MOA Rally in Salem, Oregon. My wife is flying out to spend four days with me there. She flys back home and I continue with my trip as I work my way back home.

I consider myself very fortunate to have a spouse that understands my need to travel. She has learned to ride and will be joining me on some trips during the next few years. So I am very lucky to have such a wonderful women.

Now that being said, I want to travel, go lots of places, but I want a base to come back to. I want to share as many experiences with my wife as possible. And I consider my family number one priority.

I watched everyone of my friends get married young, many getting a good job and start a family. But many of them have ended in divorce. And most all of them are unhappy.

You spend the first 20 years doing what your parents want to do. Then if you get married, you spend the next 20 - 30 years doing what your family needs/wants you to do. When do you get to do just what you want?

I spent my 20's and 30's doing whatever I wanted to do. I got married the year I turned 40. I did this so I could enjoy a little time for myself. And not affect anyone else. Now that I am married, when I get those feelings that I need to be back on the road, I remind myself that I already had 20 years of that. Now I must consider my family. I had my time already.

So no long long trips for me. Just 30 days or so. But here is the thing. I just had a long talk with a "world traveler". Many of you may know him so I will not say anymore regarding his identity. But he is a bit sad. He chose to spend his life traveling and really has no family now that he is older. No wife, no kids, no one to share his adventures. Did he make the right decision.

Here is what I want you all to tell me. Especially if you are one of those travelers who is out on the road all the time. What will you do when you get old? I mean, too old to travel. What happens when your health goes bad. Who do you turn to to help you, or take care of you? This is the part I don't get.

So for me, I think we should all enjoy traveling as much as we can. But keep that family base. That home base. I think we will all need that some day. And at least for me, I need to to travel. But I need my wife and kids too. I'm nothing without them.

Moggy is absolutely right, undistracted time together is vital. Good thing about travelling is often we don't have all the mobiles and internet at our fingers we have to find it for short periods.

Dan

There's an old saying from ancient times that you only really get to know someone for real when you travel with them.

Just be careful you don't find that your family members aren't who you thought they were

__________________
That concrete whizzing by five inches below your foot is the real thing...

Yeah, I can see that aspect to it. I haven't done much long term travelling lately, mostly due to starting a business/lack of money. When I can, I will travel, the thought of it is sometimes the only thing that drives me on. I kind of accept the fact that I will have no kids, and possibly no wife when I grow old, but then that could happen anyway, if you spent your whole career working 9 till 5.
I kind of think that I will find somewhere as I approach retirement, where life is easier for someone infirm. Somewhere warm, where your not spending most your pension on keeping warm in winter.

There is no question for me, I would go absolutely stark stareing crazy if I had a wife and kids. It would be totally irresponsible of me to put myself in that position. I don't see myself changing any time soon.
I'll just take the risk that I can look after myself in old age.

Aw, but you see, you speak of spending your pension somewhere warm. These people will not have a pension. They have not worked all those years. So where does the money come from to take care of themselves when they are old?

I don't think it's right to just automatically shoot someone down if they suggest spending an extended period away from the their family, wife, kids or whatever etc...

This fairly modern idea of "Family" is just that... Modern....

For MILLENIA, the idea of Husband, wife and kids sitting round the table together was insane, unthinkable and impossible.

Men would traditionally go out and hunt for extended periods, farm distant lands, move cattle, trade at sea, prospect, lumberjack, fight wars, work on oil rigs etc. The list is endless.

So, TRADITIONALLY, staying at home and never being far from your family is not that traditional at all.

Now, I don't have kids so I don't really know what I'm talking about, but If I did, I don't think leaving them in the care of someone else for a couple of months, once a year, isnt going to do any detrimental harm to them. A lot of my friends have to be away from their kids for months on end due to their careers and although times can be tough, their family life is VERY GOOD. Better in fact than the majority of people I know who are tripping over each other every day...

I do truly believe that absence makes the heart grow fonder and creates a great deal of perspective. It can be very healthy for a family.. When done right !


I think finding a balance would be very important...

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

That's an entirely different subject. Surely?

__________________
That concrete whizzing by five inches below your foot is the real thing...

Yeh Ted, I was just gonna mention all those people who have to be away from their kids due to work.

__________________
That concrete whizzing by five inches below your foot is the real thing...

I knew exactly what my dad was like before travelling with him, that's why I had to be physically restrained from burying a shovel in his head!

I personally travelled with my two kids, in a truck for 20 months (jusalulu) and can honestly say that it was the best experience ever, both for me my husband and kids!! despite all the unforseable things it was a great experience and we will certainly be repeating it. Don't forget your dreams. For the kids I think it would be hard for them not to enjoy it.....Full exclusive parent time, new stimulus, new friends etc etc. Don't forget there is a traveling community out there, and my kids had a very sociable time, both with locals and non. For your wife of course i can't say, but as a mother (our kids were the same age as yours when we left) I can honestly say that kids are easier traveling than at home....
Financially of course you have to arrange things. We spent (including 2x shipping, airfares, presents, restaurants,medical fees etc.....everything from home to home ) an average of E1600 a month....
My advice is DO IT........You will feel truly alive, and who knows maybe make some life changing decisions. For us this was definately the case.
P:S: Dont worry about the kids education, what they learn in one year traveling will stay with them for the rest of their lives....unlike many things learnt at school (at least in my case!)

and there is a lot of help available to maintain your kids education on the road I believe that legally in the UK you have to make some provision)