What if your spouse simply wants to stay home, with you and be a family or maybe go on holiday all together? You're projecting.

@Wildman no thats is not what I am saying, All I say is family comes first (at all costs) also I was referring to extended trips, I think trips like Farawayman is actually very healthy & it is good to have short holidays apart as long as it is balanced.

Paul

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....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au

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!

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

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

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)