This is the adorable little one right here. Yep, she’s only 10 weeks old—probably the youngest backpacker in the world!
During the trip, Esme grew day by day, and by the end of the journey, she could already stand and sit. Looking at her photos, doesn’t she have the air of a little traveler?
The couple are just ordinary people—Karen is a nurse, and Shaun is a gardener—but they both love traveling so much. Their “maternity leave trip” initially surprised a lot of people, but why let others decide how you should live your life?
They sold their car, rented out their house, packed a suitcase with baby supplies, and set off.
Their trip lasted 10 months, taking them through Ireland, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong… their footsteps covered Asia and Oceania.
▲ Photo in front of the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia
▲ Walking under the sunset in New Zealand
Along the way, they met ostriches, encountered mischievous monkeys, and even made friends with kangaroos.
On the beaches, they sunbathed, surfed, and even went diving to explore underwater, enjoying a rich and colorful experience. The beach wasn’t enough—they also trekked through tropical forests. So much fun!
Of course, on such a long trip, they tried all kinds of transportation—planes, cruise ships, cable cars, and oh, even mom’s bicycle.
Traveling with a little one comes with its challenges—little Esme had her moments of crying too—but the happy times far outweighed the tough ones for this family of three. Seeing the three of them smiling together is truly enviable.
I wonder if foreign parents are all this unique. Coincidentally, a young American mom named Morgan set off into the American wilderness with her daughter just a few months after birth, equipped with climbing gear like harnesses, ropes, and descenders.
Morgan said, “No matter the weather, as long as Hadlie is on my back, the trip can go on.” By the time Hadlie turned one and a half, the mom started teaching her mountain-climbing skills. The little girl was very interested and learned quickly. The mother-daughter duo gradually expanded their camping trips to Hawaii and Mexico.
Morgan said that when her daughter was first born, some people told her, “When the baby arrives, your life is over.” But Morgan didn’t agree with that view.
A child shouldn’t be a shackle on life, but a source of joy. The experiences from traveling may not all be remembered by the child, but they can subtly help shape an open and resilient character, teaching them how to understand the world, make friends, and care for nature. The best education is to read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles.