[prawn]

Actually, one period that suits a flexible lifestyle is from around 1yo until formal schooling starts. Could start earlier if you weren't fussy about consistent doctor/program/country for checkups and immunisations.

Generally, flights are cheaper before they 2yo. Food is cheaper for small kids. Accommodation is easier. Go now!

We did a trip to Europe and Morocco with our first child before he was 1. When our third was about the same age, we gutted/converted a bus and drove around the US for 2-3 months. Both of us have had fairly normal jobs throughout, and the three kids have had a pretty typical educational pathway (bit of childcare, kindergarten, school).

It gets harder the deeper into school they go IMO.

[RileyJames]

Nice! I’m going to live by this wisdom. I’ve done plenty of solo/partner travel in the past, but with a kid on the way, I thought those days might be over.

But you’re saying I have 5 precious years left. I will spend them wisely. Thank you!

[prawn]

You have more than five years, but realistically five years of being able to do long trips without fretting about school hassles. How you survive long trips with a young kid is a different thing! At the early ages, you are travelling largely for yourselves, and the children are challenging baggage. Can be helpful to time trips when you're paying out most for childcare ($100+/day where we are) rather than public kindergarten/school which are cheaper.

From 3-4+ they'll have fond memories of your adventures so the balance shifts to the holiday serving all of you.

We have 4-9yo and are about to do a 2-3 month trip. This will be the first major trip where all three of them will have a decent idea of where we are, what we're doing, and the memories of each place.

You have to make the travel happen though otherwise the routine of schooling and work will have its way!

[sizzle]

Super cool, I bet they really enjoyed the adventure. Hats off to you for taking the road less traveled.