Summary

In this episode of the Two Cents podcast, Aaron and Aja Pauls share their experiences of embarking on a long-term family travel adventure, starting from their time in Costa Rica to their current stay in Bangkok. They discuss the challenges of planning such a trip, the adjustments they had to make while living in a new country, and the memorable moments they created with their children and family members who visited them. The conversation highlights the importance of embracing new experiences, overcoming obstacles, and the joy of creating lasting memories while traveling as a family.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Travel Adventure

01:26 The Seed of Travel: Early Conversations

03:15 Catalyst for Change: The Costa Rica Trip

04:55 The Journey Begins: From Canada to Costa Rica

14:43 Transitioning to Local Life in Costa Rica

21:03 Challenges of Adapting to a New Culture

28:23 Finding Comfort in the Uncomfortable

31:47 Weathering the Storm: Coping with Challenges

32:34 Embracing the Elements: A Rainy Adventure

34:52 Challenges of Living in a Small Town

39:15 Transitioning to Jaco: A New Experience

46:59 Family Visits: A Touch of Home

54:12 Reflections on Memorable Experiences

Takeaways

• Traveling as a family has been a long-standing dream for us.
• The idea of living in another country has always intrigued us.
• Planning a long trip involves many challenges, especially with kids.
• We had to sell our house while being away, which was a significant challenge.
• Packing for an unknown duration was difficult; we learned to pack light.
• Adjusting to life in Costa Rica was both exciting and challenging.
• The kids adapted better than we expected to the new environment.
• Finding community and social interactions was easier in Jaco than in Samara.
• Family visits during our travels created unforgettable memories.
• Traveling has deepened our appreciation for different cultures and experiences.