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"The kids came away with a new understanding that people could be happy even in the absence of ‘stuff.’ It doesn’t mean they don’t want ‘stuff’ now, but they now realize they could be happy without it. "
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By Carly Blatt
Photos by Andrus Family
In August 2006, Tom and Anne Andrus
embarked on the ultimate family vacation with their four kids – a
year-long, six-continent trip where they visited more
than 30 countries and deepened their appreciation and understanding, not only of different cultures, but of each other. When the Andrus family
left their hometown of Atlanta, Asher was all
of 3, Kieran was 6, McKane was 11 and Dax was about to turn 14.
They’d dreamed about doing such
a trip for years, but the combination of a health scare, the death of
a friend’s son in a car accident, and finally, a volunteer experience
in New Orleans, prompted them to make it a priority.
“We wanted to be able to spend this
time with our family,” Tom said. “We realized the time to take the
trip was now.”
Tom had planned to quit his job, but
his employer suggested he take a leave of absence. They opted
not to sell their house – a decision they now say was especially helpful
in lessening the stress of returning – and chose to sell one of their
cars.
When they told their friends and family
of their plans, reactions were mixed. “Some people were
jealous and said ‘take me with you’,” Tom said. “Some people
just didn’t get it. A few people even asked why we would waste
a year of our life doing this.”
When it came to choosing where to
go, all four of the kids helped select destinations. The younger
kids made their selections by looking through picture books and going
wild with a set of thumb tacks on a world map, while the older ones
compiled a list of locations and activities they wanted to experience.
Their international route began in New Zealand, with stops in Vietnam, South Africa, Turkey, Peru, and dozens of others. Anne and
Tom made sure the trip included elements that all members of the family
would appreciate. They also alternated between on-the-go travel
spurts and more relaxed weeks kicking back in places like Australian
beach towns. Along the way they volunteered at numerous nonprofits to help give back to local communities.
Anne home-schooled the children during
the trip, although naturally their learning extended much further than
textbooks. “People ask if they’re missing school and we explain
that they’re still doing their work – and learning even more along
the way. They’re seeing places most kids won’t ever see,”
Anne said.
Their round-the-world experience was
like a massive field trip that provided them with more history, cultural | 
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this family is an inspiration
A dream, An Inspiration, Thanks for the story. And thanks for the challenge.
I followed the Andrus family through their entire year and fell in love with them and their way of thinking about the world. I often told them how I was traveling through them. They are such an inspiration to all of us!
Thanks for writing and sharing this wonderful story! My hat is off to the Andrus family. Every family should do this if they can and I can't wait to take a similar trip with mine.
If the Andrus family is reading this, congratulations and I hope things are going smoothly in your quest for new work. I'm curious how you planned the trip/logistics and a rough range of what it might cost?
Thanks again,
Kd
Terrific article! Bravo Carly!
What an inspiring story - and very tightly written too! I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the Andrus family, and congrats to you Carly, for writing it up so well.
-Tim