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The Pearce family exemplify what the nomadic family lifestyle should be. What a pleasure this interview was. Brandon and Jennifer Pearce were some of the first long-term family travelers I found on the web. Like Raising Miro and GotPassport, the Pearce family’s site (aptly named Pearce on Earth), helped me realize that the nomadic family lifestyle was achievable.
The Nomadic Family Lifestyle
These guys have been traveling abroad and living in multiple locations with their three daughters since 2009, and yet continue to write about their experiences with a deep sense of awe and humility. Their nomadic family lifestyle has transformed them in multiple ways. In this Epic Education Interview, they discuss some of those changes, as well as detailing their approach to work, education, parenting and what they carry with them.
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EPIC INTRO
About:
- Names: Brandon and Jennifer Pierce and their three daughters (11, 9 and 4 years old).
- Hold passports from: USA
- Type of travel: Long-term, indefinite, full-time nomadic family lifestyle. Traveling since 2009.
- A few places they’ve lived: Panama, Costa Rica, Bali, Malaysia. A few places they’ve traveled: Japan, Singapore, Spain, and on and on.
Find Them On: Pearce on Earth | Facebook | Twitter
EPIC ORIGINS
- Brandon’s business went online, then a 6-month trip to Panama turned into five and a half years and counting (details of their nomadic family lifestyle in the podcast).
EPIC RULES & ROUTINES
- Travel slowly when possible.
- Always have a few days of downtime after long travel periods.
- Family time in the evenings.
- Oldest daughter Emily just planned a family trip: booking hotel, leading family through the airport, etc.
EPIC ECONOMICS
Brandon’s online businesses:
Money Management recommendations:
- Capital One (no overseas ATM/Foreign Transaction fees)
- Books rental cars with AMEX (because of the car rental insurance benefit)
- Mint for personal finances
- Wave Accounting and Xero for his business
- Local bank accounts VS North American accounts (details in the podcast)
EPIC ESSENTIALS
- Laptops: two MacBook Air (11″) models and one MacBook Pro 13″ (downgraded from the 15″)
- Smart devices: 2 iPad Minis, 1 iPod Touch and a few Kindles
- Phones: Galaxy Note 2
- Camera: Sony NEX A600
- TravelPro Bags
- Swiss Gear Luggage
- Ikea Rolling backpack
- Yamaha APX T2 Travel Guitar
- Columbia Travel Pants
- Bose Soundlink Mini-speakers
- Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
- Sarongs (to be used as scarves, as blankets, etc)
The Pearce’s travel with carry-on luggage only (tips in the podcast)
EPIC INSIGHT
- Homeschoolers following their daughter’s interests and learning styles
- Find outside instructors
- The homeschooling community in Ubud, Bali (details in podcast)
EPIC RESOURCES
Apps & Online
- The Science Channel (Youtube)
- Starfall
- Khan Academy
- Code Academy
- Math is Fun
- Piano Marvel
- Yousician
- Duolingo
- Minecraft
- Teach Me apps
Books & Reading
- Open Library
- International Children’s Library
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer
- I mentioned the Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series
Accommodation
- AirBnb
- Booking.com
- VRBO
- Home Away
- Also check local sites and occasionally Craigslist
Flights
Lightroom for photos
Logic for music
EPIC ADVICE
Make space for everyone’s needs and emotions (details in the podcast)
EPIC DESTINATIONS
- Barcelona, Spain
- Chiang Mai, Thailand, during the Floating Lantern Festival
- Ubud, Bali
- Japan
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