Wanderlearn Family Travel Nine Arches Bridge Sri Lanka

From Summer Holiday to Worldschooling: Our September Reset

Andy Payne
Authored by Andy Payne
Posted: Sunday, August 31, 2025 - 02:34

Embracing Our Worldschooling Adventure: From Sri Lanka to Bali and Beyond

The past couple of months have been a whirlwind of colour, sound, and adventure. From Sri Lanka’s misty tea plantations to the golden beaches of the south coast, and now through Bali’s lush rice terraces, ancient temples, and breath taking sunsets, we’ve already learned so much about the world... and ourselves. But if we’re honest, it’s felt like an extended summer holiday.

Slow Living and New Beginnings

Wanderlearn Family Travel Worldschooling Ubud Bali Rice Paddy Views

And that was exactly what we needed. After the hectic preparations to leave the UK, farewells, and adjusting to a life packed into just a few bags, it’s been important to slow down. The children have had space to settle, we’ve all had time to breathe, and together we’ve realised that this isn’t just a short trip, it’s our new way of life.

Starting Our Worldschooling Journey

Seminyak Beach Surfing lesson Bali Green Surf School Wanderlearn Worldschooling Family Travel

September marks a new rhythm for us. While many back home are preparing for a new school year with uniforms, packed lunches, and school supplies, we’re beginning our exciting journey into worldschooling. Our approach isn’t about strict schedules or traditional lessons but about nurturing curiosity, fostering a love of learning, and equipping the children with lifelong skills.

Learning Through Travel and Experience

Wanderlearn Travel Elephant Safari Minneriya National Park Sri Lanka Elephant Migration

We want our children to read and write confidently, develop numeracy skills, and become critical thinkers. But more than that, we want them to see learning as a joyful experience, something they get to do, not have to do. And what better classroom than the world itself? Already, lessons have unfolded from unexpected places: a fisherman in Sri Lanka teaching patience, a Balinese farmer demonstrating discipline, and even resilience during travel hiccups.

Family, Connection, and Shared Experiences

Wanderlearn Bali Waterfalls Family Time Worldschooling travel

Of course, this new chapter isn’t just about books and lessons. It’s about the experiences we have as a family and the people we share them with. Over the last few weeks, we were incredibly blessed to have Nanny (Jill) and cousin Caitlin, join us here in Bali. The children adored having them here, and for us as parents, it was a gift to share part of this journey with people we love.

Saying goodbye was hard, a reminder that while we’re living this dream, we do miss friends and family back home dearly. We’re already looking forward to welcoming more family in Vietnam in the new year, and the invitation is always open: if you fancy an adventure, come find us somewhere along the way. And until then, we’re always up for a good old FaceTime, it’s not the same as a hug, but it certainly helps bridge the miles.

Next Stops and Future Travels

Looking ahead, our travels will soon take us from Bali to Komodo Island to meet the famous dragons and explore some of the most stunning waters in the world. After that, we’ll return to Bali before heading to Nusa Ceningan, the Gili Islands and Lombok, then onwards north to Malaysia and Thailand as Christmas approaches. The journey has only just begun, and each new step enriches our lives in ways we never imagined.

Conclusion: Living Our Dream of Worldschooling

So here’s to September. While many back home start a new school term, for us, it signifies the beginning of our worldschooling adventure. It’s not conventional, it’s not perfect, but it’s uniquely ours, full of joy, curiosity, and the hope that our children fall in love with learning itself, wherever life takes them.

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