15 families traveling together in campervans for 2 months
The story behind TV5
Before having kids we were traveling as very typical digital nomads. We wanted to have a lifestyle with a lot of traveling with kids, but we also quickly realized that it does take a village to raise kids.
After having kids we have grown increasingly interested in the way we structure life, where all families live in small silos without being part of a community living nearby. When we did our first 6-month trip with 2 kids, we realized that traveling and living abroad with kids is amazing, but it also required a lot from us. Especially the social element and stability are things that we missed.
This is an idea that started forming in 2017 when we were expecting our first child. In 2024 the first Traveling Village happened after one year of working on the logistics. We now hope we can use this concept and idea, to keep experimenting with lifestyle, challenging ourselves, and learning more about living differently with kids.
We have two kids, who are both home full-time (no school or daycare), and a big part of this project is to experiment with a different way of bringing up kids and to let them learn through exploring and to give them a lot of free play. With TV we hope to create an environment with a lot of space for self-directed learning, where learning about different cultures is built and where we both kids and adults get comfortable with being in a community.
On this website, you can find more information about the idea and all our learnings from the first Traveling Village. You are always welcome to contact us with any questions!
Best wishes,
Iris, Kai, Michelle and Nikolaj (3,6,35,38).
Locations
Over two months we will drive around the south of Portugal and Spain as a small village on the move. We will combine campsites with raw nature and visiting a few local projects.
Starting April 1st, 60 days in total
South Portugal and Spain
A small village on the move
Built-in breaks and slow time
The community camp
At Traveling Village, every family books the lodging that best suits their needs and budget. This flexibility ensures each family can find a space that feels just right for them.
From our experience with TV1, we’ve learned how crucial walkability and proximity to the community are for fostering connections. That’s why, for this trip, we’re putting extra effort into researching options with local partners to help families make informed decisions.
Each village includes a designated community zone—our heart of connection and activity. We encourage families to stay within or close to this area to maximize the experience, but the choice is entirely up to each family.
In TV1, we saw firsthand how collaboration within the community made a difference. Families worked together to find solutions, negotiate deals, and even set up coliving arrangements. This spirit of teamwork and mutual support will undoubtedly thrive in our third village as well.
The structure
To make the community work we have developed a light structure. The structure helps everyone be on the same page and make sure we can all focus on all the fun stuff.
Impressions from the last campervan TV
What we’re dreaming about for TV4
Traveling Village is always an experiment and we are always changing things, improving and trying new things out. Here are some of the things we are focusing on for TV4, especially based on the experience of TV2 (also a campervan version)
A slower pace and rhythm: We will implement a few village breaks of 1-2 nights and also try having some quiet hours in camp.
Much real nature: We don't need a lot of fancy campsite facilities, but access to nature and lot of free space, so the kids can run around is our priority.
A much better community camp: The community camp is the heart of the village and while we had a great camp in TV2, we know how it can be improved.
More bonfires: Some of the most memorable moments of TV2 was meeting around the fire in the evening. We want to have a much better firepit and prioritize campsites where bonfires are allowed.
Connecting locally: On TV2 our pace was too fast, making it difficult to truly connect. We are slowing down, but also aiming to establish at least two partnerships with local projects.
Creating a unique TV4 artwork: We want to find a local artists, who can visit us, create workshops and create a unique TV4 artwork that all families will get as a poster.
A slower pace and rhythm: We will implement a few village breaks of 1-2 nights and also try having some quiet hours in camp.
Easier to cook together: We will create a setup, so it's easy to cook over the fire and prepare food together.
What is Traveling Village really like?
Our goal has always been that TV is an experiment and that we want to be transparent about both ups and downs. That's how we learn! Both during TV1 and TV3 we have recorded podcasts and we also share how TV life is really like on Instagram.
Understanding the Costs
of Traveling Village
We do money as transparent as possible, seperating money into a fee for TV and a community fund that the community runs together. Here is how it works:
By structuring it this way, we ensure a fair, transparent system that balances personal responsibility with community-driven contributions. If you want to understand each of these better, click the below boxes for an in-depth description. We also made a budget planner, so you can calculate the total cost of your trip.
Sign up fee
Budget planner
If you are interested, here are the next steps
1
Fill out our application form
The application form takes 45-60 minutes and we ask that you do it with your partner (if applicable). The form is created to help families clarify if the trip is the right thing for them and also covers some of the more harder things.
2
Initial call
After filling out the form, your family will be invited to an initial call. At the call we can clarify any questions or concerns and tell more about the trip. We call this the reverse sales meeting as we try to also ask some harder questions - again to help your family clarify if this is the right thing for you.
3
Signing up
After the call your family will receive a link to even more information, including the handbook (which is also our terms and conditions). You confirm your spot by paying the non-refundable sign-up fee (the community fee is due 6-months prior to the trip). We try not to rush this phase, because it's important for us that families take the right decision. We are always available for extra calls.
4
Setting up the community
7-8 months before the trip we will gather the community and launch our digital townsquare. From here we will also start the work in workgroups and have monthly village calls. This way we will all get to know each other, help make the trip fantastic and make sure we will hit the ground running. These months are a big part of the total experience and learning.
If you have questions please reach out to us at hi@travelingvillage.com
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