An English couple decided to take their two young boys out of school and travel the world as a family after feeling disconnected and like they were missing out on quality time together. Emma and Dan Niblett left their home in West Yorkshire, England and relocated to Bali with their sons, Noah and Issac, after feeling stuck in a cycle of repetitiveness and focusing too much on chores and technology. They wanted to experience the world and allow their boys to see life beyond their screens.
Emma, who works remotely as the head of technology, took advantage of her job’s flexibility and decided to do something completely different by uprooting her family and moving to Bali. She found the cost of living in Bali to be much cheaper compared to the UK, making it an attractive destination for the family. While cost was a factor, they also wanted their sons to receive a formal education, so Emma found a school that offered a schedule similar to their old one in the UK, enabling Noah and Issac to continue their learning in a different environment.
The family found a pop-up school in Bali where the boys attend from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The school focuses more on functional learning rather than strictly academic education, allowing students to pick their own projects and learn about the local area and language. This new style of teaching has sparked creativity in the boys, and they are surrounded by children from different countries, providing a diverse learning environment. Emma believes that the cultural experience and exposure to different backgrounds are invaluable to their sons’ education.
Living in Bali has allowed the Niblett family to reconnect and create lasting memories together. They have slowed down and enjoyed living in the moment, benefiting from the Balinese culture’s gratitude and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. The family initially planned to travel for a year but are now considering extending their journey due to the positive impact it has had on them. They have already traveled to Sydney, Australia, various parts of Bali, and plan to spend Christmas in New Zealand and Japan, with future stops in Vietnam and Borneo.
The Niblett family’s decision to travel the world has brought them closer together and provided unique learning opportunities for their sons that go beyond traditional schooling. Emma and Dan have embraced the chance to experience different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life, allowing their children, Noah and Issac, to grow in ways that would not have been possible in their old routine. Their adventure in Bali has opened their eyes to the importance of slowing down, appreciating the present moment, and living a life filled with gratitude. Their journey is far from over, with plans to continue exploring new destinations and experiencing all that the world has to offer.
