Imagine leaving behind the rat race, grabbing your bucket list of adventures, and actually doing it. It’s the dream for a lot of people, but the Meek family have made it a reality.
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| Picture courtesy of the Meeks |
Back in 2014 Kerry and Tim Meek gave up their jobs as teachers, sold their house and took their two daughters out of school for an ‘EdVenture’. So far they have travelled the length and breadth of the UK in a caravan, and visited South Africa and Zimbabwe. And they’re still going. Next up is Europe.
Their aim is to seek out learning opportunities for their daughters, Amy and Ella, and purposefully push themselves out of their comfort zone in pursuit of personal development. They have completed several challenges along the way. The most recent of which was the 500 Fresh Air Miles Challenge, which raised money for Tree Aid.
The Meek’s story is an epic one and you can hear all about it at the Family Travel Show at Olympia London from 31 October to 1 November 2015. The show is the first event of its kind to focus on family travel adventures. There’s going to be travel operators specialising in everything from cruises to safaris, as well as expert speakers and holiday offers.
I’m really excited about going to the show and as a fellow caravanner I’m keen to hear the Meek’s talk. But before then, Tim kindly agreed to answer a few of questions for me to share here on Tin Box Traveller.
Tell me about your 500 Fresh Air Miles Challenge and your favourite journey as part of it
“We wanted to complete some long and difficult challenges as well as lots of shorter journeys that would encourage us to see, explore and learn about the places we were to visit. Our favourite long journey was the Great Glenn Canoe Trail (60 miles paddling across Scotland).
“It was a tough challenge because we are not experienced paddlers and at times (particularly paddling down Loch ness) we literally felt out of our depth. To make the 500 Fresh Air Miles family-friendly, Kerry and Ella paddled the canal and smaller loch sections, while Amy and myself completed the longer loch sections. We wanted a journey that was full of adventure and excitement as well as something that pushed us slightly out of our comfort zones.”
What’s the first stop on your European adventure?
What’s your biggest wish for your next year of family travels?
What’s your top tip for travelling with your family?
“Then, once you have made a decision or come up with an idea, go for it – the real enjoyment and rewards are in the ‘doing’!”
So what’s next for the Meek family? They are trading in their caravan for a motorhome to take them around Europe. I’m looking forward to following their next adventure on their website Do Try This at Home.
Claire Hall - Tin Box Traveller
Thursday 8th of October 2015
Thanks Victoria!
Victoria Welton
Thursday 8th of October 2015
That is a fabulous thing to be able to do. I would love to be able to do that! Enjoy the travel show and thank you for linking to #PoCoLo x
Claire Hall - Tin Box Traveller
Wednesday 7th of October 2015
It is an amazing adventure! I think it takes a lot of courage and determination. They are doing a great job!
Claire Hall - Tin Box Traveller
Wednesday 7th of October 2015
See you there!
Wander Mum
Saturday 3rd of October 2015
What an awesome thing to do - look forward to hearing more at the Family Travel Show - looking forward to it! #pocolo