Family Embraces Gap Year for Kids' Learning Experience

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 6, 2024 17:30 PMNews
Share:
A kid running to the Ocean
A kid running to the Ocean. Source: Photo by Charlie Wollborg on Unsplash

A couple from Barry, Wales, took their children out of school for a family gap year, investing £27,000 to explore the world. Claire and Ian Fisher decided that travel offers unparalleled educational value and de-registered their children, Kallan (six) and Maddison (four), to embark on a nine-month journey through South East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

 

Initially concerned about the decision to de-register their children, Claire explained it was a straightforward process. The family's travels were sparked by personal loss, prompting them to seize the moment and fulfill their dreams. They were inspired by another traveling family and saved diligently to fund their adventure.

 

The Fishers visited countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Bali, and the Philippines. Ian and Claire worked extra jobs, sold belongings, and even moved in with family to save up for the trip. Ian took a sabbatical from his job as a director of marketing and communications, while Claire, a business coach, took on part-time work.

 

Throughout their travels, the children engaged in home learning with books in core subjects but gained most of their education through real-world experiences. Claire noted that their children excelled academically and adjusted well upon returning to school.

 

The family's travels also included trips to New York, Las Vegas, Malta, Santa's Lapland in Finland, Iceland, and a month-long safari in South Africa. They plan another extended gap year in 2026, focusing on South America and the Pacific Islands, with their youngest child, Abel, who was not part of the first adventure.

 

The Fishers criticize the UK's school system for its inflexibility and fines for term-time travel, arguing it restricts families from experiencing quality time together. Claire emphasized the significant benefits travel has brought to their children, noting that lower school attendance doesn't equate to lower grades.

 

Despite occasional negative feedback, the family receives overwhelming support and admiration on social media. They hope their experiences inspire other families to prioritize travel and time together. Claire concluded that their next gap year won’t be the last, as travel has become an integral part of their lives.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM