I reluctantly quit my pilot job to teach our kids at home. It was so boring until I started educating them through travel.

I never intended to leave my career as an airline pilot or take on the role of a homeschool parent. I learned to fly at 17 and by 43, I was enjoying a fulfilling job with great benefits, averaging only eight workdays a month. My colleagues admired my schedule, but everything changed when I unexpectedly became pregnant with twins.

With my husband unable to balance work and childcare alone, I made the tough decision to become a stay-at-home mom. However, the routine of daily life quickly became monotonous, leaving me yearning for the adventures I once had as a pilot. As I counted the days until my twins started school, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and I was faced with the challenge of homeschooling them instead.

Reluctantly stepping into this role, I found myself struggling with the isolation and longing for exploration. An epiphany struck me: I could weave my love of travel into their education. With the goal of fostering a lifelong love of learning, I began to plan trips that included educational experiences alongside fun adventures.

Our first educational trip to Chincoteague Island allowed us to explore the beach, gather shells, and visit a NASA center, igniting our curiosity. As we realized how easy it was to teach through travel, we expanded our adventures. From learning about the branches of government in front of the White House to studying geological formations in local caves, each outing became a dynamic classroom.

Not only do we venture far, but we also explore our local surroundings, connecting with nature and history. Teaching through travel has transformed our lives; I no longer feel like I'm stuck in a rut. Instead, my children and I are engaged in an exciting journey of discovery, learning, and exploration together.