Episode 22 - Ian Pilbeam: Are We There Yet?

Travel Bubble

Hypothetical question - You inherit a large chunk of money, what do you do? Do you invest in stocks or shares? Buy a second home? Or do you quit your job, take your two children out of school and travel around the world for a year? That’s exactly what today’s guest Ian Pilbeam did in 2008.

One night whilst on holiday, he asked his children the innocuous question ‘Where do you fancy going to next?’ Their response - ‘Can we think about it?’ 20 countries, 100 places and 40 flights later, the Pilbeams had seen the world.

Originally from Lincolnshire, now based in Scotland, Ian has currently visited 70 countries and is passionate about travel. After many years of reflection, Ian decided to put pen to paper and write a book ‘Are We There Yet?’ all about this family adventure. I wanted to get Ian on the show to inspire those Travel Bubble listeners with young families and provide practical advice on how to travel with children.

As well as family travel, this episode features the home of Paddington Bear, the world’s best canteen food, walking across country borders, dangerous places becoming the future must-visit destinations and why planning is not such a bad thing.

You can purchase a signed copy of ‘Are We There Yet?’ by visiting https://familytrippers.co.uk/.

As usual, spoilers and episode notes below.

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Country No.1: Peru

Activity: Machu Pichu

Food: Guinea Pigs

Country No.2: Sri Lanka

Activity: Sinharaja Rainforest

Food: Canteen curries when working as a volunteer

Cultural Triangle

Country No. 3: Montenegro

Activity: Kotor Anything else: Herceg Novi

Wildcard: Mexico

Top Travel Tip: Plan – Have a plan, so you don’t have to use it.

Best Souvenir: Small wooden Tuk Tuk from Sri Lanka

Other links:

Simon Sinek – Start with the why Ted Talk

Travel Bubble Film Club

Cancion Sin Nombre, Peru (2019)