#72 Nikolaj Astrup Madsen | Traveling village

Self Directed

When you think of family vacations, you might envision crowded theme parks or beachside resorts. But what if the journey itself became a communal adventure? Joining us on the show is Nikolaj Astrup Madsen, one of the founders behind the fascinating Traveling Village concept. He unfolds the story of 20 families who traded the conventional holiday for a four-month exploration of Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan, not as mere tourists but as a village on the move. Nikolaj walks us through the labyrinth of planning an expedition, the intricate social tapestry of life on the road, and the unforgettable impact of deep cultural immersion while preserving a collective identity.
Twenty families traveled together for four months. Every family had its own place but a community living room. Kids learned through play and exploration, and their parents helped each other with co-living, communal meals, and the adventure of a lifetime.

As we unpack the post-travel musings, Nikolaj shares the bittersweet reality of returning to everyday life after such an intense group experience. The dialogue pivots to the subtle yet significant nuances of how a large group navigates interactions with locals and impacts children's social adaptability. The Traveling Village becomes more than a simple group trip—it's a transformative lifestyle that has etched a lasting influence on its members, igniting aspirations for future communal adventures. Through Nikolaj's captivating recount of this unique travel experiment, tune in to discover the life-altering potential of intentional community living.
🗓️ Recorded May 24th, 2024. 📍 At the Attwoods, Hagen, Germany
▬ Episode Links ▬

• https://travelingvillage.com
• https://instagram.com/nikolajastrup
• https://twitter.com/nikolaj_astrup
• https://www.facebook.com/nikolajastrupmadsen
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolajastrupmadsen

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Chapters

1. The Birth of the Traveling Village (00:00:00)

2. The Planning of Nomadic Adventure (00:08:25)

3. Overcoming Roadblocks: Challenges on the Move (00:16:35)

4. Building Bonds: The Social Fabric of the Village (00:23:25)

5. Kids on the Move: Adapting and Thriving (00:31:59)

6. Life-Changing Experiences: Family Reflections (00:39:14)

7. Post-Travel Adjustments (00:45:49)

8. The Future of Traveling Village (00:52:19)