Unpacked with the Blinks Diana Blinks

What's it really like being a globe-trotting kid? In the season wrap-up of the podcast, you'll hear insights from the three Blinks girls: Hazel, Lucille, and Edith. From favorite travel destinations to the challenges of being away from home, the girls share candid insights into the highs and lows of living a nomadic lifestyle. With heartwarming memories and personal reflections, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the joys and complexities of being part of a family that's always on the go.
Looking to live, work, and learn abroad? Find out how Boundless Life helps families live out their dreams as digital nomads here. Use code "BLINKS" to get 400 Euros off your next cohort.
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In this episode, we cover the following:
"What is your favorite place you've been to?""What is it really like to be a travel kid?""What do you think about being homeschooled?""Where is the top of your travel bucket list?""What do you think would surprise listeners about your travel experiences?""How has being in Portugal been?""What is one of your favorite memories in the past few years?""What is your biggest lesson in the past few years?""How do you connect with your friends and family while away?""What's the difference between moving around a lot and staying in one place while traveling?""What's one thing that has stood out to you in your travels?"
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Resources:
On the blog: Homeschool for BeginnersSnag our Iceland Travel GuideCheck out our Favorite Things to Do in Sintra
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Connect With the Blinks on Socials
Instagram: @WithTheBlinks, @MrsBlinks & @Mister.Blinks
TikTok: @MrsBlinks
Website: WithTheBlinks

Let's unpack everything about homeschooling. Today, Scott and Diana share the pros and cons of homeschooling and worldschooling their children. From the flexibility and personalization of homeschooling to interacting with the world firsthand through homeschooling to the challenges and stresses it can create. You'll hear insights into their unique approach, including weekly goal sheets and tailored schooling schedules based on travel.
Boundless Life has offered a special coupon to our listeners! Use the code: BLINKS for 400€ off your first cohort. Apply now!
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In this episode, we cover the following:
Why we decided to start homeschoolingThe amount of time homeschooling requiresThe flexibility homeschooling offersForced covid homeschooling vs. what it's actually like outside of lockdownsThe lack of resources and individualized attention in public schoolsThe impacts homeschooling has on the parent-child dynamicSocializing your kids while homeschoolingNavigating the loss of routine with wordschoolingWhat wordschooling looks like for us on the day-to-dayOur experience so far with Boundless LifeWorldschooling: interacting and learning about the world around you
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Resources:
Get your copy of The Homeschool Beginners Guide: HEREHere's our Favorite Curriculum from The Good and the Beautiful: HERERead our latest blog post: What is the Difference Between Homeschooling and Worldschooling?Episode 06: Backpacking Southeast Asia with Kids (Part 2)
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Connect With the Blinks on Socials 
Instagram: @WithTheBlinks, @MrsBlinks & @Mister.Blinks
TikTok: @MrsBlinks
Website: WithTheBlinks

"Are travel vacuum bags worth the hype?" "Can I pack minimally and still have enough things to keep my kids entertained?" "What if I forget something important?" If you've asked yourself any of these questions, you'll want to tune in today because we're doing a Q&A with all your top questions on minimalist packing. You'll learn tips to implement today to make packing more manageable and the top products we can't leave home without. Because remember: more stuff, more stress.
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In this episode, we cover the following:
"How do I decide what to pack for my kids?""What are your tips for packing toiletry items.""How do you pack minimally and bring enough entertainment for the kids?""How do you pack for multiple kids?""Tips for packing baby essentials.""I'm worried I won't have everything that I need.""What are your best space-saving hacks?""If you have vacuum packs, how do you not go overweight?""Do you do laundry on the road? How?""What do you do about souvenirs?""What do you prefer: backpacks or rolling luggage?""What products can you not live without?"
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Resources:
Packing Videos: 
Packing for 2 Months in EuropePacking for 3 Months in PortugalPacking for IcelandPicking my Travel BackpackFavorite Travel Backpacks for the Kids
Packing Blog Posts:
Europe Capsule Wardrobe30 Days in Europe5 of the Best Travel BackpacksBest Travel Backpacks for KidsBest Travel StrollersThe Just in Case Bag - What It Is and Why You Need One!What to Do When Your Kids Get Sick on VacationPacking Hacks for Families: 30 Days in Europe with Just a BackpackThe Travel Gear for Our Move to Portugal
Favorite Product Links:
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Have you dreamed of traveling with your family but felt trapped as soon as you remembered school and work schedules? What if we told you there were tangible ways to travel, even as a big family, regardless of your schedule? Today, Diana is joined by Emily—the person behind the family travel blog, A Mom Explores. Discover the joys of family travel and its impact on language learning, cultural education, and strengthening family bonds. From regional travel to navigating accommodations for larger families to booking around school breaks, you'll learn tips and strategies to start planning your dream adventure.
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In this episode, we cover the following:
How Emily got started traveling with her kids Being in the seasons of high and low travelNavigating school schedules Offsetting high costs while traveling during peak timesSolo trips with kids How to implement more travel into your yearFavorite trips close to home Resources that Emily uses for travelEmily's top travel tips for larger familiesHandling obstacles while traveling with kidsFavorite trips Emily has taken with her kids
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Resources:
Episode 04: Backpacking Southeast Asia with Kids (Part 1)Episode 05: Backpacking Southeast Asia with Kids (Part 2)Explore experiences for every kind of traveler with Viator
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Guest info: 
To learn more tips and tricks from Emily, follow her on Instagram and TikTok @AMomExplores, listen to her podcast Travel with Kids, or visit her website, AMomExplores.com. 
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Connect With the Blinks on Socials 
Instagram: @WithTheBlinks, @MrsBlinks & @Mister.Blinks
TikTok: @MrsBlinks
Website: WithTheBlinks.com

We're back with Part 2 of the Blinks' recent backpacking trip across Southeast Asia! Hear about the highs and lows of their adventure, from visa setbacks going to Vietnam to stunning sunsets and cultural immersion to handling the entire family getting dengue fever in Bali. Discover the kindness and hospitality they encountered and their resilience in making the best of each moment.
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In this episode, we cover the following:
Unexpected visa complications entering VietnamExtended stay in BangkokArriving in Vietnam and their luxurious resortExperiencing Hội AnUnique experiences in Da Nang: Ba Na Hills & lively boardwalksWhat makes Bali specialThe entire family getting hit by dengue feverTraveling to Gili Trawangan while everyone's sick and not adequately diagnosedDiana's scary experience that prompted the official diagnosis of dengue and salmonellaRecovery and falling in love with Singapore
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Resources:
The Best of Bangkok Thailand with Kids: Family Travel GuideThe Best Family-Friendly Villas in VietnamVietnam Travel Cost Budget Hacks For a Big Family AdventureThe Best Villas in Bali For Families
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Connect With the Blinks on Socials
Instagram: @WithTheBlinks, @MrsBlinks & @Mister.Blinks
TikTok: @MrsBlinks
Website: WithTheBlinks.com

Can we let you in on a secret? Traveling is NOT as effortless as content creators make it seem. Today, Scott and Diana share what they couldn't on social media from their 12-week Southeast Asia trip. From financial setbacks in the Maldives to the beauty of Sri Lanka and the surprises of Thailand, this episode is all about going with the flow, the importance of reading the fine print, and the thrilling adventures they had during their first time in Southeast Asia.
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In this episode, we cover the following:
Planning the trip and Diana's 40th birthdayBreaks in communication in the MaldivesTraveling to a hidden gem: Sri Lanka Thoughts on PhuketSnorkeling and boat tours on the Phi Phi IslandsVisiting Maya BayChiang Mai, the Elephant Freedom Project, and Michelin-Start restaurantsFamily-friendly BangkokStranded at the Bangkok airportWhat to expect in Part 2!
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Resources:
The Best of Bangkok Thailand with Kids: Family Travel GuideChiang Mai with Kids: Family Travel GuideKrabi Thailand with Kids: Family Travel GuideBest of Phuket with Kids: Family Travel GuideSri Lanka with Kids: Family Travel GuideVisa Mistake Part 1Visa Mistake Part 2Visa Mistake Part 3Visa Mistake Part 4
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Connect With the Blinks on Socials
Instagram: @WithTheBlinks, @MrsBlinks & @Mister.Blinks
TikTok: @MrsBlinks
Website: WithTheBlinks.com