Why We’re Leaving the U.S. to Travel Full-Time as a Family — and What We’re Hoping to Find in Sloth Mode

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Two weeks ago, we made one of the biggest decision of our lives. We’re leaving the United States, selling almost everything we own, and setting off to travel the world- slowly, intentionally, and together. We're leaving the US, for now.

This isn’t just a vacation. It’s a lifestyle shift. A mindset shift.

Just us. Just a moment of pure happiness.

🌎 We’re leaving the U.S. to travel full-time as a family. So... Why Now?

There are a thousand little reasons, and a few big ones, that led us here. And while this idea might seem bold or wild or romantic, for us, it feels like the most grounded, clear-headed thing we’ve done in a long time.

Here’s the truth behind our decision to go all in on Sloth Mode Travel:

Travel doesn’t have to be extravagant — just intentional.

🇺🇸 1. The Political Climate in the US Is Deeply Unsettling

We’re living through a time in U.S. history that weighs heavily on us, especially as parents. The political division, the erosion of rights, the growing uncertainty about the future… it’s impossible to ignore. We find ourselves worrying not just about how to raise Emily, but where we want to raise her. And what values we want our daily life to reflect.

So we’re making space. We’ll be traveling abroad and collecting passports we qualify for (more on that later), as well as exploring options for long-term stays in other countries we’re eligible for (also, more on this later).

This isn’t running away, it’s stepping into something that feels safer, calmer, and more aligned with who we’re becoming.

We’re not running away. We’re moving toward something that feels like peace.

👶 2. Emily Isn’t Thriving in Daycare, and That’s a Sign

We’ve tried twice now. Two different daycares. Two different settings. But Emily, who is vibrant, curious, and sensitive, just didn’t adapt. And we couldn’t shake the feeling that we were trying to fit her into a system that simply wasn’t right for her, at least not right now.

She’s only two. There’s no pressure yet around formal schooling. And we realized: This is the window. The magical sliver of time before curriculum and classrooms and long days away from each other become the norm.

So we’re seizing it.

🕰️ 3. Timing Is Everything, and Right Now, It Aligns

Timing is everything, just like this moment in time.

There’s something about this moment that just… fits. Emily is young and deeply bonded to us. We’re not tethered to a mortgage. My parents, who live in Virginia, aren’t retiring for a few more years, so they won’t be relocating to Florida just yet. Andrew's family lives abroad and we would have a real chance to be closer to them for a bit longer than our usual quick visits. And honestly? We’ve hit a beautiful in-between: free enough to move, clear enough to know why, and brave enough to say yes. Plus, the opportunity of collecting a few passports (for peace of mind) along the way, makes this idea even more valuable to us and to Emily's future.

Pace can be found anywhere, but some places and lifestyles are more conducive to it.

💸 4. We’re Choosing a Simpler, Freer Way to Live

We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunities, community, and growth we’ve experienced in the U.S., but we’ve also realized that the lifestyle we value most doesn’t quite fit the pace or structure of our current life here.

We want more presence, more time together, and more experiences over things. Between the hustle of modern routines, rising costs of everyday living, and systems that often feel unnecessarily complicated (looking at you, childcare logistics and health insurance!), we started to imagine a different kind of life.

When we realized we could explore the world as a family - slowly, intentionally, and even more affordably than staying home - we started asking: Why not us? Why not now?

Emily thrives when we’re together — out in the world, at our pace.

🦥 We’re leaving the U.S. to travel full-time as a family and we're creating something new. So What Is Sloth Mode?

It’s not about being lazy. It’s about being present. It’s how we want to live, travel, and parent - slowly, intentionally, and together.

Sloth Mode Travel is our way of documenting this journey as we:

• Explore the world with a toddler

• Learn how to live with less and experience more

• Share honest tips and stories for other families craving a calmer kind of adventure

We don’t have all the answers. We’re not selling a fantasy. But we’re choosing this, and we’re inviting you to follow along as we let go of what no longer fits and step into a new rhythm.

This is who we’re doing it for. This is who we are.

💛 Thanks for Being Here

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pace of modern life... If you’ve ever wondered if there’s another way... If you’ve ever dreamed of just pausing...

We hope our story and reasons why we’re leaving the U.S. to travel full-time as a family reminds you: You’re not alone. You’re not crazy. And maybe, just maybe, slower is better.

Go slow. Travel light. Stay present. 

Anca, Andrew & Emily

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