Life as a sailing family is filled with endless horizons, spontaneous adventures, and the freedom of open waters. But sometimes, even we like to swap the waves for wheels, and that’s how our recent road trip adventure began. From the comfort of our sailboat to the spontaneity of the open road, we packed up our three boys and hit the highway. This road trip would take us through our 25th state – a milestone we didn’t see coming when we first set sail 2.5 years ago.
We’re used to living on a sailboat, where the ocean is our backyard and the wind sets the pace. But on this trip, we swapped the sea for the road, and the transition wasn’t entirely seamless. Instead of drifting with the tides, we found ourselves sitting for long hours in the car, moving from one destination to the next. Our journey wasn’t just about seeing new places – it was about shaking up our routine. We went from the freedom of sailing to being confined to the car, from the comfort of our boat to staying in hotels and homes that weren’t our own. Yet, the spontaneity and adventure we crave were still there, just in a different form.
Back when Sergey and I first started traveling, we’d pick a destination, gather some interesting landmarks, hop in the car, and go. No strict plan, just the open road and our curiosity leading the way. We’d sleep in campgrounds or find last-minute hotel deals, enjoying the hidden gems along the backroads. This time, though, we brought the kids.
Traveling with three boys meant a bit more planning – but only just a bit! While we didn’t map out every detail, we spent about 30 minutes each day searching for a place to stay the night. Without camping gear, spontaneity wasn’t quite as simple as it used to be, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the journey.
In between landmarks and scenic detours, we kept the kids entertained with screens, music, podcasts, and, of course, snacks – because no road trip is complete without snacks! And when we weren’t driving, we found joy in the simple things: indoor pools, breakfasts we didn’t have to cook (or clean up after), and the new landscapes that surrounded us.
One of the most rewarding parts of this trip was the variety of places we got to explore. We experienced life in suburban neighborhoods and rural farms – two worlds that felt so far removed from our usual sailing life. The boys loved the wide-open spaces, endless fields of green, and especially their new four-legged friends.
Watching them bond with other kids and form connections with horses was a heartwarming reminder of how adaptable they are. Whether on a sailboat in the middle of the ocean or running free on a farm, they find joy in every moment.
While the landscapes and landmarks were stunning, the real highlight was the time we spent with friends. Nearly half of the nights on this trip were spent in the homes of friends. It’s not the first time we’ve stayed with friends during our travels, but this time, it hit me just how lucky we are. We have friends spread out across the world, and knowing that there’s always a home waiting for us somewhere is a special kind of comfort. We don’t expect anything – every friend gives what they can, whether it’s a cup of coffee, a few hours of hosting, or a bed for the night. Each one of these homes became a part of our journey, and we’re grateful for the love and hospitality we’ve received along the way.
As we wrap up this road trip, we’re returning to our sailboat having visited our 25th state since we began our journey 2.5 years ago. The milestones we’ve hit and the experiences we’ve had have filled us with fresh inspiration and new dreams for the future.
For now, though, we’re heading back to the familiar – back to the sea, back to our floating home. But this road trip reminded us that no matter where we go, whether by boat or by car, the adventure never really ends. It simply changes form.
Comments