Worldschooling is a growing movement that allows families to blend education with exploration, offering children unique opportunities to learn through experience. But traveling full-time with kids doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, it may actually save you money due to lower cost of living. From colonial cities to tropical paradises, these four destinations provide rich learning opportunities, vibrant cultures, and affordable living for families. Whether you’re trekking ancient ruins or joining a local cooking class, each location offers something special for curious young learners. Let’s dive in!
1. Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is a living history lesson surrounded by volcanoes and cobblestone streets. For kids (and parents), it’s a sensory wonderland! Younger kids can dive into Guatemalan culture through visits to macadamia farms or colorful art workshops, while walking the city’s iconic streets feels like stepping back in time, with ancient ruins and vibrant colonial buildings at every turn. For older kids, roasting marshmallows over volcanic heat during a hike up Pacaya Volcano is an unforgettable adventure. Coffee enthusiasts can explore nearby farms to see the entire bean-to-cup process, many of which are just a short walk from the city center.
Antigua offers endless opportunities for hands-on learning. At Eco Farms GT, kids can delve into sustainable farming, ancient Mayan agricultural techniques, and even mushroom cultivation. This gem within the city also serves as the hub for Worldschooling Antigua. Even if you’re not part of the hub, the farm is open to visitors, offering tours of its food forest, organic produce, and a welcoming café with free WiFi—perfect for parents who want to work while the kids explore. Another favorite activity is taking a chocolate-making class at the Chocolate Museum, where families can learn about the rich history of cacao and make their own treats. For a bit of adrenaline, the local zipline Senderos Ecológicos y Canopy is just 10 minutes from the city center and costs only $5 per person for a thrilling ride across four tracks.
Antigua’s cultural calendar is packed with vibrant events. Semana Santa (Easter Week) is a spectacle of flower carpet processions and parades, though it’s also the busiest time of year with higher prices and larger crowds. If you’re visiting in November, don’t miss the Kite Festival in nearby Sumpango (30 minutes away), where families gather to fly giant, colorful kites in celebration of the Day of the Dead.
Antigua has plenty to offer beyond family-friendly activities. A volcano hike is a must: Pacaya is ideal for a day hike, while the overnight trek up Acatenango rewards adventurers with views of lava flows and eruptions from Volcán Fuego. If you’re looking to unwind, Earth Lodge Antigua provides stunning views, ice baths, temazcal, massages, and unique treehouse accommodations. For a more budget-friendly option, Mundo Natural in Antigua offers packages for about $40, including a two-hour sauna and a one-hour massage.
Cost of Living: ~$2,880/month for a family of three (housing $1,440, groceries $720, dining and activities $720).
Nearby Worldschooling Hubs:
- Antigua Global Explorers
- Worldschooling Antigua
- Eco Holistic Kids Club
- Culture Chalk (Lake Atitlan)
- Antigua Green School
2. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen is a vibrant destination that offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. Its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches provide the perfect for families looking to balance learning with leisure. The town is walkable and safe, with plenty of opportunities to connect with other worldschooling families in its growing expat community.
For younger kids, Playa del Carmen is a paradise of natural wonders. They can snorkel in cenotes—crystal-clear natural swimming holes surrounded by jungle—or visit eco-parks like Xcaret, which blends educational exhibits with fun activities like underground river tours and butterfly pavilions. Older kids will love learning about marine life through snorkeling excursions in Akumal, where they can swim alongside sea turtles, or taking history-filled day trips to explore Tulum’s Mayan ruins.
The region is a natural classroom for marine biology, Mayan history, and ecological preservation. Families can join guided tours of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, where kids can learn about local ecosystems, birdwatching, and sustainable tourism. For those that don’t mind a bit of a drive, the famous Chichén-Itzá is a 3 hour drive from Playa del Carmen.
Take the ferry to Cozumel Island for incredible snorkeling or enjoy a family bike ride along Playa’s scenic coastal paths. The nearby Xel-Há eco-park is another hit for families, offering ziplining, snorkeling, and jungle treks. If you’re looking for something truly unique, head to Rio Secreto, an underground river system with stunning stalactites and stalagmites that’s both adventurous and educational.
Playa del Carmen comes alive during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in early November, with cultural performances and colorful altars. While December to February is peak tourist season, visiting during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) offers more affordable prices and fewer crowds.
Parents can enjoy yoga classes overlooking the ocean, day trips to beach clubs like Xpu-Ha, or exploring the vibrant Fifth Avenue for dining and shopping.
Cost of Living: ~$3,600/month for a family of three (housing $1,800, groceries $900, dining and activities $900).
Nearby Worldschooling Hubs:
3. Bali, Indonesia
For kids, Bali is a hands-on classroom. Younger children will enjoy exploring the Bali Safari & Marine Park, where they can see animals like Komodo dragons and Sumatran tigers in naturalistic habitats. Older kids can dive into activities like learning to surf in Canggu or trekking through the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, where they’ll encounter cheeky monkeys while walking among ancient temples. Families can also participate in eco-workshops that teach sustainable practices, such as making reusable beeswax wraps or planting rice.
The island is home to the renowned Green School Bali, which focuses on sustainability and hands-on education. Even if you’re not enrolled, the school hosts tours and workshops for visiting families. Kids can also learn about local history and spirituality by visiting iconic temples like Tanah Lot and Besakih. For those interested in the arts, Ubud’s many studios offer classes in Balinese dance, gamelan music, and batik painting.
Plan your visit during Nyepi Day (March), Bali’s “Day of Silence,” to experience the island at its most peaceful. Be aware that the days leading up to Nyepi are filled with lively parades and Ogoh-Ogoh (demon effigy) processions, which kids will love. Avoid the peak tourist months of July and August if you prefer a quieter experience and lower prices.
Parents can join yoga retreats in Ubud, unwind at Finns Beach Club in Canggu, or take cooking classes at Casa Luna to learn how to prepare dishes like nasi goreng and satay. These experiences not only provide a break but also deepen your connection to Bali’s unique culture and lifestyle.
Cost of Living: ~$3,240/month for a family of three (housing $1,440, groceries $720, dining and activities $1,080).
Nearby Worldschooling Hubs:
4. Goa, India
Goa, India’s smallest state, is a tropical paradise that blends vibrant Indian culture with Portuguese heritage. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant markets, and laid-back atmosphere, Goa is a haven for families looking for both adventure and relaxation. It’s also one of the most affordable destinations on this list, making it a popular choice for worldschooling families.
For kids, Goa offers plenty of hands-on learning opportunities. Younger kids can explore tide pools along the beaches or visit spice plantations, where they’ll learn about the cultivation of vanilla, pepper, and cardamom. Older kids can participate in cooking classes to master Goan dishes like xacuti or take a heritage walking tour in Old Goa, where they can explore historic churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary or the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, where jungle treks add a sense of adventure.
Goa is an excellent destination for learning about biodiversity, colonial history, and marine ecosystems. Families can visit the Museum of Goa, which offers art and history exhibitions, or join a traditional fishing workshop to learn about the region’s maritime heritage. For eco-conscious families, visiting an organic farm like Sahakari Spice Farm can provide insight into sustainable agriculture and traditional farming techniques. Take a sunset cruise off the coast of Palolem Beach, or explore the flea markets in Anjuna for unique souvenirs and crafts. For adventure-seeking families, water sports like parasailing and kayaking are available along the beaches.
Goa’s Carnival in February is a must-see, featuring parades, music, and dancing, but it can draw crowds. To avoid peak tourist times, visit during the shoulder seasons of October-November or February-March for milder weather and fewer people.
Goa offers unique ways for parents to connect with the local culture. Take a heritage tour of Old Goa to learn about the area’s Portuguese influence, or if you’re looking for something adventurous, try kayaking through Goa’s mangroves.
Cost of Living: ~$2,160/month for a family of three (housing $1,080, groceries $540, dining and activities $540).
Nearby Worldschooling Hubs:
Worldschooling is an opportunity for families to create unforgettable experiences while fostering a global perspective. These four destinations—Antigua, Playa del Carmen, Bali, and Goa—offer unique blends of cultural immersion, hands-on learning, and affordability.
Worldschooling doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or breaking the bank. With lower costs of living and access to rich educational experiences, these destinations make full-time travel achievable for families of all backgrounds. As you plan your next worldschooling adventure, remember that the journey is as much about building connections as it is about exploring the world.
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