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ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: Wanderlust: Family Edition with Charles Achampong

ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: Wanderlust: Family Edition with Charles Achampong

By Michelle Dittmer

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Charles Achampong joined Michelle to share the story of how his family took a year-long trip around the world. What began as a seed of an idea on his honeymoon in Rio de Janeiro became a 10-year plan that ultimately transformed his family’s relationships, perspectives, and approach to life. About Charles

  • Husband and father of two girls (ages 9 and 12)
  • 20+ years across public, private, non-profit, and philanthropic sectors
  • Focuses on helping communities solve complex problems
  • Now speaks and writes about the power of pausing and intentional living
  • Author of Around the World in Family Days

How It Started

  • His wife planted the seed on their honeymoon — a dream to take their future family around the world
  • Became a 10-year financial and logistical plan
  • The pandemic reinforced their decision — life is short, and waiting isn’t guaranteed
  • Originally planned as an African safari for her 40th birthday; evolved into a full world trip

Key Barriers They Faced

  • Financial fear — shifting from scarcity mindset to values-based decision making
  • Logistics overwhelm — schooling, travel routes, work; most were solvable
  • Illusion of readiness — there is no perfect moment; you have to interrupt life yourself
  • Identity — letting go of titles, productivity, and career momentum
  • Execution reality — fatigue, missed flights, sibling arguments; growth comes from friction

Values-Based Decision Making

  • Most pre-trip decisions were default decisions, not deliberate ones
  • The gap year forced the question: What do we value enough to reorganize our lives around?
  • Key family values identified:
    • Quality time together before kids become teenagers
    • Exposing children to the world beyond the classroom
    • Living in alignment, not just in stability
  • Practical exercise suggested:
    • Review your last 3 months of calendar — where is your time going?
    • Review your last 3 months of bank/credit card statements — where is your money going?
    • Do these reflect your actual values?

Advice for Others

  • “Don’t wait until life forces you to pause — practice choosing a pause intentionally.”
  • You don’t need a full year; even micro-sabbaticals create meaningful disruption
  • The goal is disruption of routine, not just duration
  • Get honest about what’s really holding you back — it’s usually fear, not logistics
  • Involve your kids (or family) in the planning process

Resources & Links

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association  

   

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