Contributor Spotlight: Karim Rushdy
Meet Karim Rushdy, a dad of two who’s using his sabbatical leave to take his family on a world tour! Karim, his wife Rebecca, and their two daughters have been traveling full time since March and are looking for a new spot to settle down. In this Contributor Spotlight, Karim shares where his family has been, where they’re going next and his advice for other moms and dads traveling with little ones.
SAY HELLO TO...
HE IS DAD TO...
A three-year-old girl and a one-year-old girl.
AND IS FROM...
the United Kingdom.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
We are Karim, Rebecca, Na’ima Kaya (age 3 ½) and Amina Kae (age 1 ½).
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
That is a tough one. Up until March we were living in Hong Kong. We’ve been travelling full-time since then and are currently deciding between settling in Taipei or Kuala Lumpur.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FAMILY'S TRAVEL STYLE?
I’d like to say we simply go where the wind blows us, but that would be a total lie. We plan far in advance and destinations are usually dictated by where we have friends and family so we can experience life as locals.
We plan far in advance and destinations are usually dictated by where we have friends and family so we can experience life as locals.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE YOU'VE BEEN WITH YOUR KIDS?
Summer in Bozeman, Montana is a children’s paradise. We also loved exploring the Burren in southwest Ireland.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE THAT YOU'VE HAD WITH YOUR FAMILY?
Checking out a different kids-themed restaurant and play world every day of the week in Taipei.
WHAT'S NEXT ON YOUR FAMILY'S TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
Oman, Mongolia, Cuba and Africa (which is getting crossed off in January when we’ll be spending a few weeks in Kenya).
HOW DO YOU DOCUMENT YOUR FAMILY'S TRAVELS?
Rebecca is the family photographer and manages our Instagram account.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL MEMORY FROM YOUR OWN CHILDHOOD?
Chucking a bunch of duvets and pillows in the trunk and nestling in for long drives around the British Isles. The good old days, when car seats and safety belts were optional!
WHY DO YOU TRAVEL WITH YOUR KIDS?
Because they’re too small to leave behind, hah! They are still small, so we don’t have to feel guilty about pulling them out of school, and it tests and strengthens the foundations of family life: patience, respect and sleep deprivation.
It tests and strengthens the foundations of family life: patience, respect and sleep deprivation.
WHAT'S ONE NUGGET OF ADVICE THAT YOU HAVE FOR OTHER PARENTS TRAVELING WITH KIDS?
Let Mama and Baba give each other regular nugget-free time to refresh and recharge. Everybody benefits!
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE TRAVEL QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY?
“Let your vision be world embracing.” —Baha’u’llah
