We wanted to freeze time with our daughters. So we rented out our house and sent them to school in 3 countries in one year.
Business Insider
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Lisa Lucas and her husband decided to rent out their London home and embark on a year-long journey with their two young daughters across three countries: Japan, the US, and the Netherlands. Fueled by a desire to escape the hectic logistics of modern family life and create lasting memories together, they packed light, lived out of backpacks, and immersed themselves in new cultures. This unconventional approach allowed them to focus on connecting as a family, stepping away from the endless school and work schedules that previously dominated their lives.
The Lucas family chose three distinct locations for their adventure: Tsukuba, Japan, to experience an entirely unfamiliar culture; Great Neck, New York, to give their daughters a taste of American life and spend time with family; and Leiden, the Netherlands, to embrace its bike-centric lifestyle. Along the way, they encountered unique school systems—ranging from Japanese traditions like indoor shoe changes and lunch service to Dutch gardening programs. Despite initial concerns about uprooting their children, the girls adapted remarkably well, thriving in each new environment and forming lasting bonds with local communities.
Living minimally was a game-changer for the family. By packing only what they needed, they freed themselves from the constraints of home life and embraced the freedom of exploration. Lisa even wore a single black maxi dress throughout Asia, symbolizing her shift away from material possessions and toward meaningful experiences. This minimalist approach not only reduced stress but also allowed them to focus on what truly mattered: spending quality time together as a family.
For Lisa and her husband, this year abroad was more than just an adventure—it was a reset. They realized the importance of slowing down and prioritizing connection over convenience. While their journey was deeply personal, it also highlights broader lessons for professionals seeking work-life balance or those rethinking traditional career paths. By stepping away from their routines, they gained clarity on what truly matters in life—family,
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/23/2026