The Everywhere Classroom: How One Family Turned Wanderlust into Worldschooling and How You Can Too

by Andi Almond

The story of one family's worldschooling adventure, with tips and inspiration for anyone who wants to embrace travel as an immersive learning opportunity.

In The Everywhere How One Family Turned Wanderlust into Worldschooling and How You Can Too, Andi Almond recounts her family's experiences traveling the globe for a year, revealing the rich educational opportunities the world offers beyond traditional classrooms. Through the engaging and often humorous stories of the Almond family's adventures--from an impromptu expedition to Antarctica to a solo teen homestay in Taiwan--the book captures how travel off the tourist trail offers profound lessons that push comfort zones and foster growth and global awareness.

Each chapter weaves a vivid tapestry of encounters that illustrate how families can make the most of their travels, whether on a weekend getaway close to home or extended adventure far afield. Supplemented with practical tips, curriculum ideas, and strategies for incorporating worldschooling into trips of any length and budget, The Everywhere Classroom goes beyond being a mere travelogue. It serves as a catalyst for change, inspiring families to explore purposefully and discover boundless learning in the world.

Genres: Memoir, Travel

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2025

About the author

Andi Almond is a global communications leader, author, and former Associated Press journalist whose work has been published in TIME, National Geographic, The Guardian, NBC News, CBS News, and dozens of other outlets. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Andi is a leading voice in the worldschooling and travel communities, inspiring families to turn wanderlust into educational adventures.

Her latest book, The Everywhere Classroom, features stories from her family’s travels to more than 20 countries and offers practical worldschooling tips for trips of any length or budget.

Andi is a passionate advocate for expanding travel accessibility and serves as Vice Chair of the Board of the Global Livingston Institute, working to create international educational opportunities. In addition, she is donating a portion of The Everywhere Classroom proceeds to IES Abroad to support global learning for kids.

Based in Boulder, CO, Andi balances her creative work with her role as a communications leader at a global consulting firm, all while sharing her family’s adventures through Instagram (@4almondsabroad) and on her website, andialmond.com.

Reviews

[Lisa Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Everywhere Classroom, Andi Almond masterfully blends the art of travel with the depth of family connection and the creativity of unconventional education. With equal parts heart and practicality, she offers an inspiring glimpse into what learning can look like beyond the walls of a traditional classroom, combining well-developed AND spontaneous lesson plans along the way.

Almond’s use of “Family Report Cards” and embedded travel tips are standout features—thoughtfully crafted tools that offer readers both reflection and actionable advice. These elements not only enrich the storytelling but also serve as a valuable resource for others considering a worldschooling journey.

What truly resonates throughout the book is Almond’s deep sense of gratitude and intentionality. Her commitment to authentic experiences—whether engaging with local residents or navigating parenting on the road—are highlighted by the growth and evolution she observes in her children and within her family as they engage in this experience together.

As Almond writes, “And at the end of it all, came home with a deeper sense of the world, our place in it, and our ability to play a part—however small—in making it a better, more sustainable, inclusive place.” This closing reflection beautifully captures the heart of the book: that meaningful learning is not confined to a classroom—it’s everywhere, waiting to be embraced.

[William M]

I just finished The Everywhere Classroom, and I have to say—it was such an inspiring read. The book follows Andi and her family's year-long journey around the world, and it’s not just a travel memoir; it’s a thoughtful look into how learning can happen anywhere. They visited over 20 countries across seven continents, and the way she weaves real-life stories with practical worldschooling tips is really engaging.

What I loved most was how down-to-earth and relatable the book felt. It’s honest about the challenges, family dynamics, and the sometimes chaotic nature of learning on the go. But at the same time, it’s full of heartwarming and eye-opening moments that show how powerful real-world learning can be.

Each chapter gives you ideas and tools to apply worldschooling in your own way, whether you're planning a big trip or just trying to incorporate more global learning into your day-to-day. It made me think differently about what education really means and how valuable experiences outside of the classroom can be.

I definitely recommend this one if you're curious about alternative education, traveling with kids, or just love a good adventure story!

[Nicole C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Everywhere Classroom. Andi Almond is a gifted writer and storyteller, and in this easy-to-read book she strikes the perfect balance of inspiring, entertaining, and educating. I followed the Almond family's adventures in real time via Instagram, and I often wondered what "worldschooling" really meant—so I was excited to hear this book would focus on that very topic. I don't have kids of my own, but I found many of the insights and practical tips that Andi shares to be broadly applicable to all travelers, children and adults alike. Perhaps we all are—or should be—worldschoolers!

I read this book while on vacation, and it prompted me to reflect on what it means to travel well— to travel respectfully, intentionally, sustainably. What a gift it is to have the Almonds' example as a guide. I strongly recommend this book to any traveler!

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the account of one family's adventures during a year of world schooling. It's filled with stories of their travels through many diverse countries throughout the world and practical advice for having your own world schooling experience. I loved reading about their journey and the travel choices they made as well as what worked and didn't work for them along the way. It was interesting to learn about their ideas concerning travel, education, and much more as I shared in their experience through this book. While I didn't agree with all of their educational ideas, I did find this to be a fascinating book and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn about an alternative education style or who is considering world schooling for their own family. I think there is definitely valuable insight here that could be helpful to those looking for a similar adventure.

[J Thielemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Everywhere Classroom is a must read for those interested in enriching trips of any length. Andi Almond does an impeccable job recounting her family’s epic adventures traveling the world while highlighting what works in creating a meaningful curriculum. The breadth and depth of what the Almonds academically accomplished while world schooling was quite impressive. Whether families are taking day trips to local sites or wandering the globe, they can create more impactful experiences by connecting academics and life skills to their travels. Andi’s book is undoubtedly one that will aide those with wanderlust to deepen their understanding of other cultures. Make sure to also check out “The Everywhere Book Club” where literature lovers around the world delve into a vast array of geographically diverse novels!

[Sam Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Half guidebook, half adventure novel—I was totally gripped reading about the Almond family’s global adventures.

The author vividly brings each destination and unique experience to life, whether on or off the beaten path. The genuine portrayal of family dynamics, the ups and downs of world schooling, and the author’s vivid, humorous storytelling made the book instantly relatable, with moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud.

Even though I enjoy travel but probably won’t embark on a year-long journey, the book inspired me to envision destinations I’d love to explore with my own family. I honestly can’t recommend this enough—perfect whether you’re a seasoned traveler, world schooler, or just a curious tourist!

[Annika · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has worldschooled my own kids for a year, this book is a great sneak peek into how a family can turn family travel into an educational experience. The Almond family is creative and inspiring in their approach to travel and growth. I also enjoyed the armchair travel element. They went to some very cool places, and I particularly enjoyed their descriptions of Japan, Brazil, Tanzania and Namibia. For anyone interested in international worldschooling, this is a great read!

[Nicola Helfert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for any family seeking engaging and inspiring learning experiences for their kids outside the classroom. Andi’s writing style is so clear and concise, with very relatable anecdotes. If your family has ever wanted to travel for a month or an extended period this book will give you the tools to embrace world schooling and embark on an unforgettable journey as a family!

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written account of an amazing wanderlust feat - a family’s gap year experience across the globe, full of not only adventure, exploration, family time, and memory-making, but also full school years on the go with self-created, world-based curricula. Truly impressive. Dive in to live vicariously and to get pointers for your own travel.

[Fred Hulser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful coming of age story for kids from Colorado in countries around the world while staying up educationally with their friends and peers at home with information on how you and your kids can do it too. Highly recommend!

[Rebecca Litovsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I was looking for: inspiring, but also full of practical advice for families wanting to travel while “world schooling” with their children. Each chapter focuses on a different location, and I was completely engaged as the author recounted her family’s journey, lessons learned, and ups and downs.