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On the Road with Kids
John Ahern had it all: a high-flying job, big house, loving wife and two great kids. But if this was success why did he sense he was failing as a husband and father?
So John does something completely insane. In the midst of a high-powered board meeting he blows his career apart. He quits the working world, sells the car, rents the house, and with wife Mandy, buys a busted-up old campervan online with one grand goal in mind: a year travelling together as a family…on the road with kids.
Disconnected from phones and email, John and his family criss-cross 30 countries on a funny, messy and often confronting voyage of self-discovery. From the North Pole to Africa’s highest peaks, they get mugged by monkeys, charmed by snake handlers and harlots, and inspired by their fellow wanderers. Along the way John sheds the skin of the working zombie and creates a life less ordinary as he evolves into a connected partner and Dad.
On the Road with Kids is a hilarious and poignant adventure all families will connect with. It’s a life-changing trip. Take it!
So John does something completely insane. In the midst of a high-powered board meeting he blows his career apart. He quits the working world, sells the car, rents the house, and with wife Mandy, buys a busted-up old campervan online with one grand goal in mind: a year travelling together as a family…on the road with kids.
Disconnected from phones and email, John and his family criss-cross 30 countries on a funny, messy and often confronting voyage of self-discovery. From the North Pole to Africa’s highest peaks, they get mugged by monkeys, charmed by snake handlers and harlots, and inspired by their fellow wanderers. Along the way John sheds the skin of the working zombie and creates a life less ordinary as he evolves into a connected partner and Dad.
On the Road with Kids is a hilarious and poignant adventure all families will connect with. It’s a life-changing trip. Take it!
272 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
8 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 7, 2018
Absolutely brilliant. I loved every second of this book and I couldn't stop laughing. Life is short and we all need a long journey in a camper van. Highly recommended and very hard to put down.
February 7, 2017
John Ahern thought that he was living the dream; a high-flying career, a plush house, a loving wife and growing family, but what some would deem to be a successfully life was not making him happy. After a career changing moment, he needs to get out of the rat race. The adventure is conceived; take a year off, rent out the house and travel around Europe for a whole year. They buy a tatty motorhome over the internet and after getting everything settled, leave Australia for their European road trip.
Arriving in Holland, they head to the dealership to pick up their camper. It is a bit bigger than they thought, well from the outside anyway; inside is another matter as they crash into cupboards and bang heads. The vendor shows them how everything works and they decide to camp nearby the first couple of nights, just to get the hang of it. They learn the ropes with their new home on wheels, before heading north into Scandinavia to visit Denmark, the first of their 30 countries that they will go through.
What an adventure it is too. They can go to wherever they want, at the time that suits them best. The family see and experience so many things as they travel, even venturing into North Africa. Ahern writes with a wry sense of humour, recounting the escapades and trials and tribulations of travelling with two small children. It is a life changing moment too, they realise that priorities needed to change in the way that they live, and they start to consider getting out of the rut of having the big house and lifestyle, but having to work long hours and earn loads to pay for it all. Overall it is a really entertaining book; worth reading for those that are contemplating the idea of a long road trip. Maybe just maybe…
Arriving in Holland, they head to the dealership to pick up their camper. It is a bit bigger than they thought, well from the outside anyway; inside is another matter as they crash into cupboards and bang heads. The vendor shows them how everything works and they decide to camp nearby the first couple of nights, just to get the hang of it. They learn the ropes with their new home on wheels, before heading north into Scandinavia to visit Denmark, the first of their 30 countries that they will go through.
What an adventure it is too. They can go to wherever they want, at the time that suits them best. The family see and experience so many things as they travel, even venturing into North Africa. Ahern writes with a wry sense of humour, recounting the escapades and trials and tribulations of travelling with two small children. It is a life changing moment too, they realise that priorities needed to change in the way that they live, and they start to consider getting out of the rut of having the big house and lifestyle, but having to work long hours and earn loads to pay for it all. Overall it is a really entertaining book; worth reading for those that are contemplating the idea of a long road trip. Maybe just maybe…
December 18, 2014
This was a very funny, engaging and honest story told by John, an average family man, who decides with his lovely wife and two young kid to pack everything up and hit the road for a trip around Europe and beyond.
John has it all - the job, house, wife and kids but feels that he's lacking something. When he finds himself unemployed and unwell, he decides to buy a busted up camper van on the other side of the world and drag his family on a year long road trip!
What John is lacking probably holds true to all of us as we get caught up in our busy lives, distracted by technology, it can make us forget what it's like to really connect with our family, friends, and loved ones.
If you are a traveller you will love the trip down memory lane as John takes you with him to beautiful sights and adventures. I loved John's writing and realness about what it's really like to travel, warts and all, especially by road when they have to do everything themselves including empty the toilet!
I recommend this book to travel lovers, young and old, or even someone looking to put that spark back in their lives, this book might just be the driving force to get you on the road!
John has it all - the job, house, wife and kids but feels that he's lacking something. When he finds himself unemployed and unwell, he decides to buy a busted up camper van on the other side of the world and drag his family on a year long road trip!
What John is lacking probably holds true to all of us as we get caught up in our busy lives, distracted by technology, it can make us forget what it's like to really connect with our family, friends, and loved ones.
If you are a traveller you will love the trip down memory lane as John takes you with him to beautiful sights and adventures. I loved John's writing and realness about what it's really like to travel, warts and all, especially by road when they have to do everything themselves including empty the toilet!
I recommend this book to travel lovers, young and old, or even someone looking to put that spark back in their lives, this book might just be the driving force to get you on the road!
May 31, 2015
This book is a brilliant inspiring read for travelers, particularly travelers who have kids like me! The author, John has a high-powered job that he admits takes his time and attention away from his family. When a forced opportunity comes up for him to leave his job, he decides to abandon the corporate world, and take his family to Europe to live and travel in a less than ideal caravan.
They go on a one year adventure from the North Pole to Africa and so many spots in between.
I gave this book 4 stars, not for exceptional writing or my love for the "characters" in it, but for what its potential affect on my life. I am completely inspired to do something similar with my kids in a few years. I love the idea of living in a caravan and travelling and I never considered doing that in Europe before. Since finishing this book, I have used his budget as a preliminary plan, have drawn all over printed maps, made lists of countries I want to see......my new obsessive project!
They go on a one year adventure from the North Pole to Africa and so many spots in between.
I gave this book 4 stars, not for exceptional writing or my love for the "characters" in it, but for what its potential affect on my life. I am completely inspired to do something similar with my kids in a few years. I love the idea of living in a caravan and travelling and I never considered doing that in Europe before. Since finishing this book, I have used his budget as a preliminary plan, have drawn all over printed maps, made lists of countries I want to see......my new obsessive project!
August 6, 2015
This is filled with self deprecating humour about a year on the road travelling in Europe with kids. Best takeaway for me was the line 'you have to disconnect to connect.' Taking time out of the daily grind also helps you to pay attention to the important relationships in your life - family. I really enjoyed the rambling honest reflections of this Aussie family's life as travellers. It even comes with a handy cost planner at the end so you can decide to do it for yourself!
October 6, 2014
One of the most entertaining books I have read this year. Laugh out loud funny, inspirational and emotional as well at times. Makes me want to get up and do this myself! Highly recommend.
February 26, 2015
Great read; Just not for me. Writing was very well done!!
April 13, 2015
This is a thoroughly enjoyable, thought provoking book. I'll have a full review up shortly.
May 29, 2019
Another book I’ve read in recent times about living more simply and assessing tour priorities in life. I’m seeking these out at thee moment, wanting the affirmation and motivation to make the difficult changes.
I did enjoy this, laughed out loud many times, decided early on they were plonkers not to prepare more but loved how they learned and developed (in many ways) along the way.
Some places were glossed over like they’d never been and I wish there had been more about these, but then maybe there was less to say in terms of impact they’d had etc so therefore not relevant to the book. But still.
And having been to Cavtat and Dubrovnik twice, I loved reading and reminiscing about this particular place.
I did enjoy this, laughed out loud many times, decided early on they were plonkers not to prepare more but loved how they learned and developed (in many ways) along the way.
Some places were glossed over like they’d never been and I wish there had been more about these, but then maybe there was less to say in terms of impact they’d had etc so therefore not relevant to the book. But still.
And having been to Cavtat and Dubrovnik twice, I loved reading and reminiscing about this particular place.
May 25, 2020
For all the times they he realised that he didn’t want to be stuck between the lines, surely writing a book about such adventures does just that.
Funny bits:
* 4 adults smoking a joint on the bed in the camper van
* Emptying the toilet ... without chemicals
* Going to the North Pole with a crate of 1euro bottles of wine
* high pitch scream, a 2 year olds weapon of choice
* worms
* Ferry ride to A, arctic circle.
* Santaland is closed
* Icehotel is being rebuilt
* Losing the dunny lid down the well
* Exposed bums at the Prada in Madrid
* Argan oil, goat shit style
More than once it felt negative, I found it hard to even think about the positives of such an adventure, with small children, in autumn and winter.
Funny bits:
* 4 adults smoking a joint on the bed in the camper van
* Emptying the toilet ... without chemicals
* Going to the North Pole with a crate of 1euro bottles of wine
* high pitch scream, a 2 year olds weapon of choice
* worms
* Ferry ride to A, arctic circle.
* Santaland is closed
* Icehotel is being rebuilt
* Losing the dunny lid down the well
* Exposed bums at the Prada in Madrid
* Argan oil, goat shit style
More than once it felt negative, I found it hard to even think about the positives of such an adventure, with small children, in autumn and winter.
February 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and it just makes you want to pack off and see the world. Also what came across in the book as well is to not spend all your life working and putting off things that you want to do as you don't know what is round the corner. It was a quick read it was only 302 pages and a light read so I did get through it quicker. If you are planning a trip there is a breakdown of costs etc at the end of the book.
January 5, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - I loved John's humour and the journey he went through to truly slow his life and live in the now. I also enjoyed the history that was woven into the adventure - it's an easy read and I laughed quite a lot!!!
January 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. Was a great mix of humor and reflection and just a lovely read that made me want to hit the road. Been reading a lot of these family travel books and this one was one of my favorites.
August 31, 2017
Love the story, restarts my thoughts on another trip away!
September 8, 2017
Gets the cogs turning
Inspiring read. I truly admire the passion and joie de vivre of this couple. Not usually my genre but I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this novel
Inspiring read. I truly admire the passion and joie de vivre of this couple. Not usually my genre but I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this novel
May 6, 2018
4 stars. Mainly because they are living the life I wish I had the courage to live. Particularly interesting as they both work for the same company as my husband and me! Spooky message maybe...
January 1, 2019
Nearly made me want to find a couple of kids and buy a camper van. Nearly!
March 6, 2019
excellent warts and all travels in a camper van with small kids around Europe and north Africa for a year.
November 9, 2019
It was slow and was trying too hard to be funny when it wasn't at the beginning, transitioning to a strong finish with a few heart strings touched at the journeys end.
August 4, 2020
Interesting reflections but I think there were a few porky pies which undermined my faith in some of his experiences...
July 29, 2021
Fairly enjoyable
October 29, 2021
Absolutely loved it
January 26, 2022
A family buys a campervan and travels around Europe, Scandinavia and Northern Africa with their 2 and 4 year old children. Honest and amusing.
May 3, 2024
So inspirational, I defy anyone to read this book and not want to immediately start planning a road trip! Loved it!
September 9, 2024
This was fun. 😄 Had quite a few laughs. Now I have ants in my pants again. 😅😅
March 2, 2017
The best thing about this book is it's constant reminder that we have so much to be grateful for.
September 5, 2014
I loved the book from start to finish. A cliche, but I quite literally couldn't put it down. John Ahern lays himself bare for the reader, admitting to his failings as both a husband and father and the price those around him payed for his career success. At turns laugh out loud funny and gut wrenching, it was cause for more than a little self reflection. The author's determination to turn the situation around is inspiring. So many of us bemoan our lives and circumstances but are paralysed by fear and inertia. John's journey with his family to a 'life less ordinary' may just prove the impetus to at least stop for a moment and look at what we are doing, where we are going, and most importantly why. For anyone interested in work-life-balance this read may just tip the scales.
December 29, 2025
I enjoyed it. It was interesting & funny. The ups & downs of life in a dodgy motor home with little kids, the unexpected joys & struggles of international travel, self reflection & re-examining their priorities. (I could’ve done without the swearing, though, & it was a touch rude in parts.) The narrator of the audiobook was pretty good (Michael Veitch)
May 12, 2016
Kath 2016
April 19, 2017
Love to have good laughs along the way? You will sure have plenty with this book, so well written that makes you laugh so much sometimes :) I was more emotional to this book, this author, his family, their story and journey as we are about to do the same thing. This book helped me understand and be more prepared for our trip ahead. What I loved more about it was the coincidence of just picking it up by the book title and totally enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews