Traveling through Chile, Argentina, and Peru with a focus on Indigenous tourism was a transformative experience for Mirjam Peternek-McCartney and her family. We recently sat down with her to discuss the insights from their year-long sabbatical.
Mirjam, who operates a PR company in the Cotswolds, explained that the idea for their adventure took shape during a vacation in Italy in 2022. “Maybe we had a bit too much wine,” she chuckled, “but that’s when we decided to take a year off with our two sons, Lukas and David.” The excitement in their household was undeniable when they shared the news with their boys. “It was an announcement over breakfast, and once we said it, there was no turning back,” she recalled.
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted them to reflect deeply on family and travel, which motivated them to embrace this opportunity before life became even busier with David nearing his GCSEs and Mark approaching 50. “It felt a bit like a midlife crisis, with various factors in play,” Mirjam noted. Although she had concerns about her children’s education and her business during her absence, the support from her colleagues and the school helped alleviate some of that stress.
Initially, they contemplated a trip to Asia, but they ultimately chose South America, a continent all of them had yet to explore. “We planned to kick off in Colombia, make our way south to Patagonia in Chile, and then travel up the Atlantic coast to Buenos Aires. It was supposed to be a year-long journey, but we had to shorten it to eight months at the school’s request,” Mirjam detailed. They officially set off on their adventure in September 2023.
The planning phase itself was part of the fun. “We immersed ourselves in films, documentaries, and books about our intended destinations,” she shared. Prioritizing sustainability was crucial to them, so they avoided tourist traps and sought out local guides and businesses. “We wanted to uncover lesser-known spots,” she emphasized.
Mirjam explained how they organized their travel schedule, designating Monday through Wednesday as “school days” and Thursday through Sunday for exploration. They divided teaching responsibilities between the parents and supplemented their subjects with online classes for math and science. “This gave us some rhythm and structure, allowing us to continue learning while on the move,” she elaborated.
One of the highlights of their trip was their stay at the Tambopata Research Center in the Peruvian Amazon. “It was extremely educational for the boys, especially for David, who enjoyed working on moth traps,” Mirjam recalled. They participated in citizen science projects, ventured into the jungle for night walks, and learned about Indigenous medicine.
Traveling along the stunning Carretera Austral in southern Chile felt like a true adventure. “I’d recommend setting aside at least two weeks for that drive,” Mirjam advised. The family made significant stops at various national parks, including Pumalín Douglas Tompkins Park, which stood out due to its ancient alerce trees and breathtaking scenery.
They consciously avoided overly touristy destinations like the Galápagos Islands and instead found joy in smaller, sustainable lodges such as Bahía Bustamante in Argentina. “It felt like we were living in a David Attenborough documentary,” Mirjam remarked.
A significant part of their journey revolved around community and Indigenous tourism. They spent three weeks in Peru’s Sacred Valley, engaging with local families and learning about climate change’s impact on agriculture through community-led initiatives. A female-led tour in Lima allowed them to connect with the Shipibo community, enhancing their cultural insights.
Mirjam also discussed the financial planning required for their trip. They rented out their home and budgeted carefully, discovering that their expenses matched what they would have spent in the UK, despite higher costs in Chile. “Choosing affordable self-catering accommodations helped balance the occasional splurge,” she noted.
While the eight months flew by, Mirjam reflected on the personal growth and family bonding that took place. “It was an enriching experience that our children will carry with them forever. They uncovered new passions, like photography and conservation,” she shared, stressing the importance of overcoming initial fears.
When asked if they would consider another adventure, Mirjam responded with enthusiasm, “Absolutely! We’re looking at Japan for Mark’s 60th birthday. Who knows, maybe the kids will want to join us… if we pay for it!”
To wrap up our conversation, Mirjam offered her top tips for families contemplating a sabbatical:
1. Set specific days for work and school, and designate others for travel.
2. Combine homeschooling with world schooling, focusing on the kids’ interests.
3. Choose houses or apartments over hotels for the convenience of cooking.
4. Travel during shoulder seasons for fewer tourists and better pricing.
5. Allow plenty of time for exploration and for kids to recharge.
6. Seek out community-based and Indigenous-owned businesses instead of multinational corporations.
7. Pack lightly with quality gear.
8. Use playlists and audiobooks for longer journeys.
9. Prioritize experiences and quality guides over luxury accommodations.
10. Make mealtime a time for connection and conversation, free from technology.
Mirjam’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the incredible opportunities that arise when we step outside our comfort zones and immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of cultures around the globe.
