'We're choosing time, not things': Family with three kids under five to backpack for a year

New Paper

6 days ago

While most parents are fretting over Primary 1 registration, Gina Cheong and Daniel Ng are preparing to take their three young children - aged five, four and one - on a year-long backpacking trip around the world.
Come 2026, the family will kick off their adventure in the Middle East, before travelling through South America, Antarctica and Eastern Europe - all before their eldest enters formal schooling.
Their goal? To soak up new cultures, try unfamiliar food, live with less, and spend uninterrupted time together as a family.
"This is probably the last time we can do this, before the kids start school and have their own schedules," said Gina, 37, who runs a small business with Daniel.
"And right now, we're still their favourite people," she added, chuckling.
The couple, who have been married for nearly a decade, had long toyed with the idea of a trip but only began planning it in earnest last year.
They will be homeschooling their children on the road, using a mix of online resources and real-world experiences.
"People say the kids won't remember anything," said Daniel, 38.
"But that's not the point. The exposure still shapes them - they'll remember how they felt, what the world looked like, how different people live," he added.
Safety is a top priority for Gina and Daniel.
"Travelling with three young kids can be exhausting and challenging," said Daniel.
"But we will take all necessary precautions. We'll be extra vigilant about their safety, especially in unfamiliar places," he added.
They also hope the experience will help their children learn to live with less. "We want them to know what it's like to have very few toys," said Gina with a laugh.
From playgrounds to passport stamps - these three siblings, aged five, four and one, are gearing up for a whirlwind year of travel. PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIEL NG
Despite their excitement, the couple are realistic about the challenges ahead.
"Three kids on the road - it's going to be chaotic," Daniel admitted.
"But that's also the point. Life is chaotic. We want them to learn to adapt, to be flexible, to be curious," he added.
They plan to post updates on Sunrise Odyssey, their travel blog, to document the journey and keep friends and family updated.
"There's been a lot of support. Our family knows we're serious about this trip. Some are worried, but they just hope for the best," said Gina.
"When we backpacked 10 years ago, their concerns were even greater since it wasn't as common back then," she added.
Asked if they would attempt another such trip in the future, the couple laughed. "Maybe when the kids are older or when we retire - though by then I don't know if we can still do this kind of backpacking."
They understand this decision comes with trade-offs - slower business growth, uncertainty, and a strain on finances.
But to them, it is worth it.
"We could have saved the money for a bigger flat or for the children's education, but we have chosen to spend more time with them now," said Gina.