Our Journey as a Digital Nomad Family: What Happened When We Sold Everything
Courtney and Justin Orgias took a leap of faith, selling their home and belongings, to embark on a digital nomad journey with their newborn Follow their incredible journey as they create unforgettable memories and forge a strong bond as a family
Travel had always been a top priority for Courtney and Justin Orgias. Even after starting a family, they were determined to continue exploring the world. Both working in the tech industry, they liked the concept of being able to work remotely from unique locations. However, it wasn't until the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 that they realized that a digital nomad lifestyle was a real possibility for their family.
Justin, who hails from Toronto, Canada, explained, "Our jobs transitioned to fully remote, and it made us realize that we don't have to settle for life in Atlanta. It opened up the possibility of us working from the beach in Mexico, and after giving it a try for a couple of weeks, we absolutely loved it."
Leap of faith
The Orgias say that their children have gotten used to being on the move.
Courtney Orgias
They frequently traveled between Mexico and the US for some time and discovered that it was a good fit for them. After the borders reopened and life returned to normal, Courtney and Justin, who were expecting their second child, were eager to resume their travels.
They started seriously considering the idea of becoming full-time digital nomads, and planned to give it a shot within a few years. However, as time passed and their son Xavier neared school age, the couple realized that there would always be a reason to delay it.
Courtney and Justin expressed growing concerns about the political climate in the US, especially regarding the issue of gun violence, which was the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in 2020.
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Courtney, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, reflects on the realization that they were going to have a second child, that Xavier would need to go to school there, and that elections were coming. "It just turned into this sort of spiral," she recalls. "And it was like, 'Let's just take a leap of faith and figure this out.'"
After six years together, the couple decided to depart from the US in late 2021. During the following eight months, they sold their home and the majority of their belongings, all while arranging for a nomadic lifestyle for the foreseeable future.
Courtney and Justin's decision to up and leave the country with their two young children came as a shock to some of their friends and family, who couldn't understand their reasoning. "They were not fully understanding," Justin concedes, "But I believe that with time, people came to understand our choice."
On the move
Courtney and Justin, who both work in the tech industry, say they love living a nomadic lifestyle and are keen to show other families that it's possible.
Courtney Orgias
The Orgias left on Juneteenth, a US federal holiday that marks the end of slavery, just 10 weeks after their daughter Whitley was born.
"Our departure on Juneteenth wasn't planned, but I see it as serendipitous," Courtney commented.
They returned to Mexico and stayed for several months, exploring Guadalajara, Sayulita, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. Courtney and Justin chose Mexico as their "starting point" because of its proximity to the US and the presence of cities with excellent infrastructure.
"Mexico is also just so large and diverse," adds Courtney. "We want to explore it as thoroughly as possible."
Big move: Chris and Jennifer Tidroski decided to buy a home in Latronico in Basilicata, Italy after becoming frustrated with life in the US.
Gianniblues/Alamy Stock Photo
They purchased an affordable home in Italy due to the high cost of living in the US. In addition to Italy, the family of four explored Spain and Morocco, and later visited Medellín and Bogotá in Colombia before continuing their travels to Brazil.
Justin explained that they practice slow traveling, spending six months in each new place. If they find that a city isn't to their liking, they shorten their stay to just a couple of weeks. However, their initial plan is always to stay for six months.
Traveling with two young children has its challenges, but surprisingly, it has been easier than expected for some. "I thought it would be harder," Courtney confesses. "But we've been doing it since they were very young. And because we travel so often, they have gotten used to it."
"Its like heading to the airport is like heading to the grocery store for them [now]. They know whats going to happen.
"We have all of our processes in place. So its sort of become second nature."
Milestone moments
The family spent last Christmas in Morocco, and took a hot air balloon ride while in Marrakech.
Courtney Orgias
As experienced travelers, Courtney and Justin acknowledge that their children are not immune to occasional meltdowns. "Toddlers will be toddlers," Courtney remarks, pointing out the unique challenges that come with frequent travel, such as constantly losing toys.
We have developed a great deal of adaptability and flexibility in this lifestyle, and the same goes for our children. Courtney and Justin extensively research their chosen destinations to ensure a comfortable living and working environment for the whole family. However, they have encountered varying levels of difficulty in different places.
They found Medellín, a popular Colombian city for digital nomads, "difficult to navigate with kids," which led them to cut their stay short. During the 18 months since leaving the US, the Orgias have experienced significant family milestones, such as witnessing Whitley take her first steps in Rio de Janeiro and celebrating Christmas by riding through the Atlas Mountains in Marrakech.
Courtney said, "Whenever we get to experience something for the first time or something very special, and I get to see it through the kids' eyes, those are always going to be the highlights for me."
Courtney and Justin have been documenting their adventures on Instagram and YouTube, and have received significant support from fellow parents who are inspired by their journey.
"Many parents, particularly African American parents from the United States, express their desire to travel more with their children, but fear the idea of flying with them."
The couple acknowledges the apprehension of others but emphasizes that they have never felt unsafe, even though they have sometimes felt uncomfortable in less diverse areas. Courtney adds, "We have chosen not to visit certain areas, especially when considering childcare for the kids."
Despite our concerns or rumors we may have heard about diversity and other people's experiences there, we refuse to let that hinder us from witnessing it firsthand. She emphasizes the importance of forming our own opinions by visiting places ourselves rather than relying solely on others' perspectives.
"We never would have gone to Brazil or Mexico if we had listened to what others had to say about safety," Courtney remarks. "You wouldn't go anywhere if you only listened to rumors."
Some people believe that four-year-old Xavier and one-year-old Whitley are too young to fully enjoy traveling and leave negative comments from time to time.
Courtney and Justin are thankful for the opportunity to introduce their children to various places and cultures at a young age. Courtney further explains how their son's confidence has flourished since they moved away from the US.
"Xavier is very confident when talking to adults," she says. "Our kids have a natural sense of belonging and confidence when they enter a room. This is especially important for Black children."
"We want them to understand that there is no place in this world where they are not welcome and no opportunity they cannot pursue. There is no space they do not belong in, and no table at which they cannot sit."
Strong bond
The couple say they love seeing the world through the eyes of Xavier, four, and Whitley, one.
Courtney Orgias
The Orgias have contemplated homeschooling but ultimately decided that international schools would be a better fit for their family, indicating that they will likely choose this option once their children are older, as it will allow for flexibility in moving around. They have returned to the US a few times since embarking on their journey, spending quality time with family and friends in Atlanta and Florida, and more recently, visiting Portugal.
"The time we spent away has brought us closer as a family," the couple reflects. "We've learned to depend on each other in so many different ways, and it's been quite an adventure," Justin shares. "It's been a valuable experience."
The digital nomad lifestyle may work for their family, but the couple admits that travel can be stressful, particularly for those who are not accustomed to it, and not everything goes according to plan. Courtney remembers a time when they were stranded in Cancun with "no place to stay, no luggage, and no flight," but she believes that overcoming such setbacks has made them more resilient.
"Despite the insane stress, those moments ultimately bring us together as a team. After it's all over, we realize how amazing we work as a team.
Courtesy Matt Prior
They quit their jobs and sold everything to drive around the world with two young children
We have countless special moments with our children that we hope will become their cherished memories. We have chosen an alternative lifestyle where they are not away in daycare all day, allowing us to fully engage with them in the evenings.
They are currently in Mexico and are considering spending the end of the year holidays in Canada. After that, they are thinking about either returning to Colombia or traveling to Senegal to explore more of Africa. Courtney and Justin also have a strong desire to visit Asia in the future.
"Neither of us have ever been to Asia," Courtney explains. "So we're trying to figure out the time zones and push the boundaries of our flexibility to see how we can make that happen."
The couple, who express ongoing disappointment with the current political environment in the US, emphasize the importance of sharing authentic accounts of their experiences. They believe it is crucial for families like their own to see that this type of lifestyle can be attainable.
Courtney adds, "Our social media content aims to demonstrate to people, particularly black American families, that they have alternative choices."
Their story is intended to inspire others to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle without feeling pressured to fully commit. According to Justin, even taking small steps or returning home if necessary is a viable option.
"You dont have to sell your house and all your possessions like we did."
