What happens when a special needs child runs away in a foreign country? How do you navigate cliff-side dangers with a fearless daughter? And why would anyone stuff 12 people into a 5-person rental car in Sicily?

Welcome to the beautiful chaos of world travel with five children in tow. In this raw and revealing episode, we pull back the curtain on our European adventures, sharing the moments that Instagram never shows – from the panic of searching for our daughter in Toulouse to the disappointment of arriving at a "perfect surf town" in Portugal only to find freezing cold water and constant wind.

Our journey through Portugal and Sicily reveals how expectation repeatedly collided with reality as we navigated tiny apartments, budget constraints, and the unique challenges of traveling with our special needs daughter. When Linavelle bolted from a taxi and was found by a concerned stranger who didn't believe Alex was her father, we faced one of our most terrifying travel moments.

The episode explores not just destinations but the transformative power of discomfort and adaptability. We discuss how military connections provided unexpected support in Sicily, how we learned to set boundaries when coordinating travel with friends, and why the challenging moments ultimately became our most cherished memories.

For families contemplating extended travel, this conversation offers honest insights into the logistics, financial considerations, and emotional resilience required. Rather than presenting a highlight reel, we share the messy, imperfect, and utterly life-changing reality of pursuing adventure with children in tow.

What travel mishaps have taught you the most? We'd love to hear your stories of expectation versus reality in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe for part two where we'll continue our Italian adventures!