tabifolk talks with Jodie from Learners and Makers – A World Traveling Family of 4

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel the world full-time with your family while navigating accessibility challenges? The latest episode of tabifolk talks features Jodie St. Clair from Learners and Makers, a family of four who has been traveling the world full-time since August 2022. This inspiring conversation offers valuable insights for anyone interested in accessible travel, slow travel philosophy, or world-schooling children.

Meet the St. Clair Family

Jodie, a 42-year-old above-the-knee amputee since age 13, travels with her husband and their two children (ages 13 and 10). What started as a dream to travel for at least a year has expanded into a full-time lifestyle. The family alternates between international destinations (with a particular love for Asia) and exploring the natural beauty of the U.S. in their 25-foot Class C motorhome.

Their travel philosophy centers around being “Learners and Makers” – embracing lifelong learning while actively shaping their experiences and making the most of every situation. This approach has served them well as they navigate the world with children and accessibility considerations.

Accessible Travel Insights

One of the most valuable aspects of this episode is Jodie’s candid discussion about traveling as an amputee. She shares how surface changes, stair standards, and inclines present constant challenges that require mental energy and careful planning. Her advice about finding your own pace resonates deeply – understanding what works for your specific needs makes travel significantly more enjoyable.

“It takes me a little longer to get places. It takes more energy,” Jodie explains. “There’s this constant kind of analytics going on in my head. And that also is tiring.”

Her experiences at various Disney parks worldwide offer fascinating comparisons of accessibility services, particularly highlighting the differences at Tokyo Disney where earthquake safety protocols create unique considerations for visitors with mobility challenges.

Slow Travel: A Mental Approach

The St. Clairs embrace “slow travel” – not just as a timeframe but as a mentality. This approach has been transformative for Jodie’s travel experience:

“For me, once I started seeing the value in slowing down, it made a huge difference on how I traveled,” she shares. “Slow travel feels much more like a mental place, a mentality, than it does like a time frame.”

By staying longer in destinations, leaving unscheduled time, and releasing the pressure to “see it all,” the family creates more meaningful and less exhausting travel experiences. This philosophy particularly shines in their approach to world-schooling their children, where hands-on cultural experiences become the classroom.

Unique Travel Experiences

The episode features fascinating discussions about repositioning cruises – one-way journeys that move cruise ships between seasonal destinations. The St. Clairs recently took a two-week cruise from Seattle to Tokyo, which Jodie describes as “the most relaxing vacation we’ve had” with everything taken care of and no daily decision-making about meals.

Their travels through Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia) and their repeated visits to Japan showcase how family travel can work in destinations some might not consider kid-friendly. Their minimalist approach to traveling with young children is particularly impressive – when their son was just one year old, they managed a trip to Japan with just one carry-on suitcase and a lightweight stroller!

Content Creation and Travel Partnerships

For those interested in travel blogging, Jodie offers practical advice about securing partnerships with tourism boards. She emphasizes the value of attending professional blogging conferences to make in-person connections, the importance of persistent follow-up, and maintaining resilience when facing rejection.

The family’s current journey continues through Southeast Asia in 2025, with plans for Malaysia, Singapore, and a return to their beloved Japan.

Watch the Full Episode

This blog post only scratches the surface of the insights shared in this engaging conversation. To hear more about the St. Clairs’ adventures, their approach to world-schooling, and detailed accessibility tips, watch the full episode of tabifolk talks featuring Jodie.

Connect with Learners and Makers

Follow the St. Clair family’s continuing adventures:

Jodie loves connecting with fellow travelers and answering questions about accessibility, world-schooling, and their experiences in destinations around the world.

Join the tabifolk Community

Have questions about accessibility in places the St. Clairs have visited? Join the tabifolk community or download the tabifolk app today! This accessible travel forum allows you to connect directly with travelers like Jodie, share information and resources, and discuss travel experiences worldwide.

Create your profile on tabifolk and join the conversation about accessible travel. Ask Jodie your questions about navigating Japan, Southeast Asia, or any of the other destinations they’ve explored, and become part of a supportive community dedicated to making travel accessible for everyone.