Single mother and child on an open-ended world trip - Nathalie on budget planning and future plans

Nathalie and Marvel – mother and son – two free spirits traveling the world. And all during the coronavirus crisis. In this second part of the interview, Nathalie from mom and A half man talks about the weeks following her son's life-threatening illness, her newfound freedom, and her new everyday life without the hamster wheel.

Nathalie shares her thoughts, future plans, and how she's financing her journey. She also talks about Marvel's development without a system he has to fit into and what's particularly important to her about raising her.

1. You mentioned that freedom was difficult for you at first and that you've changed. Would you like to share your exciting journey and your thoughts with us? How did your burnout develop, and how do you feel about your newfound freedom?

As I thought about our upcoming trip from Germany, I pictured us arriving and living in complete bliss after the jet lag. Of course, that wasn't the case.

My daily routine in Germany was extremely tight, my to-do lists filled pages. You probably know what I'm talking about. Now we were suddenly in a vacuum. As tight as the structure in Germany was, it gave us stability. Orientation.

Now we were in a foreign country, everything was new. Marvel also had the language barrier. That's something you have to get used to. And it took us a few weeks to get used to. Now we have a new routine, new rituals, Marvel is learning English. And everything is fine.

My burnout vanished because I had the strength to step out of the hamster wheel. I've never been happier or freer.

2. What does your typical daily routine look like these days? Are you staying in one place, or are you traveling a lot? And are you just the two of you, or do you now have companions on your journey? And is the coronavirus crisis currently affecting your life there?

We've rented a house by the month; it's simply the cheapest option, and I realize that Marvel needs a secure base right now. I'm also enjoying this slow travel. We rented a scooter here and are on the move a lot, but we always return to our base. The size of Koh Phangan is perfect for this, even though, after three months, we feel like we know every nook and cranny. Next week, we're moving into a luxury hotel for the first time, which we're both very excited about. After that, we'll move on; the coronavirus situation will determine where. It remains exciting.

Otherwise, we haven't noticed much of the coronavirus pandemic. My order book is good, and people are reading and using social media right now. Otherwise, face masks have been a familiar sight for months, as have social distancing and temperature checks. But we've long since gotten used to that.

We always travel alone and then make friends on the spot, as was the case here, of course. But we'll continue our journey as a couple; we're simply an excellent travel team.

3. On your Instagram channel, you stated that you travel on a budget and donate to Doctors Without Borders, for example. How do you finance yourselves over such a long period of time?

I took the plunge and haven't regretted it for a second. Fortunately, I have a good network, which has allowed me to build a fairly solid client base. But of course, I'm happy to receive further inquiries.

We don't need much to live on, although living on a low budget is a challenge here. Koh Phangan is unexpectedly expensive by Thai standards.

After our experience at the local hospital, I realized once again that my child's survival depended on my social and financial status. This cannot be allowed to happen. Therefore, I support Doctors Without Borders and hope that I can help protect people from this fear for their loved ones.

4. How do you see your future? Do you have any special plans or visions you'd like to realize? Are you even interested in returning to Germany, or would you like to explore other countries with your child?

I don't plan anymore. I've truly given up on that. Of course, we never go through life without a plan, but I've learned—not least because of the coronavirus pandemic—that life is only too happy to thwart plans. And what happens instead is always wonderful.

So I'm planning different options, but I'm no longer rigid. I guess it's what you call basic trust.

We'll definitely be traveling to more countries—we have to, if only for visa reasons. But where, when, and how—I don't know yet. I'll be happy to reveal more in due course on @mom_and_a_half_man

5. Marvel doesn't attend kindergarten or similar institutions. What is especially important to you in his upbringing, and what would you most like to pass on to him? To what extent do you think this journey will shape him?

I hope he grows up to be a cosmopolitan, loving person who respects his environment. I can already see how positively traveling is changing him, and I can only look forward to the future with joy and accompany him on his journey. I want him to learn that he is right, just the way he is. We took the first step by leaving Germany.

We initially had a great kindergarten. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, this facility had to close. Now we have wonderful babysitters, an English teacher, and he goes to a kids' club. There they do beach cleanups, learn a lot about nature and themselves, experiment, and create. I think that's more than he would learn at some kindergartens.

6. What has been the most important insight you've gained so far on your journey? Has it changed your life and your outlook on life for the better?

The most important insight I've gained is: TRUST. I trust in myself. In my decisions and in my path. I trust that everything will happen at the right time. That everything will happen as it happens. And I trust that I can overcome challenges. My path so far has shown me this more than clearly.

7. Last but not least: What is your absolute favorite mara mea product and why?

I love, love, love my mara mea diaper bag, Senorita Bella. Of the 20 countries I've traveled to with Marvel, she's already seen 14. And she's still as magical as the first day.

Thank you so much for the inspiring and very open interview, dear Nathalie! We wish you a wonderful time and many great experiences on your journey. P.S. For anyone who missed part 1 of the interview, "From burnout to traveling the world with a child - Nathalie tells how she found happiness along the way," click here .