We thought we had it all.

A comfortable home, comfortable jobs, and a comfortable routine. The "American Dream" was ours for the taking. But what if that dream wasn't really our dream? What if we didn't really want to climb the figurative career ladder just to get the promotion that would allow us to trade more time at work for more money? What if we didn't really want to spend time at work away from the kids during their most formative years, just so we could accumulate savings that would allow us to buy our "dream home" years down the line, just in time for the kids to leave the house anyway?

The truth is, we didn't really think there was any other way. For as long as we can remember, we've been programmed to believe that a "fulfilling life" is one in which you go to college, graduate, enter the workforce, get married and have kids, work for 30/40/50 years, then retire and FINALLY enjoy the freedom to manage your time on your own terms.

Turns out, either we're really impatient or we weren't made to live that kind of life to begin with. You see, through our years together we've formed very discrete ideas of what is important in our lives. What we treasure. What we value.

Here are our four values:

Family

Freedom

Learning

Sharing

Thankfully, by focusing on our values, we've seen the light! 💡🌅

We made the conscious decision to forego that traditional way of life and design our own Jetsetting Life. You're probably thinking, "uh... guys, what does that mean anyway? And how are you going to afford it?" For us, it meant that we prioritize experiences and memories over possessions. However, that didn't mean that we were going to get rid of everything as fast as possible, quit our jobs immediately, and catch the next flight out of town. We took a deliberate approach to planning our adventure, which is our answer to the affordability question. We gave ourselves until June 2018 to develop a plan for a sustainable online business that allows us to gain location-independent income and ultimately fund our new lifestyle! And, since one of our values is sharing, we want to show you our successes and failures along the way. Because after all, if you're reading these, there may be a (small or big) part of you that wishes to do something similar, and we want to help!

With that said, we are honored to introduce ourselves to you!

Rod

My name is Rod, and I like to party!

I was born in Mexico, but moved to the United States when I was 10 years old. I had the honor of attending and graduating from MIT, and worked as an Aerospace Engineer prior to jumping into the travel life. I also have experience with sales and marketing functions at tech startups.

Aside from spending time with my fam, I enjoy running (trails for life!), reading, writing, and learning as much as I can (I'm currently all about online business, marketing, social media, and web development)!

Quick facts:

~ Total goofball over here! I like to play pranks on Jess whenever I get the chance 😉

~ I won my 8th grade spelling bee; since then, I've developed a keen eye for editing

~ I have terrible cutting-paper-with-scissors skills. Totally can't cut straight!

~ My right pinkie finger is crooked because I broke it playing basketball and never got it fixed 🙁

Jess

Hi I'm Jess and love to dance my way around the world with my family! I was born in the United States and at the age of 10 my parents sent me on exchange to Mexico City for a year and that is where my love of travel began! I didn't speak any Spanish and was so scared at first, but quickly learned the language and grew a passion for learning about different cultures. Since then I have visited over 50 countries and have enjoyed backpacking, volunteering, and studying abroad! I always thought this crazy travel life would end when I settled down with a family, but couldn't be more excited that isn't the case!

Quick Facts:

~ I love dancing, photography, baking, and anything that gets my adrenaline going!

~ I love late nights talking to Rod and seeing our kids faces light up when we play!

~ I graduated from The University of New Mexico with an Accounting Degree and a Masters

~ Rod and I were set up on a blind date and have been together ever since

Santi

Hi I am Santi, I am 10 years old, and dream of being an entrepreneur! I love going on adventure hikes with my family and am happiest in a pool...well actually on an iPad or video game, but that isn't allowed often. I don't have a shy bone in my body so if you meet me be prepared to hear a lot of stories and jokes! I'm currently in 4th grade after spending the past few years getting home schooled around the world. I love all things Roblox and Minecraft, and want to keep getting better at math and science.

Quick Facts:

~ I have visited 45 countries so far

~ I learned to read at 4 years old and have not stopped since

~ I have an infectious laugh and love telling jokes

~ I am an expert arguer so watch out

Nora

Hi I am Nora, I am 6 years old and the curly haired cutie of the family!

I have had glasses since I was 8 months old and love to wear them! I adore my big brother and imitate everything that he does. I also annoy him by stealing his toys and running away! I have an obsession with all animals and am pretty fearless for a little girl. I often ruin my mom's makeup and put it all over my face and hair:-) I've loved traveling the world and spending time with my family, and am currently enjoying going to school and playing with my friends!

Quick Facts:

~ I am named after my grandmother whose name is Leonor but nickname as a girl was Nora

~ I have modeled for different companies and even for some Walmart products

~ I am pretty shy at first, but warm up after I get to know you