Israeli Family Ditches High-Tech for Three-Year Global Adventure

Keren and Dor Pozner, a couple from Tel Aviv, have embarked on an extraordinary three-year journey around the world with their two daughters, Rotem and Gili. The family left behind their careers in high-tech and youth movement leadership, sold their car, and packed just three suitcases to prioritize family time over the pressures of daily life.

Initially planning to depart in late 2023, their plans were disrupted by the events of October 7th. The family postponed their trip, with Keren's brothers being called up for reserve duty. However, by January 2024, Dor issued an ultimatum: either they leave immediately or the dream would be indefinitely delayed. Within two weeks, they secured renters for their home, sold their car, and began their travels, starting with a brief stop near Frankfurt before flying to Bangalore, India.

The Pozners' primary motivation was not sightseeing but rather being together as a family, a goal they felt was unattainable amidst the demands of Israeli life. Keren, a former algorithm developer, described feeling trapped in a "golden cage" by her high-tech job, which left little time for her children. Dor, who previously managed international delegations for the Scouts movement, emphasized the importance of pursuing dreams now rather than waiting for retirement, noting that physical limitations increase with age.

Their journey spanned over three years, with the first year and a half spent in Asia and the subsequent period in the Americas. They experienced different travel styles, from frequent moves in Asia to "nesting" or longer stays in single locations in America. The daughters, who were five and eight when they started, adapted by developing skills to quickly connect and disconnect with new friends. They attended local classes, summer camps, and even a three-month stint at an Anthroposophical school in Mexico, while also keeping up with their studies through travel journals and workbooks.

Financially, the family funded their trip by foregoing the purchase of a larger apartment in Tel Aviv and investing in experiences instead. They also relied on savings and passive income from a rental property. Key cost-saving strategies included minimizing travel between locations, engaging in volunteer work, and embracing a "Joy of Missing Out" philosophy by living like locals rather than chasing expensive tourist attractions. Their average monthly expenditure was approximately 15,000 shekels for the entire family.

Upon returning to Israel for a visit, the family was struck by the sheer volume of possessions they had accumulated. Having lived minimally with only three suitcases, they realized they didn't need so much. While the daughters initially wanted to stay in Israel, the family plans to spend a few more months in Goa before the elder daughter finishes her school year in Israel.