A Different Kind of Fatherhood
As a father, I always knew I wanted to be present—not just in the day-to-day sense, but in a way that made a lasting impression on my son’s sense of wonder, empathy, and curiosity. That desire has shaped how my wife and I raise our 2.5-year-old son, Milo. And while the toys, bedtime stories, and playground adventures matter, it’s travel—deep, immersive travel similar to what we offer here at Discover Corps—that has become the cornerstone of our family’s journey.
Some might call us brave. Others might say we’re crazy. Traveling across the world with a toddler isn’t always easy, but for us, it’s essential. Since Milo was born, we’ve spent month-long stints living in Italy, Costa Rica, Brazil, and most recently, New Zealand. We don’t travel to escape life—we travel to live it more fully, and to help Milo do the same.
Each trip is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in local cultures. We don’t just visit—we live. We stay in local neighborhoods, shop at local markets, and even enroll Milo in local preschools. We want him to grow up seeing the world not as “other,” but as a beautiful, interconnected whole.
Walking the Walk
As the Executive Director of Discover Corps, I’ve spent my professional life advocating for travel that makes a difference—travel that connects people across cultures. With Milo, I now live that mission in the most personal way. Every destination is a chance to model the values I hold dear: empathy, curiosity, and a deep respect for the world and its people.
Father-Son Moments & Life Lessons in Foreign Lands
There’s something incredibly powerful about exploring a new place with your child. In Italy, I watched Milo take his first bites of fresh pasta made by a grandmother at a small restaurant in Sorrento. In Costa Rica, we played in the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean, our laughter echoing against the swaying palms lining the coast. In Brazil, he learned his first words in Portuguese while dancing with local kids. In New Zealand, we hiked together through ancient landscapes, his tiny boots tracing the same paths as the Māori legends.
These are not just travel memories—they are fatherhood moments, made vivid by the setting, enriched by culture, and strengthened by the shared experience of being somewhere new, together.
Travel has taught Milo to adapt, to listen, to be patient, and to connect. It has taught me, as a father, to slow down, to be present, and to find joy in the smallest discoveries. It’s a two-way street: I’m guiding him, yes—but he’s also teaching me. About resilience, openness, and the pure wonder of seeing the world with fresh eyes.
Why Now Matters
Some parents think they need to wait until their kids are older to travel meaningfully. But I’ve found that early exposure is not only possible—it’s transformative. The world becomes their classroom, their playground, and their teacher. And the bond you build as a family on the road? It’s like nothing else.
As Father’s Day approaches, I invite other dads to consider giving their children—and themselves—the gift of the world. It doesn’t have to be a month in a distant country. It can start with a road trip, a cultural event, or a weekend stay in a different neighborhood. The key is to be present, curious, and open to connection.
Final Thoughts
Fatherhood isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being there—in heart, in spirit, and in experience. For me, that has meant being there on cobblestone streets in Florence, under jungle canopies in Costa Rica, on sun-drenched beaches in Brazil, and on misty trails in New Zealand. I carry those moments with me every day—and so does Milo.
This Father’s Day, I’m grateful for every passport stamp, every new friend made, and every sunset watched with my son by my side. Here’s to the dads who dare to explore—and the kids who grow up knowing the world is theirs to discover.
–Alex DuBois, Executive Director