Parenting is a journey filled with various experiences and lessons. In our family, we witnessed our kids transform from music learners to globe-trotters through an interesting journey.

How Kids Funded Their Dream Trips through Music and Busking

Music Lessons and the Dream of Travel

My husband and I took a significant step by paying for our kids' music lessons. We believed that this would not only enhance their skills but also open up new possibilities. And indeed, it did. Our kids showed great enthusiasm and dedication, and soon they were ready to take on a new challenge.They started to think about how they could use their music skills to fund their dream trips. This idea sparked a sense of purpose and determination in them.

The Secret Life of Busking

We found inspiration on the city streets - busking. It was a great way for our kids to showcase their talent and earn money. Around 8 years old, they joined school training ensembles and we paid for private lessons to hone their skills. By the time they were 10, they had the confidence to try busking themselves.Our eldest son set his sights on a trip to the Galápagos Islands. He started with Christmas carols at the local mall and received around $30. This small amount gave him the motivation to keep going and save for his dream holiday.For different locations, there were different rules and requirements. In Sydney's central business district, he needed to purchase a 12-month permit, but he made that cost back in his first city performance. Some locations waived the fees for kids, while others required public liability insurance.They also had to have the right gear. With their father's help, they assembled their own 'busking kit' including a pull trolley, a white board and artists easel, a music stand, and a growing collection of music. The homemade banners were also very effective in attracting people's attention.

Determining the Value of Time

From this experience, we learned some key factors. Travel is expensive, and it's a privilege that needs to be part of a greater planning process. For our 12-year-old kids, saving up for a two-week holiday from Australia to almost anywhere cost around $6,500 per person.Our eldest son learned how much he could earn by playing his trumpet for 30 minutes. Each time he went busking, he learned and earned more. He noted which music attracted more attention, where the best locations were, and the most profitable time to busk. They set up a simple spreadsheet to record everything.There were also other small wins. Once, our eldest son saw a video game and hesitated to buy it as it cost $65, which was equivalent to an hour of busking. This made him think more carefully about his spending.

Finally, the Journey to Travel

After two years of busking and three years of music lessons, our eldest son travelled to the Galápagos Islands with his dad in 2019. They had an amazing experience, diving, snorkeling, hiking, and meeting incredible people. He is now 18 years old and taking a 'Gap Year' to work and travel before studying marine biology at university.Our middle child travelled to Denmark to visit Lego House and Norway to chase the Northern Lights. He continues to busk on weekends and recently purchased his own Bass Clarinet.Our youngest recently started her busking journey with her cello, saving for her trip to Mexico to see axolotls in their natural habitat. She is inspired by her brothers' achievements and is excited about her own journey.In conclusion, through music lessons and busking, our kids not only achieved their dream trips but also learned valuable life lessons. It shows that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.