Embracing Change: A Family’s Journey Through Europe and Beyond
A Tech-Savvy Start
Victor Trac, a 45-year-old DevOps engineer and entrepreneur, grew up in South Carolina with a passion for technology. In high school, he built and sold PCs, providing tech support to friends and family. This early interest led him to earn a degree in electrical engineering and math, setting the stage for a career that would eventually take him around the world.
A Leap of Faith to France
After college, Victor followed his then-girlfriend, Rebecca, to France, where she took a teaching job. Their journey continued in Germany, where they spent three years exploring Europe on weekends. This experience not only enriched their lives but also laid the groundwork for their future adventures as a family.
The Austin Experience
By 2008, Victor and Rebecca returned to the U.S., settling in Austin, Texas, just as the city’s startup scene began to flourish. They welcomed two children into their lives, and as the years passed, they noticed a shift in Austin. The intimate city they once loved was evolving, and with their kids growing older, they felt it was the perfect time for a transformative experience.
A Year in Spain
In 2023, the Trac family made a bold decision to spend a year in Spain. With their children already familiar with Spanish from their dual-language elementary school, they moved to Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of Spain’s Basque Country. Here, they rented a furnished duplex in a walkable city surrounded by mountains. However, the school primarily taught in Basque, a language unrelated to Spanish, presenting a unique challenge for the kids.
Initially, the transition was tough, especially for Victor’s daughter, who struggled to find her voice in a new language. But within three months, both children adapted, forming friendships and embracing the local culture. Victor found joy in trail running in the mountains, working remotely, and enjoying family dinners, all while experiencing a slower, more intentional pace of life.
Exploring Europe by Camper Van
After the school year, the family rented a camper van and embarked on a road trip across southern Europe, visiting friends and family in Ireland. This adventure allowed them to explore new places and create lasting memories together. By August 2024, they returned to the U.S., but their Austin home was rented out, and they were not ready to settle down.
City Shopping Tour
With a desire for a change of scenery, the family embarked on a “city shopping tour” along the East Coast. They rented Airbnbs, testing various cities as potential new homes while Rebecca homeschooled the kids. By December, Portland, Maine, emerged as their top choice. However, the timing was tricky due to the U.S. school year, so they decided to spend the first half of 2025 in New Zealand.
Adventures in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the Trac family enrolled their kids in a school in Christchurch, where school-aged children can attend local schools for up to three months on visitor visas. Their journey was not without hiccups; at the Sydney airport, they faced a snag due to their one-way tickets, requiring Victor to purchase expensive refundable exit tickets on his phone.
During their time in New Zealand, the family explored the stunning landscapes, with Victor playing tennis and cycling the Alps-to-Ocean trail. They also took a three-week detour to Japan, enriching their cultural experiences even further.
Readjusting to Life in the U.S.
Returning to the U.S. brought its own set of challenges. The Trac family found themselves driving everywhere again, a stark contrast to the walkable lifestyles they had grown accustomed to in Spain and New Zealand. The cost of living also shocked them; simple meals that were affordable abroad felt exorbitant back home.
Victor reflected on how these experiences abroad changed his perspective on everyday interactions. In New Zealand, he rented an expensive camera lens with just his name on a piece of paper—no ID or deposit required. This level of trust left a lasting impression on him.
Navigating Challenges Abroad
When asked about the biggest challenges of living abroad, Victor noted that there wasn’t a standout issue. While Spain’s bureaucracy could be frustrating, they embraced it as part of the adventure. Their children adapted remarkably well, rarely complaining about the constant changes. Staying connected with family and friends back home was easy thanks to technology, although time differences sometimes complicated planning.
Settling in Portland
Now settled in Portland, Maine, the Trac family is fully immersed in school and daily life. Their children, now 14 and 10, are thriving, and the family plans to stay until Victor’s daughter finishes high school. This journey has not only shaped their lives but has also instilled a sense of adventure and adaptability that will serve them well in the future.
