traveling for a year (with kids)

I think it's a great idea. IMO you shouldn't let school get in the way of your children's education. For that long, you run into Visa issues and will need to plan out health care alternatives before you leap.

You might also try checking out Lonely Planet web site and Transitions Abroad. While I agree that R.S. and ETBD are pretty great, those other two though deal deal with more people who are on the "long haul" and might have more specific advice.

Also look to books and people who have done this say on their bicycles or boats. While this might not be the same mode of travel you are considering there are similar considerations and experiences.

BTW if you can swing it on a legal basis, what a great thing to do. As I child I was pulled out of school for month and two month long treks across country as the military moved us. To this day it was the best and most educational experiences of my youth.

You might want to read "One Year Off" by David Cohen, whose family did just that. Their kids were younger than yours, but you could still gain some insight from their experience.

Thank you for the terrific ideas. I had heard of a book about a year off but couldn't find it. Now I have. I will also look at visa issues. Thanks!

Another book to read is Monkey Dancing by Daniel Glick - your local library may have a copy. It is about a dad who takes his two kids RTW.