Let me tell you all about the amazing benefits of traveling with kids. Have you been thinking about taking a trip with your kids? I’m here to tell you to do it! We took our oldest on his first airplane ride when he was about 5 months old. My family has always had a love affair with the Oregon Coast and took an annual family vacation to stay in a cute little beach house in Lincoln City.
That trip turned out to be especially special as it was our last big trip with my mom before she lost her battle with cancer. To this day, the Oregon Coast remains extremely special to all of us. We actually just took a huge road trip from Colorado up through Oregon and California last summer. That all took place before I decided to start this blog, so I’ll probably write a few blog posts about that awesome trip one of these days.
And ever since that trip to Oregon when our kiddo was tiny, we haven’t stopped. We have taken more road trips to Iowa to visit my husband’s family than I can count. Some trips in our little red Subaru (one trip ending in the engine blowing up, but that’s a whole other story), some in our minivan, and lots of trips in various motorhomes. The motorhome trips turned out to be our favorites and we have officially become that weird RV family.
I think as parents, sometimes we feel pressured to take our kids on these huge, extravagant vacations to make it count or make it worth it. But I truly don’t think that’s the case at all. Over the years, we’ve taken all sorts of different types of vacations with our two kids. From Disney World to the Pacific Northwest, and even Tahiti, I think if you ask our kids what one of their favorite destinations has been, they’ll both say visiting the family farm in Iowa. Exploring the cornfields and sitting on the hot curb as a little parade in a super tiny Iowa town goes by. No matter where you go, you meet new people. You expose your kids to different ways of life and that is so beautiful.
In today’s fast-paced world, the value of travel extends far beyond mere leisure. It is a powerful tool for personal growth, education, and family bonding. While the prospect of going on trips or vacations with young children may feel daunting, the benefits of traveling with kids are numerous and profound. From fostering curiosity to promoting resilience, here are some reasons why I think traveling with children is an awesome adventure that your family should take.
Broadening Horizons
Traveling exposes children to a world beyond their immediate surroundings. It offers them the opportunity to witness different cultures, languages, and traditions firsthand. Whether it’s tasting exotic cuisines, marveling at architectural wonders, or engaging with local customs, children develop a profound appreciation for diversity. These experiences broaden their perspectives, nurturing empathy and understanding towards people of all backgrounds.
Igniting Curiosity and Learning
The world is a classroom, and travel is the ultimate teacher. From exploring historical sites to encountering unique ecosystems, every destination offers a wealth of educational opportunities. Children absorb information like sponges, and travel provides them with immersive, hands-on learning experiences. They learn about geography, history, and the natural world in a way that textbooks cannot replicate. Whether it’s tracing the footsteps of ancient civilizations or observing wildlife in its natural habitat, travel ignites a lifelong curiosity for exploration and discovery.
Cultivating Adaptability and Resilience
Traveling inevitably presents challenges and uncertainties, from flight delays to language barriers. And if you’re a disorganized hot mess like myself, these things seem to happen all the time! However, these obstacles provide invaluable lessons in adaptability and resilience. I feel like I’ve learned my own lessons in patience and flexibility during our family trips. I’ve realized how valuable it is to our kids to show them a good example of how to adapt and work through difficult situations. Children learn to navigate unfamiliar environments, problem-solve, and embrace change with confidence. They become adept at adjusting to new routines and unforeseen circumstances, skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Strengthening Family Bonds
This is probably my favorite reason. Traveling offers families the opportunity to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with each other on a deeper level. Shared experiences create lasting memories and strengthen familial bonds. Whether it’s embarking on outdoor adventures, exploring historical landmarks, or simply enjoying each other’s company, travel fosters a sense of unity and togetherness. Of bonding. Of taking care of one another. Experiencing new and exciting things together. It provides a platform for meaningful conversations, laughter, and shared discoveries, creating a tapestry of cherished moments that will be treasured for years to come.
Fostering Independence and Confidence
This is a big one. Traveling empowers children to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to interacting with locals, they learn to assert themselves and take ownership of their experiences. Each new destination becomes a playground for self-discovery, where children develop independence, confidence, and a sense of autonomy. They learn to trust their instincts, make decisions, and adapt to ever-changing circumstances, laying the foundation for future success.
Inspiring Creativity and Imagination
Traveling stimulates the imagination and fuels creativity in children. Exposed to new landscapes, cultures, and perspectives, they are inspired to see the world through a different lens. Whether it’s capturing breathtaking vistas through photography, sketching architectural marvels, or penning travel journals, children express themselves in diverse and meaningful ways. Our daughter made so many drawings after our last trip! Travel sparks their innate sense of wonder and curiosity, encouraging them to explore, experiment, and dream without limits.
The benefits of traveling with kids extend far beyond the thrill of adventure. It is a transformative journey that shapes young minds, nurtures curiosity, and strengthens familial bonds. From fostering empathy and resilience to igniting a passion for learning and creativity, travel offers children a window to the world and a lifetime of memories. Whether considering planning a trip a state away, or getting ready to travel across the world, just go for it! Explore with your kiddos. Heck, that could mean discovering new parts of your city you’ve never been to. Help your kids foster their love for trying new things and you’ll build awesome memories doing it.