There are so many reasons why travel broadens your horizons and opens your mind. And judging by the number of travel blogs and enthusiasts out there, I’m not alone in truly believing that travel is so very good for the soul.
I’ve spoken to lots of parents who believe it’s too much hassle to take a young child away – and although I would agree to a certain degree as you have to be pretty organised – I don’t believe you have to travel the world in one extended global trip or even head to far-flung, exotic destinations to reap the benefits of travel. After all, this isn’t financially viable for a lot of families, who are struggling to make ends meet in this tough climate. Choose countries closer to home; a staycation or even a short trip to the seaside – travel doesn’t have to be expensive.
Why Travel Is Great For You And Your Kids
However, travel teaches a person, young and old, life experiences that cannot be taught in a classroom or learned from a book. Here are the reasons why travel is great for you and the kids…
Open children’s minds
It’s a big world out there, and we can all get trapped in the insular bubble of the environment we are used to. Travelling is an assault on the senses… Different languages, different religions, different foods and different cultures. Children will benefit hugely from experiencing different ways of life – it will make them more curious, question their surroundings and make them realise we are all different, but that different doesn’t necessarily mean bad.
Educate
Travel is an education. Whether you visit a historic monument in Scotland, ancient ruins in Greece or a museum in New York, the joy of learning why something is there, and seeing it with your own eyes, instantly makes it more interesting. But aside from history and the past, you also have the natural wonders of our planet – from national parks, to watching dolphins swim in the ocean or discover how Aborigines live in the Australian bush – travelling to these wonderful places opens up the experience of learning and is far more interesting than any textbook.
Teach children humility
We live in a particularly materialistic world. Travel, though, can show children (and adults) that not all people have the same luxuries in life; that people have to work extremely hard just to feed their families. But that doesn’t mean they are unhappy – or have a chip on their shoulders. Over the years we have met some wonderful people who have taken the time to help without expecting anything in return, and it can be a truly humbling experience. It’s a good thing now and then to appreciate what you have, and even more so for children to understand not everyone in the world has clean running water, let alone an iPad or a car.
Teach children to be braver, patient and more adaptable
None of us likes to be in situations which we can’t handle. But how are you ever going to know if you don’t step out into the unknown? This is true of taking on big challenges, but even small ones such as trying different cuisines, or talking to people you don’t know. Also, things don’t always go to plan when you travel, there could be delays, different routes, bad weather. Children are particularly robust, and more than we give them credit for. Travel will give them the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and thrive – and to learn to deal with disappointment when their expectations aren’t met.
Help a family to bond
Taking your child/ren away with you, will cement your relationship and give you valuable time together. They will benefit from you being more relaxed and not bogged down from chores that often get in the way of everyday life. You as parents will be able to devote more quality time to your children and collectively experience new and exciting adventures together. You’ll learn the same things, see the same sights, and make memories that only you, as a family, can share together, therefore strengthening the bond between you all.
I totally agree! Great post!
Thanking you kindly for stopping by. I’m glad you liked it! 🙂
Love this post!!! Absolutely fantastic! I couldn’t agree more with all of it! X
Thanks Chantelle that’s very kind of you, and a mantra I know you believe in! xx
Wonderful. I’ve got something in my eye! 🙂
Great points. We love getting away from home – even if it’s just a few miles down the road. It allows us to spend quality time together without the pressure of home chores bearing down on us. At home it’s far too easy to say no to the fun stuff because ‘mummy’s just got to get the washing on’ or ‘daddy really needs to wash the car’. Travel makes for stronger families x
Great post Ting!! These are the things I think about when I think of having kids… they probably will travel as much as their mama 😀
As long as you’re happy they’ll be happy 🙂
Thats so sweet to hear from you 😀
It doesn’t matter to kids where you are in the world as long as you’re with them. So long as it makes you all happy, do it 🙂
Absolutely Jo, hear hear!
What a lovely article. And I totally agree. When my kids were little, I sometimes took them on the train to Tunbridge Wells. You wouldn’t believe how exciting that was. Even going on a bus up to town is an experience because it is different. We delayed going abroad because we thought it was going to be too much hassle. Then we realised that our eldest was growing up fast and that she would potentially miss out if we waited for her younger brother to catch up. So we decided to take the plunge and go for it. As you know, we have the travel bug now and there’s no stopping us! But the kids still love a trip to Hastings or taking the train up to London for the day.
Fantastic post and I agree with everything you’ve said. The point about humility is so well made – teaching children that they’re lucky to have all that they do and showing them how other people live is such an important lesson x
Thanks Michelle. It’s a no brainer! x
Great post Ting and yes, we always travelled as a family for all of these reasons. Ultimately, this has meant that my daughters are confident enough to travel to far-flung destinations alone now that they’re all grown-up!
Exactly, and that’s what my parents instilled in me, too.
This is great. We haven’t stopped traveling since having kids. They can make such good memories and like you say, learn to adapt and become more patient. #sharewithme
Thanks Rebecca, the world is our oyster! 🙂
Great post and I completely agree. Our travelling is limited these days because our eldest daughter is unable to fly due to her heart condition but we managed to go abroad for the first time this year and both our little ones enjoyed it. I love introducing my children to different places and cultures and making memories as a family.
I completely agree to this, I am so for travelling no matter what age my kids are. I have been doing it since they were born and I will continue to show them the world. We are huge travellers and I think its’ great to give kids a bigger perspective than the neighborhood they live in. I have friends that have never left their own town. It’s like living in a bubble. Great post. Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
Thanks Jenny, it’s such a great lesson in life – I don’t think you can beat it!
Agreed! And when I have children I will still travel…with them!
Fantastic article! We don’t have children yet (trying), but when we do, we will definitely be traveling for ALL the reasons you wrote about above. 🙂
Thank you so much Shelley. Yes, I think parents who love travel just pass it on to your kids! 🙂
Great list, we absolutely love travelling with our two, mostly to visit family but I never thought of it like you put it!
Thanks lovely. Yes, travelling is good for all and just nice to have something to experience together
Totally agree! Great post. Love your blog design too btw x #Thelist
Aww thanks so much, that’s lovely of you x
Great food for thought – the best memories and life lessons come through experiencing the Big Wide World 🙂
Totally. And the more you see the more you learn. Thanks for stopping by
Yes, yes and yes! In Toby’s first 7 months of life we took him to a a cabin in Sherwood Forest, a resort in South Wales and a group holiday to Tenerife. Not as easy as it was pre-baby, but we had a great time and will continue to take him to knew places as often as we can xx #TheList
Thanks lovely, I totally agree it’s not as easy, but definitely worth it. I think travelling will really help kids learn a lot and make great memories. Here’s to you and your future travels! Long may they continue 🙂 xx
I completely agree with this (and have started my new series #travelwithme because of the very essence of this post)
I believe in introducing my toddler to different cultures and foods. Different ideals. Something else I think is important because we do live abroad in Dubai which is predominantly muslim. I also love how different cultures bring children in, I’ll never forget being invited to sit in a temple in front of Buddha with the toddler in Kandy, Sri Lanka, with all the other children. Incredible.
Plus he surprises me every time with how much he is willing to try food wise, wish he would do the same at home!
#TheList
Oh it sounds like you’ve had some wonderful experiences already. I think it’s wonderful when you see little ones interacting with locals with no sense of preconceived ideas. The best life experience is getting out and about for sure. Thanks for popping by and I’ll be sure to read your #travelwithme series
Mazing post and I 100% agree with everything you said. We have taken our two away since being tiny, they love exploring and culture and it is so educational x
Thanks lovely. It’s the best life experiences they can have and on the plus side we get to enjoy it with them too! x
I definitely agree – great points! I’ve done a lot of travelling and it does open your mind and your horizon so much! I never did much travelling as a kid, more as a teenager, but I want my kids to see the world as much as possible. Out little one is a bit too young to really understand too much yet, but we’ve been to a few places nonetheless 🙂 #thelist
I think the younger the better! I think it just gives people a different perspective on life. I know now it’s the hunger to see you places all the time. I always have a series case of wanderlust! Thanks for stopping by
fab post and I am nodding my head along to all of your comments. They are all so true and travelling offers so many things that you cannot be “taught” or exposed to in a normal school setting.
Which is why it annoys me so much that parents are fined for taking their kids out of school to go away.
I would totally agree – it such a great way for kids to learn in a non-forced manner, and it’s fun! But I’m definitely guilty of being a chicken about it in the past, always fearing the worst and getting anxiety even before I’ve left the house! I’m trying to get beyond that now 🙂 I LOVE that photo, what a stunner xxx
Thanks for linking up lovely xxx #TheList
Oh god I’ve been a little nervous too, but it’s amazing how little ones are so great at adapting. xx
This is all so very true. We have travelled with our two from when they were very young and love that they are not phased at all by travelling. And with such busy lives it is, as you say, such a great way to bond as a family. #pocolo
Ting this is such a fab post, you are so right, travel really educates and broadens your children minds my two know so much more about that world due to our travels, they have a thirst and interest for the world which I hope they will continue to discover when they grow up x
Thanks Sarah. I think the places they see will have a positive impact on their future selves. Yay to travel at any age! x
I agree, the last one is especially true 🙂 That reminds me of my parents who often took us traveling – always remember the good times we had 🙂
It’s always good to remind ourselves of the past. Makes you appreciate how lucky you are!
Yes! I totally agree. I’m a new mama and will be taking my two-month old on his first overseas adventure soon. I’m sure it will be the first of many and I can’t wait!
Exciting times ahead for you and your little family. Look forward to reading about them all 🙂
Great post, thanks for sharing your experiences and tips. Travelling at a young age, either with family or as part of a school trip can be such a great educational experience for children. It is a highly beneficial and important experience for all if you get the opportunity. It really broadens your perspectives on life and strengthens your understanding and appreciation for other cultures.