10 Reasons Kids Should Travel

The other day a friend of mine told me she’s not sure she will ever travel with her kids again.  I agree that it’s a scary time right now and we’re not getting much use of our passports, but the thought of NEVER traveling with my kids again breaks my heart. I strongly believe there will be a time again soon when we can get lost on winding streets, chat with locals at the pub, and dine under the stars after a day of exploring a new town. Still nervous about traveling with kids? Take a peek at an article I wrote  a few years back about 10 Reasons Kids Should Travel.  Enjoy!

KIDS THAT TRAVEL SEE THE WORLD WITH A NEW PERSPECTIVE

My kids are growing up in a town that does not have much diversity.  When we travel they are able to see there are so many amazing cultures.   The more exposure to travel they get, the more they will seek it out.  The world will not seem scary or unknown, but rather something that makes them curious and question where they want to go next.

KIDS WILL LEARN ABOUT THEMSELVES

Do they enjoy vacations surrounded by lots of people or do they prefer solitude? Are they adventurous or do they like to do calm activities?  What do they like to do for fun? Do they want to hike, swim, snorkel, fly, swim with dolphins, or go parasailing? Do they like to follow an itinerary or  be spontaneous? A good vacation is one where they come home changed for the better.

Flying hawks in Ireland

KIDS THAT TRAVEL WILL LEARN TO EXPLORE

 I always research the heck out of the place we’re traveling but I always leave room to just explore and wander around.  (Ok…and I get lost A LOT!) Our favorite times when traveling were wandering in the maze of streets and coming upon a cute café or shop.  Traveling makes kids appreciate how great it can be to get lost.

TRAVEL BUILDS CONFIDENCE.

Small accomplishments, like ordering their own foods in a restaurant, paying for their own souvenir, or letting them choose what activity you do that day will make them believe in themselves.  They will be amazed at what they can do! 

TRAVEL GIVES KIDS THE CHANCE TO EXPLORE NEW FOOD

  My kids will try anything…at least once. They’ve eaten puffin, octopus, squid, clams, pig’s ears, and deer.  Well…they did draw the line at blood sausage but who can blame them? It is the perfect opportunity to show them that food can consist of more than chicken fingers and pizza. They may not like it but at least they get to experience it once.

Tasting puffin in Iceland

KIDS THAT TRAVEL ARE EXPOSED TO NEW CULTURES

The world is made up of many different lifestyles.    In Portugal, my girls were able to see women wearing the traditional 7 layer skirts.  In Greece, they saw local fishermen hang their octopus in the sun to dry.    All of this exposure makes them realize how distinct each country is.

KIDS WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR OWN CULTURE

If your family has a rich heritage it is your responsibility to teach them about it.  I grew up in a household where we mostly spoke Portuguese.  I regret not teaching my kids the language but traveling with them allowed me to show them our culture and help them become proud of it.

Walking the town wall in Obidos, Portugal

TRAVEL LETS THEM MEET INTERESTING PEOPLE

Sure, there are some crazies out there, but sometimes they can make your vacation a blast. When my oldest daughter was in 1st grade, her morning share to her class after spring break was all about the Naked Cowboy in NYC. Travel allows them to interact with people that can change their thinking about mankind.

THEY’LL LEARN TO GET OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE AND TRY NEW THINGS

Whether they are swimming with stingrays in the wild, snorkeling in the caldera of a volcano, or exploring a dark cave, they can break out of their comfort zone and try something they never thought they would do.  Travel helps kids become courageous and powerful.

KIDS THAT TRAVEL LEARN TO RELAX, DISCONNECT, AND BE IN THE MOMENT

 In a time when our cellphones are constantly on, it’s nice to disconnect with the world for a while and just be in the moment with each other.  While on vacation, our phones stay off until we get back to the hotel in the afternoon. Even then, I will gladly pass on electronics in exchange for a glass of wine on the patio listening to the waves crash on the beach.

Living their best life…in Bermuda