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.

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5 Best Things to Do in Jamaica with Kids

Photo Credit: Kimberly of Stuffed Suitcases

Last Christmas, we decided to leave our freezing town in New England and head to the gorgeous island of Jamaica.  It was the perfect place to have some fun in the sun and create some memories together.  The island has powder white sand and crystal-clear water. The best thing about the island are the wonderful, kind locals that want to share their love of Jamaica with you.  So, what can you do with your family while you’re there? Here are five of the best things to do with kids in Jamaica.

Mystic Mountain

This outdoor park offers families the chance to do a few different adventures while visiting. All guests start their adventure with a ride 700 feet up the mountain aboard the sky explorer chair lift. Along the way you’ll coast over a forest and get a gorgeous view of the Caribbean Sea and the Ocho Rios cruise port.

 

One of the most popular attractions on the mountain is the bobsled. You’ll sit into a specially made bobsled and hold on as it plunges through 3280 feet of twists and turns down the mountain. Head back up the mountain to try out the zipline tour that sends you flying along five ziplines through the forest. Keep in mind that kids need to be 48 inches tall for the bobsleds and 6 years old for the ziplines.

At the top of the mountain kids can tackle the new ropes course, Annancy’s Web, or try to climb to the top of Reggae Rock. And if you’re looking for some relaxation, they have an infinity pool and waterslide, that look out over the sea and Ocho Rios.  It is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation!

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