People often ask us why we travel so much with our young children. It is a lot of work, it can be expensive, and it is definitely stressful at times.
But for my wife and me, travel is a non negotiable priority. We believe that exposing our children to the world at a young age is one of the best investments we can make in their development.
Keep reading below to know more why we think traveling with our 3 kids is the best investment.
Table of Contents
Building Emotional Tolerance
One of the greatest benefits of travel is helping children learn that they can do hard things.
By exposing them to new locations, different food, and unfamiliar situations, they learn to cope with anticipatory anxiety.
When they navigate a long flight or a new city, they build self confidence and become more adaptable. These are life skills that stay with them long after we return home.
A Collaborative Process
We like to involve our kids in the planning process as much as possible.
Recent surveys show that 70% of parents with Gen Alpha kids are now letting their children help make big travel decisions.
When children have a voice in where we go or what we do, they become more engaged. It turns the trip into a team effort and strengthens our family bonds.
It is no longer just a trip we are taking them on; it is an experience we are building together.
Developing Social Skills
Travel is a massive catalyst for social and emotional growth. Whether my son is learning to say “merci” in France or playing hide and seek with kids who speak a different language, he is learning that there is more than one way to live. I noticed this a lot during our adventure through Tokyo and Bali. By the end of that three week trip, our kids understood the routine and were ready for anything.
We are big believers in the Montessori style of education, which encourages children to learn through experience rather than just sitting in a classroom. Travel is the ultimate classroom.
Experiences Over Possessions
My wife and I are not very materialistic. We would much rather spend our resources on a trip than on more toys or possessions. Travel removes you from the habits of home and forces you to be present. It is about creating shared core memories, like the ones I shared in my highlights from Bordeaux and Lisbon.
While our kids might not remember every single detail of a trip when they are older, the impact on their worldview and their confidence is permanent.
Adapting to the World
Seeing the world through a child’s eyes also changes how we travel as adults. We notice small details, like how fast kids ride their bikes in a different country or how universally loved certain shows are across the globe. It promotes open mindedness and tolerance.
We want our kids to grow up as well rounded, worldly individuals who are ready to face whatever the world throws at them.
Conclusion
We consider traveling with our kids as an investment. It teaches them resilience, curiosity, and the importance of human connection. While it takes more planning and a different mindset, the plentiful rewards make every flight and every challenge worth it.
Do not wait until your kids are “old enough” to remember every detail. Start building those foundations and those memories now.