More Than Just Vacation Photos
Cost, time, stress. Is family travel worth the work? Traveling with kids often conjures up images of sandy beaches, amusement parks, and, well, occasional meltdowns. But did you know that venturing beyond your backyard with your little ones has some amazing side effects that go beyond the usual “family fun”?
You might find this startling: 70% of your time with your kids is over by the time they’re 12. That’s right, the clock is ticking. So, why not make the most of that time? Here’s how family travel can actually make a profound impact on your children and strengthen your family bonds in ways you never expected. And this doesn’t mean you need to max out your credit cards on a dream trip, these tips equally go for a roadtrip or camping at beautiful national parks just a few hours away.
1. Cultivating Empathy Through Exposure
This one might be the most obvious, but it’s an incredibly important one. When children experience different cultures, landscapes, and lifestyles, they develop a broader understanding of the world. This exposure cultivates empathy and awareness, making them more open-minded and accepting of people who are different from them. Empathy is an invaluable life skill, and travel sets the stage for teaching it early on.
2. Creating a Treasure Trove of Family Memories
Ok, this one is the second most obvious. Let’s face it, the memories made while trying to navigate a foreign subway system or tasting exotic foods will last a lifetime. These shared experiences become family folklore, stories to be told and retold, strengthening the sense of unity and shared history among family members. We still laugh about many travel moments (like what do you do when your 6 year old locks themselves in a bathroom and your 10 year old REALLY has to go), and those inside jokes are irreplaceable family glue. Even if at the time it was stressful. Travel is amazing this way, not every memory has to be a good one to make a great story!
3. The Antidote to Anxiety: Stress-Testing in Safe Environments
You just ran to the train station and your train was canceled without recourse. You just traveled all night but you can’t get access to the Airbnb. These are low-stakes stressful situations that become teachable moments. When children see their parents problem-solving and keeping their cool, they learn valuable coping mechanisms. The experience reduces anxiety and prepares them to handle life’s curveballs with grace. So much of anxiety is worrying about imagined scenarios, but by getting these experiences and realizing that you can face anything thrown at you, you imagine a lot less anxiety driving experiences in the future.
4. A Suitcase Lifestyle: The Antithesis to Materialism
Living out of a suitcase teaches kids the art of minimalism. It becomes evident that you don’t need five pairs of shoes or a mountain of toys to have a good time. This lesson in simplicity encourages them to value experiences over material possessions, a mindset that pays dividends in long-term happiness. Does that mean they don’t beg for a stuffy at every shop we see? They still do! But by putting luggage size constraints on them a nice side effect is having a great excuse to not but them. #parenthacks
5. Quality & Quantity Time
When you’re navigating through a new city or simply lounging by a beach, the distractions of daily life fade away. Suddenly, you find yourselves engaged in long conversations, laughing over inside jokes, and truly connecting. It’s quality time in its purest form, and it’s irreplaceable. Does that mean they won’t be on their screens for long trains, planes, and automobile rides- of course they will! But they will also bond over the apps and shows they’re watching more than at home.
The Ultimate Takeaway
The next time you hesitate to book that family vacation, remember that the benefits extend far beyond the family photos. Family travel is more than just a break from routine; it’s an investment in your children’s personal development and a powerful catalyst for family bonding.
Looking for some inspiration? Here are two family bucket list trips: Japan and Iceland. Both locations are extremely family friendly with experiences for all ages.
What do you think? Have you experienced any of these surprising side effects of family travel? Share your thoughts in the comments below! ๐โ๏ธ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ
