I love family travel when you travel with kids, everything is different. You have to consider them at all times. From planning to packing, they keep you on your toes. They push you to try new things you wouldn’t normally do. They make you get off the beaten path and embrace local culture. They’re a lot of work, but they are also a lot of fun!
1. It’s a bonding experience
While many parents struggle with the idea of traveling with kids, most agree that it is a wonderful way to bond with them. Whether it’s talking and laughing together on a long flight or exploring the city in which they’re staying, family travel provides opportunities for bonding that can’t be replicated with a movie or dinner at home.
In addition, when you travel with your family, you have a chance to create shared memories that will last a lifetime. While you might have some arguments about where to go, what to do and how to spend your time while away, the overall experience of family travel is one that everyone will love and remember.
Family travel is also an opportunity for parents to set a positive example for their children. It’s an opportunity to teach your children about the importance of saving for and planning trips, something that may not come naturally for many kids, particularly teens. It’s also an opportunity to help them gain confidence and skills with regard to travel, especially when traveling abroad.
Oftentimes, the biggest challenge with family travel is keeping the little ones occupied and happy so that the grown-ups can enjoy some quality time with each other. The answer to this can often be found in limiting electronics during the trip, both on the flight and at the destination. This will make it easier for families to talk and interact, allowing them to bond with each other in the real world rather than on the screen.
Another great way to bond while on vacation is through family activities that are unique to the destination. This can include activities like visiting local markets, taking cooking classes and going on guided tours or hikes. These types of experiences push the family out of their comfort zones, requiring them to support and encourage each other. And they can create some pretty epic memories – who doesn’t remember the time Tommy ate a cockroach or Nanna downed a bowl of Mexcian chili?
In today’s busy world where many families juggle full careers and school schedules with sporting events. It can be challenging to find time for family activities. However, with the right planning and budgeting, family travel can be an affordable option that provides valuable bonds and lifelong memories.
2. It’s a learning experience
During family trips, kids learn to be flexible and adapt to a changing environment. They also learn to appreciate different cultural experiences. They will be exposed to the world beyond their own community, and this may inspire them to want to preserve the environment, promote peace and respect others from diverse backgrounds. This is a valuable life lesson that can be applied to their daily lives and help them become responsible, caring adults.
Children tend to be more inquisitive and often ask questions about new things. Seeing the world through their eyes can be fascinating, and it opens our own minds to the amazing possibilities of the world we live in.
Incorporating learning opportunities into your travel plans can make your vacations even more exciting and enjoyable for the whole family. You can incorporate scavenger hunts, cultural quizzes and interactive games to teach your kids about the places you visit. You can also take your kids to local museums and introduce them to a variety of historical facts.
Depending on your child’s age and level of interest, you can also teach them how to prepare for a trip. This includes how to pack, research destinations and choose accommodations. This will give them a sense of accomplishment and ownership for their family vacations. They can also be taught life skills such as how to use public transportation, navigate foreign cities and read maps.
Family trips can also help teach your kids to be empathetic and compassionate towards people from other cultures. They will be able to understand that not everyone has the same lifestyle. That there are many ways to be happy.
In addition to all of the positives, traveling with your family can be challenging. Your kids will be tired, cranky and sometimes difficult to handle, but it’s important to remember that these challenges are temporary. They will eventually grow out of this stage, and they will start to see the joys of travel for themselves. Until then, enjoy your family trips and make sure to create the best possible memories that will last a lifetime.
3. It’s a bonding experience
Family vacations are great bonding experiences because they provide a chance for families to spend quality time together. It’s also a chance for parents to model healthy relationships and stress management skills for their kids. And because there’s no other distractions, kids are often more open with their parents and can share a lot about their own lives as well.
Whether you’re flying to a destination abroad or just driving around the local area. Family trips are a great way to spend time with your loved ones. Create memories that will last a lifetime. And because family bonding is so important, it’s essential that you take the time to plan a memorable trip for your whole family.
A great way to get closer with your family is by planning a fun activity that everyone will enjoy. This can be anything from a nature walk to a museum visit. It will give you the opportunity to explore interests that you might not have otherwise explored. It’s also a good idea to let each family member pick an activity they want to do on the trip. This will help them feel included and it might even lead to a fun family tradition.
Another way to bond with your family is by planning a service-based vacation. This type of vacation allows you to volunteer as a family. Can be an incredible experience that will help your children learn about other cultures and the importance of giving back. It’s also a good way to make new friends. It can be a great way to build your child’s self-esteem.
A family vacation is a great bonding experience and can be an excellent way to reconnect with your loved ones. However, it can be difficult to find the time to get away with your family because of busy schedules and year-round sports and school commitments. But by taking the time to plan a special vacation. You can give your family an unforgettable experience that will strengthen your bonds and create lasting memories. So, don’t hesitate to plan a trip with your family this year. You’ll be glad you did!
4. It’s a bonding experience
When families juggle work, kids’ extracurricular activities and social obligations, it can be challenging to spend quality time together. However, family travel provides a big block of time to enjoy each other’s company and build bonds. The time away also helps the family be more open to new experiences and willingly try things they wouldn’t normally do.
Whether it’s trying out rollercoasters or ziplining or eating a cockroach (yes, really). Family members help support each other through these adventures and make memories that will last for years to come. These are the sort of stories you’ll tell your grandchildren and great-grandchildren to illustrate that you’re not only a great parent, but a brave and adventurous grandparent!
On many Intrepid Family trips, we take the lead on finding the best local experiences. Adventures that you couldn’t replicate in a resort. Spending the night with a Peruvian family, sleeping under the stars in Africa while lions roar in the distance – these are the sort of lifelong experiences that will bond your family for generations to come, whether they’re seven or 70.
Family vacations are also a great opportunity to start building family traditions. For example, many families eat dinner together on a regular basis to debrief about their day and promote communication, which is a key part of any healthy relationship. Developing other family rituals can also strengthen your bond with each other. Such as celebrating family milestones and traditions like a trip to the 10th country visited. Enjoying a favorite meal on birthdays or anniversaries.
Choosing to make family travel a priority may mean foregoing other luxuries or activities. The value of quality bonding and lifelong memories is well worth it in my book. If you’re considering taking your family on a vacation. It’s a good idea to talk about it as a team so that everyone can get on board with the plans. Getting children involved in the planning process can also increase their excitement about the trip and help them to feel more invested in it. If possible, giving your children responsibilities on the trip like asking them to ask a neighbor to collect your mail. Assisting with the packing can also help kids to feel more capable and confident that they will be successful.
