J and I were newlyweds, freshly back from our honeymoon in Ireland. Although plenty of people asked about the trip, I will never forget what one lady said to me: “Enjoy traveling while you can. Once you have kids, you won’t be able to.” I remember feeling suddenly (and maybe somewhat irrationally) upset by this thought. I attempted to smile and respond kindly, though, knowing that this woman meant well. She truly believed that people did not travel when they had kids. While I had not started to think about the details yet, I planned to continue traveling the world when we started a family. Still, this lady’s comment gave me pause and reason to doubt. Would travel be too difficult with children? I was no longer confident, but I was still determined.
More than a decade has passed since that moment, and we continue to travel in the US and abroad. However, her words still get me fired up because I so vehemently disagree with her. Seeing new parts of the world with our children has made travel even more worthwhile. Each time we venture into a new place with our kids, I am reminded that the discouragement of others has no bearing on our goals. Instead, I am encouraged to keep traveling and sharing amazing adventures with them.
So, for those who have felt similarly discouraged or perhaps anxious about traveling with their children, the first thing to know is that mindset is everything. Parents who feel their kids have weighed them down will be less likely to travel. But parents who see travel with kids as an opportunity will do whatever is necessary to overcome any obstacles. Essentially, if you as the parent want to travel, then you can make it happen–but only by beginning with a positive mindset.
#1: “They are too young to remember it.”
This statement makes me shake my head (and maybe roll my eyes 😊) whenever I hear it. Here is my biggest problem with this kind of thinking: the world does not revolve around our children, and we do them a great disservice when we act like it is. Yes, a two-year-old will not remember that trip to Disney. Maybe grandma and grandpa are coming, though. It may be special for them to see their grandkid give Mickey a hug or watch a parade. If the trip will be memorable for the parents, grandparents, or other family members or friends, then the trip is worthwhile! It does not have to be about your kids’ memories all of the time. It can be for everyone else too.
Why Travel with Young Kids Is Worth It
The earlier kids start traveling, the better they will adjust. They will know what to expect. They will not be afraid or anxious or overwhelmed because the experience of travel will become more normal. I took my first flight when I was around 6 years old. I don’t remember feeling afraid at the time, just excited. Although I didn’t fly again until I was 18, I wasn’t nervous because I had done it before. On the other hand, I know many people who only started flying as adults and have yet to overcome their fear. Starting young may be beneficial in normalizing travel, whether frequent or not.
Our youngest son, at three years old, still remembers flying in an airplane a year ago and is incredibly excited to take our next flight. Sometimes when he plays, he pretends we are traveling to hotels or on a “big boat” (cruise ship). Our kids may not remember the details of the trips they took as babies or toddlers, but at minimum, these early trips serve as a foundation for raising children who are comfortable traveling to new places.
Some of my favorite family photos are the ones that I don’t remember. Pictures of me as a baby on a beach with my older sisters and cousins. A picture of me with a French exchange student who I have no memory of but have heard many stories about. Even though I was too young to remember those trips and moments, they are still special to me because they are a clear glimpse into a part of my childhood that is otherwise hazy. So, yes, a baby or toddler may be too young to remember a vacation, and yes, you should take them anyway. You will still cherish the memories yourself, and maybe one day they will see photos and treasure them too.
#2: “Traveling with kids is too difficult.”
Yes. It’s true. Traveling with kids is hard. But all of child-rearing is hard! And it is full of blessings too! Getting out of our comfort zone sometimes is a good thing. It can help us see others and ourselves a little better. We can use the difficulties of travel to teach our children important life lessons. We can use challenges like waiting in long lines or sudden changes in plans to train them in patience, problem solving, coping with change, and more patience. 😉 Travel is like a microcosm for teachable moments. There will be difficulties that come with any trip, but if we avoided everything that was hard in life, it wouldn’t be much of a life at all.
#3: “Traveling with kids costs too much.”
Alright, I admit you’ve got me there, Debby Downers. Travel is expensive. But some kinds of travel are certainly more expensive than others. It is essential to begin with a practical understanding of what kind of travel fits within your income. For those with a tiny budget, a 2-week trip abroad with first-class airfare and 5-star hotels is not going to be a feasible option. In fact, for us, first-class travel is not something we aim for even without our kids, much less with them. However, going new places with kids is possible even on a limited budget. Maybe that looks more like a weekend getaway in the states or a camping road trip or saving up a vacation nest egg for a few years instead of yearly. Even if it is not extravagant, it can still be loads of fun.
Cutting Travel Costs
Savvy travelers find ways to make the most of their money. So, here are a few general tips for beginners:
- Do the research. Find out what time of year to visit a destination more cheaply, like during low season. Be on the lookout for deals on flights, hotels, theme parks, etc. well in advance.
- Prioritize. Spend less money on things that matter less to you. If you care more about sightseeing than where you sleep, then aim for budget-friendly hotels. If you have older kids and can fly any time of day, opting for flights at later hours may be an easy money saver. Grocery shop instead of eating out. Look into public transportation instead of rental cars. Choose a group tour instead of a private one. Decide on your priorities and be willing to make small sacrifices in non-priority areas to save money in the long run.
- Sign up for rewards. Every major hotel chain and airline has a rewards program. The more you stay with a hotel and the more flights you take on the same airline, the more rewards you will earn. If you plan on traveling frequently, it may be worth it to look into travel credit cards as well.
Traveling with children is work. It takes time and energy and money. However, none of these challenges will be barriers to those who choose to see them as obstacles that can be overcome. Those who are willing to break through these barriers will find that the benefits and blessings of sharing new places with their children greatly outweigh the cost.
Want to learn more about us and our perspective on family travel? Check out our “About Us” page!
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