Updated: 2/19/22 | February 19th, 2022
I don’t have a lot of experience traveling with kids — but it’s a topic I get asked about often. To help me answer some of the most common questions and concerns, I’ve asked expert traveler Leigh Shulman to share her ideas and recommendations in this guest post.
I’ve spoken with lots of who would love to travel as a family but worry that it’s just too difficult, maybe even unfair to their children. traveling with children certainly does have its challenges, but after two years of travel with my husband Noah and four-year-old daughter Lila, I’ve found the rewards far outweigh any potential disadvantages.
1. parent Comes before Tourist
People love kids, and if you’re lucky enough to be traveling with one, you’ll find whatever magic dust they have rubbed off on you. You’ll be the first to board airplanes and buses. You’ll meet people a lot more easily. You’ll be a lot more accepted into communities that might not have accepted you if you arrived solo.
I am convinced Lila was our ambassador with the Kuna Yala in the San Blas Islands of Panama. Lila ran barefoot through the village with the other children while Noah and I chatted with the parents. We were the only ones invited beyond the confines of vacationer housing.
2. packing Light requires Imagination
I’ve seen Lila transform rocks into a walkie-talkie and plants into money. She has an undetectable friend named Bendy, who, quite frankly, freaks me out because she’s prone to throwing herself out of bus windows. Not to worry, though, Bendy unavoidably ends up at our destination.
Packing for children requires a little imagination. You need to keep them entertained on the road. For Lila, I pack a drawing book, a magnifying glass to see bugs (she likes bugs), and art supplies. We regularly go on nature walks to collect sticks, seashells, sponges, and leaves to be used later for art projects.
I’ve also found balloons work well. blow one up, and you have something to bounce around like a ball. glue leaves to it, and you have a stuffed animal. Bubbles are also a favorite. Within seconds of opening a bottle, you’ll find yourself surrounded by jumping, laughing kids all vying for a turn to pop the translucent creatures as they float away on the wind.
3. Be Patient
You wouldn’t invite a friend who hates getting dirty to hike with you through the jungle, and you wouldn’t ask a vegetarian to join you for a hamburger, yet somehow it’s much easier to ignore the basic act of asking our children what they לְהַעֲדִיף.
Of course, a friend will normally tell you straight out what she wants, and then you split up and do different things. With a child, there’s less opportunity to go separate ways and a lot more of a chance she’ll throw herself on the ground, kicking and screaming.
When Lila tantrums, she’s trying to tell me something. Acting out can indicate she’s hungry or tired. It can also indicate she misses her granny and grandpa or doesn’t want to travel anymore. I do my best to listen.
4. children Are Infinitely Adaptable
Kids can manage and do a lot a lot more than we think they can. They don’t need constant monitoring, and they can show far a lot more patience, kindness, and responsibility than we credit scores them.
Does it make Lila sad to say goodbye when we leave a place? Yes, but everyone need to learn to say goodbye. She’s also learned to walk into a crowd of strangers and turn them into friends, even if they don’t share a common language.
This is often tough for me. I want to secure her from getting hurt, but sadness is an inevitable part of life. I’ve also had to let go of the notion that I know what’s best and allow Lila to navigate the world a bit on her own.
And isn’t that exactly what we all strive for, adult or child, when we leave home to travel?
Leigh has traveled with her children all over the world. For a lot more recommendations on traveling with kids as well as recommendations on writing and blogging, check out her web site at leighshulman.com.
Book Your Trip: Logistical ideas and Tricks
ספר הטיסה שלך
מצא טיסה זולה באמצעות Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches web sites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
להזמין לינה שלך
אתה יכול להזמין את האכסניה שלך עם Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the least expensive rates for guesthouses and hotels.
אל תשכח ביטוח נסיעות
Travel insurance will secure you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. זה הגנה מפורטת במקרה כל דבר משתבש. אני אף פעם לא יוצאת לטיול בלי זה כפי שהייתי צריך להשתמש בו הרבה פעמים בעבר. החברות האהובות עלי המציעות את השירות והערך הטוב ביותר הן:
בטינה (הטובה ביותר עבור כולם)
להבטיח את הנסיעה שלי (עבור אלה מעל 70)
Medjet (כיסוי פינוי נוסף)
מוכן להזמין את הטיול שלך?
Check out my reדף מקור עבור החברות הטובות ביותר להשתמש בו כשאתה נוסע. אני מפרט את כל אלה שאני משתמש כשאני נוסע. הם הטובים ביותר בכיתה ואתה לא יכול להשתבש להשתמש בהם בטיול שלך.