Families For Life | 3 reasons why travelling with kids is totally worth it

Did you know that travelling can open up meaningful life experiences for your little one? Even if you feel that your child is still young, the exposure to new people, places, and experiences can spark curiosity and provide wonderful opportunities for growth!

We’re sure you don’t need another excuse to travel, but here are three reasons why you should book your next overseas trip with your kids!

Reason #1: Your child gets to learn some important life lessons

Travelling exposes your child to unfamiliar environments, places, and cultures that can teach your little one valuable life lessons. Here are some skills you can learn on your next trip overseas!

Empathy and appreciation

Encounters with new cultures, languages, and people from all walks of life can teach your child about the beauty of diversity. Exposure to the unfamiliar goes a long way in helping them understand different traditions while recognising that values like kindness and family are universal.

Communication and problem-solving skills

As every traveller knows, not everything goes according to plan! Missed buses or delayed flights can help kids come to terms with the unexpected and learn how to make the most of the moment. Your child can also learn the importance of communication to express their feelings or work with the rest of the family as you find a solution together!

Build independence and responsibility

Travelling to new places puts your child in an unfamiliar environment that can get them out of their comfort zone. You can reinforce lessons on independence and responsibility by putting your child in charge of certain aspects of the trip. Let a younger child take charge of packing their own suitcase with a checklist, while older children can take responsibility for researching attractions to visit.

Reason #2: Travelling can spark your child’s curiosity and nurture a deeper appreciation for nature

Whether you’re relaxing on the beaches of Phuket or exploring the exhibits at the British Museum, travelling exposes your child to new places that spark their curiosity. Encourage them to ask questions or prompt them with some of your own!

As parents, we play an important role in helping our children experience and explore the great outdoors. Taking them to the beach, a national park, or forested areas and encouraging them to immerse themselves in nature can have great benefits for a growing child. Your child could also develop an appreciation for nature and develop environmental awareness, and help them take important steps towards developing eco-friendly habits.

Reason #3: It’s a great chance to build family bonds and create lifelong memories

At the end of the day, your overseas trip should be about spending quality time with your loved ones. Even if your child doesn’t remember the experience, the time you spent together will leave a lasting impact on your relationship! As you travel together, try asking your child how they feel and share your favourite moments!

Life’s lessons go beyond the classroom. The world has so much to teach your little ones! The next time you get the chance to travel, seize the chance to introduce them to new learning experiences that spark curiosity, strengthen family bonds, and create lifelong memories with loved ones.

Resources:

https://www.afar.com/magazine/is-it-worth-traveling-with-kids-too-young-to-remember-it

https://www.thelearninglab.com.sg/blog/2020/09/travelling-the-world

https://sg.theasianparent.com/benefits-of-travelling