I can already hear the collective gasps and raised eyebrows. Traveling with little ones might seem daunting at first glance, but trust me, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. So let’s talk about why it’s worth it and how to make it a fun and enjoyable experience for yourself AND your kiddos!
First and foremost, traveling with your kids is a golden opportunity for family bonding in new places.
In our fast-paced lives, where schedules often dictate our interactions, hitting the road (or skies!) together allows for genuine connections. The early years are the perfect time for intentional family trips to different countries.
I really believe that shared experiences, whether it’s exploring a new city, hiking a scenic trail, or simply navigating through airport chaos, create lasting memories and strengthen family ties. Plus, overcoming challenges as a team helps build a sense of unity and resilience.
So, travel can look a lot of different ways. Domestic travel to nearby cities is obviously much easier than taking an international flight. And I think both are excellent options!
But I do specifically want to emphasize the benefits of taking your kids to other countries.
Yes, it requires more logistics to travel to Europe with kids. But trips like that, where your kids are exposed to so many new and exciting things, will create SO many incredible memories.
Take it from someone who traveled internationally for the first time with my parents at age 10. I am constantly reminiscing with my family about how special it was to navigate European countries together, try local cuisine, explore neighborhoods, and meet people! Everyday was full of surprises. We had SO much fun. And it was truly eye-opening to be a kid in a different country. I feel so grateful for my travel experience at an early age. I made new friends (and even long distance penpals!), spent quality time with the whole family, and gained life skills and a broader perspective.
As far as travel memories are concerned, there’s probably nothing as nostalgic as the feeling of being “out of your comfort zone” but with the support of loved ones. It takes teamwork, communication, negotiation, and of course, a sense of adventure!
I can guarantee you’ll have stronger bonds than you had before.
Learning about other cultures:
One of the most enriching aspects of travel is the exposure to different cultures. Taking your young children on adventures around the globe exposes them to diverse traditions, languages, and ways of life. I just love the idea of making family vacations (regardless of the amount of time) into educational opportunities. Think about all the new things they will experience…new foods, new people, new cultures, new ways of life…and all that will combine to form a new perspective.
Whether it’s sampling foreign cuisines, visiting historical landmarks, or immersing in local customs, each of these new experiences broadens their horizons.
Learning about other cultures helps them appreciate the interconnectedness of the world and understand their role as global citizens. This helps to build a strong foundation when you’re raising open-minded kids!
Also, awareness like this encourages them to act responsibly and compassionately towards people from different backgrounds.
I think that travel has such a positive impact because it equips children with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to thrive in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. This is the same reason high school and college student exchange programs are so popular. Think of this as a junior exchange for the kids! Give them a jumpstart.
Brain and personality development:
Believe it or not, travel is not just a feast for the eyes but also for the brain. More than one recent study has found that experiencing new environments stimulates cognitive development in children. From problem-solving while navigating unfamiliar terrain to learning new languages or calculating currency conversions, travel offers countless opportunities for intellectual growth.
Also, stepping out of one’s comfort zone encourages adaptability, confidence, and resilience.
I think it’s so worth taking the time to travel. It can really shape your child’s personality in profound ways.
tips for stress-free travel with kids
Okay, now that I’ve sung the praises of family travel…let’s address the elephant in the room: the inevitable challenges.
Lucky for you, I come bearing tips to make your journeys smoother!
Here is what I recommend:
Plan, but Stay Flexible: While some level of planning is essential, be prepared to embrace spontaneity. Kids are unpredictable, and sometimes the best memories are made when plans go awry. Surprises WILL happen. Just take into account what you can control and what you cannot control. Go with the flow as much as possible.
INvolve them in the planning:
Let your kids be part of the decision-making process. Whether it’s choosing activities or researching destinations, involving them instills a sense of ownership and excitement. Your kids are dependent on you pretty much all the time. So they don’t get many opportunities for decision making. I think travel can be a perfect way to include the kids in choosing places to visit, so they feel like they’re not just being forced to see things that don’t interest them.
I also recommend planning your days so they have a combination of kid activities and things you want to do. Keep it balanced and everyone will be happy.
Pack Wisely: Ah, the never-ending struggle of packing light with kids in tow. Believe me, I know how this goes.
Prioritize essentials, and don’t forget entertainment options like books, music, games, or tablets to keep boredom at bay during transit.
Take It Slow: Resist the temptation to cram too many activities into your itinerary. Pace yourselves and allow ample time for rest and relaxation. Remember, it’s not just about ticking off sights but savoring moments together. The simple things might end up being the best part of your travel time and the moments that seep into your daily life once you’re back home.
If you and your kids are exhausted and jetlagged, your itinerary won’t be that fun anyway. Prioritize sleep and recharge time, so you have the most energy for those exciting day trips.
Embrace the chaos:
Let’s face it, traveling with kids can be chaotic. Embrace the messiness, the meltdowns, and the unexpected detours. These are all part of the adventure and make for great stories later on.
No matter what you do to avoid it, chaos will ensue haha! That’s just how families are. No one’s perfect. But little moments of stress or bad behavior don’t have to ruin the whole trip. Just work through them calmly and then let them go.
The decision to travel with your kids is not just about ticking destinations off your bucket list. It’s about fostering deeper connections, nurturing curiosity, and embarking on a journey of growth and discovery together. Family holidays can be the stories we tell for the rest of our lives.
Obviously, I’m biased…but you should absolutely bring your kids to Paris! haha
I promise you it’ll become one of your favorite destinations.
And if you’re taking my advice, you should also make time for a family portrait session. This is such a good way to capture your trip in a beautiful, physical time capsule. Portraits of your and your young kids will quickly become your most special souvenirs, and you can hang them in your home!
We would LOVE to welcome you to Katie Donnelly Photography during your next trip to Paris. You can book your professional portrait session HERE.
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