The Real Struggle of Traveling with Kids: Not Doing It Enough
How Family Travel Turns Chaos into Connection and Growth
Written by: Katy
Traveling with kids is like stepping into a portal that unlocks a world of boundless adventures and unanticipated life lessons (some more enjoyable than others). If you've ever embarked on a journey with your little ones in tow, you know exactly what I'm talking about. From being auto icebreakers to transcending cultural barriers and finding your inner child, there's something undeniably powerful about hitting the road with your family in tow.
Undoubtedly, traveling with children presents challenges. Some of my hardest parenting moments have been on the road with the kids.
But you know what's often even more challenging? Not doing it at all. The act of journeying together cultivates teamwork, deepens your understanding of one another, and facilitates growth as a cohesive unit.
It becomes apparent that these aspects are difficult to attain when you're confined to the comforts of home. In our case, I can tell when we haven’t traveled enough because when we don't venture out, our household becomes a whirlwind of chaos, trying to tame lions in a cage (I’m not just talking about our kids either…my husband and I get just as stir crazy).
However, I'm not suggesting you have to whisk your kids across the globe every month or year. Even if it's not feasible to go on grand adventures, the simple act of taking day trips or weekend getaways can work wonders. This shift in environment and change of tempo stirs your team-building spirit. It presents a golden opportunity for growth – for your children, for you as parents, and for the entire family, regardless of its unique dynamics.
Stay with me to the end for some practical tips to help find ease in the inevitable difficulties that will arise when traveling with kids.
The Benefits of Traveling with Kids
Auto IceBreakers and Cultural Connectors
Picture this: you arrive at a bustling market in a different country (or maybe a neighboring town), and your kids are magnetizing attention from locals and fellow travelers alike (hopefully good attention but even the bad attention can gain you the empathy of parents who know exactly where you're at!...connection building at its best :).
They're the ultimate ice breakers, breaking down barriers and initiating conversations that might otherwise never have happened. It's like they have a universal language of giggles and curiosity that bridges cultures effortlessly. As you watch your kids laugh and play with local children, you realize that travel isn't just about seeing sights; it's about forming connections that resonate long after the trip ends.
Slowing Down to See More
When you explore a new place with your kids, their fascination with every little detail is infectious…OK, maybe annoying until you remind yourself that it should be infectious!
Their pace isn't hurried; it's deliberate, allowing them to uncover the hidden beauty that often goes unnoticed. When we travel, as often as possible, we should see it as less annoying and more as a lesson, using them as little guides. While our lives often revolve around speed, they teach us the art of slowing down and truly savoring our surroundings.
Kids have an uncanny ability to find joy in the simplest things – a street performer's act, the intricate patterns on a sidewalk–and refusing to step on the cracks, or like with my kids, the wheels, grills, color, and intricacies of every car and motorcycle they walk by. But these details, often overlooked in our fast-paced routines, become vibrant tapestries woven into their travel experiences. It's as if they possess an innate understanding that the heart of exploration lies in the nuances.
In a world that rushes from one point to the next, our children become our guides to mindfulness. They remind us that the true magic of travel isn't in racing against time, but in immersing ourselves in each moment. By following their lead, we open ourselves to the stories we create along the way. This slower rhythm transforms travel from a checklist of destinations into a sensory journey, allowing us to truly see more by embracing less haste.
Transforming Lions into Lambs
Ever noticed how traveling often turns your kids into different creatures altogether? It's like they go from wild little beasts to sweet lambs (sometimes!). You know that energy they burn off while exploring new places? Well, it's like they bring back a sense of peace and calm that follows them home.
Remember those daily battles and challenges that used to drive you up the wall? It's almost amusing how they suddenly become more manageable after a trip. It's like the resilience they build while navigating unfamiliar territories translates into dealing with the usual stuff at home.
Granted, new challenges and battles will surface, but at least you’ve tackled a few of the old ones. Little Johnny refuses to put on his shoes (ever!) before the trip, and post trip, no biggy…maybe he’s completely dressing himself now. Somehow, travel shapes them – and us – into better-equipped problem solvers. Facing the unknown outside seems to make facing the familiar at home a whole lot easier.
A Journey of Collective and Personal Growth
Beyond the scenic landscapes and unfamiliar territories, family travel works its magic by fostering unity that's hard to cultivate at home. But you know what's even tougher? Stagnation. The moments spent traveling together unveil a powerful unity that comes from facing challenges, adapting, and growing as a collective force.
When life has us confined to the familiar, we realize that our kids' energy and spirit are often better channeled into the adventures of the unknown.
Moreover, have you ever noticed that traveling, or the immediate aftermath of a trip, often coincides with significant milestones for your children? I've observed our little ones take their first steps, utter their initial words, grasp complex ideas, and even flourish in unexpected ways shortly after our travels. It's not a coincidence; it's a universal truth that applies to us adults as well.
Stepping beyond our familiar routines and embracing new perspectives ignites a spark within our minds. Our brains come alive as we develop areas that lie dormant when we tread the same neural pathways each day. It's this growth – this expansion – that underscores the transformative power of travel, whether you're taking your first steps or embarking on your hundredth journey.
In a world where familiarity often breeds routine, we discover that our children's boundless energy and exuberance find their true purpose in the exploration of the unknown. When the ordinary confines us, travel propels us into the extraordinary, where every twist and turn offers an opportunity to bond, learn, and grow as a cohesive whole.
Navigating the Challenges
Let's cut to the chase – the most demanding aspect of family travel isn't just about riding the rollercoaster of unpredictability; it's about realizing the missed opportunities when we don't do it often enough, and the subsequent loss of that natural travel rhythm.
Traveling with kids isn't a rehearsed routine; it's more like an intricate dance that requires practice, patience, and a keen sense of each other's steps. Kids, brimming with curiosity and energy, usually need a few days to find their stride – typically around 3 to 5 days. During this time, the initial complaints and tantrums tend to mellow, giving way to genuine exploration and authentic bonding moments.
This year, our family's travel adventures took a backseat due to various factors. As we embarked on a recent journey, the familiar chorus of gripes, arguments, and inevitable spells of boredom echoed in our ears.
With kids straddling the line between being sweet and innocent and…not so sweet and innocent, the amalgamation of youthful zest and adolescent attitudes presented its own set of hurdles. Yet, as parents, we're well aware that these reactions are par for the course when stepping beyond the comfort zones. Our role pivots to one of patience, empathy, and occasionally loosening the reins – for both them and us.
While the grand escapades to distant locales might not always align with our schedules, the value of smaller day trips and local jaunts shouldn't be downplayed. These bite-sized explorations wield a similar charm, offering chances for learning, bonding, and refining our family's travel dynamics.
Let's skip the sugar coating – family travel isn't about sidestepping challenges; it's about embracing them as essential components of the journey. It's a process of finding equilibrium amidst the upheaval, recognizing that even in the midst of the occasional dissonance, the sweet harmonies of laughter and shared experiences persistently resonate.
So, as we stand on the threshold of family escapades, let's acknowledge that it's not a sprint; it's a marathon. It's not about avoiding challenges, but about welcoming them for the wisdom they bring. And it's within this wisdom that we uncover the beauty of traveling together as a family.
tips for making Family travel a little bit easier to manage:
1. Pack Patience
Patience isn't just a virtue; it's your secret weapon in the world of family travel. Expect hiccups, delays, and detours – they're par for the course. If there's anything we've learned, it's that these unexpected moments seem to crop up more often when the kiddos are in tow. Stay adaptable, and you'll find your kids following your lead.
2. Flexibility in Planning
Crafting an itinerary is good, but bake in flexibility. Kids' interests and energy levels can shift the game plan. Strive for one major activity a day at the most plus a playground, leaving room for days with no set plans at all. Surprisingly, some of the best memories are made when you let the day unfold organically.
3. Stoke Curiosity
Involve your kids in the planning process. If they're old enough, let them take charge of choosing landmarks or activities that intrigue them. Nurturing their curiosity not only keeps them engaged but also empowers them to be active participants in the journey.
4. Distractions and Delights
Transit times can be trying, but a well-stocked supply of snacks and entertainment can save the day. Think books, coloring kits, travel puzzles (a personal favorite), origami, and activity books – these handy companions keep boredom at bay. I won't ever claim to be crafty, but there are a lot of fun activities you can create for the littlest ones if you are.
5. Dive into Local Life
Elevate the travel experience by immersing your kids in local culture. Encourage them to try new foods, explore markets, and even join in cultural events. These interactions create lasting memories and expand their horizons.
6. Embrace a Slow Travel Approach
Embrace the idea of taking things slow. Allow pockets of downtime for spontaneity. Sometimes, the most cherished moments arise when you let your instincts guide you, wandering aimlessly and stumbling upon hidden gems.
Embrace the Journey
Being parents, we may occasionally question whether the whirlwind of travel with kids is worth the effort. But in reality, it's a whirlwind that enriches our lives beyond measure.
Amidst the laughter, the occasional chaos, the bonding, and the shared memories, lie treasures that only travel can uncover.
Family travel is a transformative art – a dance that turns chaos into cherished connections. It's a symphony of laughter, challenges, and the shared awe of exploration. Beneath the surface, lies an intricate tapestry of growth and unity that shapes the narrative of our families. So, prepare for challenges, embrace the lessons woven within the journey, and relish in crafting memories that will resonate in the hearts of generations to come.
Katy Hoogerwerf
Katy, a New Orleans native, was deeply influenced by the art, design, music, and renowned cuisine that her hometown is celebrated for. Her expertise and passion revolve around curating design-led conscious businesses catered to travelers. She currently resides in Holland with her Mexican husband and their two spirited boys.
