If you mention traveling with kids around the world, some people look at you like you are certifiably insane. However, it is not crazy at all. In fact, taking your kids around the world is one of the most rewarding experiences for both them and you.
Table of Contents
Why Traveling With Kids Around The World Is Important?
If you have the means to travel internationally with your kids, it is one of the most important things you can do for them to ensure they are raised as well rounded, open-minded children who appreciate what they have. If your child lives their whole life inside a bubble of people just like them, they will never understand people not like them.
What better way to make them appreciate the car you drive around in every day than to see a family of five sharing a motorbike?
You have the opportunity to raise little globetrotters who will forever be comfortable navigating the globe and will always appreciate the diversity of the people and world around them.
However, It is not just about what is learned as you travel with your kids around the world. It is about the connection you make with them as you travel. We live in a world of hectic schedules and electronic devices. There is very little downtime, and we do not communicate and connect like we used to.
Traveling with your kids around the world allows you to engage with them in new ways. You learn about each other as you learn about the world around you. When you experience new things together, you connect in new ways. You will return from vacation with more than a tan, you will have accumulated travel memories that will last a lifetime.
You need the confidence to make all of this happen though, so keep reading!
How To Make Traveling With Kids Around The World Easy
You should start talking about the trip before you leave. Check out age-appropriate books about your destination from your local library. If your kids are excited about the trip, their anticipation will set the tone for your trip.
Book extra space for you and your partner to get away, even if it just a balcony to sit on and enjoy some bubbles while the kids watch some tv or once they are in bed.
If you are traveling with younger kids and all of the things they require, like strollers and car seats, target destinations where driving is easy. This allows you to rent a car and make traveling close to your normal routine at home.
Except instead of driving to and from the Target and Starbucks, you are driving to and from historic monuments and natural wonders.
Better yet, consider private transfers and tours so that you truly do not need to worry about a thing.
Do not overpack. You may not think you can fit all of the items you need in a carry-on suitcase, but you can. If you need more than what can fit in a carry-on, guess what? Washing machines and dryers exist all over the world! You can do laundry halfway on the trip and avoid the excess weight. You’ll likely be carrying your kids’ suitcases some of the time, especially if you are traveling with younger kids around the world.
Let your children pack a few of their favorite things, even if it means packing less of your favorite things. If your kids are happy while traveling, everyone will be happier.
What To Consider When Traveling With Kids Around The World
Do not take the same style trip you took before kids. You need to keep them in mind. Most young kids are not going to enjoy walking around big cities and staring at architecture and museums all day.
We are not saying that you should not do anything you want to during your trip. However, you should not follow your own personal schedule all day and drag your kids along. They will not appreciate this and will act accordingly. Perhaps you look for a museum with a kids section or visit a neighborhood full of historic buildings and a really great playground. That way everybody wins!
Most kids like a good splash in a pool, so even if you are not in a tropical destination, you can pick a hotel with a pool that will allow your children to blow off some steam at the end of their day.
Another thing to consider is the cuisine of the country you are visiting. If your children do not like Thai food, do not visit Thailand. There will not be a lot of alternatives for them. Even in Europe, kids menus are not the norm, so they will likely need to order off a normal menu. Be prepared!
You are not going to be able to keep up the pace you are used to when traveling with kids. Whatever you think you are going to fit into a given day will likely not pan out each day. Just make sure you understand this ahead of time so that you will not be disappointed.
Try to avoid moving around too much. Packing up an entire family every day or two will get tiring fast so just enjoy each destination a little longer so that you can see all the sites in one spot.
Read More: Most Popular Travel Insurance Options for Families With Kids
How To Get The Most Out Of Traveling With Kids Around The World
Involve your children with the planning of the trip. Find out what they want to accomplish during the trip. When children feel valued, their attitudes reflect this.
Set screen time limits for the whole family. There is no point traveling across the globe to sit at a meal with everyone staring at their phones. Do not make your default to give your young kids your phone or a tablet, although we realize sometimes, it is the only choice.
Try giving them a pad of paper and colored pencils for those times you are waiting for a meal or on a long journey. Your children can relive their trip through their creations.
Another idea is to bring some card games, did someone say “Go Fish?”. You may not remember every game of UNO you have ever played with your family, but you will always remember the one on the ferry to Mykonos where your family passed the time with an epic UNO game.
Plan tours that cater to kids. Private tours are a great way to accommodate your family, but it is important to choose the right one.
Consider using a travel advisor that works with families.
Some Bonus Tips For Traveling With Kids Around The World
Children under two fly free on the lap of a parent. This is a great perk to take advantage of when traveling with babies and toddlers.
Read More: Tips For Traveling With A Lap Infant
Red-eye flights that leave around the time your children normally fall asleep are a great way to ensure some rest en route to a destination.
Include at least one extra day of a light schedule to help kids adjust to jet lag, it is harder for them to power through the fatigue.
There are actually pillows designed for children to sleep on planes. Buy one! Especially if you have a fussy sleeper.
Read More: 6 Perfect Travel Pillows For Every Type Of Traveler
Do not forget that your child’s passport expires every five years, not every ten years like adult passports.
Fact: Traveling with kids around the world is going to be harder than traveling without them.
However, that is not necessarily a bad thing. When you work harder for something, you appreciate it more … and so will your kids. Showing your kids the world is the greatest gift you can give them. They may not realize it as it is happening, but one day they will.
WANT TO READ MORE?
You might also like: 8 Tips For International Travel With Kids .
ENJOYED THIS? CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
• Newsletter: Every Avenue Travel delivered to you
• Facebook: @EveryAvenueTravel
• Instagram: @TravelEveryAvenue
💖WANT TO TRAVEL MORE?💖
Subscribe to receive trip ideas and inspiration right into your inbox once a week!
📌PIN THIS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE📌
