Exploring The Globe With Little Ones: Is It Possible?

can you travel the world with kids

Travelling with kids can be a daunting prospect, but it's also an incredibly rewarding experience. Many parents are concerned about the impact on their child's education, but travelling can be an education in itself. Children can learn about different cultures, languages, and ways of life, and gain a more open-minded and accepting worldview.

There are many benefits to travelling with kids, including:

- Bonding and making memories – travelling as a family can bring you closer together and create lasting memories.

- Developing courage and resilience – navigating new places and situations can help kids build resilience and learn to cope with challenges.

- Exposing kids to different cultures and languages – this can help them become more open-minded, accepting, and appreciative of diversity.

- Providing a different kind of education – kids can learn about history, geography, and other subjects in a hands-on way, rather than just from textbooks.

- Encouraging a sense of adventure – travelling can spark a lifelong love of exploration and a curiosity about the world.

- Improving family dynamics – spending extended time together can help families bond and improve their relationships.

Of course, there are also challenges to consider when travelling with kids. Here are some tips to make it easier:

- Plan activities that everyone will enjoy – include a mix of child-friendly attractions and adult-oriented sites to keep everyone happy.

- Be flexible and adapt to your child's needs – travelling with kids often requires more spontaneity and less rigid planning.

- Consider your child's age and interests – choose destinations and activities that are appropriate for your child's age and cater to their interests.

- Pack wisely – bring along essentials like medications, but don't overpack; you can usually buy what you need at your destination.

- Stay safe – research your destinations in advance and take necessary precautions, but don't let fear stop you from exploring.

- Be open-minded – embrace new cultures, try new foods, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone.

Characteristics Values
Travel Style Backpacking, luxury resorts, camping, glamping, private islands, cruise ships, package holidays, hotels, villas, trekking, tours, small group adventure holidays
Accommodation Hotels, hostels, guest houses, B&Bs, AirBnB, home swapping, house sitting, WWOOFing, Couchsurfing, apartments
Cost $50 - $100 US per day for a family of 4
Food Local food, restaurants, street food
Safety Safe
Education Homeschooling, worldschooling, online courses

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Travel with kids is possible and rewarding

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The world is the best teacher

The world is a classroom without walls, a place where children can learn about geography, history, culture, and languages first-hand. They can learn about the world through their own eyes and experiences, rather than just from textbooks and teachers.

The world teaches children to be open-minded and accepting of other cultures and ways of life. They can learn that there is more than one way to do things and that people from different backgrounds and cultures can come together and connect.

Travelling with children can also teach them to be resilient and adaptable. They will learn to embrace change and new experiences, and to be brave and adventurous. They will learn to navigate unfamiliar places and situations and to problem-solve when things don't go according to plan.

Travelling with children can also strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. It can teach children to be appreciative of the world around them and to develop a sense of home that is not tied to a physical place but to the people they are with.

> "No book, TV show, movie or story could have taught us what we would learn in the months of travel through Central and South America, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. A textbook would never give you the experience of watching the sunrise atop a Mayan pyramid set deep in a jungle or teach you how to make coconut curry while overlooking the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia." - Morgan, Cooney World Adventure

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> "Travel is the ultimate education." - Morgan's mom and dad

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> "The language learning happens so fast! [...] Having her learn another language (or two other languages) was what pushed me to take this extended trip now, while she was still three. I knew this was about the best age for her to learn, so that’s why we are here." - Marilia, Tripping Mom

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> "He is a sponge and remembers so many tiny details, even from our previous holidays. It’s been amazing to have the time to appreciate how effortlessly he soaks up new knowledge regardless of whether it’s how to add and subtract, geography, obscure facts about dinosaurs with hugely complicated names that only children and palaeontologists can pronounce, or the workings of a Buddhist temple." - Tracy, Our Travel Lifestyle

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> "As long as you are smart and use common sense, the chances of something bad happening are slim." - John and Nancy, Travel with Bikes

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> "We’re looking forward to uncomplicating our lives, stealing back a year and showing our kids how the rest of the world lives. Hopefully we’ll all come back with bigger minds and smaller egos." - Paul and Amanda, 6 Out of Oz

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> "There are more ways than one to do things. [...] I’m going academic on you here. Yes, things will be different from home, so use that as a teaching moment with your kids. Role modeling is essential, and teaching kids that there’s more than one way to do things, is priceless in our book." - J. Bubba, Got Passport

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> "We want our daughters to grow up to be travelers, to be open to change, to act on their curiosity, and to make their dreams a reality." - Dee, Travel and Travails

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> "We returned more thankful. More tolerant and respectful of differences. More aware of the things that bring people together and drive them apart. More appreciative of other cultures and other ways to live your life." - Craig, The Wide, Wide World

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> "Her view of the world and her openness in exploring it has led us to stop and pay attention, to focus on where we are, and who we’re among. Her curiosity about people, places, and things has brought the world home to our family. Having an entrée into the local kid culture (having our own child) was a blast – we made new friends at playgrounds and children’s museums, saw fantastic theater productions of children’s plays, and explored a variety of libraries (and activities there)." - Jessie, Wandering Educators

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Kids can travel from birth

However, travelling with a baby or toddler may seem a bit crazy and extremely daunting, but there are plenty of people out there doing it right now. While your child may not have any vivid memories of their travels as babies, they will get used to the travel lifestyle. Parents can also learn from this experience, as different cultures have different customs when it comes to younger children, and it certainly takes some getting used to.

For example, in Vietnam, the biggest baby snatchers are waitresses. They crowd around discussing the cuteness of the baby, the length of her eyelashes. If they spot her dimples, they nearly start screaming. They hoist her up and carry her about the restaurant as if she’s a religious relic.

Those are the positives of living and travelling in Asia with a baby. There’s a whole new world of interaction. It’s not terribly deep or meaningful, and it really does make me feel like I’m just a manager of a rock star.

Babies and toddlers are also more adaptable and less likely to be picky eaters. They are still on an all-milk diet and have not yet been introduced to solid foods, so you don't have to worry about finding food they will eat.

However, there are some challenges to travelling with a baby or toddler. For example, they need a lot of equipment, and you will have to carry nappies, bottles, toys, changes of clothes, and so on with you wherever you go. They also need a lot of sleep, so you will have to plan your days around their nap times.

Overall, travelling with a baby or toddler can be a wonderful experience, and it is definitely possible. It may be a bit more work, but it is worth it to be able to share the world with your child from such a young age.

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Your child's education won't suffer

Many people believe that travelling with children will negatively impact their education. However, this is not the case. Travelling with your children will provide them with an education that simply cannot be matched.

One of the most important lessons that travelling can teach children is empathy. Travelling to different countries and experiencing different cultures first-hand will allow your children to see the world through a different lens. They will learn to appreciate other cultures and ways of life, and this will help them to develop a more open-minded and accepting worldview.

In addition to developing empathy, travelling will also provide your children with a unique and enriching education. They will learn about history, geography, and different cultures in a way that is exciting and immersive. They will have the opportunity to visit ancient ruins, such as the Mayan pyramids in Central America, and learn about the local customs and traditions of the countries they visit.

Travelling with your children will also allow them to develop their language skills. They will be exposed to different languages and will have the opportunity to learn and practise these languages with native speakers. This will not only improve their language skills but will also help them to develop an appreciation for other cultures and ways of life.

Furthermore, travelling with your children will teach them valuable life skills. They will learn to be adaptable and resilient as they navigate new environments and situations. They will also develop important social skills as they interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Finally, travelling with your children will provide them with a sense of independence and confidence. They will learn to be self-reliant and to make their own decisions. They will also develop a sense of responsibility as they help to plan and navigate your travels.

So, if you're considering travelling with your children, don't let the fear of their education suffering hold you back. Travelling will provide your children with a rich and rewarding education that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

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You can travel on a budget

Travelling the world with kids on a budget is possible! It just takes some careful planning and a few money-saving hacks. Here are some tips to help you travel the world on a budget:

Before you go:

  • Choose your destination wisely: Opt for places with a low cost of living, favourable exchange rates, and cheap visa costs.
  • Travel off-peak: Embrace less-than-ideal weather and avoid peak seasons, festivals, and holidays to find better deals on flights and accommodation.
  • Travel outside school holidays: Consider homeschooling, travelling when kids are young, or taking a gap year to avoid peak travel times.
  • Research and prepare: Compare flight, transport, and accommodation prices online before you go. Buy what you need, but don't go overboard with shopping for gear and clothes.
  • Save on pre-trip costs: Vaccinations, visas, and travel gear can be expensive, so shop around for the best deals.

During your trip:

  • Get around cheaply: Use flight comparison sites, travel by train or bus instead of flying, and take local transport instead of tourist options.
  • Find cheap beds: Stay in budget hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs. Camp or house-sit to save even more.
  • Eat cheaply: Picnic, cook your own meals, and eat street food or fast food. Avoid ordering drinks at restaurants.
  • Save on activities: Look for free activities, city passes, and group discounts. Choose one must-do activity and fill the rest of your time with cheaper or free options.

Extra tips:

  • Use credit card rewards and join travel reward programs to boost your budget.
  • Book your own travel to avoid agent fees.
  • Stay with friends or family if you can.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates and destinations to find the best deals.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it is possible to travel the world with kids. Many families have done it, and it can be a rewarding experience for both parents and children. It can help broaden their horizons, improve their education, and expose them to different cultures and lifestyles.

Travelling with kids can provide them with a unique education and help them develop essential life skills. It can also strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. Additionally, it can teach them to be more adaptable, resilient, and open-minded.

Some challenges of travelling with kids include managing their education, dealing with language barriers, and ensuring their safety. To overcome these challenges, consider worldschooling or homeschooling, learning some basic phrases in the local language, and doing thorough research on your destinations to ensure they are family-friendly.

To make travelling with kids more enjoyable, involve them in the planning process and choose destinations that align with their interests. Look for kid-friendly activities, such as theme parks, zoos, and interactive museums. Also, ensure you pack their favourite snacks and toys to keep them entertained during long journeys.

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