Duke Trotter
Travelling with children can be a daunting prospect for many parents. However, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both parents and children. Travelling with children can promote hands-on learning, teach new responsibilities, and help children develop self-confidence. It can also help children learn to see similarities between different people and cultures, promoting tolerance and acceptance. Additionally, travelling can help children learn patience and adapt to unforeseen situations. Overall, travelling with children can be a beneficial and enriching experience that creates lasting memories and stronger family bonds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hands-on learning | Children learn about new people, places, and cultures. |
| New responsibilities | Children can assume new roles such as explorer, navigator, taste-tester, or interpreter. |
| Self-confidence | Children can develop confidence that will help them in their daily life. |
| Tolerance and acceptance | Children will begin to see the similarities between cultures and people, fostering tolerance and acceptance. |
| Patience | Children will learn to deal with changes in schedules, eating habits, and sleep patterns. |
| Adaptability | Children will learn to view obstacles as new opportunities. |
| Trust | Children will learn to trust their parents and themselves as they navigate new or extreme circumstances. |
| Bonding | Families will be forced out of their comfort zones and will need to rely on each other for support, comfort, and company, creating powerful bonds. |
What You'll Learn
Travel is a great way to educate your children
The world is the best teacher.
> 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.
> Travel is the ultimate education.
There is absolutely no substitute for travel and having those experiences firsthand. As my mom and dad like to say, "Travel is the ultimate education," and my brothers and I are living proof that this statement is true.
Language learning happens fast!
> The language learning happens so fast! We´re in Costa Rica for three months now and Luísa’s been attending a bilingual kindergarten (Spanish and English) for two months. Her English and Spanish are so developed already!
> I knew this was about the best age for her to learn, so that’s why we are here.
Kids soak up details.
> 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.
Kids try on cultures like clothes.
> The young Bedouin kids she met there seemed to really like the fact that she was dressed traditionally and it’s a fun way for a child to immerse in Jordan’s culture as well as a perfect hand-made souvenir to keep forever.
Travel helps promote self-confidence in children.
> Adventure travel with kids, whether close to home or abroad can give children the opportunity to develop confidence that will help them in their daily life. Older siblings can have the chance to show that bravery off to younger ones and the resulting boost in confidence can follow them throughout their lives.
Children learn to see similarities instead of differences between people.
> The more you travel with kids, the more they will instead begin to see the similarities between cultures and people, and when this happens tolerance and acceptance grow while fear and mistrust quickly slip into the background.
Travel with kids helps them learn patience.
> When you travel with kids, expecting the unexpected is standard. Travel forces you to deal with changes in schedules, eating habits and sleep patterns. You may wait in long lines through airports, sit patiently through security checks and deal with the long, gruelling plane, bus and car rides. Children will learn creative ways to occupy their time and this skill will help them when they get home.
Children learn to adapt to unforeseen situations.
> Things go wrong, you can’t get around it. Luggage gets lost, connections are missed, bad weather can happen and more. Your children will learn not to see these things as road-blocks, but instead as new opportunities. While travel planning helps ease the pain, some of the greatest family travel adventures come from experiencing the unexpected.
Family travel grows stronger families.
> When families are forced out of their comfort zone they need to rely on each other for support, comfort, and company. From climbing a mountain to fishing off the dock to laying on the beach, shared experiences build positive memories and associations that will last a lifetime.
Family travel builds trust in your children.
> Many parents worry that their children can’t handle new or extreme circumstances. The biggest thing that travel with kids has taught me is that kids want to learn. Children are desperate to experience, touch and explore. Traveling with children has taught me that I can let my children do these things.
Travel with children adds a whole new dimension to any trip.
> Parents can enjoy more by seeing the world through a child’s eyes and witnessing their enjoyment.
>
> Seeing things through children’s eyes is magical and it is so, so good for the kids.
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It will help them to see similarities between people and cultures, promoting tolerance and acceptance
Travelling the world can be an enriching experience for children, offering them a chance to gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human cultures. It can help broaden their perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and foster empathy, ultimately promoting tolerance and acceptance.
Breaking Down Stereotypes and Challenging Ethnocentrism
Children who travel and engage with people from diverse backgrounds learn to dispel stereotypes and prejudices that often arise from ignorance and lack of exposure. They recognise the richness and uniqueness of individual stories and appreciate the beauty in cultural diversity. This firsthand experience helps replace misconceptions with understanding and respect for differences.
Exposure to Different Perspectives and Customs
When children travel and interact with people from various cultures, they gain exposure to different perspectives, beliefs, and ways of life. They learn about new customs, traditions, and worldviews, challenging their preconceived notions and broadening their understanding of the complexity of human existence. This realisation that there is no single "right" way to live fosters cultural tolerance and acceptance.
Recognising Universal Values and Similarities
Travel allows children to recognise the universal values that connect all human beings, such as love, family, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness. While cultures may express these values differently, children can understand that, at our core, we share fundamental principles that transcend cultural boundaries. This recognition reinforces our common humanity and promotes tolerance, helping children see similarities instead of differences.
Embracing Cultural Exchange and Appreciation
Travelling often involves cultural exchange, whether it's learning the local language, participating in traditional ceremonies, or sharing meals with locals. These interactions bridge cultural gaps and foster mutual understanding and respect. Children learn to embrace and celebrate the rich tapestry of human cultures, promoting a world where tolerance, respect, and harmony prevail.
Promoting Peace and Global Harmony
On a broader level, travel contributes to promoting peace and global harmony. People-to-people interactions and cross-cultural understanding reduce the likelihood of conflicts rooted in cultural or ethnic differences. By fostering tolerance, empathy, and acceptance, travel helps build a more peaceful and inclusive world for future generations.
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Travel helps children develop self-confidence
Travelling is an incredible opportunity for children to develop self-confidence. By taking children out of their comfort zone and exposing them to new cultures, they learn to adapt, be resilient, and trust their instincts.
Children who travel are often forced to take on new roles and responsibilities, such as navigating, interpreting, or even just entertaining themselves without their usual toys and comforts. These experiences help children to mature, become more compassionate, and gain confidence in their abilities. They learn to trust their instincts and make decisions independently, which can be a real boost to their self-esteem.
Travelling also teaches children to see the similarities between people, rather than focusing on differences. This can help to foster tolerance and acceptance, and reduce fear and mistrust. Children who travel are often more open-minded and better able to integrate into new situations, which can help them become leaders among their peers.
The challenges of travel can also help children to confront and overcome their fears. For example, a child may need to overcome a fear of rejection when asking for directions or ordering food in a foreign language. By constantly learning and adapting, children can develop stronger self-confidence.
Additionally, independent travel can be an especially powerful form of self-discovery. When children are on their own, they are completely exposed to new cultures, people, and adventures, which can be a transformative learning experience. They are forced to rely on their own abilities and become more self-reliant, which can boost their self-confidence.
Overall, travel provides children with a unique set of challenges and experiences that promote self-discovery, adaptability, and resilience. By overcoming obstacles and stepping out of their comfort zone, children can develop a greater sense of self-confidence that will benefit them throughout their lives.
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It will teach them to be patient and adapt to new situations
Travelling with children is a great way to teach them to be patient and adapt to new situations. Patience is a virtue that can be hard to learn, but when travelling, children will have to wait in long lines at the airport, sit through security checks, and endure long plane, bus, and car rides. This will help them develop creative ways to occupy their time, which will benefit them when they return home.
Additionally, things will inevitably go wrong when travelling - luggage may get lost, connections may be missed, and bad weather may occur. However, these challenges present new opportunities for children to learn and grow. For example, during their travels in Norway, one family lost their luggage and had to endure the cold winter weather without their heavy jackets and snow pants. Instead of giving up, they made connections with locals, shared ideas, and managed to get enough winter gear to stay warm until their luggage arrived three days later.
Travelling also teaches children to be adaptable. When plans change or unexpected situations arise, children learn not to see these things as roadblocks but as new opportunities. For instance, one family's travels in the Philippines were impacted by their son's fear of small boats and big waves. However, they worked together to assuage his fears, and he eventually followed them into the water, tentatively at first, but eventually gaining the confidence to join in the family fun.
Furthermore, travelling with children can help them develop a sense of independence and maturity. When faced with new and unfamiliar situations, children may be forced out of their comfort zone and will need to rely on their own problem-solving skills to navigate these challenges. This can help them build resilience and adaptability, which are important qualities for their future endeavours.
Overall, travelling with children can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both parents and children. It teaches them to be patient, adaptable, and resilient, and provides them with a wealth of new experiences and opportunities to learn and grow. So, if you're considering taking your children on a trip, don't let the challenges deter you. Embrace the unknown and create lasting memories together!
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Family travel strengthens family bonds
Family travel is an incredible opportunity to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. By exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and sharing adventures, families can foster deeper connections, improve communication, and build strong, positive relationships.
Breaking Routines and Creating Traditions
Family travel allows families to break free from their daily routines and create new traditions. Disconnecting from the distractions of everyday life gives families a chance to reconnect and focus on each other. These shared experiences, whether it's trying new foods, visiting historical sites, or participating in cultural activities, create lasting memories and topics for discussion that bring families closer together.
Learning and Growing Together
Travelling provides a unique learning opportunity for both children and parents. It offers a form of "world schooling" where families can learn about different cultures, history, and gain valuable hands-on experiences that complement traditional education. By learning and growing together, families can develop a deeper understanding of each other and the world around them.
Enhancing Communication and Conflict Resolution
Effective communication is essential for healthy family relationships. Family travel encourages open communication, active listening, and deeper understanding among family members. It also provides an opportunity to learn and practice conflict resolution techniques, emphasizing compromise, understanding, and finding common ground. These skills can help families navigate challenges and strengthen their bonds.
Building Trust and Resilience
Family travel pushes families out of their comfort zones, forcing them to rely on each other and work as a team. By navigating unfamiliar situations and overcoming obstacles together, families build trust, resilience, and a sense of belonging. These shared experiences enhance family cohesion and create a supportive environment for individuals to flourish.
Nurturing Individual Growth
Family travel also supports individual growth and self-awareness. By exploring new places and encountering different cultures, family members can gain a better understanding of their roles within the family and work on personal issues. This promotes overall well-being and enhances the family's collective potential for resilience and adaptation to new situations.
In conclusion, family travel is a powerful way to strengthen family bonds. It provides an opportunity to create shared experiences, enhance communication, build trust, and foster individual growth within a family unit. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey of discovery and connection with your loved ones!
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Frequently asked questions
Children who travel the world gain a better understanding of the world than those who don't experience life abroad. They learn to see the similarities between cultures and people, and in turn, tolerance and acceptance grow while fear and mistrust slip into the background.
Travelling the world provides children of all ages with an education that simply can’t be matched. They learn about agriculture, indigenous practices, cooking, wildlife and so much more. They also learn to adapt to unforeseen situations and develop a sense of independence.
Children gain self-confidence from travelling the world. They learn to be patient and adapt to new situations. They also learn to see the similarities between people and cultures, which promotes tolerance and acceptance.
Travelling the world provides children with a type of "world schooling". They gain real-world associations with the books and material that they would otherwise only read about.
