When people hear that we travel with our kids, I always get asked the same questions.
How can you afford to travel with kids? Why do you travel with them? Will they even remember it? How do I even go about planning that first trip?
So many families get into a state of travel paralysis that completely stops them from taking a trip with kids. But if you have the tools to make it happen, then you can do it. It just takes a bit of confidence and the willingness to go for it.
We have been traveling internationally with our kids since they were toddlers. The one piece of advice I want you to take away is that travel is beneficial no matter the age.
That’s right – even Tyler, who traveled to Brazil for his first big international trip at age four, remembers portions of that trip. He might not remember all the impressive sights we saw, but he remembers one, which is enough. He remembers the moment of complete awe when he witnessed Christ the Redeemer for the first time.
Though travel memories are incredible, it’s the moments you have together during the trip that truly matter. It’s the moment your kid squeezes your hand in excitement when they witness the Eiffel Tower lit up in the night sky. Or the smile that spreads over their face when they taste the most delicious Italian gelato. Or the screams of delight when they ride on that camel through the Sahara desert.
It’s about the moments. And if you don’t travel, you won’t have those travel moments.
So what are you waiting for?
Just go travel!
Before you begin, though, it’s important to determine what type of traveler you are and what you want to get out of the trip. Have you traveled internationally before with kids? Are you ready to experience new cultures? Understanding the type of traveler you are and the purpose of the trip will help determine how you should travel and where you should go.
So first things, first. Let’s figure out the type of traveler you are.
The Discoverer (Beginner)
You are in the beginning stages of international traveling with kids. You have decided you are ready to start discovering the world and take that first international trip with your kids. Whether you have babies, toddlers, elementary-aged kids, or even teens, you are excited to embark on these new international adventures together.
At this first stage of traveling with kids, it’s essential to get into the mindset of traveling with them. Determine how you and your kids can be mindful of others through your travels. Figure out what your purpose is in traveling. Is it important to take this time and slow down? Or maybe it’s to appreciate these other cultures and be aware of your surroundings?
For the Discoverer, I recommend taking a trip that focuses on one country. This will ease you into the world of international travel. Once you have realized you can do this quite easily, you will be ready to take on the next adventure.
The Explorer (Intermediate)
You have taken an international trip with the kids before but now are excited to venture deeper. Whether that be by exploring a more exotic location, visiting multiple countries on a trip, or diving deeper into the local community. As an Explorer, you will want to begin learning from others in these destinations. You will want to think about how you can be mindful of the communities you are visiting. Whether that’s accomplished by visiting local markets, attending local sporting or cultural events, or just simply by getting off the beaten path.
For the Explorer, I recommend planning a trip that entails visiting two or more countries at a time. Possibly visit a country where English is not the native language. Or where the culture is so opposite from what you are used to in your own country.
The Adventurer (Advanced)
Now you are getting to be a pro in traveling with your kids. You have explored multiple countries, have interacted and participated in the local communities, and have learned to embrace different cultures. But you want more. Now you are interested in fully immersing in the culture and potentially giving back to those local communities.
For the Adventurer, I recommend finding opportunities to volunteer in the countries you are visiting.
Find programs where you can participate and learn directly from the locals. Maybe even find an immersion program to live with a family. Adventurer-style trips might push you a teeny bit out of your comfort zone, but the benefits will be ever-impactful.
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Now that you have determined the type of traveler you are, it’s ready to start planning the trip. Where are you going to go first? And get ready because this is only the beginning of many beautiful family travel adventures ahead.
