Traveling is not only a great way for kids to learn life lessons, it’s also a good way for them to pick up new skills, develop an appreciation for other people and other cultures and to expand their horizons.
An important thing to remember when you’re traveling with kids, make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses, even those unexpected ones. If you’re looking for a good value %APR credit card, consider the Citi Double Cash card. It is one of the few cards that offers cash back. What that means is that for every dollar you spend, you get 1 percent cash back. You can also get another 1 percent cash back on every dollar you pay off each month. This can be a great way to save money when you’re traveling.
The Importance of Travel for Kids
Here’s a rundown on why traveling the world is beneficial for young people.
- Overcoming shyness: Travel encourages kids to question, meet new people and try new things whether it’s talking to other children in a new language, trying a new type of food or exploring a historic building, travel will bring shy kids out of their shell.
- Boosting smartness: Get your kids involved in the planning of your trip, not only will this get them excited about the adventure, they will learn how to discuss and deduce facts as you go along. Let them explore maps and travel guides so they get a feel for your destination.
- Improving independence: Even though young people’s independence is still limited, travel can teach them to be responsible for things like their luggage and their belongings. Let them pack their things (with your supervision), and choose which things are essential and which things they need for entertainment.
- Accepting difference: When kids travel and are introduced to different cultural styles and people of different ethnicity, they begin to embrace difference rather than being prejudiced or maintaining cultural stereotypes. This makes them much more well-rounded individuals.
- Understanding different beliefs: Travel allows children to understand and accept other religions and belief systems from an early age. It means that they are not afraid to ask questions and you can visit temples and churches of many different types wherever you travel.
- Building relationships: One of the important things about traveling with your family is that it strengthens relationships. It encourages communication within the family group and facilitates discussions of new subjects.
- Keeping the inner child alive: Kids grow up too fast these days. Traveling is a great ongoing adventure. That keeps the inner child alive. Forget the latest cell phone or video games, build sand castles on the beach, watch tigers on safari, go swimming with whales, and ride on the back of a camel. These are priceless experiences that will never be forgotten.
Take your kids traveling as often and to as many different places as you can. They will love you for it and will pass the travel bug on to their own families.
Anna Duffy writes about travel; from solo backpacking in your 20s, traveling with kids to help broaden their horizons, or seniors going on a first-time cruise.