Why it’s important for kids to travel

If you’re a regular reader of our family travel blog you’ll know our overseas travels are typically based on discovery, adventure and exploration. Before POD was born we’d travelled extensively. From South East Asia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to the Caribbean, South America and Australia where I lived for two years. Not to mention sun, ski and city breaks in Europe. When we became parents, we didn’t stop travelling we just went about it in a different way. POD loves being an adventurer and there are huge benefits to showing her the world. Here are just a few of the reasons we believe it’s good for kids to travel in whatever guise that might be.

To show them the world is a big place 

As POD is at school we’re restricted to travelling during school holidays although we’re outdoorsy types and like to get out at weekends when we can. It’s good to have adventures further afield but we like to explore the UK too. With so many destinations to discover, travelling to new places does highlight how big the world really is. Even the journey can provide some context whether it be spending two days on a ferry to Northern Spain, flying to Italy or taking the train to France. Besides how much more impressive is it to bring landmarks and real-life scenarios to life? Actually seeing the Eiffel Tower from a hotel room and going up to the top rather than just reading about it in a book. POD is a real bookworm but travel is the best education it really is. Of course, we can’t do everything we want to (if only!) but we escape whenever we can. Travelling with POD is superb too as she loves the journey just as much as the destination and even the smallest things excite her.

To instil a sense of adventure 

We upped sticks from London and moved to Surrey before POD was born. Children naturally have a sense of adventure but she’s grown up loving the great outdoors and exploring. She’s like a sponge soaking up the sights whether it’s a well-known landmark, a mountain or something she’s never seen before. We’ve always had a passion for travel but seeing the world through POD’s eyes is something else. If only we could bottle up her questions, the expressions she makes and her delight! There will come a day when she’s older and doesn’t fancy going away with her parents!

To appreciate different cultures 

POD is only seven so she’s not started learning any languages yet. She mucks in when she can though! We typically have a guidebook when we’re away to master the basics although we learnt the likes of French at school. It’s always good to make an effort while abroad, especially off the beaten track, as most don’t speak English. It’s great for POD to understand different cultures, languages and cuisines. We have a rule that she should always try something new before turning it down and if she doesn’t like it, fair enough. It backfired on us in France however when we discovered she’d developed a fondness for moules and frites!

To notice the little things 

Going away with a small one in tow means you tend to go at a different pace but notice more along the way. When POD climbed her first mountain at the age of five, we spent much of the route looking at red-bellied grasshoppers and blue butterflies. These kind of observations are great particularly as POD needed distracting from the walk itself when we were going up.

To connect as a family 

We don’t have the likes of Playstation, Wii or computer games in our house currently. POD hasn’t really shown an interest and doesn’t have a phone although like most children she is partial to television or Netflix! We didn’t have this kind of technology when we were younger and while it’s alright in small doses, it’s good to get away and unplug. Travelling together is the best way to have a break from work, spend some quality time together and re-adjust the balance. It’s good to be on the outside looking in I find – sometimes we just need to stop to get a better perspective of day to day life. As well as an understanding of ourselves and the kind of things we enjoy. Travel is a great confidence builder for children too. POD has a big character but that doesn’t mean she won’t get nervous in certain situations, especially when it comes to meeting new people.

Travelling is an excellent way to show children what they should be thankful for. Most of us relish returning to those creature comforts and while POD loves our trips together, she likes coming home to her toys. It’s good to give her some perspective on the world and hopefully, she’ll keep asking questions for a long time to come.

If you want to read more about our travels outside the UK, head over to POD Travels.