The Joy of Traveling with Kids

Most people say this with a bit of sarcasm: “Oh the joy of traveling with kids.” As they say this they are simultaneously envisioning kids running up and down the tight aisles of a crowded airplane, bumping into airline attendants and spilling soda everywhere while the parents frantically try to figure out how to get their kids to stay in their seat. It can be stressful traveling with kids, but the truth is: it can also be a lot of fun!

Kids are spontaneous and enthusiastic, making them excellent travel companions. They share with us the beauty and wonder of the world as they see it. They encourage us to look at every single hermit crab, sand dollar and seashell on the beach. If we let them, they’ll help us to slow down and see things in a new way.

Kids also bring out the best us. I know one mom whose teen convinced her to try a new wild rollercoaster ride even though she’s afraid of heights. She said she laughed until she cried, but she also said that it was one of the best experiences of the entire trip. It’s these types of shared experiences that create lasting memories and make traveling with kids such a joy.