10 Things No One Told You About Traveling with Kids
(But You’ll Love)
Traveling with kids often gets a bad rap. The thought of long flights, endless packing, and handling the inevitable meltdowns can make even the most seasoned travelers hesitate. But what if we told you that traveling with kids isn’t all stress and chaos? In fact, there are some incredible, unexpected joys that come with going around the world with little humans. Here are 10 positive things no one told you about traveling with kids, but you’ll love!
1. You’ll Discover New Adventures Through Their Eyes
One of the most magical things about traveling with kids is seeing the world through their eyes. The way they light up at the sight of an animal they haven’t seen before, a colorful street performer, or an iconic landmark is absolutely priceless. Kids are naturally curious, and their excitement will remind you of the beauty and wonder in everyday experiences you might have overlooked. The sparkle in their eyes might just reignite the flame in yours.
2. You’ll Be More Present in the Moment
When you travel with kids, you quickly realize that the journey is just as important as the destination. Instead of rushing through an itinerary, you’ll find yourself savoring every moment. Whether it’s taking a break to enjoy a snack, walking at a slower pace, or stopping to look at something that catches their eye, you’ll become more attuned to the present moment, which is the greatest gift.
3. You’ll Meet So Many People
Kids are natural icebreakers. Whether you’re at a park, on a plane, or at a café, people will often approach you to chat about your little ones. Or, if your child is a social butterfly like ours, they’ll spark conversations up on their own. This opens up so many opportunities to make new connections with other families, travelers, and locals. We were invited into the home of a Cambodian family because our daughter was playing with theirs outside our hotel. We also found a great community of traveling families in Thailand. Traveling with kids can transform your journey into a social adventure and open doors to meaningful, cross-cultural travel opportunities.
4. You’ll Create Bonding Moments
Traveling gives families the chance to spend uninterrupted time together, without the distractions of daily life. Whether it’s a bike ride through the rice fields in Vietnam or building sandcastles on a beach, these bonding moments are memories you’ll cherish forever. There’s something about experiencing new things together that strengthens relationships and creates lifelong memories.
5. You’ll Be More Flexible and Adaptable
Kids’ schedules don’t often fit neatly into your travel plans, and that’s okay! You’ll quickly learn how to adapt and go with the flow. This flexibility will help you to be more relaxed and patient, and you’ll develop a new level of problem-solving skills, like adjusting to an unexpected detour. Life is full of surprises when you travel with kids, and you’ll be ready to roll with them. The best part is, they’re right there with you, learning valuable life skills, too.
6. You’ll See Different Sides of a Destination
When you travel solo or with adults, your focus might be on museums, restaurants, or upscale hotels. But when you have kids, the destinations open up to you in a completely new way. Playgrounds, ice cream shops, kid-friendly museums, and nature trails become part of the adventure. You’ll explore hidden gems and discover things about a place you might never have noticed otherwise.
Photo by Kin Wai Cheung
7. You’ll Learn How to Pack Like a Pro
Packing for a family trip can feel daunting at first, but once you’ve done it a couple of times, you’ll become a packing expert. You’ll learn how to streamline and pack only the essentials. Packing light isn’t about minimizing; it’s about packing smart. You’ll also figure out how to narrow down to just a few well-chosen toys or snacks. For tips on packing, see our packing guides (coming soon)
8. You’ll Learn, Too
Children have an innate sense of wonder, and they’re always asking questions. Traveling with them provides the perfect opportunity to learn about different cultures, history, and traditions—often from their curious perspectives. Whether they’re asking about a historical monument or wondering how a dish is made, their questions can spark your own deeper understanding of the world. And isn’t that the beauty of travel, for everyone?
9. You’ll Never Have a Dull Moment
When you’re traveling with kids, you don’t need to worry about running out of things to do. Kids are always ready for fun, whether it’s jumping in puddles, chasing pigeons, or singing songs in the car. You’ll never experience a boring moment, and your days will be filled with spontaneous laughter, games, and joy in the simple things. You might even find yourself getting caught up in their enthusiasm and feeling like a kid again yourself!
10. You’ll Find Joy in the Small Moments
When you travel with kids, it’s often the little things that become the most special. A quiet moment shared on a park bench, a spontaneous dance party in your hotel room, or a simple game of “I Spy” during a car ride can turn into priceless memories. Kids have a unique ability to find joy in the simplest of experiences, and when you travel with them, you’ll start appreciating those small moments more than ever before. These quiet joys often become the heart of your trip.
Traveling with kids certainly requires some patience and planning, but the rewards are beyond worth it. From creating unforgettable memories to seeing the world in a new light, there’s no shortage of positive surprises when you bring your little ones along on your adventures. The next time you’re planning a trip, remember that being with your children might just be the best part of the journey!
