Traveling with kids might sound overwhelming, but there are so many incredible reasons to travel with your baby or toddler!
We love to travel. When people found out we were having a baby, SO many people made comments about how our travel days were over.
Sure, traveling with young children is not the same as traveling without kids. There are going to be some hard and stressful moments, and it can feel overwhelming to think about planning and executing travel with babies or toddlers.
BUT there are so many benefits to traveling with your young children, and I truly believe that the benefits far outweigh the challenges. And you will likely end up with some funny stories, sweet pictures, and unforgettable family memories along the way!
9 Reasons to Travel with Young Children
1. New Experiences
Your little traveler will gain so many new experiences – new foods, new smells, new sights, different cultures, new languages, words, and sounds – what an amazing learning opportunity!
Going to new places is a great way to get out of our comfort zone. How awesome is it that we get to learn and encounter new things right along with our kids?!
2. Travel Teaches Patience & Flexibility
Young children (and adults) learn to be patient and adaptable when traveling. Traveling can bring a lot of surprises and often requires a lot of patience.
Our kids are more than capable of learning these important life skills if they have the chance to practice!
3. You Get to Keep Living Your Life to the Fullest
You don’t have to put your desire to travel or your life on hold when you have kids. Sometimes when we become parents, it can feel like we lose ourselves a little bit. Traveling can make us feel like ourselves again and is a rich form of self-care.
We won’t get these years back, so let’s live them to the fullest! Book the trip, and enjoy making priceless memories with your little sidekick.
4. Young Children Are Often Cheap to Travel With
Kids under 2 usually fly for free. You can also bring a diaper bag, pump bag, stroller, and car seat for free on most airlines.
Admission to many places is also free for kids under a certain age. You don’t have to pay for meals for a baby either.
5. You Have More Flexibility When Your Kids Are Young
It’s hard to believe because life definitely can feel exhausting and crazy busy with little kids, but once your kids get older, it can be very difficult to pull them out of school and activities and find time to travel as a family.
Take advantage of this time when you have more flexibility to travel.
6. You Get to Enjoy One of Your Favorite Things With Your Favorite People
I can’t think of many things that I love more than my family and traveling, so combining them brings me ultimate joy!
Sure, things will be different. We will likely have a slower pace and might not get to do all of the things we normally would without kids, but it’s so darn sweet and fulfilling to see those little travelers getting excited and having fun on our family adventures!
7. Traveling With Kids Teaches Us Perseverance
We are parents, and we can do hard things! Traveling with a baby/toddler can teach us to persist through challenges, not to sweat the small things, and not to fear going out into public with our kids.
Tantrums, meltdowns, travel delays, blow-outs – they happen. These situations can feel stressful in the moment, can cause tension between partners, and may even make us question our decision to travel in the first place.
BUT once we make it through, we realize it wasn’t all that bad and can be proud of ourselves for persevering through the challenges.
8. You Will Realize There Are Great People in This World
It is amazing how many people are willing to offer help or show kindness when you’re traveling with a young child. Many of them have been in our shoes and are very understanding.
Sure, there will always be some haters out there, but ignore them and focus on the good.
9. Family Bonding
Travel often brings quality family bonding time. We are away from our busy schedules, technology, and rushing routines.
This time spent together as a family is priceless, and it creates stories and memories to last a lifetime!
Are you convinced yet? I hope these 9 reasons to travel with your young kids leave you feeling inspired and ready to start planning your next trip!