Top 7 Myths On Traveling With Kids

It’s amazing to be surrounded by the people you love in a beautiful, exciting new place. But a lot of parents forgo traveling with their kids until they become older, worried that it will be too much of a hassle, that they won’t enjoy the experience as much, neither will their kids and that there will be a ton of additional expenses. My parents took me all over the world when I was little and I know that it has had a huge impact on who I am today. To be entirely honest—it has given me an advantage in many ways. Potential employers, new friends, new love interests have all said there is an openness about me that they just don’t find in people who haven’t traveled. To give your kids the chance to develop that same quality, here's some perspective that might ease your anxiety about packing up your strollers and using those precious miles.

Little kids are harder to travel with than teens
Ever notice how a little kid can be entertained by pushing a button over and over again on a talking teddy bear? Compare that to a kid in his teens who is saying constantly “I’m booored!” Yes, you need to watch your little ones a bit more to make sure they don’t wander off or make a mess, but they are very easily entertained and won’t try to pull you away from the museum you went to visit as much as a 12 year old will.

Little kids won’t remember the trip anyways
They subconsciously remember it. Kids who are exposed to different cultures at a young age become much more comfortable with and accepting of “otherness” than kids who barely travel outside of their state or country. Added bonus: you DO remember the trip. And you will cherish forever the photos of you holding your baby in a Gondola, or playing with him under a waterfall. That amazing, innocent time combined with a new, exciting destination is an unmatchable experience.

We can only eat at restaurants that have kids menus
It’s true that countries outside the US don’t have the designated “kids menu” loaded with hot dogs and mac and cheese. But they do understand that kids have special dietary “needs” (preferences) and most are accommodating—willing to make a smaller portion and adjust the price, or remove ingredients the kids won’t eat. And hey, if your kid is forced to eat a foreign food here or there—good! He will have a more evolved palette that he will thank you for later when his date is impressed with his knowledge of exotic foods.

Traveling with babies means triple the luggage
The hospitality industry had the same thought, which is why many hotels today provide most of the necessities for traveling with babies on site. Call your hotel ahead of time to see what they offer so you don’t over pack.

We need a jam-packed agenda or our kids will get bored
First off—cultivate a little spontaneity in your children! As any seasoned traveler knows, the best experiences are a little off the map and are found more through word of mouth than any tourism guide. Don’t cut yourself or your kids off from those hidden gems by packing your day with back-to-back guided tours. Also—kids can get worn out from a too-rigid schedule!

Jet lag is harder on kids
Not even! You know how hard it is to put kids down for a nap at home—use that to your advantage when you’re traveling. Kids in general are less aware of when it’s time to sleep. They will usually be surprisingly bright-eyed when you will be the one craving some caffeine.

Luxury Hotels Are Not Kid Friendly
As snobbish as it may sound, one thing my travels definitely cultivated in me was a love of the finer things. Experiencing 5 star hotels with fresh fruit baskets placed on mahogany tables looking over the most popular promenade or beach, attendants spritzing you with Evian poolside and servers who fold your napkin while you’re in the bathroom has made me want to work very hard to eventually provide those things for myself and my family. But, more to the immediate point, luxury hotels will actually work harder to cater to your family’s needs than a mid range hotel. You did shell out the big bucks after all…

Are you eager to make your child a citizen of the world yet?

Read More About Traveling With Kids
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DIY Activity Kits for Kids of All Ages
Ed Begley Jr. on Insulating Hard-to-Reach areas, Teaching Kids to Go Green, and More