Here’s how to navigate full-time travel with the family
I still remember the first time I traveled when I was 11. My mom is from Mombasa, Kenya, and my brother and I wanted to connect with our roots. She sent us to live with my aunt in Mombasa, and we lived in Kenya for two years. The importance of travel was firmly established in my mind after that experience.
As an adult, I had the opportunity to travel extensively as a corporate consultant. Companies all over the world book me to train their teams, which means companies pay for my trips to fifteen to twenty countries annually.
I’m still a frequent traveler at 41. In 2021 my wife and I sold everything to travel full time. I am also a father of six and a grandfather of two. I experienced pre-baby travel, with kids at home, and now as an empty parent.
Navigating traveling with children requires planning and design. There is also an emotional component to parents traveling without their children. Here’s how to navigate full-time travel when you have kids with some advice from parents who travel.
Strategic Planning
Planning reduces the frustration of trying to do everything at the last minute. It doesn’t work very well, and it’s possible to research everything you need to know before your trip.
Janice Fredericks Spell is the founder of The Retail Genius, Inc and Beauty Supply Bootcamps Programs. She travels for work regularly – usually three to four times a month. She is also a father.
“My husband and I try to take our children on as many trips as possible. My five-year-old son (the oldest) has visited three different continents and visited over ten countries. I think it is very important for children to travel. I was exposed to travel at a young age. – It has definitely made me a good adult. I love giving my children the experience of seeing different countries, countries and cultures,” says Fredericks Spell.
“My best advice for traveling with children, especially young children, is to enjoy their favorite entertainment and snacks throughout the flight. Always carry extra clothes and one large bag on the plane. If there is a change of time, be sure to book the flight close to the time they will sleep.” Try to avoid connecting trips.If you have older children, I encourage you to buy a diary for your children to document all the fun travels.
I am a living example and a true believer that travel does not have to stop once you have children; You’re just planning a little more strategically.”
Know the importance of culture
Learning about other cultures broadens your horizons and understands you as a human being. You learn to appreciate that people are different, and that’s a good thing.
Racism and prejudice are rooted in the belief that people have to look and learn a certain way. Travel can help children learn lessons about culture and inclusion in their formative years. As more children learn, we can progress towards greater inclusion in future generations.
Tiffany Alexander and her husband Neil have two children. When asked by AskMen about travel and kids, she said, “I take a weekend trip at least every six weeks or so, and internationally three to five times a year. My kids go on about 80% of trips and at least one international trip a year.”
“It is important for children to travel because it changes their perception. Once you realize that most issues are bigger than yourself, you can change the world. But you have to start from your corner. Teach your children to open up to and learn from other cultures. Just because you learned one way doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the most Effectiveness. Start them young by learning to be responsible,” says Alexander.
Follow a step-by-step approach
There are so many options for travel that it can be confusing. The good news is that travel can be affordable. There is an exciting journey near where you live, and international countries are waiting to be explored.
“Travel is essential for children. It teaches them a lot about the world and gives them flexibility and adaptability. My daughter says, ‘Mom, I’m a traveller.'” She can adapt to any situation because she has grown up traveling,” says Julie Moore, a single mother (by choice) and frequent traveler. It is the best education you can give your children.
“My advice to parents is just do it – don’t overthink it. Start them small if you can, but don’t let that deter you. If it seems like a lot, start small. Take a weekend getaway, then a road trip, then a flight in the US , then an international group trip. Find travel blogs for families traveling for tips.
My daughter came with me to Mexico when she was eight months old. For her second birthday, we flew to Bali and traveled through Malaysia, then got stuck in Thailand for two months due to the pandemic. We were living on the beach, found a tribe of other families who were stuck, and had a great time.
We spent last summer in Costa Rica and will be back in Mexico next week. We also took a three-week road trip through California, Oregon, and Washington.”
Take a road trip, book a weekend away, or go ahead and book a flight to an international destination on your wishlist.
understand why
Traveling can be an enriching experience and teach you life lessons when you understand that it is about more than just seeing beautiful things. When you know what travel can provide, your travels will never be the same.
“Given that we are now a global community, it is imperative that children see the world they are part of and will one day take charge of it. Interacting with people from different parts of the earth (or even just their home) makes a huge difference in how children relate to others, and the depth of their emotional intelligence , and even their sense of self. If you are looking to help your children grow and have powerful developmental experiences, do your homework in safe local places to explore. Introduce your children to people and have real conversations with them whenever possible. Make them immersed in the culture you are exploring,” she says. Polly Anna Brown, owner of the M4 Mastery.
Give yourself permission
It was hard for me to be away from my kids while we travel full time. There is a belief, as a parent, that you should be close and available to your children even after they become adults. Working with a therapist helped me see that I don’t need permission to live the life I want to live. My kids are out of the house and living their lives; It’s okay and it’s good for me to live my own.
You may be a parent, but you are also a human being. Give yourself permission to do the things you want to do. You can travel and still be a good parent. Traveling frequently with children can be challenging but also rewarding. Whether you’re bringing your kids or traveling alone as a parent, some tools and professionals can help.
The world is opening up again. Start by strategically planning how you will explore them. And if you can, take your kids with you on a trip — even if they’re adults.
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