Updated: 2/19/22 | February 19th, 2022
I don’t have a lot of experience traveling with kids — but it’s a topic I get asked about often. To help me answer some of the most common questions and concerns, I’ve asked expert traveler Leigh Shulman to share her ideas and recommendations in this guest post.
I’ve spoken with lots of who would love to travel as a family but worry that it’s just too difficult, maybe even unfair to their children. traveling with children certainly does have its challenges, but after two years of travel with my husband Noah and four-year-old daughter Lila, I’ve found the rewards far outweigh any potential disadvantages.
1. parent Comes before Tourist
People love kids, and if you’re lucky enough to be traveling with one, you’ll find whatever magic dust they have rubbed off on you. You’ll be the first to board airplanes and buses. You’ll meet people a lot more easily. You’ll be a lot more accepted into communities that might not have accepted you if you arrived solo.
I am convinced Lila was our ambassador with the Kuna Yala in the San Blas Islands of Panama. Lila ran barefoot through the village with the other children while Noah and I chatted with the parents. We were the only ones invited beyond the confines of vacationer housing.
2. packing Light requires Imagination
I’ve seen Lila transform rocks into a walkie-talkie and plants into money. She has an undetectable friend named Bendy, who, quite frankly, freaks me out because she’s prone to throwing herself out of bus windows. Not to worry, though, Bendy unavoidably ends up at our destination.
Packing for children requires a little imagination. You need to keep them entertained on the road. For Lila, I pack a drawing book, a magnifying glass to see bugs (she likes bugs), and art supplies. We regularly go on nature walks to collect sticks, seashells, sponges, and leaves to be used later for art projects.
I’ve also found balloons work well. blow one up, and you have something to bounce around like a ball. glue leaves to it, and you have a stuffed animal. Bubbles are also a favorite. Within seconds of opening a bottle, you’ll find yourself surrounded by jumping, laughing kids all vying for a turn to pop the translucent creatures as they float away on the wind.
3. Be Patient
You wouldn’t invite a friend who hates getting dirty to hike with you through the jungle, and you wouldn’t ask a vegetarian to join you for a hamburger, yet somehow it’s much easier to ignore the basic act of asking our children what they prefer.
Of course, a friend will normally tell you straight out what she wants, and then you split up and do different things. With a child, there’s less opportunity to go separate ways and a lot more of a chance she’ll throw herself on the ground, kicking and screaming.
When Lila tantrums, she’s trying to tell me something. Acting out can indicate she’s hungry or tired. It can also indicate she misses her granny and grandpa or doesn’t want to travel anymore. I do my best to listen.
4. children Are Infinitely Adaptable
Kids can manage and do a lot a lot more than we think they can. They don’t need constant monitoring, and they can show far a lot more patience, kindness, and responsibility than we credit scores them.
Does it make Lila sad to say goodbye when we leave a place? Yes, but everyone need to learn to say goodbye. She’s also learned to walk into a crowd of strangers and turn them into friends, even if they don’t share a common language.
This is often tough for me. I want to secure her from getting hurt, but sadness is an inevitable part of life. I’ve also had to let go of the notion that I know what’s best and allow Lila to navigate the world a bit on her own.
And isn’t that exactly what we all strive for, adult or child, when we leave home to travel?
Leigh has traveled with her children all over the world. For a lot more recommendations on traveling with kids as well as recommendations on writing and blogging, check out her web site at leighshulman.com.
Book Your Trip: Logistical ideas and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches web sites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the least expensive rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t forget travel Insurance
Travel insurance will secure you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s detailed protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it lots of times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
SafetyWing (best for everyone)
Insure My trip (for those over 70)
Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Ready to book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.