Why I Travel the World with My Daughter
The days of waking up when the sun hits your face on vacation may be paused, but it’s not without greater reward.
My husband and I love to travel. It’s actually a large part of our love story. As we fell in love, we also fell in love with traveling and seeing the world together. When we found out we were expecting and began sharing the good news with family and friends, we heard time and time again that we would have to give up traveling once she came. This was something we knew we were going to fight against because why should we sacrifice something we love so dearly just because we have added to our family. Why not include her?!
Kinsely at Flamingo Beach in Aruba
As beautiful as it sounds to just include your kid on all the new adventures, I understand that it comes with cost, hesitation and some anxiety. Everyone has seen and cringed at the screaming baby in the airport on the plane or at dinner. And that still might be your experience, but what your gaining outweighs those moments of despair lol.
Here are my 10 reasons why I travel with my kid.
Respect - In a society constantly battling prejudice, disrespect and bias I want to raise a global citizen aware of who she is and how she fairs in the world. Aware and appreciative of the differences that make us all special. Exposed to the cultures that create traditions and are passed down from generation to generation. Respectful of the formalities of the Chinese and chill vibes of Jamaicans.
Adaptability - Life beyond our borders differs from the time zone, way of life, to the side of the road driven. Being in these new environments allow children to acclimate themselves and they many times adapt quicker than us adults.
Exposure – To new foods, culture and lifestyle. This also has helped with Kinsley’s palette. I try to get her to try new foods when we travel. Her favorite is trying the local fruits.
See themselves in others- Children learn to see the similarities they share instead of the differences between one another. Instead of hearing an accent and being discouraged, Kinsley sees another 2-year-old she wants to run around with. She has made a buddy on every trip we have been on in her older toddler years and as parents we have exchanged information with the families to stay in touch.
Create memories- these experiences will last and be engrained in your memory and/or your child’s for a lifetime.
Uninterrupted time together- vacation together welcomes uninterrupted time together. No work or school schedule. By getting away from the distractions of life back home, it allows you time for focusing on each other. The pandemic has reminded of what and who really matters, so spending more time together is a plus.
Meet new people. Children have a way of attracting attention and from my experience small children and pregnant women are highly revered overseas. We have been moved through customs, skipped many lines for entry and given so many gifts all because of the presence of my daughter.
Instill fortitude - While it may be a challenge for a toddler to sit on an airplane for 10+ hours they are still learning patience.
Create a tradition - Since Kinsley has begun her travel experiences, we have collected a license plate in every country we have visited. I hope to create an accent wall with them when she’s a little older and give her a visual of all the places she has been.
Bravery- Even if they are nervous to try something outside of their comfort zones, I know they are getting bolder and braver.
Kinsley swimming with the dolphins in Jamaica
Traveling all over the world with my daughter has been such a blessing. Seeing the world through her eyes is exciting. Every experience and every new place is a new stimulus for her. Excited to try new things, do new things and meet new people, she has shown me the world in a way I would not otherwise see.
Your old life as a traveler may be gone, but you get a new one.
The world is full of wonders, so why not share that with your children?
Tell me, do you travel with your kids? Are you afraid to? Think it costs too much?
Let’s talk about it.
Love ya, Mean it,
Nateanah