Backpacking with children
Backpacking with kids, if there's one thing we got a lot of comments about in the beginning, it was that combination. Everyone had an opinion about it. Parents with concerns about their grandchildren, friends or colleagues. Comments such as: 'Why are you looking for danger?', 'what's in it for them', 'they won't remember it after all', 'travel is also possible later' or the most common 'Well, they also find a Center Parcs nice though!'.
My first reaction is always; 'Why not?' It often remains with the last comment: 'They like Center Parcs too'. That is probably 100% true, but that does not mean that they can also have fun in a nature park in Sri Lanka, on the beach in Jamaica, in a rowing boat in Central Parc or during a walk in Wadi Rum.
But apart from the fact that it's fun to do, people go on holiday for fun anyway, I think there are more reasons to travel with small children. In addition, traveling ensures that they become acquainted with other (culinary) cuisines, new cultures and they gain knowledge and experiences that they cannot learn in a classroom. But the bond as a family is also strengthened.
For example, the UK Family Holiday Association conducted a survey on travel, which found that 49% associated the happiest memories with family holidays.
Aside from those memories, the study also revealed other lasting benefits. I quote:
'Significant changes such as increased affection to other family members, better behavior at school and at home, greater optimism and ambition for their future, reduction in how much they worry and less need for disciplining children were all set out in the results answered by parents .' (Packham, 2015).
If this is still not enough to convince you why you should travel with children, then I have 9 more arguments here.
1 | Traveling is learning
There is no better way to learn about the history of Egypt or the ruins of the WTC than to be there. The Bible and the Christmas story take on a whole new experience as you explore Israel and Bethlehem. While you travel, you can't help but learn about other cultures, places, people and at the same time about your place in the world.
Living in this way creates a worldview that cannot be taught in a classroom with the best of intentions.
2 | Travel offers new opportunities
When you travel, new opportunities present themselves every day. There is always a chance to say yes to something new. Snacking an elephant, camping in the Serengeti or eating at food stalls in Vietnam are all new and exciting experiences that kids will love.
When traveling, situations always arise that you can see as new opportunities. There is so much to say yes (or no) during a trip. Petting a pelican in Naples (USA), staying overnight in Bethlehem or eating locally, playing with local kids in Tel-Aviv and living in people's homes in Sri Lanka are all exciting experiences that kids will love too. .
3 | Travel inspires curiosity and adventure
Parents can't help but admit that their offspring attribute "curiosity" at some point in everyday life. It goes without saying that new environments where everything is slightly different from home will also stimulate their curiosity. And we all know that curiosity influences their creativity. Because if you want to play with children in Tel-Aviv, but don't speak the language, how are you going to do that? Believe me, she can!
But also when you walk in Giza, bet that questions come up about the pyramids? .
4 | Travel creates opportunities to be brave dapper
Not every kid jumps into the ocean to swim with friendly sea lions, or dares to walk among (distant!) the alligator in the Everglades. But doing this kind of activity gives them a chance to step outside their comfort zone. And they take that confidence in themselves home. Priceless! .
5 | Travel makes children more flexible
This is one of the funniest arguments. Because what is at home is (often) not there elsewhere. And that is a fact that no one can ignore. Breakfast abroad? Yes, but look for sprinkles in the Middle East. By traveling they learn to be flexible, to adapt and to find pleasure in what is there. For example, one of the most beautiful things that our trip to Israel showed to our then 2-year-old daughter is that she learned to eat dates there and now prefers to have a lunch box in her school..
6 | Travel creates a sense of responsibility
Have them think about packing their bags. Our kids have always 'packed' their own bag. Of course there was not everything in it, but what they took with them became their responsibility. Besides being proud to have their own bag, she also felt responsible!
7 | Travel teaches children to (remain) open to others
It goes without saying that traveling allows you to experience other cultures (unless you stay alone in the resort). That children do not distinguish between children (unless it is taught) also makes sense. Children play with other children, anywhere in the world. Even if they don't speak the language, they can still communicate amazingly!
8 | Travel improves learning ability at school
According to the University of Georgia, students studying abroad achieved higher grades upon returning to the classroom. The Wagner Group found similar results. Adults who went on school trips as children not only got better grades in school but were also more likely to have a college degree and higher income than those who didn't travel. Simply put, travel stimulates learning and makes children want to learn.
9 | Travel creates more appreciation
By traveling children learn how well they actually have it at home (in the Netherlands). Both in terms of toys but in terms of food, drink and clothing. They see how other (children) have it.
We as adults should also receive this lesson...