When people think of traveling with young children they might start feeling a headache coming on, because anyone who has experienced this knows how challenging it can be. However, it can be very worthwhile, especially for your preschool age children, and will benefit them as they grow older.
Grainne Kelly, founder of BubbleBum, Child Passenger Safety Technician, and child travel expert, gives the following reasons why you should really consider traveling with preschoolers or little ones:
What do kids gain through travel?
Kids learn that the world is a lot bigger than just themselves and their house or familiar places. They learn certain rules about staying safe, social etiquette, etc. They will, hopefully, see different people doing the same familiar things, which will let them understand how similar we all are. In addition, it will also give them an appreciation of what makes each culture special, including language, customs, food, celebrations, teaching them that differences between people and cultures are not something to be feared, but rather embraced.
Why is important to take young kids on trips instead of waiting until they’re older?
Young children just want to spend uninterrupted time with those they love. Family trips are perfect! In my experience, young children see the whole trip, even the drive to the airport and the waiting around as part of the excitement and adventure. My kids love exploring the departure lounges and guessing who is going where and why! When they are older they sometimes just want to get there and they’ll be glued to an iPad until we arrive. Preschoolers can also be a lot more open and curious about new places, people, foods etc., so it’s a good time to introduce these things and to begin teaching them awareness of their surroundings when you are with them. You hope that these rules to keep them safe will be normal for them as they get older.
What are some ways to make trips memorable for little kids?
Younger children enjoy being part of the planning process too which again can be a great learning experience for them and it adds to their excitement. Not something they’ll fully understand, but it’s about planting the seeds. My kids love to plan what they take and to help pack their things. They each have their own carry-on bags which they are responsible for no matter how young. Photos of the whole journey and little keepsakes make trips memorable.
Other suggestions for making travel special for younger children?
For special trips, like spring break and summer vacations, we make each of the kids a scrapbook with photos and they help write the captions. Kids, even preschoolers, remember more than we think. If they know a little bit about where they are going they can imagine and plan things to do, sometimes making the trip more meaningful. However, kids do love a surprise too.
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At Mami of Multiples, we often travel for our business and family getaways. With 4 children, ranging from teen to infant baby, its imperative to us that we not only have a lodging experience that is not only convient to our destination location but also has the amenities that we need as a large family. For example, Residence Inn by Marriott offers many great features for families like large and spacious suites that can fit 1-6 people that have separate bedrooms and fully equipped with stoves – which is important when traveling with kids. We love the option that we can get a free hot (and healthy choices) breakfast downstairs at any Residence Inn or make a list and get groceries delivered right to our door.
Want to know more about how Residence Inn by Marriott fit into your next travel plans? Visit the Residence Inn by Marriott website at www.ResidenceInn.com.
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