I’ve always enjoyed the thought of traveling. Getting away from my norm and embarking on an adventure (even if it’s not so far away) always appeals to me. I’ve talked with people who have no desire to leave their backyard, yet alone the country and likewise I’ve come across people who’ve barely had time to let the grass grow beneath their feet. I suppose, when you have children, a happy medium is the best option, but why? What are the benefits to your children of travel (near or far)?

• Kids who travel are more flexible and can adapt to change easier. Travel helps us to understand and empathize with other people (both a familiar and unfamiliar). When we are exposed to the same types of people, we start to assume that everyone is exactly like us and might therefore have trouble interacting with people from different backgrounds or experiences. We become ethnocentric and assume that what we do is the correct or only way to do something. Traveling enables us understand other people’s differences. Meeting people who live life a little different than you will require you to be more flexible in your thinking and to adapt to your surroundings.

• Travel encourages better geographical knowledge and awareness. I’m always amazed by the lack of knowledge most US citizens have about geography (even our own US geography!). It’s frankly embarrassing.

• Travel makes your children smarter. When you travel, you experience new and exciting places, foods, different languages or regional accents. This new information literally helps your brain grow. The curiosity that develops when a child asks why is a sign of learning and travel encourages the questions and hence expands intelligence. Encourage your children to ask a lot of questions.

• Travel makes your children into better communicators. Whether it’s ordering food in a restaurant in the south when you’re from the northern part of the US, or ordering a meal in another language. Patience is required, listening and articulation. All of which are good skills to have.

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive or exotic to be meaningful. Ask your children where they want to go and work it into your plans, but make it a journey to get there. Get them involved in the planning if they’re old enough and remember – be flexible. With all the competition sparked by flight finding websites like Fly.com it has never been cheaper to take your children with you on holiday. As mentioned above, your children will be better off because of the experience and you will be able share in the fun as well.

Whatever you do, try not to fall into the trap of going to the same place or two every year. Go somewhere different. Go somewhere off the beaten track. Honestly, traveling to new places every year, especially by car, will help you and your children improve your awareness of geography and bond together as a family.

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zoe martinen |Registered |2010-02-25 01:42:18 I think it's important for parents to stop giving up traveling and instead take a trip more often with the family. The kids will benefit so much.