Two-year old Jeremy hiking in Yosemite.
We’ve found that whenever we discuss experiential family travel with other parents, a lot of times people look at us like we’re crazy. In the next few weeks, All Over the Map will attempt to debunk common misconceptions about traveling with kids.
Myth #2: Wait until your children are a certain age until you take them to a special destination.
- *&#@ Happens. Without wanting to be fatalistic or glass half empty (both of which I am, by nature), you need to grab the opportunities as they present themselves. Are you having a pretty good year financially? No major illnesses? No dying relatives? No travel restrictions on your dream destination? Book it! Who knows what the situation will be when your kids hit the “perfect age.”
- You’re building a global citizen, one trip at a time. Being exposed to different cultures, different foods, and different landscapes will help shape your children’s world view. Although they may not be old enough to remember their trip in great detail, it will always be a part of them. Helping them to acquire a balanced world view and global empathy is probably the greatest gift you can give your children and your world, and starting earlier rather than later will help lay that foundation.
