Every time we embark on a journey with our six little ones, I find myself momentarily gripped by doubt: What on earth were we thinking?! Why did we decide to visit the beach, the zoo, Grandma’s house, or Disney? In that instant, I swear we’ll never travel again. Yet, we always end up packing our bags once more.
I travel because witnessing my toddlers experience the ocean for the first time is simply priceless. Initially, they cry and hesitate to let their feet touch the wet sand, overwhelmed by the unfamiliar sensation. But, as time passes, they firmly plant their feet at the water’s edge, grinning as the sand dances beneath them and retreats with the waves. Those special moments—whether at the beach, in the mountains, or anywhere else—allow me to rediscover the world’s beauty through my children’s innocent eyes.
I travel because their laughter while playing with cousins is utterly contagious. Family gatherings are a big part of our trips, and I love watching my kids and their cousins dive into imaginative play, creating elaborate stories and performances. Hearing their joyful giggles reminds me that nothing compares to quality time with family, especially when I can catch up with my sisters while the kids keep themselves entertained.
I also believe that the best way to educate my children about the world is to show it to them. They’ve jumped into the chilly waters of the Atlantic during visits to family in New England, and they’ve learned to distinguish between a nickel and a dime by counting out their change for souvenir bracelets at the zoo. Learning becomes vivid and exciting through hands-on adventures, teaching them that diversity is what makes our world so beautiful.
Traveling evokes nostalgia for the days before parenthood, when trips felt spontaneous and effortless. Back then, I would toss a few clothes into a carry-on and head out without worrying about snacks, comfort toys, or sippy cups. Nowadays, preparing for a trip with my six little ones means packing an entirely different set of essentials. Still, there are fleeting moments during our travels that remind me of my carefree past, reinforcing that while my life has changed, I’m still the same person at heart.
Traveling also allows me to revisit some of my favorite childhood destinations. Walking down Main Street at Disney World with my kids brings back the magical feelings I experienced with my parents. Each place I revisit is a reminder that I now get to create new memories with my little ones, reliving the joy of my own childhood while watching them explore the same wonders for the first time.
Moreover, stepping away from the routine of laundry, chores, and to-do lists is liberating. The day-to-day grind can be draining, and I travel to escape that monotony. When we’re away, I can focus on enjoying our time together as a family without the distractions of daily responsibilities.
What truly amazes me is how my kids remember the fun we’ve had together while conveniently forgetting the stresses of traveling. They’ll reminisce about our beach trip last summer, when I let them have ice cream for dinner, or the surprise Disney trip. They cherish those moments, and it’s heartwarming to see how they hold onto the joy we’ve shared.
Despite the challenges, I know that the effort is always worth it. Without fail, I have moments of doubt during every trip, questioning whether the hassle was justified. Yet, by the end, I find myself saying, “That was absolutely worth it.” The packing, laundry, sleepless nights, late-night grocery runs, and long car journeys are all part of the experience. Then I turn to my partner and ask excitedly, “So, where to next?”
For more insights on family travel, check out our other articles, including those on privacy policies, which can be really helpful in understanding how to navigate various aspects of parenting.
Summary
Traveling with kids can be stressful and exhausting, but it also offers priceless moments that enrich family bonds and create lasting memories. Despite the challenges, the joy of seeing the world through my children’s eyes and revisiting cherished childhood places makes every trip worthwhile.