Last year, an old friend invited me to stay with her and her family in Tokyo for a couple of weeks. The opportunity was too good to pass up (I’d be getting free accommodation!), and I’ve always wanted to visit Japan. So with only a backpack, a laptop, a DSLR, and a few camera lenses in tow, I flew to the city and explored the many sights it offers. Sometimes, I went alone; other times, I tagged along with my host and her family.
Shibuya crossing, Meiji shrine, and Tokyo Skytree—these are some of the places in Tokyo that almost always comes on top of a must-see list. While they show the unique charm of the city, these aren’t always the type that your kids can appreciate if you’re traveling with family. After our time in Thailand checking out 1001 temples, I can tell you kids do tire of that type of spot...sometimes even husbands do.
Drawing from my experience of going around Tokyo with my host’s family, I have compiled a list of where to take your kids should you decide to visit. Every kid and kid-at- heart will enjoy these places in Tokyo.
Explore the Ports of Wonder at Tokyo DisneySea
Whimsical, like a page out of a storybook or a scene from a Disney movie, Tokyo DisneySea is every child’s dream come true. I even saw a Japanese child drop the lunch box he was carrying the moment he entered the theme park with his father, in awe of how big and beautiful the theme park is.
Instead of the typical Mickey Mouse-themed landscape in the entrance of Disneyland theme parks around the world, you’ll be welcomed by a globe (called the DisneySea Aquasphere, if I remember it correctly) with water springing out of it as it rotates. Behind it are Italian-inspired buildings or what they call Mediterranean Harbor. In this area, you’ll see a replica of the Venetian river and its cruise where you can take a short gondola ride across it. The park is divided into seven themed ports or sections, so you and your children can pick your own adventure.
Mermaid Lagoon
Go “under the sea” at the Mermaid Lagoon where you can try various Little Mermaid-inspired rides and attractions. Bring your kids to Ariel’s Playground where they can tinker with the telescope and navigator aboard a sunken ship. Kids will also enjoy ducking to avoid getting sprayed with water by cute turtle fountains with water coming out of their mouths at random times.
Once in a while, there are Little Mermaid skits by live performers complete with costume, singing, dancing, effects, and the works. If they’re performing at the day of your visit, make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to watch.
Arabian Coast
If your kids like Aladdin more than Little Mermaid, hop on over to the Arabian Coast. Pop on those 3D glasses and watch a short movie about the characters of 1001 Arabian Nights (focused on the characters of Aladdin) at The Magic Lamp Theater. During our time, the movie shown was about Shaban, “the greatest magician in the world” who had to do his performance without the help of his constant companion, Genie.
Always wanted to ride the magic carpet? Well now you can with Jasmine’s magic carpet ride. The seats are spacious and comfortable enough to fit adults while being snug enough to keep your children safe while it’s moving.
You can also explore the following ports with your family: American Waterfront, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, and Mysterious Island. There are 27 attractions and nine shows in DisneySea,
so you’ll never run out of things to do. I suggest you go there early, as the lines get too long as mid-morning approaches.
Get your Gundam fix at Diver City, Odaiba
Catering to older children, Odaiba is a mecca for every Gundam lover. Have your picture taken with the towering life-size Gundam action figure right in front of Divercity Tokyo Plaza. If you want to immerse yourself in more things Gundam, go to Gundam Front Tokyo at the 7th floor of the plaza mall. Have a photo-op with your favorite Gundam characters from Mobile Suit Gundam to Mobile Suit Gundam AGE at the Character Photo Spot.
You can also have your photo taken with a scale model of the 1/1 core fighter jet from the finale of Mobile Suit Gundam illuminated by blue lights surrounding its stand for a more surreal effect. If you and your kids are interested in how things work, the Gunpla Factory showcases the pellets used for making gunpla. For a more hands-on experience and if you have extra cash, you can assemble part of a gunpla kit at the Gunpla Labo section of the museum. Merchandise items are also available for sale in the museum, so you and your kids can have souvenirs to take home. I bought a few cool shirts there.
Inside the mall itself, there are boutiques that carry non-Gundam related items like shoes, bags, and clothes, so you can shop there after sightseeing the Gundam museum with your children. Outside the mall, there is also a replica of the Statue of Liberty by the bridge where you might want to have your picture taken.
Be spirited away at the Studio Ghibli Museum
Hayao Mizayaki fan or not, you’ll love the Studio Ghibli museum in Mitaka. It’s a one-of- a-kind experience that will leave you smiling once you step out the museum grounds. I know I did! The
storybook-like part of the museum felt so magical, it took a couple of hours before I got over the soaring feeling that exploring the museum halls gave me.
Sadly, taking photos inside the museum is prohibited, so I have no photos of my own to share (even cellphones are supposed to be turned off). The people behind Studio Ghibli museum want a complete sensory experience for their guests, and they feel that using a camera will hinder their guests’ full appreciation of every attraction in store for them. As a photographer, this rule bothered me a lot at first. I mean, how can I not take photos of this majestic place? Even the ceiling adorned with art featuring several characters from Mizayaki’s stories is snap-worthy. But going hands-free for a couple of hours proved to be quite liberating. It felt good to be completely present in each attraction and use my eyes instead of the viewfinder to look at every sight.
If you have small children, they will also feel empowered in the Studio Ghibli museum because children are addressed separately from their parents and are even given a chance to hand in
their own tickets. It’s a good way to subtly introduce the concept of independence to them.
I’ve always been a firm believer that there is something for everybody in whatever city.
Be spirited away at the Studio Ghibli Museum
Hayao Mizayaki fan or not, you’ll love the Studio Ghibli museum in Mitaka. It’s a one-of- a-kind experience that will leave you smiling once you step out the museum grounds. I know I did! The
storybook-like part of the museum felt so magical, it took a couple of hours before I got over the soaring feeling that exploring the museum halls gave me.
Sadly, taking photos inside the museum is prohibited, so I have no photos of my own to share (even cellphones are supposed to be turned off). The people behind Studio Ghibli museum want a complete sensory experience for their guests, and they feel that using a camera will hinder their guests’ full appreciation of every attraction in store for them. As a photographer, this rule bothered me a lot at first. I mean, how can I not take photos of this majestic place? Even the ceiling adorned with art featuring several characters from Mizayaki’s stories is snap-worthy. But going hands-free for a couple of hours proved to be quite liberating. It felt good to be completely present in each attraction and use my eyes instead of the viewfinder to look at every sight.
If you have small children, they will also feel empowered in the Studio Ghibli museum because children are addressed separately from their parents and are even given a chance to hand in
their own tickets. It’s a good way to subtly introduce the concept of independence to them.
I’ve always been a firm believer that there is something for everybody in whatever city.
Both you and your children can have a good time in whichever city you choose to travel in. All it takes is just a bit of research and thinking beyond the usual recommended destinations.
Heading to the continent with teenagers in-tow treads that very fine line between nerve-wracking and terrifying. And not just the continent either – pretty much any holiday where you’ll be expected to entertain older kids or adolescents. Get it right and you’re looking at fun-filled family memories to last a lifetime. Get it wrong and you might be in for the kind of trip you’d rather forget.
When it comes to avoiding the latter at all costs, the most important consideration of all is destination. You need to pick the kind of place that delivers exactly what you and your kids need, ideally without breaking the bank or involving difficult journeys. You need your own relaxation and enjoyment, but at the same time boredom cannot be an option. Which might come across as a bit of a tricky balancing act, but it’s not as difficult to pull off as it sounds.
You’d be surprised just how many fabulous teen-friendly holiday destinations are right there on the UK’s doorstep.
Bordeaux
We mentioned the capital of the region earlier and yes…Bordeaux would also be a very good option in the area for a teen-friendly city break. It’s the 4th most bike- friendly city in the world with over 200km of cycle paths, is a very picturesque, historic city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s about an hour’s drive to some fantastic Atlantic Coast beaches to the west. At the beach, jet-ski hire comes very highly recommended!
All of which means you get to take your pick of historical highlights, cosmopolitan city culture or the very best of beach life as only France knows how to do it. Taking a tour of the city as a whole is a must however, though this doesn’t mean traipsing round on foot. If it’s likely to go down better with the kids, hire yourselves Segway scooters, roller blades or a guide-driven trolley. Of you really feel like pushing the boat out, there’s always the option of a helicopter ride over the city.
Getting There
These two incredible regions of Spain and France are easy to reach via several means, though none simpler or more entertaining than overnight ferry crossings from the UK. These are absolutely the kinds of trips where you really need the freedom of your own transportation – not to mention your bikes. Wherever you choose to base yourself, the beauty of holidaying here is the option of exploring so many nearby towns, cities and points of interest. And with enough beaches to keep anyone busy for a lifetime, why confine yourself to just one or two?
When it comes to avoiding the latter at all costs, the most important consideration of all is destination. You need to pick the kind of place that delivers exactly what you and your kids need, ideally without breaking the bank or involving difficult journeys. You need your own relaxation and enjoyment, but at the same time boredom cannot be an option. Which might come across as a bit of a tricky balancing act, but it’s not as difficult to pull off as it sounds.
You’d be surprised just how many fabulous teen-friendly holiday destinations are right there on the UK’s doorstep.
Contrary to popular belief, family holidays in France are not all about wine tasting, cheese eating and chateau-photographing – have a read on Brittany Ferries website to see the array of things to see and do in France. In truth, they can be as wild, wacky and entertaining as you want them to be – especially if you get it right when it comes destination choice.
Basque Country
Basque Country is an outstanding holiday destination for all age groups. The region – which contrary to the name isn’t actually a country – extends from northeast Spain into southwest France, with both countries having their own rather different take on how things get done. What’s identical in both instances however is the region’s extraordinary beaches, spectacular food and a thousand and one activities to suit the whole family.
San Sebastian-Donotia’s Beaches
It’s hardly surprising that San Sebastian tends to be the immediate go-to for visitors to Spain’s Basque Country. For one thing, it happens to be home to arguably the most beautiful beach in Europe – La Concha. Concha Bay in general is the kind of place adults, kids and teens alike could easily while away a week or two doing absolutely nothing at all. Along with La Concha, there are also three
neighbouring beaches to make the most of - Ondarreta, Zurriola and Isla Santa Clara’s beach.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
You might not be able to persuade a teen to take an interest in a tiny, historic chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. However, show them a shot of the 231 zigzagging steps that make up the breathtaking stone bridge leading to the chapel and they might just change their mind. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is one of the most iconic sights on the Basque Country coast and one that’s not to be missed. Far more fun than your average hike and with the kinds of views that never fail to drop jaws.
Mundaka
Basque Country
Basque Country is an outstanding holiday destination for all age groups. The region – which contrary to the name isn’t actually a country – extends from northeast Spain into southwest France, with both countries having their own rather different take on how things get done. What’s identical in both instances however is the region’s extraordinary beaches, spectacular food and a thousand and one activities to suit the whole family.
San Sebastian-Donotia’s Beaches
It’s hardly surprising that San Sebastian tends to be the immediate go-to for visitors to Spain’s Basque Country. For one thing, it happens to be home to arguably the most beautiful beach in Europe – La Concha. Concha Bay in general is the kind of place adults, kids and teens alike could easily while away a week or two doing absolutely nothing at all. Along with La Concha, there are also three
neighbouring beaches to make the most of - Ondarreta, Zurriola and Isla Santa Clara’s beach.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
You might not be able to persuade a teen to take an interest in a tiny, historic chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. However, show them a shot of the 231 zigzagging steps that make up the breathtaking stone bridge leading to the chapel and they might just change their mind. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is one of the most iconic sights on the Basque Country coast and one that’s not to be missed. Far more fun than your average hike and with the kinds of views that never fail to drop jaws.
Mundaka
For those looking to try their luck with a wet suit and surfboard, Mundaka is one of the world’s most highly-regarded and famous surf destinations. The beautiful rocky coastline pulls in the kinds of huge and reliable waves surfers travel from all over the world to ride. It’s also famed for producing some of the longest barrel waves in the world. Mundaka itself is a wonderfully quaint and relaxing fishing village, boasting a historic harbor, enchanting medieval buildings and some of the most incredible food you will ever taste.
Picos de Europa
Straddling southeast Asturias, southwest Cantabria and northern Castilla y León, the Picos de Europa National Park is home to the most incredible walking, cycling, hiking and outdoors pursuits in Spain. Not only this, but it’s also one of the wildest, most untamed areas in this part of Europe. Those who prefer lounging around and taking in the scenery will find themselves well catered-for, as will anyone looking to lap up the best local cuisine around. Nevertheless, it’s those with a taste for high-energy thrills that are most at-home here.
Aquitaine
Over in France, the southwestern Aquitaine region is packed with incredible opportunities for adventure and exploration. Famed for producing some of the best wines in the world, Aquitaine is also home to many of the most vibrant towns and cities in France – including the regional capital of Bordeaux.
Arcachon
One firm favourite among visitors to the region is Archachon, which is split into four compact quarters named after the seasons of the year. Unsurprisingly, the most popular and famous of the beaches in the region is located in the Ville d'Été– or Summer Quarter. Plage d'Arcachon pulls in pretty huge crowds throughout the warmer months of the year, who flock in for not only the world-class amenities on offer, but the guarantee of blissfully calm and flat swimming waters. A quick bike ride will take you over to Plage des Arbousiers, which is not only absolutely gorgeous but doesn’t tend to get nearly as congested.
Pyla Dune (Dune du Pilat)
Fancy a spot of sand surfing? Extreme kiting? Maybe even your first time paragliding? One place that ticks all these boxes and more is Dune of Pyla (Dune du Pilat). Not so much a place as it is a geographical feature, the Pyla Dune is positioned between the Landes Forest and Arcachon Bay – it’s also the biggest sand dune in Europe. Its peak rises more than 100 meters above sea level, while it extends to a whopping 500-meters in width and 1.68-miles in length! It attracts more than a million visitors every year – and for a very good reason too! You can reach the top via the 160-step staircase, or try your luck scrambling up the sand itself.
Biarritz
For over 200 years, Biarritz has been synonymous with elegant seaside sophistication at its finest – a firm favorite among discerning holidaymakers. These days, there’s still a notable air of glamour about the place, but not to such an extent that it’s pretentious or stuffy. It’s one of the most popular and important surf destinations in the region, the nightlife is throbbing to say the least and there’s enough to keep even the most demanding teens entertained for weeks.
Saint-Jean- de-Luz
Just a short 20-minute drive from the heart of Biarritz will take you to a nearby seaside resort that’s a different experience. It has the same beautiful beaches, the same world-class amenities and the same wall-to- wall entertainment – it’s just that things in Saint-Jean- de-Luz feel so much more laid back and relaxed. The historic Old Town is also a must for wasting a few hours getting lost and doing absolutely nothing.
Loire Valley
Picos de Europa
Straddling southeast Asturias, southwest Cantabria and northern Castilla y León, the Picos de Europa National Park is home to the most incredible walking, cycling, hiking and outdoors pursuits in Spain. Not only this, but it’s also one of the wildest, most untamed areas in this part of Europe. Those who prefer lounging around and taking in the scenery will find themselves well catered-for, as will anyone looking to lap up the best local cuisine around. Nevertheless, it’s those with a taste for high-energy thrills that are most at-home here.
Aquitaine
Over in France, the southwestern Aquitaine region is packed with incredible opportunities for adventure and exploration. Famed for producing some of the best wines in the world, Aquitaine is also home to many of the most vibrant towns and cities in France – including the regional capital of Bordeaux.
Arcachon
One firm favourite among visitors to the region is Archachon, which is split into four compact quarters named after the seasons of the year. Unsurprisingly, the most popular and famous of the beaches in the region is located in the Ville d'Été– or Summer Quarter. Plage d'Arcachon pulls in pretty huge crowds throughout the warmer months of the year, who flock in for not only the world-class amenities on offer, but the guarantee of blissfully calm and flat swimming waters. A quick bike ride will take you over to Plage des Arbousiers, which is not only absolutely gorgeous but doesn’t tend to get nearly as congested.
Pyla Dune (Dune du Pilat)
Fancy a spot of sand surfing? Extreme kiting? Maybe even your first time paragliding? One place that ticks all these boxes and more is Dune of Pyla (Dune du Pilat). Not so much a place as it is a geographical feature, the Pyla Dune is positioned between the Landes Forest and Arcachon Bay – it’s also the biggest sand dune in Europe. Its peak rises more than 100 meters above sea level, while it extends to a whopping 500-meters in width and 1.68-miles in length! It attracts more than a million visitors every year – and for a very good reason too! You can reach the top via the 160-step staircase, or try your luck scrambling up the sand itself.
Biarritz
For over 200 years, Biarritz has been synonymous with elegant seaside sophistication at its finest – a firm favorite among discerning holidaymakers. These days, there’s still a notable air of glamour about the place, but not to such an extent that it’s pretentious or stuffy. It’s one of the most popular and important surf destinations in the region, the nightlife is throbbing to say the least and there’s enough to keep even the most demanding teens entertained for weeks.
Saint-Jean- de-Luz
Just a short 20-minute drive from the heart of Biarritz will take you to a nearby seaside resort that’s a different experience. It has the same beautiful beaches, the same world-class amenities and the same wall-to- wall entertainment – it’s just that things in Saint-Jean- de-Luz feel so much more laid back and relaxed. The historic Old Town is also a must for wasting a few hours getting lost and doing absolutely nothing.
Loire Valley
The charms of the Loire Valley are not reserved only for poets and romantics. Sure, it’s the region of wine, châteaux and the kind of countryside you’re used to only seeing in the works of celebrated artists. But at the same time, this enormous Unesco World Heritage Site is nothing less than a treasure chest of adventure and exploration, for those seeking exactly that.
Loire a Velo Route along the River
For example, there’s the 500-mile cycle route along the river that’s regarded as one of the world’s most enjoyable rides. It starts out at the charming village of St-Brevin-les- Pins on the Atlantic coast, before heading on to and through the cities of Nantes, Angers, Saumur, Tours and Orleans, coming to an end at Cuffy in the Cher. Most of the route is so easy, it’s even suitable for younger kids. Or if you’re looking for something a little more elevated, there’s always the option of organizing a hot air balloon flight over the Loire Valley. The view of France’s prettiest region from the unique vantage point of a balloon is truly life-changing.
Angers
With its thriving student population of about 38,000 youngsters, Angers is ideal for teenagers. A hugely historic and important university city, Angers lies at the edge of the Loire Valley and has a wonderfully contemporary cosmopolitan culture. The Old Town in particular with its pedestrianized streets is all about fashionable cafes, eateries, bars and hangouts. Teens will never tire of reveling in
the youthful energy of the city – parents might prefer to check out Angers’ world- famous collection of tapestries!
Loire a Velo Route along the River
For example, there’s the 500-mile cycle route along the river that’s regarded as one of the world’s most enjoyable rides. It starts out at the charming village of St-Brevin-les- Pins on the Atlantic coast, before heading on to and through the cities of Nantes, Angers, Saumur, Tours and Orleans, coming to an end at Cuffy in the Cher. Most of the route is so easy, it’s even suitable for younger kids. Or if you’re looking for something a little more elevated, there’s always the option of organizing a hot air balloon flight over the Loire Valley. The view of France’s prettiest region from the unique vantage point of a balloon is truly life-changing.
Angers
With its thriving student population of about 38,000 youngsters, Angers is ideal for teenagers. A hugely historic and important university city, Angers lies at the edge of the Loire Valley and has a wonderfully contemporary cosmopolitan culture. The Old Town in particular with its pedestrianized streets is all about fashionable cafes, eateries, bars and hangouts. Teens will never tire of reveling in
the youthful energy of the city – parents might prefer to check out Angers’ world- famous collection of tapestries!
Bordeaux
We mentioned the capital of the region earlier and yes…Bordeaux would also be a very good option in the area for a teen-friendly city break. It’s the 4th most bike- friendly city in the world with over 200km of cycle paths, is a very picturesque, historic city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s about an hour’s drive to some fantastic Atlantic Coast beaches to the west. At the beach, jet-ski hire comes very highly recommended!
All of which means you get to take your pick of historical highlights, cosmopolitan city culture or the very best of beach life as only France knows how to do it. Taking a tour of the city as a whole is a must however, though this doesn’t mean traipsing round on foot. If it’s likely to go down better with the kids, hire yourselves Segway scooters, roller blades or a guide-driven trolley. Of you really feel like pushing the boat out, there’s always the option of a helicopter ride over the city.
Getting There
These two incredible regions of Spain and France are easy to reach via several means, though none simpler or more entertaining than overnight ferry crossings from the UK. These are absolutely the kinds of trips where you really need the freedom of your own transportation – not to mention your bikes. Wherever you choose to base yourself, the beauty of holidaying here is the option of exploring so many nearby towns, cities and points of interest. And with enough beaches to keep anyone busy for a lifetime, why confine yourself to just one or two?
You and your spouse really want to travel the world, but will your 4-year-old benefit from the trip? This is one of the many concerns parents have as they plan a holiday or long sabbatical.
Is traveling with young kids worth the cost and effort? Will they remember how fun, interesting, and unique a certain place or experience is?
We get this question all the time usually from parents who are flirting with the idea of extended family travel. Yet, it may be more of an excuse that manifests as a concern.
I understand most people believe that there is only one way for children to learn (school), that their peers and a familiar environment are essential to stability, or that they may be too young to appreciate different perspectives.
These concerns are valid in that most of us were raised to place value in school, friends, and a stable home. And what do we remember from our early vacations or early life in general for that matter? Probably not much.
However, travel with kids IS worth it. It's an enriching experience for the entire family, not just the adults.
We, as home schoolers prior to traveling, had already adopted the philosophy that children are always learning, most significantly through experiences -- not text books. After traveling outside the U.S. for the last 7 years, we've put this philosophy to test and know it to be true.
What's important is not what the kids are giving up by taking time off of school, it's what they gain by traveling. The option of school will always be available, but travel teaches something that school never can. Travel transforms the mind, cultivates an open and accepting attitude towards the world, teaches adaptation, and helps see the Universe for all of it's possibilities! And those are just some of the lessons from travel.
In a way it's even more beneficial to travel with kids when they're young. If kids absorb knowledge like sponges and experiences are vital to shaping them, doesn't it more make sense to travel while they're younger?
Teenagers are usually deeply entrenched in their activity schedules and peer groups, and they're likely already following a set of rigid beliefs and may benefit less from travel than younger children. Of course the argument can be made that teens will benefit the most from travel because they'll "remember" more of the experience. It's just that they may miss more things about home than the younger ones will.
Leaving friends and familiarity is the toughest thing about extended travel, but more so for us adults than the kids. Sure, the kids will have moments where they miss their pets, friends, a certain feature of our house or neighborhood, or even something as small as an old toy. But these are quickly displaced when a new attraction is placed before them.
Interestingly, young kids typically have a much easier time adapting to new environments than their parents. They don't have all the cultural rules and norms ingrained in them yet. Therefore they can jump right in and enjoy exploring everything in the new environment. While parents, on the other hand, feel so anxious about change that they are reading an article like this! (It helps that you can find a McDonald's anywhere on the globe, I promise).
It is worth noting that our attitude as parents is one of the most important characteristics in our children's environment no matter where the location is. So if travel is making you anxious and crazy, your children will likely feel and associate that with a certain location.
Simply put, no matter how young they may be, children absorb the environment around them. Exposure to new environments can broaden their world view which comes with countless intangible benefits. This expansion of awareness can only take place by experiencing it first hand. Even if it could be learned eventually by reading enough books, which is a more enjoyable way to attain this awareness?
In that sense, travel is an eternal gift that you can give your children. They will benefit greatly on multiple levels, and these benefits will last a lifetime even if their memories of specific events may be fuzzy.
But your children will remember a lot more about your travels than you may think. Through conversation, photos and our blog, we remind each other often of our experiences at different locations. However, we may remember each location in our own unique way. We remember in what ever way it is that we need it most at the time and that in itself enhances travel for each of us collectively.
When we asked our kids what they liked best about Asia, the oldest son answered "food", our middle son said "riding motorbikes", and our youngest said plainly "they have elephants." These are normal kid responses, but each answer was summoned by rich and exhilarating experiences that touched them in some way and fundamentally changed their perspective on the world.
People often ask when is the "right" time to travel is. My response is, "right NOW"! We have seen first hand how valuable it is at any stage of life!
To hear more about what other traveling families think follow the links below and enjoy!
Nancy from Family on Bikes
http://familyonbikes.org/blog/2013/05/why-travel-is-good-for-kids-even-if-they-dont-remember-it
Catherine Forest from Catherine et les fées
http://catherine-et-les-fees.blogspot.com/2013/05/travel-memories-much-more-than-what.html
Alisa from Living Outside of the Box
http://livingoutsideofthebox.com/2013/05/28/but-will-our-kids-remember/
Melissa from Break Out of Bushwick
http://breakoutofbushwick.org/never-too-young-why-travel-isnt-wasted-on-kids/
Bethaney from Flashpacker Family
http://flashpackerfamily.com/is-travelling-with-young-children-worth-it/
Jenn from Edventure Project
http://edventureproject.com/why-travel-is-not-wasted-on-the-very-young/
Kris Herwig from Simon Says
http://simonsays2010.blogspot.nl/2013/05/traveling-with-tots-world-is-my.html
Heather Costaras from Living Differently
http://liveagainsttheflow.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/the-gift-of-travel/
Kalli from Portable Professionals
http://portableprofessionals.com/philosophies-on-travel/why-i-dont-care-if-my-child-remembers-our-travels/
Kirsty from Barts go Adventuring
http://bartsgoadventuring.com/will-kids-remember-travel-is-it-worth-it
Anne from The Journey is the Reward
http://anvl.travellerspoint.com/65/
Sharon from Where's Sharon
http://www.wheressharon.com/2013/05/why-travel-when-your-kids-are-too-young.html
Annie from Practical Adventurology
http://www.annieandre.com/2013/05/why-travel-with-kids-wont-remember
Lainie from Raising Miro on the Road of Life (and Aimee from Suitcases and Strollers): http://www.raisingmiro.com/2013/05/28/doubt-that-travel-has-value/
Nichola from We Travel Countries
http://www.wetravelcountries.com/why-travel-when-they-wont-remember-experience-vs-memory/
Corey Anne from Adventure Bee
http://www.adventurebee.net/2013/05/28/childhood-travel-do-kids-remember/
Tracey from Expat Experiment
http://expatexperiment.com/why-travel-when-mak-wont-remember/
Natalie from Magnificent
http://earlyeducationessentials.com/travelling-with-young-children-would-they-remember-an-amazing-revelation/
Is traveling with young kids worth the cost and effort? Will they remember how fun, interesting, and unique a certain place or experience is?
 |
| Perspective can be gained at ANY age! |
I understand most people believe that there is only one way for children to learn (school), that their peers and a familiar environment are essential to stability, or that they may be too young to appreciate different perspectives.
These concerns are valid in that most of us were raised to place value in school, friends, and a stable home. And what do we remember from our early vacations or early life in general for that matter? Probably not much.
However, travel with kids IS worth it. It's an enriching experience for the entire family, not just the adults.
We, as home schoolers prior to traveling, had already adopted the philosophy that children are always learning, most significantly through experiences -- not text books. After traveling outside the U.S. for the last 7 years, we've put this philosophy to test and know it to be true.
What's important is not what the kids are giving up by taking time off of school, it's what they gain by traveling. The option of school will always be available, but travel teaches something that school never can. Travel transforms the mind, cultivates an open and accepting attitude towards the world, teaches adaptation, and helps see the Universe for all of it's possibilities! And those are just some of the lessons from travel.
In a way it's even more beneficial to travel with kids when they're young. If kids absorb knowledge like sponges and experiences are vital to shaping them, doesn't it more make sense to travel while they're younger?
Teenagers are usually deeply entrenched in their activity schedules and peer groups, and they're likely already following a set of rigid beliefs and may benefit less from travel than younger children. Of course the argument can be made that teens will benefit the most from travel because they'll "remember" more of the experience. It's just that they may miss more things about home than the younger ones will.
Leaving friends and familiarity is the toughest thing about extended travel, but more so for us adults than the kids. Sure, the kids will have moments where they miss their pets, friends, a certain feature of our house or neighborhood, or even something as small as an old toy. But these are quickly displaced when a new attraction is placed before them.
Interestingly, young kids typically have a much easier time adapting to new environments than their parents. They don't have all the cultural rules and norms ingrained in them yet. Therefore they can jump right in and enjoy exploring everything in the new environment. While parents, on the other hand, feel so anxious about change that they are reading an article like this! (It helps that you can find a McDonald's anywhere on the globe, I promise).
It is worth noting that our attitude as parents is one of the most important characteristics in our children's environment no matter where the location is. So if travel is making you anxious and crazy, your children will likely feel and associate that with a certain location.
Simply put, no matter how young they may be, children absorb the environment around them. Exposure to new environments can broaden their world view which comes with countless intangible benefits. This expansion of awareness can only take place by experiencing it first hand. Even if it could be learned eventually by reading enough books, which is a more enjoyable way to attain this awareness?
In that sense, travel is an eternal gift that you can give your children. They will benefit greatly on multiple levels, and these benefits will last a lifetime even if their memories of specific events may be fuzzy.
But your children will remember a lot more about your travels than you may think. Through conversation, photos and our blog, we remind each other often of our experiences at different locations. However, we may remember each location in our own unique way. We remember in what ever way it is that we need it most at the time and that in itself enhances travel for each of us collectively.
When we asked our kids what they liked best about Asia, the oldest son answered "food", our middle son said "riding motorbikes", and our youngest said plainly "they have elephants." These are normal kid responses, but each answer was summoned by rich and exhilarating experiences that touched them in some way and fundamentally changed their perspective on the world.
People often ask when is the "right" time to travel is. My response is, "right NOW"! We have seen first hand how valuable it is at any stage of life!
To hear more about what other traveling families think follow the links below and enjoy!
Nancy from Family on Bikes
http://familyonbikes.org/blog/2013/05/why-travel-is-good-for-kids-even-if-they-dont-remember-it
Catherine Forest from Catherine et les fées
http://catherine-et-les-fees.blogspot.com/2013/05/travel-memories-much-more-than-what.html
Alisa from Living Outside of the Box
http://livingoutsideofthebox.com/2013/05/28/but-will-our-kids-remember/
Melissa from Break Out of Bushwick
http://breakoutofbushwick.org/never-too-young-why-travel-isnt-wasted-on-kids/
Bethaney from Flashpacker Family
http://flashpackerfamily.com/is-travelling-with-young-children-worth-it/
Jenn from Edventure Project
http://edventureproject.com/why-travel-is-not-wasted-on-the-very-young/
Kris Herwig from Simon Says
http://simonsays2010.blogspot.nl/2013/05/traveling-with-tots-world-is-my.html
Heather Costaras from Living Differently
http://liveagainsttheflow.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/the-gift-of-travel/
Kalli from Portable Professionals
http://portableprofessionals.com/philosophies-on-travel/why-i-dont-care-if-my-child-remembers-our-travels/
Kirsty from Barts go Adventuring
http://bartsgoadventuring.com/will-kids-remember-travel-is-it-worth-it
Anne from The Journey is the Reward
http://anvl.travellerspoint.com/65/
Sharon from Where's Sharon
http://www.wheressharon.com/2013/05/why-travel-when-your-kids-are-too-young.html
Annie from Practical Adventurology
http://www.annieandre.com/2013/05/why-travel-with-kids-wont-remember
Lainie from Raising Miro on the Road of Life (and Aimee from Suitcases and Strollers): http://www.raisingmiro.com/2013/05/28/doubt-that-travel-has-value/
Nichola from We Travel Countries
http://www.wetravelcountries.com/why-travel-when-they-wont-remember-experience-vs-memory/
Corey Anne from Adventure Bee
http://www.adventurebee.net/2013/05/28/childhood-travel-do-kids-remember/
Tracey from Expat Experiment
http://expatexperiment.com/why-travel-when-mak-wont-remember/
Natalie from Magnificent
http://earlyeducationessentials.com/travelling-with-young-children-would-they-remember-an-amazing-revelation/
Raising kids is expensive no matter how you define your lifestyle. But managing a budget during nomadic travel with kids comes with it's own unique challenges. We cover some of these in an article about our costs of family travel.
One of the biggest costs during family travel is food. Part of the joy of traveling is experiencing dining out at local places and seeking out "Western" food when you get sick of fried rice and stir fried vegetables. But for full-time nomadic travelers who must stick to a budget, vacation eating must be kept in check.
And since nomads typically don't have access to a kitchen, saving money on food can be difficult. It comes down to setting your budget and exploring the yummiest way to spend each dollar. Although we attempt to live very simply while traveling with three children, we like good food just like everyone else.
So our daily budget for food is a generous $50, or $1500/month. It may seem like a lot, and certainly we know other travel families who do it for much less, but $10 per person doesn't go as far as you may think even in South East Asia where food is cheap.
Here's a list of the tips we use to stay on our food budget while traveling with kids:
1. Hotels with Free Breakfast: Okay, everyone says to do this because it's true, especially the more kids you're traveling with. If we figure $4 per person, free breakfast is worth $20 each day to us. This allows us to consider better hotels or eat fancier dinners. Hotels with refrigerators in the rooms is the next best choice as it tremendously broadens the in-room meal options.
2. Limit Number of Restaurant Meals: We usually limit our restaurant meals to 2 per day. This includes breakfast at the hotel. In other words, we eat at least one meal and snacks at our dwelling each day. If this arrangement gets too expensive depending on our location, we'll get creative for a few days (sandwiches) and only eat out once per day.
3. Always Have Snack Rations: We always travel with two grocery bags full of snacks and staples like apples, nuts, bread and peanut butter. As soon as we land in a new locations, we scope out the supermarkets to see if they have Fruity Pebbles (TM), the bar which all supermarket imports should meet but, sadly, few do in South East Asia. Stock up on easy meals and snacks as soon as you get settled and this will prevent the necessity to eat every meal out.
4. Water & Drinks: Whenever we leave for the day we take water with us. Buying small water bottles at convenience stores is easily avoidable. Buy the biggest bottles available and refill smaller ones and it's shocking how much you'll save. We try to limit the kids to one "treat" drink (soft drinks or sugary juices) a day. At restaurants, we always order a large bottle of water at each meal and share it.
5. Bring Utensils: Several lodging options with kitchenettes don't have basic utensils and normal hotels will have none. We carry a few forks and spoons, a couple of plastic plates and bowls, a knife, can opener, garlic press, and a peeler. We also have a small electric teapot for coffee and tea and two coffee mugs (this saves us tons of money because we are coffee junkies). Some travelers bring an electric stove top, pots and pans, and spatulas. They save a bundle cooking most meals in the room.
Challenges aside, not many lifestyles permit eating out as often as we do. Less cooking and cleaning dishes leaves much more time to enjoy ourselves while traveling. Yet, strangely enough, having a fully-applianced kitchen is something we miss the most about a stationary lifestyle. Whenever we have lodging with a kitchen we take full advantage more out of desire than necessity.
Tell us how you save money on food while traveling with kids.
One of the biggest costs during family travel is food. Part of the joy of traveling is experiencing dining out at local places and seeking out "Western" food when you get sick of fried rice and stir fried vegetables. But for full-time nomadic travelers who must stick to a budget, vacation eating must be kept in check.
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| Western food can be had but at a cost |
So our daily budget for food is a generous $50, or $1500/month. It may seem like a lot, and certainly we know other travel families who do it for much less, but $10 per person doesn't go as far as you may think even in South East Asia where food is cheap.
Here's a list of the tips we use to stay on our food budget while traveling with kids:
1. Hotels with Free Breakfast: Okay, everyone says to do this because it's true, especially the more kids you're traveling with. If we figure $4 per person, free breakfast is worth $20 each day to us. This allows us to consider better hotels or eat fancier dinners. Hotels with refrigerators in the rooms is the next best choice as it tremendously broadens the in-room meal options.
2. Limit Number of Restaurant Meals: We usually limit our restaurant meals to 2 per day. This includes breakfast at the hotel. In other words, we eat at least one meal and snacks at our dwelling each day. If this arrangement gets too expensive depending on our location, we'll get creative for a few days (sandwiches) and only eat out once per day.
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| Cooking at "home" saves money even for a yummy dish like this |
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| A Bangkok super market |
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| Sometimes you just need a "treat" drink! |
Challenges aside, not many lifestyles permit eating out as often as we do. Less cooking and cleaning dishes leaves much more time to enjoy ourselves while traveling. Yet, strangely enough, having a fully-applianced kitchen is something we miss the most about a stationary lifestyle. Whenever we have lodging with a kitchen we take full advantage more out of desire than necessity.
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| It's a tough life but someone has got to live it:) |
Tell us how you save money on food while traveling with kids.