A great deal has been written about the headaches of trying to travel and go on vacation with kids. All of the coordination and organization that it takes, as well as the expense and the unpredictability–but despite it all, I do think that travel–even short trips to stay with grandparents for a week–is an incredibly great experience for kids.
When I was a child, we never traveled or went on any family vacations–ever. We didn’t go camping or even to stay with relatives overnight. The good thing that came of that upbringing was that I was determined to get out and see the world on some level and to make sure that my own kids got to see and do things. Now, I haven’t hauled my kids all over the world (as a single parent, the expense and time reality has been a bit prohibitive), but we have lived in different states, and taken train trips and vacations and I’ve tried to foster an adventuresome spirit for getting out into the world on some level.
I have friends who have made traveling and multi-cultural and multi-geographical living more of a priority for their kids–traveling to various countries and different adventures. I am still hoping to share some of those grand adventures with my children (and grandchildren) but meanwhile, I think whenever we take out children out of their comfort zone and let them experience how other people live, different cities and climates, and see the world through different eyes for a while–they are benefiting.
Now that my kids are older teenagers, they are at an age where embarking on some traveling experiences WITHOUT a parent is beneficial. I think it is an incredibly valuable experience for older teens and college-age kids to embark on missionary trips, group trips or international exchange programs–it may take money, time, and all sorts of coordination–but traveling near and far is a great experience for growing kids.
Also: Berry Picking is a Great Family Summer Activity
On The Road Again, Parenting On Vacation–Part Three, Part Two, Part One