“Is there a magic difference between the reasons for travelling with/without kids?” is a question I was recently asked by fellow Twitter user and Professional Independent Traveler Craig Martin
Well yeah isn’t it obvious, was my immediate answer but on second thought I realized there was a lot more to it and in fact a whole host of different reasons why you would (or wouldn’t!) choose family travel over solo travel.
For one thing solo travel is so much easier, its uncomplicated, it’s cheaper, its more like freedom and it really can be about completely getting away from it all. The packing is simple, the itinerary can be spontaneous, you can go to exciting but risky destinations and no need to book ahead for accommodation as you almost never have trouble finding a bed for one or even two people.
Travel with kids on the other hand is a completely different experience. I’m not suggesting it’s better or worse but in terms of practicality it’s definitely different and you need to take into consideration a whole series of possible scenarios from simple issues such as what will you do if you run out of nappies (diapers) to serious problems like what happens if you lose one of them.
Depending on the ages of your children the choices you make in your trip planning will be very different. For example any of the beautiful and fascinating countries which rank highly in travel lists for kidnapping, muggings, political upheaval or incurable disease outbreaks will all be ruled out automatically – no question. Similarly activities which involve a high level of fun yet danger such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, swimming with sharks or skydiving won’t be considered.
Packing will be a precise operation with plenty of sets of spare clothes, shoes, snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, hats, band aids, activity books and a multitude of other things to ensure you don’t get caught out on long flights, train journeys and road trips. On top of that flights will be a major expense as once each child turns two you pay full adult fare.
So the question is why would anyone do it?
I believe the answer is because children gain so much from traveling. They’re learning about new things all the time, they’re fascinated by animals, volcanoes, glaciers, planes, trains and new people they meet. Even simple things like snow through the eyes of a young child seeing it for the first time is a moment of complete wonder and amazement.
Every day is something new when you’re with children. I love snorkeling on my own but I took my 4 year old son out with his floaties and a pair of goggles recently and I myself saw the reef anew again, the coral, the fish, the starfish - he was so excited by it - through his eyes it really was one of the great wonders of the world and because I was with him I felt that emotion too.
And it’s these perfect shared memories and moments that make life worthwhile and for me that’s definitely the magical difference between the reasons for traveling with and without kids.
I asked the question why travel as a family of Jeanne D’Arc of Soultravelers3 a family traveler who along with her husband and young daughter gave up their home and conventional life to become a full time international travelling family three years ago.
She replied:
“…because of love, bonding, education, fun, seeing the world through your child’s eyes, shared adventures & memories that last a lifetime! Most of my happiest, most magical childhood memories involved family travel, so why wouldn’t I want to share that with my own beloved kidlet?”
I’d love to hear your thoughts on why you love to travel with kids or why you enjoy solo travel
Peace
Accommodation:
Sea Salt Beach House
Cairns Accommodation
Port Douglas Accommodation
Palm Cove Accommodation
Kuranda Accommodation
Green Island Accommodation
Mission Beach Accommodation
Dunk Island Accommodation
Yungaburra Accommodation
