Do you regret not traveling more when kids are little?

[Anonymous]

Unless it’s kid-centric, the travel is for you, not them. Little kids prefer stability and routine. They can handle travel, but the pace is going to be very different. Stops at playgrounds and such. If it is important to you, go for it. But it is fine to wait

[Anonymous]

I think it’s more important to have a stable home and help children bond with their family and friends. Not to travel. Many people who travel a lot have a difficult time sitting still and do not have strong bonds to home. They are trying to escape something and need to leave their home and familiar surroundings to have fun.

My own parents traveled a great deal and it didn’t teach me much at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s more important to have a stable home and help children bond with their family and friends. Not to travel. Many people who travel a lot have a difficult time sitting still and do not have strong bonds to home. They are trying to escape something and need to leave their home and familiar surroundings to have fun.

My own parents traveled a great deal and it didn’t teach me much at all.

People who take a weeklong vacation 1-3x a year with their family don't have a stable home life?

[Anonymous]

I found that starting at 5 was a relatively sane age for travel. But travelled abroad with mine starting at age 2. Not easy (I have very energetic boys), but they're pretty adventurous kids so they adjusted fairly well. Mine LOVED Copenhagen (awesome for kids and adults alike) and Costa Rica. We’ve done Spain, Portugal, and Sweden as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s more important to have a stable home and help children bond with their family and friends. Not to travel. Many people who travel a lot have a difficult time sitting still and do not have strong bonds to home. They are trying to escape something and need to leave their home and familiar surroundings to have fun.

My own parents traveled a great deal and it didn’t teach me much at all.

Probably one of the most ridiculous and sad DCUM posts in awhile!

[Anonymous]

I traveled with my kids all over the world from when they were babies.

The most memorable trip for my child was once, I took him 1:1 on a 2-day trip to a small, local children’s amusement park. He might have been 4 years old, and he still talks about that trip all the time. He mentions going just the two of us, swimming in the pool, and all sorts of little things.

I wish I’d waited with Paris. I still remember my first trip to Paris being filled with wonder. My kids were underwhelmed, probably because they were too young to appreciate it. They mostly remember a bad smell. One child remembers a rude barista.

[Anonymous]

Depends on what you want to get out of it. They won't remember in all likelihood but also that's true of their existence until a certain age and we don't just like refuse to do stuff with them because they won't remember it.

Personally, I think it depends on your bandwidth for chaos and planning things that won't go to plan. And whether you're ok going places and seeing limited stuff or totally new things.

One thing I never appreciated before traveling with kids is kid and science museums. I had never gone to the Transport Museum in London before but seeing it through their eyes was awesome.

We've traveled with our kids (5 and 2) quite a bit and it does require a lot of planning that often gets thrown out the window but a) I think it's made them good travelers and b) created some incredible memories for us as parents.

But I also totally don't think it's necessary. I didn't travel much outside road trips to see family when I was that age and it didn't dampen but will go explore.

Ultimately if you want to travel I think you'll be able to find a will and a way and have a great time but don't stress if it seems like too much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I traveled with my kids all over the world from when they were babies.

The most memorable trip for my child was once, I took him 1:1 on a 2-day trip to a small, local children’s amusement park. He might have been 4 years old, and he still talks about that trip all the time. He mentions going just the two of us, swimming in the pool, and all sorts of little things.

I wish I’d waited with Paris. I still remember my first trip to Paris being filled with wonder. My kids were underwhelmed, probably because they were too young to appreciate it. They mostly remember a bad smell. One child remembers a rude barista.

My five year old actually loved Paris. But I do think the pastries, cheese, ice cream, and boat helped. Also Tuilleries has an amazing playground.