Can I have 3 minutes of your life?
3 minutes – that’s it.
Read this!
I’m going to convince you to travel with your kids. That it’s worth it. That it’s special. That you can do this. I’m going to try anyways.
It’s not going to be the trip you had before you had kids. It’s going to demand a lot of you. You’ve got to be ON all the time. You’ve got to plan. You’ve got to Go when you want to Stop and Stop when you want to Go. You’ve got to have stores of patience to rival a monk.
But there’s the payoff. It’s great. Like parenthood itself, it’s something you can’t quite explain until you’re in it. You can’t get there by some other route. There’s something unique about traveling with kids. You can’t sleepwalk through it. Or fake it. You can’t sum it up in a postcard.
I loved traveling when I was single. I loved traveling with my wife just after we were married. But I love it more now that I have kids. It takes it to another level. A different level. It’s almost a whole different experience. You can drink a glass of water. You can dive into the ocean. They both involve water but are almost totally different.
There’s something else added that changes it. Alters it. You see another side of local life. You’re accepted in. You share something with the locals that other travelers don’t. Even the most jaded and shady taxi driver or tout will let his guard down when he sees your kids. He’ll talk about his own children and where he lives and how last year his whole family took the train up North, into the mountains, to a little village where his mom still lives.
Believe me. I’ve done it both ways. There’s nothing those young backpackers can do to experience what you’re experiencing. What your kids are experiencing.
Don’t believe the hype. You can do this. I know you can.
Don’t be one of those people that gets to the end of their life and wishes they had done this or done that or hiked this trail or spent a month on that island just down by the tip of Italy. Don’t get to the end of your life and wished you’d done something special and unique with your kids when you could have.
You’ve got a window … and it’s closing … from the moment they’re born it’s closing.
You’ve got a choice. There’s a lot in life you want to do. You dream about. But this isn’t like reading Shakespeare or learning Greek or taking a pottery course. Those things you can do when you’re 22 or 82 and it doesn’t make a whole lot of difference.
But traveling with your kids is something you have to do now. You have to start now. Start planning. Start thinking. Start thumbing through guide books, running your fingers over maps, staring at pictures of beaches and mountains and rope bridges and great teeming Asian markets and see yourself, with your kids, slowly weaving your way through the magic.
This can be the start right here! The day you read this piece.
And 2 years from now or 20. One night while you’re sitting around the dinner table, someone will ask “where was that photo of your daughter taken?“ And you’ll begin a tale about your kids buying a strange piece of fruit at the market. And they didn’t know how to open it. So they handed it back to the fruit seller. This lady who didn’t speak a word of english, who sat on this mat with fruit from God knows what tree ringed round her like gold around a king — and she took the fruit with her hand and banged it once. And then twice. And poof it split open. And she held it all in both hands and offered it back to us like she was paying a debt her grandfather had owed. Only she had this smile, I don’t know, this smile like — you gotta taste this. And my daughter slowly slides her hands out to grab it and the look on her face! Well, that’s when I took that picture. And those are the lady’s hands right there, you can just make them out.
“And what made you decide to go?”, they’ll ask.
Well, uhmm, this sounds sort of corny, but one day I was bouncing between different websites and I stumbled upon this one travel blog about this guy who traveled with his kids and he was saying how magical it was and how special and you’ve just got one chance and you’ve got to take it now or it’s going to slip away and it won’t come back. It’s not coming out on DVD. There are no night classes for the missed credits. And, I don’t know, I just said to myself we’re doing it. We’re going on a trip.
My Favorite Websites
I get lots of questions about booking hotels. These are my favorite sites.HotelsCombined.com – The absolute best for finding hotel deals and discounts.
Agoda.com – A great resource for hotels in Asia.
Amen!
I especially love your point about forming connections in a very different way while traveling with kids…searching for our daughter’s lost bunny in Istanbul’s Grand Bazarre, chatting with Italian parents while our kids play soccer in the piazza with their kids, pit stops on the side of the road in rural Thailand…all some of our favorite travel memories that never would have happened without our kids.
Great post!
I read once that having a dog in Germany is a good way to break the ice with strangers. Somehow, very reserved and cautious Germans will readily talk with someone who has a dog. Not that I’m comparing dogs and kids, but they both work as a great introduction to people who would otherwise slip by as total strangers that shared nothing.
I moved to Germany from Canada 3 yrs ago. I have a small dog, very friendly and approachable. I too always try to have a smile on my face when traveling around Germany and exploring. But I have to say, not once has having my dog with me helped to “break the ice” with strangers … I still haven’t quite figured out how to do that here … yet. I have not given up
I love this post so much. It sums up every feeling that I have about traveling with my kids. It is amazing how many doors your children can unlock, both in your home country and others. We have seen and experienced things we would never have been able to if we didn’t have our children with us. We have stopped by fountains, birds, and grassy pastures that my husband and I wouldn’t have even noticed had we been on our own.
Indeed. Slowing down and noticing all the little things. Kids are good at that. They’re good at spotting ice cream shops too. Remarkably good.
Nice post. We have travelled in Europe, West Coast Canada and the Caribbean on a number of occasions with our young kids. Some people wonder why we do it “when they won’t remember it anyway” to which we reply “we will remember it”. It’s much more than just that though.
True, they may not remember trips taken when they were young but they will be influenced by and benefit from the experience. To experience new sites, sounds, smells and tastes opens their minds and shapes their personalities in a positive way. The joy of seeing your children encounter new cultures is well worth the added work and cost it takes. Finally we have found that when we travel without them (which is not often) we miss them so much it lessens the experience.
It should be acknowledged that traveling with your children is more expensive and while we are fortunate enough to afford it (just) not every one is, further a little travel for mum and dad without kids has its advantges too!!
Good points. What if we allowed the idea “will they remember it?” to govern all our decisions on what to expose them to. It’s hard to think of anything really interesting you’d do with them. But of course it’s not just about them remembering it. It’s about their growth and development. What they take as normal and what they see as weird.
Hi David,
I chanced upon your blog tonight as I was doing a bit of planning for our forthcoming visit to Vietnam and Cambodia. I’m off in 6 weeks time, single mum with two kids aged 10 and 8. Your blog has made me feel so much more at ease and even more excited for us! Many people think I must be mad to go off on my own with 2 children for 7 weeks but as you said why find yourself wishing you had done all these things instead of actually just doing them! I fully expect there to be times that may be a bit ‘trying’ but then again that would happen when tavelling with other adults (in fact it would be worse – adults aren’t so easily bought over with ice cream!). Thanks for the fantastic blog!
Hi Karen. I think I said this just the other day to another reader, but it’s equally true and heartfelt here. The people like you who are taking their first steps to travel, to get out there with their kids, you’re an inspiration as well. There’s something so special about that first trip.
It’s just so damn exciting. You can feel it. I can feel it in your comment. Where are we going? What’s going to happen? You have no clue other then it’s going to be great, and memorable, and unique. IT’S going to be your trip. I think that’s a big difference between a vacation and a trip. Between being a tourist and being a traveler. On a vacation you know what’s going to happen. You know the general layout. Oh, you might get a surprise like they put an extra scoop of ice cream on Mikey’s dessert and he was so happy. But with the exception of running into an earthquake or a hurricane it’s going to be pretty much like what you thought. Pretty darn close anyways.
But when you travel, it’s really about letting go. It sort of feels like you have this tether, and you’re testing how far it can go and you don’t know what’s out there but you’re gonna take a look. And when you get back, well, there’s usually one thing you can say for sure, and that’s “It wasn’t anything like what I expected.”
And from then on it’s just the memories. I hope I’m right on this Karen. I hope for both our sakes I’m right on this. But I’m pretty sure that when you’re older and you’re retired and you’re looking back on this trip and looking through photos you’ll never regret it. You’ll never say I wish I had that money back or done something else with my time – been back at home for those 6 weeks, living life as usual. I’m sure you’ll look at the photo of your kids walking down the beach together or the one where they’re wandering through a little village in Cambodia and you’ll wish you could jump right back into that picture.
I just got back from a trip to Japan with my two kids. It was just me – my wife couldn’t get the time off work – and it was great. It was a lot, you really don’t get any down time, but hey, in another 8 or 10 or 12 more years, when they’re older and more independent, you can have as much down time as you want.
One thing I always tell people is, don’t blame the hard days on the travel. You have hard days at home. I’m sure you’ve had hard days with your kids. When it happens on a bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, try not to drop your head and say, I never should have come on this trip. You’d be having the same argument at home with your kids except you’d blame it on a sleepover or a soccer game or a trip to the swimming pool.
I always find that my kids get along better when we’re traveling. They know the other one is their only playmate (at least most of the time) so they’ve got to make it work or they’ll be on their own.
Good luck and stay in touch,
David
We are planning our 2 month campervan holiday in Europe as we speak! YEAH! I am apprehensive but I cant wait. Our kids are 2 and 5 respectively!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sounds like fun. Now that’s freedom. What country do you want to go to today? Check out the guest post from Carol Mickelsen, the author of Camping Europe, on Camping in Europe with kids.
I hope we get to hear more about your travels!
Hi David,
Thanks very much for your comments, it’s great to hear other people’s experiences and positive attitudes towards travelling with kids. I’ve actually found many people (predominately those who have the annual 2 week package holiday in the sun with their kids packed off to the hotel’s kids club) have delighted in telling me just how difficult it’s going to be, that I’ll be on my own without any support, that the kids will find the culture shock too much..and it makes me want to scream!
Your blog shows just how wrong such assertions are, kids can fit in anywhere and take anything in their stride and really really love all the new experiences parents can allow them to have. It’s quite sad that many parents feel that they couldn’t possibly take off on an adventure with their own children without having to focus on the difficulties and potential problems.
The reason I decided to do this trip was because, as a mature student at university, I have many friends in their early 20′s who have done the backpacking thing. One returned from S.E Asia in December and I commented to her that I wish I had travelled more in my 20′s instead of concentrating on my career – her response was ‘why not do it now?’ to which I replied ‘what? with two kids?’, she gave me a look to say ‘is that your only excuse?’ so literally straight after our conversation I went to the travel agent and bought our flights! The past few months have been fantastic – the kids have thrown themselves into looking through guidebooks and travel blogs, watching youtube videos of people crossing the streets in Vietnam and Tess never has her phrasebook out of her hand! They both loved the photos of your boys – in particular the sand dunes!
I was wondering if you would mind giving me a bit of advice? We are planning on taking a boat trip along the Mekong Delta for a few days then catching a speed boat to Siem Reap where we have organised work in a community project. I saw in your blog that you had gone to the Mekong Delta independently. I had considered looking for a tour company to do this with in HCMC. I just wondered how easy you found it to organise on your own? I’ve read mixed reviews about tour companies but then I don’t want to be stuck trying to organise boats, hotels etc.. myself. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Karen
That’s a great story. Inspiring. I hope others are inspired by it too and go out there and book some tickets.
As for the Mekong, yes we did a day trip around Ben Tre and My Tho, but it wasn’t nearly long enough. (Hard to believe we had a month in Vietnam and still ran out of time.) It is a bit more involved, when you do it on your own. I personally think it’s worth it. The boat part will be pretty easy. If you get a bus to Can Tho or Vinh Long I’m just sure that they’ll be a number of different places where you can hire a boat relatively easily. The more in control of your trip you are, I think there’s something inherently rewarding about that. Something about being told what to do, ok now we’re switching buses, ok now into the boat, can sometimes make it feel a little old and tiring.
If you did decide on doing a tour however, HCMC’s backpacker district has at least a half-dozen places that will book your trip, you can go by boat or bus or both depending on where and for how long. I believe you can get a boat that will take you right up to the Cambodian border – not sure where you’re catching your speed boat.
Hi David!
thanks for sharing ur experience. it’s very informative and helpful. i’m planning to go to Hanoi next year with my kid. will study ur blog first!
thanks
Thanks Qish. Hanoi is a great city. And once you get used to the traffic and getting across the street is a lot of fun for kids. (Be sure to do the water parks and visit the swimming pool at the Army hotel.) If you have any questions about planning your trip to Vietnam let me know.
All the best, David
Hey David, I’m so glad my husband found your blog! It totally speaks our language. This article really hit it, it’s definitely like how we would want to travel
And the Greek stories are great too, we’re going there with our 2 yr old and in-laws, after Tuscany. Definitely excited about Greece, I love The Big Blue! Thanks for sharing your stories, they put a smile on my face 
Thanks Su-Ann. Tuscany and Greece – Wow! Does it get any better?
Have Fun.
Actually David, do yo have any good suggestions for Tuscany? We’ll probably start from Rome, road trip around Tuscany then back and head to Greece. We’re thinking a week (or less) in Tuscany, and a bit more in Athens and Cyclades (as per your suggestion). Would be great if you have some ideas! thx!
Hi Su-Ann. Everyone likes Florence and Pisa and the popular places in Tuscany of course, but I’ll add that Siena would be a great stop for kids and adults alike – not as busy as Florence, it has a huge open square in the center of town to run around in, very nice to walk about with large sections of the city having little or no traffic, there’s a bustling town center with great pastry and gelato shops, and quiet alleyways leading every which way that are fun to explore and see where they take you. You will have to do a lot of walking – and much of it up and down hills so be prepared for that. I suspect a stroller would be close to useless once you get off the main streets, so be sure you have a good baby carrier.
Perugia as well is a great place that’s easy to overlook. The city center and square are situated on top of a hill and accessed by underground walkways, alleys and staircases – now equipped with escalators – it’s really an incredible place to explore. There’s an incredible amount of great stuff to see and discover right around the town center, so no need to worry about transportation or parking (once you’re parked). Highly recommended.
Gubbio is an interesting town a short bus ride from Perugia if you’re looking for a quiet town to visit.
Not sure if you were flying from Rome or taking the ferry across to Greece. There are “Superfast” ferries that leave from Ancona – about a 100 miles east of Perugia – to Igoumenitsa (near Corfu) and Patras (on the Peloponnese) in Greece. Saves a return trip to Rome but doesn’t work very well with a trip to the Cyclades as they’re still a ways away from Patras. (But lots of great islands and beaches on the west coast of Greece.)
Hope that gives you some ideas.
we just returned from tuscany and greece and as we live in austria for us it is near.i would say that it is not necessary to stay in athens more than 1 day only if you want to visit museums. if you have time go and see the cyclades what island ever each one is interesting and lovely.we have viseted about 20 different islands.
if you have time and you must not go from ancona( italy ) to patras (greece ) take the big ferry from venice ( anek lines ) to patras.
you can see more of italy and it`s wonderful to drive on the Canale Grande with the ferry. Nice holydays ursula
Thanks for the great tips Ursula.
Hi David
This post is absolutely wonderful and has really got me stirred up to do some serious planning. We are looking at doing a round-the-world next year with our 3 & 4 year old including Thailand, Australia, Canada, Colorado, Greek Isles & Turqoise coast. Initially I was a bit aprehensive about being away for such a long time with the kids but reading all the responses here I have come to realise that not only is it do-able but a really great idea to boot. Thanks for an informative and helpful blog and keep it up.
Thanks Nicci. Every time I read someone’s trip plans, I think to myself — we gotta get back out there, get back on the road. How exciting, your trip sounds wonderful. I’m sure you’ll love it. I think you’ll be amazed at how many great experiences you’ll have with the kids — and because of the kids — that you wouldn’t have on your own. I was just saying to someone the other day how much more my wife and I do on trips now that we have kids. Every day has a plan, an event, something we think about and plan and get out there and do. (Or almost every day.)
Have fun.
I really enjoyed this post, and am going to print it out to keep. The line about only having a window of time…and it’s closing, is absolutely the reason we recently took an extended trip. Our son is 13 and yes, the window is closing. Remarkably, our travels gave us a larger opening to his world. As he was pulling away toward high school, travels brought our family closer. Now that we are back, he is enfolded deeper in our home world. This is why we travel, for what we learn abroad and how it changes us forever!
Thank you for putting it into words….
Thanks Cheryl. I love your site too. Great photos. You’ve really captured the places you’ve visited.
David, AMAZING blog post.
I have only recently developed an obsession with travel. I run an expedition programme for teens, and over the last few years have had the opportunity to spend time in Namiba, Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua. Last year my 13 year old was able to meet me in Borneo, and we had an amazing adventure.
Reading this blog does make me wish we’d had more chances to travel together when he was younger, and it also reinforces my desire to do more now! We are going to spend 2 weeks in Hong Kong/Singapore in December, and perhaps a bit more in Thailand.
We’re very excited – and I’ve been spreading the word of ‘gifts of travel’ for our kids. Instead of buying my son stuff he doesn’t need for xmas (and his b’day which is the day after xmas!), I’m sooo happy I’ll be giving him an experience he’ll never forget.
Thank you so much for this web site …
I totally agree that traveling with kids is something you should just do… Dont’ hesitate, just do it.
I found that it made us slow down and smell the roses more if you know what I mean!
Would just like to add to this encouraging, worthwhile entry that travel within your home country is completely valid, too.
My husband and I lived overseas and travelled extensively pre-baby, but felt a bit daunted by overseas travels the first few years, so we opted for long road-trips here in the U.S. instead. Places we’d never been – which are plentiful and will continue to provide plenty of travel opportunities.
Our son is now 4 and I think we’re finally ready. I’ll probably be back for inspiration and encouragement this new year!
That’s a great point Amy. There are so many great places to see in our own country — in any country! — and often we overlook attractions that are near to home, for the simple reason that they’re not “foreign” enough. I also think much of what makes family travel so special is the extended period of time together that many families don’t get to enjoy on a regular basis. A stretch of a week or 2 or 3 together, day in, day out, really has a unique feel to it. And families often end their trip and feel incredibly close and connected to each other — and this can occur regardless of where you’re traveling.
Finally ready for overseas travel, I mean.
Even within the States, there are cultural differences to experience and it’s been a bit enlightening to discover that – differences born of landscape, job opportunities, resources. It’s beneficial to learn and appreciate the subtle differences within one’s home country. To appreciate the diversity in one’s “own backyard.”
Hi David,
Thanks for the inspiration. I have been wavering about whether or not to take my 22 month old twins to visit some dear friends in Germany. The flight intimidates me, but I feel we can manage the rest. Any thoughts on keeping a toddler happy in a confined space for five hours?
Thanks – Nancy
Hi Nancy. Thanks for the comment. Here are some ideas for flying with kids:
1. Start with the right attitude. Don’t make it about “surviving” or “enduring”, use positive language. Make it exciting. The airplane ride is just as much a part of travel as the trip to the beach or museum, so be focused on what makes it unique and memorable. You know, one day your kids will be grown up and childhood will be long in their past. And you’ll wish you had even this airplane-time back so you could sit together and read books and make up stories about where each of the other passengers are going. So make it special. Obviously the younger they are the less it’s about the experience and the more it’s about managing the essentials, but even 2 year olds will pick up on this special occasion and the more you capitalize on that feeling the better the flight will be.
2. Board last — or near last. I’m never in any hurry to get on the plane. Hang out in the waiting area as long as you can. You’ll have plenty of time in your seat during the flight.
3. Take a small surprise — maybe a Hot Wheels car, or some new trinket — to open during the flight. I wouldn’t want to overdo this. As I said above, I think your attitude should be more about experiencing the moment than distracting everyone from it. But you will need some “things” to entertain them, and a new toy can be an exciting tempo change for everyone.
I hope that helps a little. Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions.
We have always travelled withour boys 4 and 6 but did Europe when they were 2 and 4. Small sticker books are great, any age can do this, also our youngest loved sticker pages, often ending up with them all over his face but kept him amused for ages. Also had mini magic boards (you write on them and then it comes off , magnetic I think) you can buy them from the $2 dollar shops. Also let the boys have a small digital camera, to snap off during flights, you cna always delete the pics.
oh yes! we’ve got 12 kids and we travel all over the world. We LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
Hi,
As others who have already commented, I agree that parents should travel with their kids “now” and not at some magic point in the future when they are ready … My husband and I recently moved to Berlin, in part because we want our kids to have a broad world view from early on. No better way to give them that than by actually going places!
Talya
Thanks for saying so well what I am always trying to tell friends, even strangers about traveling with kids! Having done it both ways, I have to say I think I learn more about the world with my kids than without them. I check off more “must see sights” without them, but thats not really what its all about is it?
I am going to send your post on!
I think your post definitely accomplished its purpose. I feel energized and courageous…ready to take my kids to Timbuktu, Turkey, and Tanzania!
Okay, maybe not quite. Our family will be traveling the USA in an RV this year though: http://giveeveryday.com/. (It’s a start, right?)
It is a start! Way to go Stephanie. Sounds like a ton of fun.
I love this! My husband and I are working on starting a family and we have already decided that travelling with them is a MUST! Thanks for the encouragement!!
You convinced me! OK, I was convinced before reading this but you definitely reinforced my own belief that travel with kids is not only possible but has great advantages for a family. We are planning our own travel escape with a 1 year sabbatical to Indonesia (my wife’s country). So glad I found your site as you have lots of resources for the planning process.
I love this, I totally agree with everything you have said!
My friends were not very encouraging when I told them I wanted to go travelling with the children they said I was mad, a day dreamer, said it was impossible!
I’ve done research and many families go travelling like yourselves along with several single parents… So I say if they can do it why can’t I?
I have no idea when we will be going yet, there is much to plan for and soooooooo much saving up to do for the 2 kiddiewinkles and myself!
When planning the budget do I just times everything by 3 or will most things be cheaper with 2 younger children? And do most hostels allow for children to stay?
I’m looking forward to reading all your other sections in this blog for tips and inspiration!
People such as yourselves are such an inspiration to me… Keep up the good work you guys x
Hi Aroura. Things are not as expensive as just times-ing by 3. You only pay for a hotel room once regardless of how many people stay there. Yes, you will require a bigger room that costs a bit more (maybe) — but not 3x more. Food usually requires a bit more of an increase but you can share meals much more easily and kids don’t eat as much as adults — so once again, more, but not 3x more.
And yes, nearly all hotels wil accept children, and if they don’t it should be noted very prominently on their website that they don’t.
I hope that helps.
you convinced me, i am now a believer
Am hoping your blog energises my husband – I’m dying to get out on the road again travelling – but my husband is very resistant unless it involves a kids club. I don’t want to wait until my two boys (now aged 5 and 2) are older – particularly as I’m about to hit the big 40. I have so much more of the world to visit and the experience will be only richer with my two very energetic boys. Fingers crossed your website can help in getting husband over the line for a trip to Vietnam this year.
Great! Good luck Sarah.
“You’ve got a window … and it’s closing … from the moment they’re born it’s closing.”
Thanks for the reminder – this is an inspirational post.
Hi
just wanted to say what a great post! I travelled with my 22 month old earlier this year to New Zealand and Oz and he took the whole experience to another level, with more excitement than I could possibly have imagined. I have been fortunate to have had 4 kids (the other 3 are 17 years and upwards and I never had the guts to travel very far with them when they were younger – wish I had.
OMG!!!
i have just stumbled onto your site. You are a genius!! I am planning a trip with my husband and little kids (2 & 4) in approx a years time and this has been a great starting point.
i have especially loved your introduction above as to the importance of travelling with kids. SOOOOO EXCITED!!!! We are Australian and planning a 4 month holiday including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Hong Kong. I cant wait to have some more spare time (hard with littlies!!) to read more of your site.
thanks for the inspiration!
bec
Excellent blog! Our kids took their first international flights when they were 3 months and 4, from San Francisco to London. (Perhaps a mistake to do this flight on my own, but we survived!) When they were 2 and 6 we decided to take an expat gig in India and haven’t looked back. They’re now 4 and 8, and we’ve traveled in 7 countries in the past two years (India, Thailand, Qatar, Turkey, Oman, Jordan, and the U.S.), and are heading to Greece (Athens and Kefalonia) next week. Traveling with kids definitely provides access to people in a way that traveling without them doesn’t, and more often than not locals go out of their way to be helpful.
Our most memorable trip so far was to Petra, where we sent the kids up the side of a cliff (essentially) on donkeys while we walked (farther and farther) behind. When we got almost to the top we found them sitting happily in a shack having sodas with the donkey minders, huge grins on their faces. It often takes a leap of faith, but is absolutely worth it.
Tip about flying: We have both girls pack a small backpack with their plane/travel essentials (whatever they choose, edited a bit with mom’s assistance + change of clothes). They must be able to carry the packs themselves (not too heavy), so have to think about what they want to take. Somehow “owning” this responsibility gives them focus in the airport, going through security, etc. Backpacks double as pillows during layovers. I also pack dollar store-type items in zip lock bags to give out as needed on the plane. I don’t worry about finding them if they get dropped or lost in the seats, just leave ‘em behind. Jellybeans are magic, too. And lately we’ve added iPod touches, which have saved us more than once during airport waits! I keep them in my bag and use only as needed.
Hi David,
The only way i can describe travelling with my wife and children accurately is it’s become my top hobby. The planning, the research, the experiences etc. cannot be compared to anything that i do for just myself. Your site is a great idea. I have a quick question, I was considering going to Cabo San Lucas (staying at Villa La Estancia) in April, have been to the Mayan Riviera many times, would Cabo be too wild an atmosphere or you think make a nice beach getaway?
thanks and happy travels
joe
Hi Joe. I think Cabo can make a great family getaway. It’s a favorite stop of many people we know. There are a number of different smaller towns where you can get away from the party scene. I hope that helps. Good luck.
Thank you for this article and the others on your website. I’m very happily pregnant with my first child. International travel has been my favorite thing to do for the past 10 years and I made the mistake of flipping through a glossy travel brochure right before going to bed tonight. It sent me into a panic that I’ll be stuck at home for the next 10+ years of my life. I got quite emotional and didn’t know who to talk to… Your articles have calmed me down and provided me with inspiration. Thanks for putting me at ease!
David…
Very inspiring blog…….
We plan to go to japan this december with my 5 kids… Just me and husband and the kids. I have been having second thoughts on weather or not we can survive this vacation, because 5 kids are a handful! (ages :8,5,4,2,1). Reading your blog is very helpful and inspiring. And now i feel more confident and excited about our vacation.
Please tell me that its not insane to bring my 5 kids with just me and husband to look after them! I mean i can deal with the kids ( i got 3 boys), i don’t know with hubby though……
Thank you..and keep on inspiring people especially families…
Brilliant piece, it brought a lump to my throat. It’s so true – get your kids on that plane and get out there – now. We’ve been taking our kids (aged 15, 10 and 7) everywhere we can afford to go for a few years now and it’s everything I dreamed it would be and more. The experiences and memories that you share bind you together as a family. Watching your kids play together after a long holiday you’re struck by just how tight they’ve become in a way that wouldn’t happen at home – too many distractions. Awesome blog!
Great post. We went travelling with a 2 yr old and 5 month old round Costa Rica for 2 months – best way to spend your maternity leave!!! Like you say everyone wants to talk to you and your kids – get to see some real local life – everyone should do it. We are now starting to think about a year of travelling with our 2 boys – very excited!!!
What an inspiring post!
We are squirreling away every spare penny for what would have been an around the world trip but has been downsized to a 4 month long journey from Canada down to South America ( or the other way around ). Do you have any ideas on the best way to get the most out of this trip? We have a tight budget so any suggestions on the most efficient itinerary would be great!! We will be bringing along our two young boys aged 8 and 4.
cheers!
The single best way to save money on a trip is to spend a longer time in each place. This way, you obviously save on the actual travel expenses associated with moving around (e.g. plane tickets) but costs also fall when you can commit to one place for longer. Accommodations are cheaper for longer stays. You get to know the cheap places to eat. You get into more of a routine where you can eat at predictable times (e.g. breakfast at home). So it’s really a great way to keep costs down. And you get to see more of where you’re at. Meet the locals. Get some favorite hangouts. So it’s win/win. (Sort of. You, of course, don’t get to see as many places.)
I grew up traveling. I can’t tell you how much it has broadened my perspective on life. Now a single Mom, not having gone anywhere lately, I’m dying to get us OUT! Expat/Sabatical style! My bright and spunky daughter is resistant, I know my battery will wear down being ON all the time, less friends and family… But, it would enrich her life tenfold. Daunting but worth the payoff. Any tips?
Single biggest tip: Just do it
Ok….that may have just been the best damn 3 minutes I have spent on a Monday morning when I should be working.
So – this is my dilemna…
I have a one year old, hubbie and I are first time parents. Our son is just starting to develop his personality. lol. So he’s in bed at 8 p.m….like…ON THE DOT. If not – his head starts to spin.
So then the doubt settles in…we plan a trip…to Europe, maybe Italy? All of these beautiful things to see, the Vatican, Spanish Steps….Mona Lisa…and you can’t take a moment to breathe it in because…oh wait…that wailing overtired kid is…is mine. LOL
He’s one now, and I find myself thinking, is a trip to Europe worth it if we can’t truly appreciate the art and the museums and all the cultural wonders such a beautiful city like Rome has to offer?
I have one week. And I’ve never done this before. But I don’t want to scale back and not experience a totally different culture by heading to the Carribean. (I’m Carribean so it’s all too familiar for me). Our son loves water and we want to head over in low season and we want beach weather because our kid will just LOVE it. THinking March or April (most likely April)
So – what country do we hit with a one year old with warm water nearby? Also, we are traveling from NJ if that helps. I know you get a LOT of this question, but it would be really helpful.
Hi Lei. In Europe you won’t be swimming anywhere in March or April. So if swimming is important then you’ll have to head south: Mexico, Costa Rica, Venezuela. Or Southeast Asia. That said, you could get a nice hotel in Rome with a swimming pool (look here: booking.com/Rome). It’s not like being on a Greek beach but your child will probably love it. Rome is great for walking so be sure you have a good baby carrier as strollers won’t work well on the cobblestoned streets. As for the sleeping, I’d start encouraging some flexibility in your son before you leave home and see how it goes. Probably better than you think. Most kids are pretty resilient.
Hi David,
My kids are almost grown now. They remember trips to Normandy and Italy and now have done some traveling without us. College study abroad was a must for my daughter and she was so comfortable because she had done so much traveling with us.
Very inspiring post! We are planning a trip to Bali this summer with my toddler – she will be 20 months at the time of the trip. The thought of a long flight is nerve-racking, but we’ll get through it!
Thanks for the great post. We’re planning a trip to Denmark (and maybe Norway) for this summer with our three (6,4,1) and it is nice to see encouragement out there! We’ve done a couple international trips with them but it sure does seem daunting in the planning stages. Nice to see the reminder of all the good it does!
Thanks for the great post David. As a world wide traveller myself and the understanding of how important it is for a childs eduaction to travel, I am returning to Australia and in the process of starting a Holiday Nanny agency, encouraging families to travel and explore, and if they need the help of a nanny is at hand for any sticky situation.
You have made my outlook on this idea much more positive.
Thanks
Mate your site is wicked…My wife, 20 month daughter and me are about to embark on a tour of the world and i am still feeling very nevous and extremely excited, but reading your articles gives me belief that i am not alone…cheers and keep travelling..
Hi David
well i’ve got to say your very inspiring, and this is something i’ve wanted to do for so long, but i’ve always allowed myself to be talked out of it. Until now!
my children are 12,10 and 8 and i’m thinking about travelling for six months, how much ground do you think we could cover in that time?I really want to see India and parts of Asia and Canada. I wouldn’t know how much time to allow in each country, have you got any ideas on this?
Also what kind of budget do you need to travel economicaly but confortably for a family of 5?
Really appreciate your time thank you x
For India I’d allow at least a month, though you could easily spend 3 or 4 months there and not get bored. India does tend to wear on you after a while and after about 6 to 8 weeks it’s nice to get a break. (Unless you’re just hanging out in Goa in which case you’ll never want to leave.) For a typical route through SE Asia you’ll need at least 2 months. You could start in Bali, through Java, hop over to Singapore, up Malaysia, through Thailand, and then overland to Vietnam through either Cambodia or Laos. A shorter version of this is into Singapore and then up through Thailand to Bangkok. Canada is huge of course, and could eat up as much time as you want, so you’d have to pick just a few cities or areas and focus on them. I hope that helps.
Thanks David thats great. I know its a bit like how long is a piece of string, but how much would you budget to travel in the East per month? any kind of guidance here would be great.
There’s a huge range. A family could do it on $60 to $70 a day or could easily spend up to $200 a day (and far more if you wanted to). It’s all about where you eat, where you sleep, and how you travel.
Love this article. As much as a break would be nice, I would never feel right traveling without my kids. For me, a mom, I love vacations because it’s the one time that I don’t have to clean up so much like I do at home. It’s a break in that sense. Yes, it’s hard to travel with kids, but they are only kids for so long and the memories are worth it.
What a fantastic resource of information your site has been, thank you. With the web its often hard to narrow down good Info, and this site has been that. I am just planning a Trip to Thailand with my husband and children, for a month. We have been fortunate enough to found our long lost family from Chang Mai there and so it will envitably been a remarkable adventure. The resouces you have provided me, help to break it down. I especiallyl like the “what not to do” kids saftey tips. Good reminders.
This is sooo inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing this. My husband and I have a nearly 3 year old daughter and a nearly 5 year old son. I so badly want to go travelling with them. I was thinking of travelling and living in a country for a bit but I don’t want to be caught up with the 9-5 in another country and miss the whole joy of travelling. What would you recommend? Just purely travel for a year or try and live in a totally new culture for a year and work there. I should mention I’m a teacher so International schools are an option.
Any advice would help.
Thank you so much again for your inspirational words.
I know my kids would LOVE it.
That’s a tough call as both styles have their appeal. Get to know a culture and immerse your family in the everyday life of a different country. Or travel around and see a bunch of different places – but don’t get to know any one place very well. A bit of both can be an option too. Base yourself in Bali (for example) and then take a trip to different SE Asian places every few months: Singapore, Bangkok, Saigon, Kuala Lumpur – all have cheap direct flights from Bali. Staying in one spot instead of always being on the move will cut costs substantially, so there’s that to consider too.
Good luck.