Traits Kids Develop from Travel

While traveling with a child may seem a daunting task, there have been scientific studies that have proven children who travel to be both happier. We are coming up on the time of the year when your Facebook feed will be flooded with articles describing how experiential purchases tend to make people happier than material purchases. You will see scientific evidence that proves the amount of happiness we get from our new toy or purchase falls over time, whereas the memories of our traveling experience continue to fill us with happiness hormones for much longer.

But did you also know that there have been multiple studies that also show that children who travel are often smarter and more well rounded? 

Curiosity

Kids are curious to begin with and travel will open them up to a whole new world of questions. It can also help wake up their imagination and encourage them to play in creative ways. Also, as they try more new things they become more curious as to what else is out there to try. TravelPulse has a great article describing a study by the Curio Collection that delves into the Relationship between Curiosity and Travel.

Love of Learning

Of course this one is next because curiosity leads to learning! I personally love to learn more about the history and people of a destination prior to my visit. The few trips that I have made where I didn’t read or research before hand I came home and had to learn more about what I saw to put it into context.  A survey of almost 1,500 U.S.-based teachers, commissioned by the Student and Youth Travel Association (SYTA), found that 74 percent of educators believed that travel has “a very positive impact on students’ personal development.” A majority of teachers also believe that travel’s positive impact can extend to a student’s education and career.

How could it not? The best place to learn history is being where it actually happened. Science comes alive when you are up close to nature. While you travel you can’t help but learn about other cultures, places, people, and your place in the world. This type of learning through living helps shape a world view larger than what can be taught in a classroom.

Learning doesn’t just have to take place in historical sites, or National Parks, there are plenty of educational opportunities anywhere your kids want to go, even Disney World. Don’t believe me? Check out my blog post on 10 Things Your Kids Can Learn On Your Disney Vacation (Without Even Realizing It!).

Flexibility

The same study concluded students who travel showed  higher independence, self-esteem, confidence, sensitivity and adaptability.  Well… duh! Of course kids who travel frequently are more flexible. Travel allows them to be more adaptable to changing situations and be more flexible in their habits. If forks aren’t available you can be sure your kid will learn to use chopsticks. If they are tired and your train is delayed they will learn to sleep in the stroller. 

Social Skills

When traveling your child has the potential to meet more people than they would at home. especially the art of making friends. It allows them to connect with people of all ages, nationalities and walks of life – people that will enrich their lives even further.

Understanding 

In all of those new interactions they will learn about other people.  Sure, they can learn about other cultures in the classroom but until you really experience the people  you don’t have that deep understanding.  It will teach your children that even though people may look different from the outside, we are all the same and dispels stereotypes.  That study I talked about earlier concluded that children who traveled to experience cultures other than their own have increased tolerance and respectfulness. I truly believe that if more families traveled internationally with their children we would all develop a respect for people who believe differently than we do, and accept and love them anyway. 

The sooner you start traveling with your child the easier it will be for them to develop these traits and use them throughout their lives. Not only will your child develop these traits there are so many other Benefits to Traveling While Your Children are Young I wrote another blog post about it.

Need a vacation but the idea of planning-it-all is overwhelming?

If you are ready to have the family vacation you’ve been dreaming of, without spending time researching, planning and making it happen, schedule a call today. I’m here to help busy working Moms plan, organize and book the perfect family vacation. With me, all you have to worry about is enjoying your well-earned time away with your family. If you are ready to stop trying to do everything on your own and see how I can help you schedule a complimentary trip planning session now.

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