Spencer Schar is an entrepreneur who has been fortunate enough to visit 24 countries to date, with his travels taking him to every continent except Antarctica. This article will provide an overview of some of the key benefits of traveling with family, helping participants young and old to enjoy an immersive experience of different countries, peoples, and cultures, making precious memories together.
Multigenerational travel encourages parties to travel more slowly, spending time taking in beautiful scenery and focusing on the little things. Bringing along young children also encourages adults to go to bed early, helping them to get a good night’s sleep and feel rested and fit for the next day’s adventures.
Whether traveling alone or as part of a group, travel widens horizons, enriching the soul. Traveling with family – be it a short trip with siblings or travel with children and grandparents – provides a unique opportunity to see things from a different perspective. Not only does traveling with family help to strengthen bonds by creating shared memories and experiences, it also presents a prime opportunity for people to be with those they care about most, offering respite from the pressures of daily life and a chance to relax, unwind, and have fun together.
For business owners, employees, and students alike, an “always-on” lifestyle can impinge on valuable family time. In a digital age, people are constantly bombarded with messages via smartphones, tablets, and laptops, making it hard for them to switch off and focus on their families and loved ones.
In the 2020s, many families have slipped into the habit of all sitting in the same room but barely speaking to each other, with each family member glued to a different digital device and existing in their own little bubble. Traveling together forces families to unplug from smartphones, apps, and social media, encouraging family members to focus and connect with those around them while enjoying new experiences together. Even the simplest of experiences, such as enjoying a meal, can create lasing memories to treasure.
For young people in particular, travel has huge educational advantages, with recent studies establishing that travel not only benefits a child’s education but also their ability to adapt socially. Exposing children to new cultures piques their curiosity, helping them to become more open-minded. In addition, research shows experiential learning is more effective in helping children to absorb knowledge. Trying new cuisines and getting to know new local customs can even help children to pick up a little of the language. Travelling responsibly also helps children to appreciate the importance of protecting the environment, both at home and on their travels.
Young people are naturally curious, with many loving nothing more than exploring and soaking up new experiences while absorbing new sights, smells, sounds, touches, and tastes. Sadly, as people get older, this explorative outlook starts to diminish. However, traveling with children can reignite a sense of curiosity and wonder, helping parents to see the world through their children’s eyes and adding an extra dimension of enjoyment. Children are more inquisitive, and this innate sense of curiosity can help to open parents’ and grandparents’ eyes to what is around them.
Traveling helps people of all ages to appreciate the little things. Witnessing a child’s reaction to extraordinary sights makes adults appreciate them even more. As children have an innate tendency to ask questions, their presence coaxes adults to look more deeply at things to provide answers, setting in motion a learning opportunity the whole family can benefit from. With no inhibitions, children just want to have fun, which also encourages older generations to join in, laughing and playing with their loved ones.
In addition to the physical health benefits achieved by actively exploring new surroundings, travel also has mental health benefits. It highlights the importance of mindfulness and taking a moment to pause and appreciate new surroundings, using all five senses to experience them. Against the alarming backdrop of increased mental health issues in children, travel has a mood-enhancing impact on family members young and old, coaxing people to investigate and be inquisitive, paying attention to the little things, while simultaneously helping to build positive and healthy family relationships.
Travel teaches young people the importance of enjoying experiences and making memories rather than focusing on material possessions. Family adventures help children to be more self-confident and independent, as well as encouraging them to develop their interpersonal skills. Activities such as swimming and hiking also help to promote an appreciation of the outdoors and a healthy lifestyle. Travel inspires children, providing new perspectives and ideas that can be built upon and used throughout their lifetime.
No family exists in perfect harmony 100% of the time, even on the vacation of a lifetime. All children need to let off steam when they feel hungry or tired. The most challenging days faced by vacationing families tend to be transit days, which can be long and tiring. Nevertheless, these are a means to a very positive end. Even flight delays, cancellations, and travel hassles are easier to negotiate when the whole family sets out from a more relaxed starting point.
