Travelling is a great learning experience for kids. As parents, we would love to take our kids to new places. It may be travelling to a faraway town or province, to an overseas trip or a trip to the beach, zoo and theme parks. But is it really worth it? Will they truly learn from it? Will they appreciate the experience? And at what age is it best to travel with kids to new places?
In an article from Telegraph, leading child psychologist Oliver James, says that “Home-based holidays are what most children really want.” That is because, he explains, children’s pleasures remain really very simple until they hit their teens.
Cousins in Dumaguete
For kids ages 5 and below, they may not remember anything from it when they get older. Between ages 5 to 10, kids will probably remember the experience but would prefer going to a familiar place more often. Just like how they like to play with the same old toy despite buying them new ones. Finally, the teens would gladly prefer new experiences.
I personally agree to this observation. Gab is lucky to have travelled to several places even at a young age. He had his first plane ride at 3 months old! He has visited at least 1 province in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. And he has travelled to 3 countries so far.
Unfortunately, he could hardly remember any details of his travel when he was below 3 years old. Despite the gigabytes of photos and videos we show him during these travel, he says he can’t remember them at all.
Gab at 3 months old looking bored in Boracay
And just imagine the extra things we need to bring when travelling with a small child. We needed an extra bag just for his own food, milk, diapers, extra clothes, and wet wipes. I even hand carried a bulky baby basket in one of our trips which he never used at all!
At age 4, he can remember a few of the best moments but not that much. He still gets tired easily that we had to carry him several times. We would end the day exhausted. Then the next day, we would wake him up early, dress him up quickly and be in a rush to get the next destination in the itinerary.
Gab left his heart in Seoul
At age 6, he can remember a lot of details in such a way that he can tell a story of the trip on his own. He can also withstand the long walks and the quick changes needed when travelling. He can already carry a small backpack and can take his own pictures from a small camera or mobile phone.
While travelling with your kids is a wonderful experience and a strong expression of love, I would still suggest delaying family trips until age 6 or older. At this age, the trip will be more worthwhile. They would remember more of the trip and hopefully learn more from it as well.
Gab with one of his favorite bridges in Busan
In the same article, Dr. James says that, “Between the ages of five and 10 they can become very attached to one place, where they can be sure of what they will like and what they won’t,” he says. “Sitting on the same donkey, eating the same ice cream at the same café… These familiar places and activities are the ones that forge their happiest memories.”
This is the reason why I don’t bring Gab in all of my trips when I run a marathon in other countries. I don’t think he would appreciate the trip yet. But, we visit his lolo and lolas for 3-4 weeks in Bacolod at least once a year. I would love him to build memories with the people who loves him as much as we do.
“There is so much change in children’s lives today. We move schools and houses, we experience countless new things. A familiar, recurring holiday spot can sometimes be the only anchored thing in a child’s life – a safe and predictable place in a shifting universe,” say Dr. Oliver.
Finally, travelling can be expensive in both money and time. Delaying it at a later year, not only allows you to save more for the trip, but gives a higher confidence for a good return of investment when it comes to your child’s learning.
Bon voyage!
