Traveling The World With Children: How To Make It Work

There are many stereotypes surrounding traveling, and one of the most pervasive is that you can only enjoy it when you’re child-free and without responsibilities. This is hugely disappointing for those who’d like to have a family without suffering an eternal case of wanderlust.

It’s also, thankfully, a lie. There’s no unwritten rule to say that once you become a parent, you can no longer do what you love and what makes you feel alive. If that includes seeing the world, there’s nothing to stop you except your sense of conformity.

That said, having children in tow can pose some extra challenges. This article is for you if you want to give it a go but don’t know how to combat these.

Keep their education on track with the proper assistance

Traveling with children outside of term time can be difficult, so many parents stick to the holidays. However, this is less of an issue for those who home school. If you think getting out and seeing the world is education, you might decide to go down this path. That doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.

Even in the middle of the African wilderness, it’s possible to access top-quality tutors online. For example, say you have a high-school-age child needing some English homework help. A number of websites make it easy to find this, ensuring your teen can travel the world with you and still pass their exams.

These websites allow you to select tutors based on various criteria, from their specialties to their pricing, availability, and experience. This means you can find the perfect fit for your child and stop them from falling behind in their education.

Alternatively, you can hand their learning over to specialists and look at options like Wolsey Hall Oxford – a unique institution that has helped many families successfully home school while traveling.

Staying safe

While traveling with children is possible, it’s also more complex and requires a lot of extra forethought and planning. One of the most essential elements to bear in mind is how you’ll keep everyone safe.

Before you set off with your kids in tow, come up with an itinerary – and accept that you won’t be able to deviate from it. Check the routes you’re traveling and whether activities you’re planning will be safe, and if you’re unsure, look for alternatives.

Also, see whether you require any vaccinations. While it’s okay to accept informed risks yourself, you want to take every precaution to ensure your kids stay healthy and happy. For example, taking malaria tablets or other preventative treatments might be necessary, depending on where you’re traveling.

Lastly, be sure to research and take out appropriate health insurance. The last thing you want is for your child to fall ill in a foreign country and to find you’re without cover.

Keep things familiar

Traveling the world can be a wonderful experience for children – but there’s no denying its significant upheaval. Some kids struggle with the change in routine, and homesickness is common.

To combat this, talk to your children before your trip, giving them the chance to air any concerns they might have. Do your best to listen to these and find solutions. Make it clear that you’ll continue to listen to any worries they have while traveling.

Try to maintain a sense of familiarity. Remind your kids they’ll be with your family unit and that any relatives or friends they miss are only a phone call away. If they have a favorite teddy or comforter, make room for this among your luggage, as familiar objects can help ease the transition.

Make it exciting too. As well as letting your children share any worries, tell them about all the beautiful things you’re going to do. This will make your trip seem less frightening, so they’re not as apprehensive heading into it.

When it comes to traveling with children, there’s a lot to think about, from how to ease homesickness to keeping everyone safe and well. That said, it can be an excellent opportunity for your family to learn, grow, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So don’t be afraid – take the plunge today.