What’s the value of traveling with a young child? They’re so little—should you really take them out? They don’t understand anything at that age, and won’t remember the trip when they grow up. Is it really worth it?
You might often have these concerns, but for Bubble’s mom and Niuniu’s mom, it’s not a hassle at all. Just like how your child may not remember the books you read with them or the games you played together—but those experiences are still part of their growth. The same goes for traveling with your child.
Hearing their travel stories with their kids might give you some inspiration.
Compared to picture books, travel lets children experience new things firsthand.
Leaving familiar surroundings and meeting new people, trying new foods, and experiencing different ways of life. Travel gives children a broader foundation for understanding the world and helps us discover their interests.
When Bubble was two, she fed a sea lion in the Bahamas. When she went back at three, she asked, “Can I feed the sea lions?” Though they didn’t find an opportunity that time, she was thrilled to feed the dolphins and even gave one a big kiss—this excitement and longing came from her earlier experience with the sea lions.
Similarly, an impromptu street performance in Rome made a friend realize their three-year-old had a special interest in live music. After returning home, they incorporated this new experience into their daily lives: actively seeking opportunities to attend concerts and performances, creating an environment for their child’s growing interest.
Learning through real-life experiences makes it easier for children to understand new things compared to just looking at pictures in books.
Niuniu got very excited when he saw a lamb at the wildlife park and said, “Sheep... baa baa baa,” then went up to pet it and feed it. When he saw tigers, lions, and cows, he murmured, “Tiger, lion, cow moo.” His mom took the chance to teach him the names and sounds of other animals, which he quickly picked up. Before seeing these animals, teaching him animal names and sounds had no effect.
Frequently encountering unfamiliar people and things while traveling helps our children develop more open minds. They can accept different people and cultures, play happily with kids anywhere, regardless of language or skin color. Everywhere they go, they’re eager to try local foods and customs, enjoy new experiences, and stay curious.
Travel broadens a child’s understanding of the world and helps them grow faster.
We often hear friends say, “It feels like our child has grown so much after every trip.”
Meeting different people and facing new situations, solving problems they’ve never encountered before… These unique experiences naturally expand a child’s understanding of the world.
Niuniu, who travels often and encounters new things, could greet strangers proactively at age one; at 17 months, he knew how to pack his own luggage; during trips, due to frequent meals at restaurants and rides on public transport, he learned basic manners like not speaking loudly or crying in public.
When she was little, Bubble would constantly ask, “Are we there yet?” five minutes after leaving the garage. Like all curious kids, being strapped in a seat for hours bored and frustrated her.
But her travel experiences gradually taught her that beautiful sights are worth waiting for.
Getting from departure to the destination takes patience…
Waiting in line to get in takes patience…
The moment you reach the mountaintop to watch the sunset takes patience…
Seeing a whale spout or a dolphin leap while sailing the ocean takes patience…
Spotting an owl perched on a branch in the moonlit woods takes patience…
Every trip teaches her slowly that a little more patience might bring unexpected and delightful surprises; and that the journey itself, along the way, is also beautiful.
Just two weeks ago, Bubble was skiing in Japan with her parents when heavy snow closed the city, leaving them stuck at the airport for two days and one night. We were delighted to find that not only was Bubble able to wait patiently for a transfer, but she also faced this sudden change calmly and positively.
While waiting at the airport, Bubble explored tasty food, fun merchandise, and interesting facilities with her parents, planning together how to use public transport to leave the airport, escape the predicament, and rearrange their journey. Facing the prospect of sleeping on the airport floor with thousands of other passengers that night, to Bubble, it seemed like just another special camping adventure—something to look forward to.
Travel plans rarely go smoothly—they often involve unexpected changes that require adjustments. Children also grow up gradually in various environments, learning to adapt. Travel is a process where their adaptability improves.
Travel brings parents and children closer.
For parents, having their child along makes the travel experience even better.
Children spend more time with their parents than usual; without the burden of work or household chores, parents can focus more attention on their child. This high-quality time helps strengthen the parent-child bond.
A 2-year-old boy named Niuniu went on a Caribbean cruise with his dad. During the trip, his father not only took him to see the sea, played in the sand, and went swimming together, but also took care of almost all of his daily needs—eating, drinking, going to the bathroom, and sleeping—which he usually had little time for due to his busy work schedule. The long hours of full companionship during the trip helped Niuniu and his dad better understand and accommodate each other’s habits and needs.
Although Niuniu and his dad had a pretty good relationship before, their bond grew even closer after the cruise. Every morning, Niuniu would run to his dad for a hug, brush his teeth together, and occasionally say, “I love you, Dad!” Sometimes, after waking up in the morning, Niuniu would go to his parents’ room, stare at his still-sleepy dad for a while, then snuggle into his arms with a look of pure happiness.
When traveling with your child, you can’t plan too many activities. When you’re not under pressure to see all the sights or visit seven cities in one week, you can spend more time getting to know a place, enjoying it, and feeling less anxious about rushing around.
You’ll also find yourself seeing things through your child’s eyes—noticing details and sights you might otherwise overlook.
The footprints of birds, beautiful seashells, unusually shaped leaves, the small holes where wild rabbits hide… Your child’s ability to spot details and discover beauty allows you to see the journey from a different perspective and marvel at how interesting and wonderful nature can be.
That’s why we travel with our children from a young age—and why we’ll keep doing it. Even if they don’t remember the trips, what does it matter? The joy, warmth, and enjoyment of the moment are worth it, and besides, these wonderful experiences will stay with and influence both you and your child for a lifetime.