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When I talk to other moms about family travel, they tell me, “there is no way we are road tripping, or traveling with our kids.” I don’t pass judgment but I do ask them if they know what they are missing. Travel is a time to retreat, recharge and energize our burned out passions.
My own family (other moms) have asked, “How do you even manage to get your kids to go with you at 16 and over?” The question, “how do I manage?” should probably be turned around and asked, “why don’t yours want to travel with you?”
From planning, packing and reaching the destination, there’s nothing quite like your kid’s face when they see the vacation spot. As a mom, there is nothing more gratifying than seeing a smile and feeling the excitement. No matter the age, no matter the destination or adventure, those expressions are the ‘can’t-miss’ moments of parenting!
I will be the first one to tell you that traveling as a family is important and it is challenging. No matter the trip, traveling together is important. Here are 5 reasons traveling as a family is important and why you want to schedule your next vacation! Travel. Eat. Adventure. Repeat!
5 Reasons Traveling as a Family is Important
Traveling As A Family
Traveling as a family is one of the best ways to strengthen family bonds and create life-long memories for everyone in the family. When families travel together, they get to know one another on a deeper level. There are no scheduling conflicts – no rushing out the door.
Parents and children alike are free to have actual conversations with one another while they travel to and subsequently explore their destination. It’s this bonding atmosphere that makes traveling as a family so important.
Why Traveling as a Family is So Important
I believe in it whole-heartedly. In fact, my family and I travel together frequently. I can tell you that over the years, we’ve made incredible memories, learned a lot about each other, and learned a lot about the world in which we live, as well.
Hopefully, you will love traveling with your family as much as I do. I want you to experience that joy. To that end, I’ve put together a list of 5 reasons that family travel is a winner.
1. Family Bonding
In today’s high-stress, all go all the time world, family bonding is becoming more and more difficult. Between parents’ work and kids’ scheduling of their school, extracurriculars, and friends, we live in a world where modern family life is a drive-by event.
I know that’s true in my own home. Often times, my kids and I – even my husband and I – will say hello and goodbye in the same sentence as we rush off to wherever we need to be.
However, when you travel as a family, you’re free of all of that distraction. I have had some of the best family conversations, really deep stuff, while on vacation with the family.
2. Learning About Culture and History
Do you remember history class? If you’re like me it was akin to watching paint dry. It was the most boring thing I ever did. All those dates and facts were just mind-numbing. However, when I travel, history comes alive.
Whether visiting historic government buildings, medieval cathedrals, ancient ruins, taking in a play, or sampling local cuisine, traveling allows you and your family to fully immerse into that culture.
Suddenly, the past, present, and future come alive because it is right there in front of you in full, living color.
3. Conquering the Bucket List
This is so much more than just ticking destinations off of a list. Traveling as a family and hitting all those bucket list stops is an exciting way to teach the kids that dreams do come true.
It’s a statement that if you put in the work in life, you’ll reap the rewards of play. I love reaping the rewards of play, from smiles to hugs!
Personally, and maybe for you as well, it’s also an incredibly satisfying experience to look back and say, “We have been to all the places we ever wanted to go.”
Of course, at that point, it’s time to make a new bucket list, and the fun begins all over again.
4. Learning About Travel Logistics
Everyone will have to travel at some point in their lives, so teaching the kids about how travel works is an excellent benefit of family travel. Over our years of traveling, my kids have learned so many valuable things.
For instance, how toll roads work, on and off ramps, road rules, how to find great hotels, and pack, the importance of reviews, and more. I will even go as far as to say that they have even become our very own co-pilots.
The kids help us by using apps to find the best gas prices when we’re on a road trip or even bathroom stops. With all of the knowledge they’ve gained while traveling with my husband and me, I know my kids will be ready for anything any trip throws at them.
5. Fostering a Sense of Wonder
One of the biggest reasons that traveling as a family is important to me is fostering a sense of wonder in my kids. Too many people grow up and lose that sense of exploration – that need to see what else is out there.
People become content to remain in their little bubble, doing their bubble tasks day in and day out. I find that incredibly boring. There is so much out there that the world has to offer and so many lessons it can teach us through travel.
Life is about wanderlust, adventure, exploration and living it out loud! I’ve made it my mission as a mom to foster a sense of adventure and wonder in my kids so that they milk every ounce of excitement that life has to offer them.
Fun Reasons (they just gotta be said)
If you travel with yourself, there’s no one to help take pictures. Selfies are better as ‘Ussies’ and totally goofy pictures in weird places. Of course, there are also those moments to capture when they actually all get along.
Don’t forget those moments that let them grow, like going down a water slide together because they are initially afraid to go on their own. There are also those new AHA moments when they try something crazy fantastic like Hot-Air Ballooning, without MOM in the basket!
One Final Tip on Traveling as a Family – Allianz Travel Insurance
Remember when I said that traveling as a family teaches kids all about travel logistics? Well, Travel Insurance is one of the most important lessons anyone can learn on that front. Travel insurance protects your finances from life’s unforeseen events.
Play all day, all night, have fun, enjoy your trip and let nothing get in your path, and that’s just one reason to get the affordable travel insurance plans that Allianz Travel offers.
The kind of events that can ruin a trip or cancel it altogether. Travel insurance from Allianz removes the stress of travel because it protects you in case of illness when police help is required, loss or theft of property, and more.
It basically protects you from almost anything that could go wrong. If you get sick, they’ll find a hospital or doctor. If your luggage or property is lost or stolen, they’ll be covered by Allianz Travel Insurance.
Rental car issues? Yeah, not when you have your affordable insurance and your app. Keep reading!
The APP
Allianz Travel even has a TravelSmart app to keep their services easily within reach, just a touch of your finger. It’s what I have on my phone and use it with due diligence. With their comprehensive coverage, every trip is one that you can have full confidence in because you know you’re protected.
Do you have any reasons that traveling as a family is important? Do you have any stories to share about traveling as a family or travel insurance? Leave a comment. I’d love to chat.
This article is a result of being a brand ambassador with Allianz Travel. As an avid user of the TravelSmart App and Allianz Travel Insurance, I can’t sing its praises enough! Content, images and thoughts are my own, based on my use of the service and app. ~ Dana XO
