Full Bloom Blog

Annabelle, my oldest child, went on her first road trip when she was just seven weeks old so that Erik could stand up in a friend’s wedding. Since then, our family has grown and together we have visited eight states and four countries. Whether we’re taking a small road trip to see my sister on the west side of Michigan or we’re heading to the airport for a bigger trip, or anything in between, there are some values that are intrinsic to traveling as family and it is always worthwhile. Even though traveling with babies/children can have challenging moments, it also brings about some of the best moments and favorite memories as a family. If you feel like your kids are too young don’t let it ground you! They can acquire life skills and learn some major life lessons through traveling and it’s just like anything else really, if you want your kids to be good travelers, start them young. I always tell Erik, the kids may not remember these trips and adventures, but we’ll have the memories and photos for a lifetime. If you ask me, there are a million reasons to travel as a family, but here’s my top five to put in your pocket.

5. Fun. Fun. Fun.

Everyday life can feel laborious and monotonous at times. Work, commutes, and house maintenance makes family schedules not only busy but also mundane and can make you feel disconnected from one another. Nothing injects a little life and fun back into your family like a trip! When you’re all crammed into a hotel room or a camper often times you revive those belly laughs or stock up on some extra bedtime snuggles in those close quarters. It is your chance to play as a family, have fun, be silly, and try new things (or maybe some old favorites) together and create those memories and traditions you’ll all hold in your hearts. One of my all time favorite memories as a child was mini-golf as a family on *almost* all of our vacations. We always had a blast with a little friendly competition and lots of silliness and now it’s a fond memory I will have forever. Now that I have a family of my own, I love that I am able to pass this tradition to them and create our own family fun.

4. Responsibility and organization.

I say this loosely- but it’s a great way to introduce your kids to the idea of being responsible for their belongings. This is one of those lessons that are never really achieved and that we continue as an “ever growing and learning” concept – but this is a fun and exciting way for them to practice!

Let them help pack a bag or a suitcase. Allow them to participate and choose items to bring and what not to bring as it creates a sense of responsibility and ownership for their items while on-the-go. Show your kiddos where each item goes: ie; socks in the top pocket, hair bows in the side pocket, etc. Knowing their order before the trip even starts helps instill the system by which they will function while traveling. Pack each child a laundry bag and show them where worn/dirty clothes go at the end of each day. I bought my kids mesh bags from the dollar store and put their name and a different colored ribbon for each kid on every bag. My kids think they’re amazing. Ha. They have, by no means, a perfect record for putting clothes in their laundry bag at the end of the day, but they understand how it works, and get excited to put their own personal supplies to good use.

3. Practical application of patience.

Good things come to those who wait. Eight hours in a plane can be boring- but if it lands you in Hawaii, it’s absolutely worth it. In other cases, the lesson is that vacation might not be about the final destination, but learning to enjoy the journey! Patience is practiced en route to your vacation destination, it is practiced while everyone alternates shower schedules to get ready to go to dinner, and it is especially practiced while waiting in line for ice cream at the adorable parlor in town. Patience is key in travel but the reward far outweighs the wait and that will be reinforced while you’re traveling with your kids time after time.

2. Culture

Traveling gives kids knowledge and understanding of different cultures- even if it’s Kansas City vs Nashville via their barbeque styles. Food has always been my favorite insight into local cultures but it’s just one way to grow your kids world. It doesn’t have to be huge geographical distances in your travels in order to allow your kids to see diversity in food, neighborhoods, and general ways of life. Show them the beauty and artistry of God’s creation and His love for all people.

1. Teaching the value of memories and moments not things.

That pretty much sums it up. The single best thing about traveling with your family is this right here. The most precious things in this world cannot be bought in a store (or amazon) ha. Whether you’re gathered around the campfire, the Eiffel Tower, or a sand castle; the special time and memories that you make with your people is worth far more than any gift you could put in a box.

I grew up camping across North America with my family and I’m so grateful my parents took on that (sometimes exhausting) challenge. Many of my fondest childhood memories are of family vacations and I hope my kiddos also treasure the trips and make beautiful memories.

What’s your favorite vacation destination?