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As a mom of two, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard: “Why bother traveling with them now? They won’t even remember it!” I get it—packing up the stroller, diaper bag, favorite toys, and approximately 47 snacks for a trip that won’t create lasting memories (for the kids) seems questionable. But after multiple adventures with my babies in tow, I’ve discovered that the benefits go far beyond what makes it into their permanent memory banks. Here are 5 reasons I believe traveling with young kids is absolutely worth it. – By Christine Detris
1. It’s shaping their developing brains
If you’re looking for an excuse to book your next vacation, read this: Research shows that by the time children are 2 years old, the structures of their brain that will influence later learning are mostly formed. So even if my 18-month-old won’t remember dipping chips in guac poolside in Mexico or barreling down the waterslide in her father’s arms, these new sights, sounds, smells, and environments support brain development during those crucial early years.
2. We’re cultivating adaptable humans
When our daily routine includes navigating new places, trying different foods, meeting people who speak different languages, and sleeping in unfamiliar beds, we’re teaching our kids flexibility and adaptability. These experiences teach them that change can be exciting rather than scary—a lesson that will serve them throughout life.
3. It’s changing how I parent
Traveling as a family has made my husband and I more present, engaged parents. Away from work emails and household chores, we’re truly immersed in their moments. I’ve built sandcastles for hours, stargazed in Taos, and watched their faces light up when trying a French macaron for the first time. These are memories I treasure, even if they won’t remember.
4. We’re building our family culture
The inside jokes, silly photos, and shared experiences from our travels are becoming part of our family story. My daughter may not remember the specific details of our trip to Paris, but the books we read about it afterward, the way we talk about our adventures, and the photos we look at together are creating a family narrative that she’s absorbing. We’re establishing “this is what our family does”—we explore, we try new things, we adventure together.
(Pro Tip: These travel-inspired jammies from Basically Soho will help your kids get excited for their next trip!)
5. Those magical “right now” moments
There’s nothing quite like witnessing your toddler’s genuine awe when they see the Eiffel Tower light up or stick their toes in the sand for the first time. Even if these moments don’t make it into their permanent memory, the in-the-moment joy is very real.
So yes, we’re lugging car seats through the airport and I’m breastfeeding under layers of ski clothes. We’re applying sunscreen to squirmy bodies and searching for emergency diapers in grocery stores where we don’t understand the language. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
More travel inspiration from the Local Moms Network:
Summer Travel to Alaska with Kids!
Meet Gwenn Snider, Cofounder of Luxury Family Travel Resorts, Little Gem!