The Case for Travelling with Young Kids
By: Kate Kennedy / Rogers Travel
We’ve all heard it: “They won’t remember it!” “You’ll all be exhausted and won’t enjoy it!” “Don’t waste the money on the plane ticket; leave the babies with grandma!” Honestly, these are valid reasons to leave your kids behind when traveling. After all, kids are unpredictable. One day it’s a 3-hour nap, the next, it’s a nap strike. A full-blown meltdown over a broken banana, followed by the sweetest, snuggliest angel you’ve ever seen 20 minutes later. Bringing this tiny, thumb-sucking, ticking time bomb to Paris may seem risky, but here are five reasons why taking the plunge and traveling internationally with young children is worth it:
They Won’t Remember It, But YOU Will
Their childhood is a part of your life too! Sure, they may sleep through the Louvre and not remember seeing Big Ben, but you’ll be the one reminiscing in your rocking chair at 90, thinking back on watching your 2-year-old waddle around the Eiffel Tower, or hearing the joyous giggles of your 5-year-old trying to make the Buckingham Palace guards smile. (Or maybe your kids will be so grateful for the gift of travel that they’ll have you move in with them instead of a nursing home—worth a try!) Magic doesn’t only exist at Disney World. You’ll experience it too, in moments like watching your 4-year-old run through rows of tulips in Holland or seeing your baby nap on a train with the hills of Tuscany rolling by. Sure, there are benefits to waiting until your kids are older and can remember, but by then, you’ll be competing with phones, summer camps, and eye rolls from puberty. Capture the magic while it’s pure—when your 18-month-old thinks gelato is the best thing they’ve ever tasted, and you’re the best person ever for giving it to them.
It Builds Flexibility
The more you travel with your kids, the better they’ll travel. They’ll learn patience, adaptability, and how to stand in lines without a meltdown. They’ll learn to nap on the go and approach unfamiliar people and places with interest instead of fear. Giving your child the ability to thrive in new environments is a priceless gift.
It Forces You to Slow Down
If you’re trying to squeeze in three tours a day, two restaurant reservations, and catch a train to a new city every few days, bringing a 3-year-old might not be the best choice. But that’s actually a reason in favor of a different kind of travel. Having young children forces you to slow down. You might spend an hour at a playground in Germany—find one near a Biergarten and enjoy a pint while they play! If your toddlers fall asleep in the stroller, no problem. Take the long way home through the streets of Florence, discovering an art gallery on the way and grabbing a panini from a street vendor who charms your kids and throws in a cannoli when they wake up. When you slow down, the culture, people, and hidden gems of any place come to life and become more accessible.
Why Not?
I promise you, the whine at bedtime doesn’t compare to the wine in Italy. If you have the means, the time, and the willingness, we believe in our bones that traveling with young children is worth any hiccups that come with it. We know the plane rides can be long, but remember: every plane ride ends, and so does every tantrum. Don’t let a bad 30 minutes ruin your day, and don’t let the fear of a difficult flight stop you from embarking on a new adventure. The Bahamas is waiting for you.
Last but Not Least, You’ve Got Us
Not only do we specialize in family travel planning, but we’ve lived it for decades with kids of all ages. We know which countries and cities are family-friendly and the nitty-gritty details, like which stroller to bring, the best public transportation to take, where the best parks are, and which tours and restaurants will set your kids up for success. We have longstanding relationships with resorts around the world that cater to young families and know exactly where to send you based on the adventure you’re seeking. Your child’s childhood is your life too, and we can’t wait to help send you and your family into the world—confidently, joyfully, and with all the details taken care of.
– Kate Kennedy / Rogers Travel
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About the Author:
Kate Kennedy is a travel agent and a busy mom of three, passionate about balancing the chaos of motherhood with a sense of adventure. Whether it’s through travel, writing, or daily park trips, Kate is always looking for ways to create memorable experiences for herself and her family. Her favorite destination? Italy—where the pasta is divine, and the Aperol spritzes are the perfect way to unwind. When she’s not planning the next getaway for her clients, you can find her offering travel tips, inspiration, and planning advice on Instagram at @rogers_travel.
About the Agency:
Rogers Travel is a family-owned, woman-led agency with a legacy of excellence since 1975. Founded by Michelle Rogers, the agency has spent over 50 years curating extraordinary travel experiences for clients around the world. Specializing in group trips, luxury escapes, and unforgettable journeys to destinations like Mexico and Europe, Rogers Travel is committed to creating personalized itineraries that reflect each client’s unique dreams. From adventurous explorations to relaxing getaways, their team has the expertise and passion to craft your perfect trip, wherever in the world you wish to go.
Connect with Kate Kennedy & Rogers Travel:
Instagram: @Rogers_Travel
Website: Rogers-Travel.net
Photos provided by: Rogers Travel
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One response to “The Case for Travelling with Young Kids”
Such a great article and totally dispels the notion of you should not travel with your kids! Great take! Makes me want to travel with my grandkids to exotic places!