One of the best things about traveling is how it opens your mind to diverse cultures and new experiences. You can make travel more meaningful for your children by helping them to learn things along the way.
Despite the constraints leveled by the current COVID-19 pandemic, you can still leverage travel as a way to teach your children more about the world around them. Here are five ways that you can help your children to learn and grow through the experience of travel.
Involve the Kids in Planning
Half of the fun of taking a trip is the anticipation. You can enhance the educational experience of the trip by getting your children involved in the planning from the very start.
Boost math skills by teaching them how to budget for the trip or have them work on researching activities at each destination. You can also have them check to verify any restrictions that may be in place because of the current COVID-19 health crisis.
Not only will encouraging the kids to help with the planning make the trip more educational for them, but it will also encourage them to be more engaged in the adventure if they had a hand in the research and execution.
Choose Age-Appropriate Activities
When mapping out your itinerary, it is imperative that you keep the ages and interests of your children in mind. A toddler will not get anything out of a visit to a natural history museum just like a teenager will not likely learn anything from a trip to the children’s museum.
Think of what sparks the interest of your particular child and go from there when planning your list of bucket list items. Keep in mind that the current COVID-19 era may put some restrictions on the activities that you do.
For example, it is a better idea to visit touristy venues such as museums early in the day in order to avoid the crowds.
Ask the Experts
If you are unsure about how to make the most out of your next trip for your child, be sure to ask the experts for help. A personal travel concierge can help to guide your vacation decisions so that you choose destinations and activities that encourage learning for your children.
With a travel expert, you are no longer left wondering “how do I plan my trip?” They have the knowledge and experience to provide detailed recommendations for your next family adventure.
You can also request specific guidance on how to make the trip as educational as possible for your family.
Immerse Yourself in New Cultures
One of the best ways to learn new things while traveling is to immerse yourself in the local culture of your destination. You can achieve this by picking lodging accommodations that are off the beaten path.
As a bonus, this will also decrease your exposure to COVID-19 if you avoid the high tourist areas.
Instead of eating at chain restaurants, be diligent about finding local favorites for your meals. By being conscious about learning more about the people and culture of the areas that you visit, you will make the trip more education and meaningful.
Go Back in Time
History can be fun if you make it relevant to your kids. The U.S. is flush with an abundance of family vacation destinations that perfectly balance a good time with a mentally engaging trip.
Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg takes you back to the country’s beginnings with a stunning living museum experience. For a big-city experience, consider a trip to Boston. Here you will find the historic Freedom Trail and its bevy of monuments, buildings, and more that showcase the birth of a nation.
For a great day trip from Boston, you can head up to Salem to learn more about the infamous witch trials. Kids of all ages will be fascinated with the lore of witchcraft. Philadelphia is also a great place to learn more about the country’s rich history.
Learning can be fun and educational at the same time. By choosing the right destination and planning your itinerary wisely, you can stoke the curiosity of your child while supporting all of their learning endeavors.
