7 Benefits of Family Travel

Memories happen when we're stretched.

We all know that there are lots of stretching moments while traveling…especially when we're going as a group. While memory-making is arguably the best benefit of family travel, there are lots of other reasons to go, too.

Traveling together:

Shakes up our comfort zones and roles.

We see a different side of our spouses when they're in "travel mode"—and they see a different side of us. We're forced to team up in a new way. One of you might step up to try out a new language, and the other may take of all the logistics.

Leaving our quotidian routine is stressful, but it's good for kids to watch us react to that stress. We're preparing them to go out into the world (possibly literally) and they need to see us learning to navigate new environments. Showing our kids we aren't afraid of new experiences helps them handle future.

Demands problem solving on the fly.

Give your brain a workout by figuring out how to still get there in time for your brother's wedding when the flight is delayed, the hotel loses the reservation, or the suitcase zipper breaks. You'll either discover your own resourcefulness or learn valuable lessons for next time.

G.K. Chesterton wrote: "An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered."

Sparks change.

Have you noticed how books and movies often begin with the protagonist traveling? In a new place she can see why the status quo doesn't work for her anymore.

Unfamiliar situations, interacting with new people, and living life at a different pace for a while gives us a fresh perspective. It could be the catalyst you (or your spouse) need to bring about a lifestyle change you want to implement.

Offers opportunities for practicing patience and forgiveness.

Travel provides parents many occasions to demonstrate composure under pressure and—perhaps even more helpful long-term training—chances to apologize when we snap or forgive others when they do.

Bonus: it's easier to remain calm and respond without yelling when there's a plane full of people within earshot. Accountability everywhere.

Requires saving up.

It can be difficult to spend money on something that's purely recreational when there are other things we need to buy. Traveling as a family isn't cheap. It requires a sacrifice of money, time, and effort. Buying things together doesn't bond a family the way shared vacations do, though. It's worth it.

Saving for travel is a practical way to teach children delayed gratification. As in, "no, we aren't going to the movies this weekend. It's a fun suggestion, but in two weeks we're going on vacation. We'll save our movie money now so we can go to the water park then."

Stimulates creativity.

If you've ever had a carload of bored kids or a mob of hangry ones at a restaurant, you know the value of distraction. What games can you come up with paper napkins and the pen from your purse? Can you have a joke contest or compete in whisper karaoke?

It's always best to be prepared, of course, but remember that resourcefulness quality we talked about above? You have the chance to flex it here too.

Starts new conversations.

We often ask "How was your day?" over and over and get the same response each time. Traveling brings new thoughts to the forefront, not to mention provides fodder for discussion: cultural differences, local cuisine, religious practices, architectural styles, historical figures…just to name a few. Ask your family questions about what you're experiencing together. Their answers may surprise you.

Enjoy traveling together this summer, and may all your inconveniences become adventures.

Where is your family going this summer? What do you think is the biggest benefit of group travel?