Be a meaningful traveler.

It’s autumn half-term in Sweden and I am back on the plane-train game, but with the kids in tow and we are heading back to London.?

Traveling for a business trip where you only have to worry about yourself, in comparison to traveling with kids, is a totally different type of travel experience. But I am pitching myself into the meaningful traveler camp and making my kids follow suit.?So what does it mean to?be a 'meaningful traveler'??

1. Reading, listening, and/or watching content about or from the country we are traveling to.?

I have been imparting the country’s culture, recent history, political system, leaders, and economic prowess. How??

• Eating English food before we travel. So I cheat because obviously, I do cook fish fingers and chips at home. But the concept of eating sausages and fried potatoes for breakfast is alien to my little Swedes.
• Explaining culture and what is expected of them when walking around London. They are countryside kids – they are naturally friendly, chatty, and slow walking on pavements.?
• The politics – well, my daughter is nine and knows of “Bo Jo” but I think it's an early stage in Rishi Sunak’s career for her to know who he is. I might introduce her to a “clean” episode of the inbetweeners as Rishi does have similarities to Will McKenzie ;)?

2. Practicing words in the local language.

They are bilingual speakers already but there are some English sayings that they still don’t understand.?

• “in for a penny, in for a pound”?
• Understanding what a Lad is Vs a bloke
• When to use the word?“Oi” correctly

3. Actively lessening their carbon footprint.

We will travel on London public transport, the green option for Uber, walk a lot, bring our thermoses to reduce plastics, and make sure we conserve electricity wherever we go.

4. Understanding their own country’s historical ties to the ones they’re traveling in.

Other than spotting the yellow and blue of Ikea superstores, and seeing Volvo cars, I also need to read up on this. I do know that there was once a granddaughter of Queen Victoria that was once the Queen mother of a King of Sweden…?

5. Stretching their comfort zones.

I have activities planned that should expand their minds beyond the TV and YouTube. But I think just talking 24/7 in English will be challenging for them. Complete immersion!?

6. Espousing travel as a learning opportunity.

They will have a lot to learn – English history, navigating a shop and spending money, how the tube map works. I am looking forward to being their guide.?

7. Wear culturally appropriate clothing.

They packed jeans, jumpers, tracksuit bottoms, sweatshirts, and baseball caps to fit in ;) Londoners dress comfortably.?

8. Staying at that locally owned guest house.

We are staying at a close friend’s house which is VIP treatment.?

9. Putting others before themselves.

I will be putting them first on the trip. And hopefully the kids will think of me, and be kind!?

10. Making plans to visit that town that’s not even on the map.

Does Hendon count??

11. Keeping their social media use in check.

And their smartphone, too. They won’t be able to miss any interaction, view, or person. I am removing the wires from their bodies!?

What do you think? Have I missed anything that I should have thought of? Let me know before we fly :)