Why is It so Important for Kids to Travel?

Oh, the joys of travelling with little ones! It may sound idyllic, but let's be real; it's often a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. Thankfully, I count myself among the fortunate ones. My family made it a point to explore new places when I was growing up, instilling in me a love for adventure and discovery. Plus, having a partner with a job that takes us to different parts of India every few years adds an extra layer of excitement to our lives.

Now it's my little one's turn to spread her wings! At just 2 and a half years old, my baby girl has already embarked on adventures to 4 different places across India, and we're eagerly anticipating adding more to her growing list in the next three years (or should I say, on behalf of her, we're counting her list!). Seeing her blossoming into a little traveller who adores exploring new destinations is heartwarming.?

Because of her father’s transferable job, she needs to be habituated to the situation to shift to new places within regular intervals (Noted: The 4 places we've visited, as mentioned earlier, weren't due to relocation purposes. After she was born, her father had one transfer, but we visited the remaining 3 places purely for travel. Our journey began after she turned six months old).

Travelling with a child at any age might appear intimidating, but experts suggest that it can greatly enhance development. They argue that travel has the power to broaden a child's horizons, foster empathy towards cultural diversity, and aid in their ability to adapt to new situations. Additionally, it can play a role in shaping linguistic development, even in babies.

I witnessed how my baby (we visited Goa when she was only 1.2 years old) enjoyed the beaches, picking up sand, listening to the sounds of waves, and also wanted to talk with our tourists (which is very important for linguistic development).?

After we returned from our trip, I noticed that she learned her first nursery rhymes so quickly, as well as our national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana” (yes, it was in her own sweet baby language, maybe not so prominent to others).

So, everyone asked me, "How did I take her on her first trip? How did I manage her? How did I keep her comfortable during these times?" Yes, it's undoubtedly true that travelling with a tiny toddler who hasn't properly learned to walk yet can be daunting if you don't know how to manage it all.

Here are a few tips on how to maximise your child's experience while travelling.

• Don't forget to pack your baby carrier bag. It's crucial to ensure your baby feels comfortable in it; for mine, my baby finds great comfort in this bag.
• When planning for the days of the trip, make sure to pack your baby's food and avoid giving her outside food altogether, as it could potentially be harmful to her. It's always safer to carry an electric kettle, induction, or small cooker with you so that you can prepare instant homemade food whenever needed (You may need to obtain permission from the hotel to use appliances like electric kettles or cookers in your room. Fortunately, we were able to secure permission without any issues during our stay, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience).
• Always consider booking a private car through a booking agent for your trip, especially in Goa. While many people opt for scooters during their Goa trips, it can be quite uncomfortable for your baby. A private car provides a safer and more comfortable mode of transportation for your little one.
• Don't overlook the importance of toiletries; be sure to pack them for your trip. Additionally, remember to bring along any prescribed medications your baby may need. These essentials ensure your baby's comfort and well-being while travelling.
• It's wise to book your hotel in a central location, preferably in the market area. This ensures easy access to essential amenities like the railway station, medicine shops, and, most importantly, medical assistance in case of emergencies. Avoid staying in remote areas when travelling with your little one to ensure convenience and quick access to necessary services.

Important Note: Every child is different, so adjust these tips to suit your child's personality, interests, and needs. Above all, enjoy the journey and cherish the moments you share together as a family.

Follow me, Sharmistha B. , for a whirlwind of real-time adventures and insights! Follow along and unlock a treasure trove of firsthand experiences. I'm here to share wisdom and lend a helping hand whenever you need it. Let's embark on this journey together!

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