Category: Travel

Traveling with three young kids isn’t what most people would call relaxing. In fact, let’s be honest — it’s hard. The logistics, the snacks, the meltdowns, the airport wait time … not exactly a spa week.

But here’s why we keep doing it anyway: the things our kids pick up from traveling can’t be found in any workbook.

We just spent a week in Poland (2.5 hours from Spain, but a whole world away in culture and experience). We had four days in Krakow and three in the mountains, exploring everything from pierogies and kielbasa to the fascinating soap-and-water taps at the airport. My daughter was impressed: “We don’t have this in Spain!” A small thing for us, but for her it was a moment of realizing that the world is full of different — and good — ideas.

The kids also picked up a few Polish words. When I overheard one of them playing “store” this morning at home and saying “Dziękuję” (thank you), it hit me: this is exactly why we travel with them. Not to memorize phrases or tick boxes on a cultural checklist, but to help them:

-Step outside their bubble
-Try to communicate across language barriers
-Learn patience and empathy for those who are navigating a world not in their native tongue
-See that the “way we do things” isn’t the only way

Of course, when I asked my daughter what she learned in Poland, her immediate answer was: “That ice cream is really good.” (Also true. 🍦)

I’m sure our kids don’t even realize yet how much they’re absorbing, but we see it — in their questions, in their curiosity, in their ability to notice difference and still connect.

As a teacher, I’ve always believed that travel offers a kind of learning no classroom can replicate. And as a mom, I believe that giving our kids these experiences — even if it’s messy, tiring, and involves way too much laundry afterwards — is one of the best gifts we can offer.

Because exposure is the antidote to “othering.” And empathy often starts with something as small as saying thank you in another language. Or realizing that soups in the summer really are a thing in Poland. 😊

So here’s to the pierogies, the new words, the airport soap taps, and yes — the ice cream. These are the lessons worth carrying home. #travelingwithkids #lifeabroad #lifelessons #movingwhere #globalchildren #benefitsoftraveling #poland #travelabroad