Why Having Kids Shouldn't Stop You From Traveling
Three years ago, I found out I was expecting a little girl. To say that I was excited was an understatement. Soon afterwards, someone asked me if I was going to buy new clothes when I became a mom.
And by that, this person wasn't inquiring if I needed a new size postpartum or if I was going to update my wardrobe.
Nope.
This person was asking if I was going to get a "mom wardrobe," a concept I'm still a little confused about. Immediately after delivery, did I need to take all of my skinny jeans to Goodwill in exchange for high-waisted, ill-fitting ones? Did I need to give up my beloved scarves and headbands for something more boring?
It was in that moment that I realized people have these preconceived notions about what it means to be a parent--and that my wardrobe was only the first target.
Something that's become very apparent in the last three years is this idea that being a parent somehow means that you don't get to travel. And if you do, you're destined to spend your few days of vacation each year at a theme park.
It doesn't matter if you were the most passionate globetrotter ever pre-kids. Popular opinion will tell you that, the moment you pop that kid out (or in the case of dads, you have your hand slowly squeezed into oblivion by your significant other while she pops the kid out), your wanderin' days are over. Kaput. Sayonara. Forget about calling the grandparents--that first phone call after your miracle arrives should be to your frequent flyer mile account company so you can cancel it.
Or, should it?
I'm happy to tell you that having kids isn't the end of your traveling days.
It's the beginning of a new chapter of your travels.
And, in further breaking news, you're not confined to parks that feature large, fuzzy animals. (Though, as a Disney fan, I'm usually the one begging my kid to go to the parks instead of the other way around.)
This is only one option for family travel fun! |
Schloss Linderhof, Ettal, Germany |
If you're thinking of having kids (either immediately or in the future), but you're afraid that it will be the death of your wanderlust, fear not. That sweet new addition to your family will give you a new perspective on the places that you visit. Traveling with a little one (gasp!) might even be better than traveling as a single twenty-something--just a little more sleep deprived.
Westin Savannah Harbor, Savannah, Georgia |
If you're a parent, and you're thinking of traveling with your kids, do it! Even if you're not able to jet off halfway around the world, the benefits of traveling can be passed on to your little ones even on short weekend trips.
Discovery Place, Charlotte, North Carolina |
Vianden Castle, Vianden, Luxembourg |
As Mark Twain said, "Explore. Dream. Discover." Just do it together.
First mama-daughter trip! Indiatlantic, Florida |
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