Family Travel Reinforces Classroom Education

Family Travel Reinforces Classroom Education

A child's educational foundation accrues from a blend of classroom development and firsthand experiences.

Without exception,  family travel will unravel the best-planned itineraries with unexpected tummy aches, rashes, and general impatience.  But the educational rewards of diverse cultural, historical, and natural experiences will provide an invaluable benefit to your child.

Every family trip has unique requirements based on budget, personalities, health situations, and schedules.  However,  the following proven tips will enhance the educational takeaways of kid-inclusive travel.    

Odd Hours

Vacation gems do not always occur during business hours.  Visiting sites during non-peak times will provide unforgettable memories and experiences while encountering a fraction of normal crowds.    New York City, the world's most influential hub, is a peaceful sleeping giant early Sunday mornings.    Arrive at sunrise.  Use perfect lighting to photograph long canyons of empty streets.  Reflect at the 911 memorial and discuss with your kids age-appropriate questions regarding this site.  From a natural standpoint, Yellowstone at sunrise is a safari-like experience with abundant wildlife awaking and interacting in the open plains.  And the Grand Canyon at night is a shooting star spectacular,  streaks blazing across the translucent flow of the Milky Way.   Exploring the world at unique hours is the most important family travel tip to observe.

The Road Less Traveled

Traveling efficiently means driving the freeway.  But along your travels, traverse a rural exit  and navigate state roads through small towns.  Bypass chain restaurants to visit a mom & pop eatery with a clever name and an old fashioned awning.  Greet the senior couple enjoying coffee at a corner table; they will be there. Ask if your family could discuss a few questions.   How long have they lived there?  Who is the most interesting person they've met?   How has the town changed?   Families having done this speak of meeting millionaire bankers, bestselling authors, war heroes, and  countless other diverse and fascinating individuals.  

Simplify

Vacation and family travel time is a rare and precious resource.  An easy mistake is "making the most" of available time by visiting every monument in Washington DC, or hiking every trail in Yosemite.  Exhaustion is not healthy for education.   A critical component of learning and reflection is quiet time to absorb recent experiences.  Ensure your itinerary includes unscheduled time blocks.  Relax at a park bench, and allow your kids to reflect upon what they've seen, heard, and learned.  

Family travel is a priceless link between quality classroom education and fully-involved sensory experiences.   Combined, these forces provide your child with a diverse and complete educational foundation that will resonate through adulthood.    Please contact us today for more information on informative, appropriate travel options for your family's specific needs.