Six Reasons to Travel With Your Baby (and Why You Should Do it Often!)

For as long as I can remember, I have been lucky enough to travel the world and see some of the most stunning landscapes, experience the most unique cultures, and make treasured memories with the people I love the most. Traveling has always been a huge part of my life. Growing up, my parents took me to tons of different destinations, and, from a young age, I learned flexibility, adventure, and the ability to always embrace my surroundings with a curious and open mind. Now that I am a parent myself, it is extremely important to be able to give the same experiences to my son, Harrison. So, we’ve made traveling with him a priority since he was just a little baby, and he’s now been on more than 65 flights in his first 19 months of life (I know, can you believe that!?) It’s been an amazing adventure traveling as a family with our little guy, and I wouldn’t trade the memories we’ve created around the world, for the world. I think travel is the best thing you can do for your family, and here’s why:

Traveling with a baby can be intimidating, I know!!! But, with a little bit of research (you came to the right place!) and a positive attitude, I promise you it will be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. I recently shared a post on Instagram about this, and I cannot believe how overwhelming the response was!!! So, I thought, why don’t we dive a little deeper into why traveling with your little one is not just doable, but truly life-changing, not just for them, but for YOU. 

Here’s Why You Should Travel With Your Baby (and Why You Should Do it Often!)

1. Traveling With Babies is Easier Than You Think

First things first – traveling with a baby is not as hard as everyone seems to make it out to be. Babies can be surprisingly easy travel companions! Sure, there’s the packing list that feels like it’s never-ending (diapers, wipes, pacifiers, burp cloths, bottles — just the essentials can seem daunting and endless!), but, once you’re packed up and on your way, it’s all sooooo worth it! Babies are adaptable, and, believe it or not, they can adjust to new time zones just like us with a little time and patience. They’re also the perfect size for exploring the world snuggly by your side – they’re the best travel buddy!!

    

Now, this being said, traveling with a baby (or traveling with a toddler) isn’t always smooth sailing. But I always like to remind people that travel isn’t always smooth sailing WITHOUT a child, as well. And, sure, traveling with a baby or toddler can make for some extra long nights and tiring travel days, but wouldn’t you much rather be exhausted laying on the beach vs. at home on the couch?!! When I was in Italy with our baby, I was fielding so many questions from friends and instagram followers who all wanted to know how we were sleeping at night with the time difference, and it just made me realize how much I would rather be sleeping poorly on a yacht in Italy, then sleeping poorly at home (which, with a baby, happens A LOT).

2. Travel Helps Babies’ Brain Development

Did you know that traveling with your baby can significantly contribute to his or her brain development? The first few years of a child’s life are crucial to their development, and exposing them to new environments, languages, and cultures is laying a foundation for how they will perceive and interact with the world. It’s also about building the foundation for a life filled with curiosity and understanding, not to mention prioritizing quality family time! Dr. Margot Sunderland, a renowned child psychologist, did a study that found that these enriching environments and the kaleidoscope of experiences that travel offers children, majorly boost the neural connections in a child’s brain. How incredible is that?!

3. Travel Teaches Your Kids Important Lifelong Lessons

When we talk about travel, we often focus on the stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and gorgeous sunsets (which, don’t get me wrong, I loooove). But travel isn’t just about the destinations; it’s a journey filled with lessons and the incredible life skills that each trip is quietly nurturing: flexibility, adaptability, and resilience (I’m watching them blossom in Harrison with every new adventure we go on!!!!).

Think about it – when our flights get delayed, when the weather doesn’t cooperate, or when we’re trying to order lunch in a language we barely know, what are we doing? We’re adapting, we’re problem-solving, we’re staying cool under pressure. And our little ones? They’re watching and learning! They’re seeing that life doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s perfectly okay!!! I also LOVE to see Harrison’s eyes light up as he discovers new things, experiences new cultures, tries new foods (well, mostly!), and meets new people from all corners of the globe. These experiences are teaching him to embrace diversity, to be curious, and to appreciate the beauty in our differences. 

4. Travel Means Unmatched Bonding Time With Your Baby (and Your Husband!)

Traveling as a family means you get uninterrupted quality family time. Travel for us is our escape from the daily hustle — a chance to focus solely on each other and to make memories together. As a working mom, these moments are so, so precious to me. Whether we’re exploring a new city or lounging on a beach together, these experiences and uninterrupted moments bring us closer, creating memories (and stories) we’ll cherish forever. And guess what? Dr. Gilovich from Cornell University backs this up with science — it turns out that those unforgettable moments of shared laughter and discovery on our travels do more for our lasting happiness than any toy, designer bag, or the latest tech gadget ever could! That’s right, every trip we take is like investing in our long-term happiness, as well as our kids and loved ones’ happiness too. So next time you’re watching a sunset in Santorini or sipping hot cocoa in the Swiss Alps with your fam, remember, you’re not just creating memories, you’re crafting lifelong happiness!!

5. Travel Helps Raise a Well-Adjusted Child

Travel teaches children that it’s okay not to have control over everything and that adapting to new circumstances is part of life. This early exposure helps in nurturing a well-rounded, confident individual. And that’s backed by science, too!! Did you know studies have shown that kids who travel show a boost in independence, self-esteem, and confidence? This is because each new adventure is like a stepping stone, building them up to be the confident and resilient adults we dream they’ll become. Whether it’s navigating through a bustling market in Bali or learning a few phrases in Spanish, these experiences are shaping our kids into flexible and adaptable global citizens!!!

6. Travel Helps You Make the Most of These Precious Childhood Years

Time flies, as any mother or father will tell you, especially when you’re watching your child grow in the blink of an eye. For me, traveling with Harrison is about making the most of these fleeting moments. When I think back on his first year, it isn’t a blur, it is FILLED with the most precious memories (and photos I can look back on) all around the world. He may not remember each trip, but the stories, photos, and bond we’re building are his to keep forever. I really can’t stress enough how rewarding it is to travel with your baby!!! It’s about more than just seeing the world; it’s about showing them the world and growing together as a family. So, to all the parents out there, I encourage you to consider turning your next vacation into a family adventure. You won’t regret it!!!

What questions do you guys have about traveling with a baby?

Ready to book that family trip? Check out these posts before you go!