Traveling opens up a new book of knowledge and experience of the world for the traveler each time he/she explores some new place. Traveling is also a hobby which can be developed in the children by parents. It is learning through fun. Traveling not only increases the general knowledge of the child but it also makes him broad minded. He/she learns to respect different cultures and beliefs as he/she has been to the actual place. The curiosity to see and know more develops in them. The love for traveling can also blossom into travel related career like travel writer, journalism, photography etc.
Make Geography Interesting
When the child begins learning about geography in school, it’s the time to show them for real. When explaining them geography lessons at home we can kindle their interest by saying –“This is just a picture. We’ll go there for real. We’ll go to the mountains/ sea/desert during the vacations. Then you can see how big it is!”
Selection of Destination
Select a destination which you feel children will enjoy. Plan your yearly or half yearly vacations in a way that you visit mountains, seas, deserts by rotation. Going to a similar place every time will make it boring for the kids. We may select a destination for relaxation, but the child need excitement of something new every time.
Select a place of historical importance only when the child has read some basic history about the place in comics or school syllabus. Otherwise historical places can be dull for kids. For example, Red Fort or Jallianwallah Bagh has no importance unless you understand their history, which is not possible for primary students. Very young kids would enjoy playing in the mountain snow or a sea beach. There should be some fun.
Even within the main destination opt for the spots which you feel the kids will enjoy; like reaching a spot which is on an island, by boat or a pony.
Narrate Stories and Anecdotes
Certain memories of our trips stay in our mind forever. These beautiful memories bring smile to our faces whenever we look at the pictures. Narrate those interesting stories of your own travel to the kids. Tell them stories like how you got lost, missed a train, how you stared at a tiger or fell from a sledge or ski. Such adventurous and funny stories will certainly excite them and they will look forward to the trips.
Talk About The Fun
Talk about the elephant rides, camel rides, pony or boat rides and the unique experiences of these. Tell them about building castles in the sand, collecting shells and walking through the waves. Talk about living amidst a jungle, walking through clouds or going under a waterfall.
Involve Kids in the Planning
Involve the kids in your research about the places you are going to visit. Discuss the itinerary with them. Read about the places together and show them the pictures. They will enjoy it more when they are able to relate the actual place with what they saw on the net or books.
Engage the kids in the packing too, because packing too is very part of the total excitement of going for a trip. Ask them what they would like to take. They can pack their own little bag with their favorite knick-knacks.
During Long Travels
Be prepared to make the kids comfortable and engaged during the travels, when they are in flight or car, train or bus. Take along story or fun activity books and sufficient snacks and drinks for long distance travels. You can also plan long distance travels to during the nap time of the kids, so that they pass most of the travel time in sleep. In case you are traveling by road, you can break the monotony of the journey by halting at places which you find beautiful like a farm or a waterfall.
Be Prepared for Medical Emergencies
Children are delicate and may fall sick due to change in climate. This may spoil the vacation. Make a thorough inquiry about the general environment, weather, temperature, food availability of the place of visit. Check the weather and temperature of the place before you start your journey. Keep appropriate clothing handy which you will require when you reach the place to protect children from sudden exposure. Take along first aid kit and medicines for common ailments like nausea, digestive problems, cough and cold, aches and pains and antiseptics.
Plan from the child’s point of view. Enjoy the holidays together and try to make it as much fun for the kids as possible, so that he/she looks forward to the next vacation!
