Traveling with Kids

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

Africa, Asia, India, Europe—author and writer Leila Hadley Luce has traveled the world. But she didn’t do it alone; she took her kids with her. Traveling with her children has not only become Leila’s hobby but a way to expose her family to eye-opening experiences. Suzanne visits Leila in her gorgeous Fisher’s Island residence, off the coast of New York.

Why Take Your Kids?

Planning a big trip, especially to another country, can be stressful…so why take your kids or grandkids? According to Leila Hadley Luce, there are quite a few reasons. Most importantly, it gives you a chance to create and share memories together. You can watch television or read a book any day, but the chance to travel with your children can provide endless opportunities.

Traveling can educate your children—they will learn new customs, taste new foods, experience other cultures and hear other languages. It gives you a chance to expand your horizons together. You can peak your children’s interests by showing them places they’ve never seen before.

How Do I Get Started?

It’s not necessary to pick up and fly to France right away; you can start small. Set aside the video games and take your kids to an aquarium or a museum. Take a boat ride; go for a picnic in the park. Keep the newspaper handy for upcoming festivals/events and expose your children to a variety of activities.

If you are taking a trip to another country, it’s a good idea to be prepared. For information on the country itself, visit your local information centers or tourist bureaus. You can also call on a travel agent or the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Learn the basics—do some research on the country before your visit. Highlight the places you would like to visit and plan a tentative itinerary so you don’t miss out on anything. Purchase a book with some basic language words and rehearse them with your children. Make sure to involve your children in the process so that they can be ready and excited, too!

My Kids Are Older

Don’t worry, teenagers enjoy traveling, too! Some hotels conduct programs, such as dances, to cater to youth. When you are a stranger in a country, most likely, you will find the natives to be intrigued by you and quite hospitable.

In your research, try to locate places that would interest your teenagers and go with them. If you are a mother of a teenage daughter, perhaps ask one of your daughter’s friends and her mother to travel with you. Remember, your kids will be just as fascinated are you are once you arrive—it’s a new experience for both of you.