How to enjoy traveling with children: tips from a traveler who visited 90 countries in 8 years
Traveler Jessica Gee, known online for her blog, has visited more than 90 different countries with her entrepreneur husband Garrett and their three children Dorothy, Manilla, and Kalihan. This impressive journey took them 8 years to complete.
In an interview with CNN Travel, the influencer shared her impressions, tips, and interesting insights from her personal experience. It's hard to question her expertise, as traveling with kids is more challenging than independent or group vacations with adults.
Best destinations for families
When embarking on a trip around the world, the expert advises focusing on resort areas rather than extreme cities. The top "family-friendly" destination, according to Gee, is Belize, a country in Central America bordering Mexico to the north.
Alaska ranks second on her list of favorites, followed by Rwanda in third place. All these places boast incredible natural attractions, offering opportunities for relaxation and cultural exploration.
Tips for traveling with children
The fast-paced lifestyle can have both positive and negative effects on children. However, a traveling mom has some advice on how to engage kids in new experiences and keep them interested. For example, the children in her family pack their own backpacks.
Parents play a crucial role in their morale. Ji said, "Children are 100% influenced by their parents' attitudes. So when everything feels tiring, exhausting, and stressful, you just have to rise up and stay positive. Because if you lose that, they will too."
Tips for saving money
A family of seasoned travelers with children, like millions of others, operates on a limited budget and seeks cost-effective ways to explore the world.
"Often it's just about finding a national park and camping or hiking. Or see if you can work enough to save up for a longer trip," said the traveler.
Often, a trip can be combined with a charitable purpose. It may not be a luxurious journey, but it can bring benefits to others and moral satisfaction to those who sacrifice comfort for the greater good.
What is missing
No matter how exhilarating a new experience may be, frequent and extended travels can't be entirely devoid of challenges. At times, travelers yearn for companionship, family, and friends.
"The only thing we miss when we're on the road is company. We long for our friends and family, and we want our children to engage in sports and experience them. That's when we decided to settle down and attempt to enjoy the best of both worlds," said the mother of three.
