The Amazing Wonders of Travelling with a Toddler: A Case of Benefits

Travelling with your toddler is not as daunting as some parents may think. Yes, there are additional travel expenses when they tag along. Yes, you have to pack extra stuff and lug them around. Yes, it's a hassle to change diapers on the fly. Yes, you wouldn't get to do as much as you had planned (you, OCD, you). Sure, it is often frustrating, but there are many rewards to be had and the ROI's gained through travel are guaranteed to make a long term impact on your and your children's lives.

A first-class view of Positano

Napping at the Acropolis complex in Athens

Swaying to the rhythm of son music in Havana

Many things to smile about in Manhattan

Traipsing around Essaouira

On our travels, we have made many new acquaintances because of our daughter. In family-friendly restaurants and hotels, the staff are almost instant babysitters, even if it were only for a few minutes - enough to plow through our meal. As well, playtime with local children is not only a great way to entertain your child, but it also provides us valuable insights into local culture.

Making new friends with waiters in Rome

Testing the pool with Mrs. Vassiliki in Mykonos

Some random guy in Santorini

Playmate Cely from Havana

With Meriam in Marrakech

Food is another concern that frequently arises when it comes to family travel. How about the child who is a finicky eater? Don't want to feed them McDonald's (who does)? I find that most countries will have some variation of neutral-tasting carbs that are easy on kids' palate: pasta is always popular in Western countries, as are bread made with whole grains; couscous and mashed chickpeas (hummus) are healthy alternatives in the Middle East; rice is a staple in South America and Asia and has been sustaining children for centuries. When it comes to food and travelling, the rule is to keep it simple, just like our forefathers did.

Well-behaved with a plate of pasta at Mario Batali's Babbo in New York City

Another plate of pasta at Le Tourville, Paris

Ravioli at Les Quinze Nuits in Barcelona

Enjoying her first tagine at the Djemaa El Fna in Marrakech

A cup of freshly squeezed orange juice in Marrakech

Travelling teaches your toddler early independence and gives them a headstart on this valuable life lesson. Spending enjoyable time outdoor means that your child is developing a good regimen for exercise and activity. Meanwhile, learning about a new country creates a blueprint for imaginative exploration.

Some parents may think that children don't remember travel anyway, so why bother? I beg to differ. I am an advocate of children and travelling! Even though kids may not remember specific details of a trip, their powerful minds would have absorbed the gamut of emotions attached to travelling - the excitement of spotting their favourite safari animal; the joy of riding local transportation; the wonder of hearing a foreign language; the delight of exploring a new landscape; the pleasure of immersing in another culture. These feelings will all add up favourably to a child's EQ (Emotional Quotient - the other measure of capacity and ability).

Making friends with a stray kitty in Havana

More stray kitty moments in Essaouira

Making a connection

I think she likes her...

So, if you do have the means to travel with your family, do it! Remember, even though it's not always smooth sailing on the road, with a little teamwork on the parents' part, it is possible to have a relaxing vacation with your toddler. Trust me, the experience is priceless - for you and for your child.

Travels with our daughter G: 2007 - Southern Italy and Greece / 2008 - Cuba and New York / 2009 -Paris, Barcelona, and around Morocco