Travels are both enjoyable and stressful. If "Im a backpacker" was your thing in the past, your travelling philosophy will definitely change once you book a flight with your child.
Yes, it is tiring to travel with a tot. But let me tell you some benefits of exposing them to a whole new world at an early age.
PROVIDES STIMULATION.
Skyscrapers, green grass, buses and trains, bright lights-- all these are absorbed by their sponge-like minds. They create meaning with what they hear, see, smell, taste and touch. Our daughter was quite busy looking at the huge crowd crossing the streets or riding the train especially during rush hour. Here in Manila, although we see them, we don't really get to experience crossing streets except in our quiet neighbourhood. We also got to try different types of food both from the streets and restos. Our child is in her picky-eater stage so sometimes we had to opt for safe bets like Mcdo. Surprisingly, their Mcdo has a different set of menu so us too were happy to try new eats!
INCREASES VOCAB.
As you go along the trip, you point at certain objects and give its names to your child. In our case when we went to Hong Kong, our daughter kept on pointing at Finding Dory posters we see in the MTR. "Dory! Dory!" She also enjoyed looking at bright lights, little children ( she even played with some), and super cars! (Oh yes, this girl got taste).
ADAPTATION.
Hong Kong is not extremely opposite to our country since we have the same humid weather and busy streets. Like us adults, we had to adapt to their culture. You have to somewhat talk like them and to move fast! We also had to be careful not to offend the people living there who were of different races and religion. Exposing your child to these differences will help her in the future become more adapt to the environment- in school and community.
BONDING TIME.
Although we're fortunate to be spending more time with our child regularly, it's still different when it's just us three and in a different country. We had to divide our tasks so our trip will run smoothly. Unlike here in Manila when most of us are used to having helping hands, we had to carefully plan out our day and make sure to bring everything not for ourselves, but for our daughter. Because of that, we became a team which made us enjoy our trip more.
Again, travelling with a tot can be tiring but just remember all those memories and even the mistakes you encountered along the way. It's a way to prepare yourself in your next family adventure. How about you, are you planning your fist trip with your child?
