How Traveling with Kids Changed Everything for Me

 

Before having kids, travel was all about spontaneity, speed, and ticking off bucket-list experiences. Now, as a parent, travel looks slower, softer — and surprisingly, far more rewarding. Parenthood transformed how I move through the world, and in that shift, I’ve found something deeper than just “seeing the sights.”

The Race Is Over: Embracing Slow Travel

Gone are the days of cramming five cities into one week or staying out until midnight. With kids, everything slows down — from packing to sightseeing. And while it may seem restrictive, this slow pace invites presence. You notice more. You remember more. You feel more.

Letting Go of “Perfect Itineraries”

Perfection dies quickly when toddlers are involved. Plans change. Museums are skipped. Meltdowns happen in the middle of scenic viewpoints. But in surrendering control, I’ve found joy in the unexpected — a playground in Madrid, a café in a quiet alley in Kyoto, a dance party in an Airbnb kitchen.

Seeing the World Through Their Eyes

Children notice things adults overlook — a dog in a window, a bird’s song, the taste of a new fruit. Their wonder becomes contagious. I’ve started seeing familiar destinations anew, not through a guidebook, but through the fresh, honest lens of a curious child.

Challenges and Growth

Yes, travel with kids is hard. There are tantrums on planes, forgotten pacifiers, and moments of deep fatigue. But there’s also growth — both for the child and the parent. We become more adaptable, more patient, more grounded.

Connection Over Checklist

Pre-parenthood, travel was about doing. Now, it’s about being — being with my kids, being present in a moment, being open to less. That shift has made travel more enriching than I ever expected.

I used to think becoming a parent meant sacrificing adventure. In truth, it just changed what adventure looks like. And I wouldn’t go back.