A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. — Oliver Wendell Holmes
Although traveling with children can be a lesson in patience, it is profoundly rewarding. It allowed me to experience the world’s wonder through my daughter’s eyes. I still remember her delight with meeting the Little Mermaid in Disney World or her joyful squeals riding a carousel in Paris. Every experience for her, no matter where it was, was an adventure. And traveling as a family gave her the safety to explore new cultures and even creatures without fear.
She quickly learned the six big lessons travel teaches all of us.
Flexibility — Travel teaches children that other countries do not operate on their timetable, that all of us have to adapt to crowded trains, late planes, and unexpected accidents. For example, as we struggled once with a flat tire in Mexico, we had to speak Spanish and deal with the insurance agent, the tow truck driver, and a representative from our credit card company. My daughter learned that not everything goes as planned and courtesy with a smile works in any language.
Food — Discovering different cuisines is a wonderful part of travel. My daughter fell in love with tropical fruit juices in Playa del Carmen, sweet scones in London, couscous from Tunisia, buttermilk biscuits and…
