It goes without saying that my husband and I adore travelling. We are currently planning one of our next trips and I am getting incredibly excited about it! Thankfully, my daughter shares our passion too. Well, she didn’t really have much option, did she? But starting her early has helped her to view travel as being a normal part of our lives and to enjoy and embrace the experience.
As discussed in my recent post (Should parents face holiday fines?), I am a huge advocate for travel and believe children learn so much from experiencing new sights, smells and cultures. Mrs T gets excited about going in a supermarket trolley so you can imagine what she thinks about travelling on an aeroplane and going to a completely new place!
Here are ten things she particularly loves about travel.
1. The Aeroplane
Mrs T has flown since she was just 9 weeks old and loves everything to do with the airport and flying. She finds it fascinating to watch the aeroplanes taking off and landing and spotting them on the tarmac. She embraces the whole flying experience: getting attention from the cabin staff, finding her seat, eating the food and snacks and being able to watch the iPad and TV. Going on an aeroplane is just another extension of our big, holiday adventure.
2. Beach
We have come a long way since she refused to walk on the sand back in Langkawi when she was 18 months old. She has cracked the fear and it is a pleasure to see her enjoying some beach time. She now attempts to make sandcastles (with help), does lots of digging and generally gets sand absolutely everywhere. Oh, and puts buckets on her head, of course.
She also likes to find shells, stones and unfortunately uncovers the odd fag end too! With the warm seas of Dubai, it was perfect for her to have a splash and ‘swim’ in the sea.
3. Swimming pool
The pool is a big hit. This year, at two years old, it has really come into its own and all she wants to do is go in (which can get a bit exhausting). Paul and I duly take it in turns to play in the pool with her and attempt to teach her to swim.
4. Culture
Perhaps this is a teensy bit of wishful thinking. She is only two, after all. But I do believe she loves a bit of culture. She finds excitement in exploring different buildings and places, whether it be visiting a mosque in Oman or ancient Roman ruins in Spain. As she gets older, this will only sink in more and it is good to get her used to such excursions. We don’t usually stay too long at a place and we can’t perhaps explore as much as WE would like but we get a balance. In my opinion, there is no better way to introduce children to different cultures, help them get an understanding of the world and its beauty and to also help teach tolerance and understanding about different people, language and places.
5. New AccommodationI get incredibly excited when I arrive at our new holiday accommodation, let alone my daughter! She runs through the room, picks everything up which isn’t nailed down and gives it an excited once-over whether we are staying in a villa or hotel. She makes herself at home very quickly. It always amazes me how adaptable young children are. When we were in Chicago for a prolonged time she treated the hotel as if it was her home – just much bigger and with a lot more people. She would wave and chat to the staff, loved pressing the lift buttons and seemed to have a ball.
6. FoodThere is so much selection and different tastes to try when you go abroad! She especially likes hotel buffet breakfasts – so much food to chose from! Sure, sometimes it can be hard to find something she might love but she’s is pretty good at trying new things. In Asia, she loved the char siu buns, noodles and she always seems more than willing to try different dishes when we are abroad. Daddy’s crab soup was a hit in Dubai – posh tastes, ay, just a shame she isn’t so posh when it comes to eating it!
7. Getting lots of attention from us
You can’t beat family time and holidays encapsulate this; the chance to spend quality time together: laugh together, go swimming together, play in the sand together and go on ‘adventures’ together. She gets a lot of attention from us and she just loves it. It’s great for us to all be together doing exciting things and relaxing. We obviously adore hanging out with her, seeing her excitement at the smallest things and wondering what is going to come out of her mouth next.
8. Getting lots of attention from others
She gets a teensy bit spoiled by us when on holiday – that is standard – but she also gets a lot of fuss from complete strangers too! Aside from her being exceptionally cute, a lot of this boils down to the curly mop on her head.
There is something about Mrs T’s hair that people are fascinated with, even in the UK, so you can imagine the interest she gets when we go to Asia where most people have dark, straight hair and blonde is a bit of a novelty. She gets so many compliments with lots of people just wanting to touch it. For the most part she really likes it unless we are in a really busy place and she gets a bit freaked out. It has got to them point where she has started complimenting herself saying “I’ve got lovely hair”. Got to love her.
9. Lollies/ice creamIt is standard holiday fare and getting the chance to eat some sugary treats is a big holiday pull. We recently discovered Chupa Chups which went down very well in Spain – until she kept dropping them in the sand! Yuck. I was secretly pleased, glad that at least her teeth would be spared. Ice cream is always a hit too!
10. Other kids
Our recent holiday consisted of plenty of children. Mrs T LOVED being around them and with 11 children, of varying ages, it really helped bring the youngest ones on. They learn so much. The children amused each other and it was great to have her (almost) constantly entertained. When it is just the three of us, Mrs T often finds a holiday friend! It’s so cute.
What do you children love about travel and going to new places? I would love to get your thoughts and experiences…just comment below.
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Such a fun list – I agree, my daughter loves the plane too, it’s all part of the experience. Definitely the beach and ice cream top her list but one of the best things for me is discovering unexpected things she loves – our last trip surprised me when she had a great time at an art gallery!
Cathy ( MummyTravels ) recently posted…Why I’d like child-free sections on planes
Ha- yes that’s true! There always something. Oooh art galleries – she’s a culture vulture then ? Mrs T doesn’t mind them but we can never stay too long… Always a whistle stop tour but love their interpretations of the art x
Our holidays have completely changed since having a child (more pool and beach) but I still believe that short cultural trips are important too. So many museums and galleries now have kid friendly activities that make the experiences fun too.
Catherine recently posted…Are you going on a farm holiday? Pack a story set on a farm!
Yes definitely! There’s so many great museums that are set up for children so there is something for everyone x
Very adventurous child you have there. I used to be a travel jourmalist so travelled all over the lpace but have to concede I don’t travel anything like as much now I have two kids. One would be easier! Anyone, much of your list applies ot our eldest. She’s at an age where such experiences make sense. #PoCoLo
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Oh wow John, I didn’t realise you were a travel journalist – how fab to have gone all over…you must miss it. Yes, can imagine it all gets a bit tougher with more than one child! x
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) recently posted…10 Reasons My Daughter Loves Travel
What a great list! She’s so lucky to see the world 🙂 such a jet setter x love your photos btw #PoCoLo
Baby Isabella recently posted…Billy no mates.
Thank you xx She’s very lucky! I never did any of this when I was young so making up for it now x
That is one fabulous list and it’s hardly surprising that your daughter loves to travel… she’s been inspired by parents who love to explore the world. My daughters are all grown up now and have travelled a lot… one is currently working in the US for the summer and plans to trek after finishing her contract before coming home again. This is what happens!!
Izzie Anderton recently posted…How to love your own company
Thank you! I do hope we can be an inspiration to her – that’s all you can really ask for, isn’t it? Sounds like your children certainly have too. Have fabulous she is enjoying the U.S and making the most of her time over there. Exciting! x
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) recently posted…10 Reasons My Daughter Loves Travel
Love this! It makes me mad when people don’t travel ‘because they have kids’. I love it and they love it too #PoCoLo
Rebecca U recently posted…Tips for Planning a Road Trip Abroad
Exactly!! It’s no excuse ? They adore it! Xx
Great list! Your daughter is very lucky to be so well travelled. We’ve not taken the kids anywhere yet, my husband isn’t a big fan of warm weather and I’m terrified of flying, but I would love to take the kids to explore somewhere far away! Maybe one day x
BloggerMummyLauren recently posted…Talking PANTS With NSPCC – The Underwear Rule
Yes Lauren, give it a go…maybe somewhere cooler? There are so many people who have a fear of flying, I was surprised at the response I had after blogging about a wobble I had the other month on a flight. xx
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) recently posted…10 Reasons My Daughter Loves Travel
Its great for kids to travel. We have no such problems in Australia with getting fined for taking kids out of school YET?.
I hope it stays that way Mark – causing a bit of a stir over here! Thanks for stopping by x
My daughter used to do the same thing with the sand on the beach. Or the playground. Or pretty much anywhere there was sand. It’s so good that they get over THAT one!
Crysta @ WellWornSuitcase recently posted…Tennessee: An Elvis Fan Visits Graceland
Totally! Haha. I’m glad she wasn’t the only one. It was so frustrating – I LOVE the beach and she would cry when we went on it! X
Awnnnn I love this post haha
She definitely loves to travel! I really hope mine will be just the same one day.
Thank you so much for joining #MondayEscapes
Packing my Suitcase recently posted…Saving money while in Paris
If they are like their parents, they definitely will! Xx
What a fun list I must do one for the Toddler! We love all things aeroplane, I panicked at what I would do with him on my own in the airport. Fear not. We watched planes. For 2 hours. Nose glued to window! I agree that we need to instill a love of travel in the kiddos! #mondayescapes
Laura @ Life with Baby Kicks recently posted…Food for Thought; Peanut Butter Cookies
Haha! Brilliant!! They just love them, don’t they. Xxx
Lucky girl to be such a little jet setter already. That’s really cool that she enjoys it so much and adapts so well. Your photos are lovely. I can’t get over her curls- beautiful.
#bestandworst
PS. Maybe you meant ‘crab’ soup at point 6?
Mama, My Kid Doesn’t Poop Rainbows recently posted…6 Reasons Why Having a One Year Old Rocks
Lol – that would make more sense- thanks x The curls are incredible – hope they stay! Xx
Fab post Elizabeth and I love all of the amazing places that you guys have been to…looks great! These pictures are so beautiful and fun and capture the joy of travelling with kids. I know a lot of people that wont travel with kids or find as many ways as possible to not have to (go solo) but I love to take my kids on adventures, show them the world, let them taste new foods, learn of different people and their lives and the absolutely do love it.
Of course weve had the odd city break alone 2/3 days but we both love to be a family in a new place and have experiences all together and I think my list would be the same as yours x #bestandworst
Thank you Mary! Sounds like we are totally on the same page! I get so much out of seeing her in new places and experiencing everything it has to offer. And yes, the odd mini break as a couple is fabulous. xx
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) recently posted…10 Reasons My Daughter Loves Travel
Love this 🙂 I think so much of how children feel about experiences is down to how you present them and you clearly make the most of every minute of hols! Love it ?
Thanks Jen, we do love our hols and you are right about it being down to you and how you present and enjoy the experience. If you are passionate about something, it will rub off. Xx
Found your blog through #bestandworst 🙂
Jen – Spring Mum recently posted…The dark before the dawn.Â
Oh what a lovely post! Got to love that she compliments her own her hair, fab! She is a very well travelled little tot isn’t she! My little boy has been abroad since he was 16 weeks old, we go every year usually to France. We haven’t braved flying yet though……Thanks for linking a lovely post up to the #bestandworst 🙂 x
Helen Gandy recently posted…Saving for a Wedding?
Thank you! Love France – bet he loves it. Flying isn’t too bad especially when they get older. Thanks for hosting #bestandworst
So many lovely reasons to travel and so glad that your daughter enjoys it so much. My girls love hotel rooms too although we’re quite restricted travel-wise as my eldest is not allowed to fly because of her heart. I can imagine that being in an aeroplane must be very exciting for a little one. Love your daughter’s curls by the way, they are just gorgeous and her saying “I’ve got lovely hair” is adorable 🙂
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love) recently posted…St Werburghs City Farm
Thanks Louise! The curls are mental and it’s great she loves to travel. Will your eldest be able to fly in the future? I bet you have perfected the road trip – so many places to see and go to in the car. Xx
All the same reasons I love to travel! (especially the lollies) 🙂 Love you blog…I am visiting from #mondayescapes…
Thank you Diana! Yes, Lollies rock. Ha. Thanks for visiting. Xxx
Aww, lovely pictures and great reasons to travel and introduce children to travel! I wish we could travel more, the boys love it, we just don’t have the finances. When we were in Italy this year O was complimented on his lovely hair too, also curly and blonde! I guess it’s just quite unusual! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves recently posted…Strathspey Railway – Steam Trains and Cake
Thank you! It’s great and there are lots of places in the UK we have yet to explore too. Ah, a fellow curly headed child. They love it, don’t they! Xx