Inspiring Young Travelers!

Start 'Em Young: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Travel

As a mom, a travel agent, and someone who’s had the joy of helping families plan unforgettable adventures for years, I can tell you this: wanderlust starts young. Some of the best travelers I’ve met—yes, even the kids who are calm through customs or thrilled about museum visits—didn’t just wake up one day travel-ready. They were raised that way.

If you want your kids to grow up curious about the world, confident in new places, and even helpful when it comes to planning your next trip (yes, it’s possible!), here’s what I’ve seen work wonders—both in my own family and with clients over the years:

📚 Let Them Plan

Hand them a guidebook or even just a few links and say, “What looks fun to you?” You’d be surprised how excited kids get when they’re involved in picking a restaurant or pointing out something they saw on a map. Some of the most memorable family trips I’ve helped plan were shaped by a kid’s random request—from “Can we eat where the locals eat?” to “I read about this castle, can we go?”

🧳 Let Them Pack

Give your kids a packing list and let them take ownership. Sure, you’ll want to double-check that a swimsuit made it into the suitcase, but trusting them to pack their favorite shirt or pajamas gives them confidence—and honestly, it teaches responsibility way faster than a lecture.

🍭 Build in Little Treats

When I was planning a family’s long-haul trip to Europe, I suggested a fun pre-flight tradition: give each kid a small amount of local currency to pick out a treat or souvenir once they land. It keeps them engaged, excited, and gives them a bit of autonomy. It doesn’t have to be expensive—just something they own.

🌍 Normalize Other Cultures

Want a confident traveler? Help them feel connected to the world even when they’re home. Encourage shows, books, or games that explore different countries. Growing up, many of us played Carmen Sandiego or flipped through National Geographic Kids—we were learning, even if we didn’t realize it.

🌐 Language = Confidence

I always recommend introducing kids to the basics of a language before a trip. Even just “please,” “thank you,” and “hello” can spark confidence and respect. Bonus points if they get to use it to order gelato or croissants!

🥐 Give Them Trust

On one trip, a client shared how her seven-year-old was in charge of going down the street in France to pick up croissants for breakfast. It was just a few blocks—but the pride in that child’s face said it all. Giving your kids small responsibilities while traveling (even if it's just navigating on Google Maps or ordering their own food) gives them a sense of place and independence.

🎒 Let Them Be the Tour Guide

I’ve started suggesting this to parents with older kids: assign a day or a location to your child. Let them do some research ahead of time and share facts or stories when you get there. One client said their son planned a mini “walking tour” in Rome, and now he’s begging to plan their next adventure. It’s that spark of ownership that makes them excited to learn and explore.

🍛 Make Room for Adventure (and Chicken Nuggets)

Encourage kids to try something new at each meal. One bite. That’s it. No pressure to love it—just to try. And if the rest of the meal is fries and chicken fingers? That’s okay too. Travel should be exciting, not stressful.

🧘‍♀️ Build in Downtime

I always remind families to pause. Not every moment has to be scheduled. Kids (and adults!) need space to wander, nap, or even play with a stick in a random park. The “unscripted” moments are often the most magical.

Raising kids who love to travel is about more than booking flights and checking off landmarks. It’s about trust, curiosity, shared memories, and giving them space to grow. As a travel advisor, it’s one of my greatest joys to help families start that journey together.

Want help planning your family’s next adventure—or just want to know where the best kid-friendly gelato shop in Florence is? I’ve got you. ✈️💼