5 Reasons to Keep Traveling After Having Kids

“Travel as much as you can before you have kids!” As women, we are repeatedly told this, leading us to believe that we will no longer be able to satisfy our appetite for wanderlust once motherhood begins. But the truth is, having children doesn’t have to stop you from exploring the world. Travelling still has many benefits even after kids are brought into the picture. While there are some legitimate reasons to be apprehensive, let your free spirit win over! In case you’re not totally convinced, here 5 reasons to keep travelling once you have kids:

They say you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first. And since travel replenishes your mind and spirit in a way that nothing else can, you should definitely keep doing it, especially now that you are taking on a new role as a mother. It’s important to care for yourself and hold on to your identity and interests so that you can have a healthy relationship with your children and family.

Think about all the interesting moments during your travels where you interacted with other cultures. Now think about the impact this type of exposure could have on developing minds. Travel bridges cultural divides and can open young minds to unlimited possibilities in life. In the long run, you will do yourself and society a favour by raising tolerant, informed global citizens.

As parents, it’s easy to get stuck in a routine and comfort zone, which can eventually develop into a fear of change. Although it’s instinctive to fear the unknown, travel reminds us to embrace it and forces us to work through challenges and fears as they appear. Remember, being in control is only an illusion, so why not let go and see what incredible experiences the universe has in store for you and your family.

Contrary to popular belief, the experience of making incredible memories while travelling the world doesn’t actually have to end after having kids! Now you can keep the magic alive with your new travel buddy in tow. Adventuring with your children can be a fun and out-of-the-ordinary experience for both you and them, giving you the chance to forge unforgettable family memories and close bonds.

Children become our whole world when they come into our lives. While taking care of them full-time, we can sometimes become lost in worries about the future. But travelling to new exotic locations with breathtaking scenery pulls us out of our thoughts straight into the present moment. We suddenly find ourselves paying attention to what’s happening in front of us: the smell of the salty ocean breeze, the taste of fresh seafood or local dishes or the sound of children playing on the street in a foreign city. Interacting with other cultures can also teach us to slow down and savour each moment of our lives.

Parenthood is undeniably the beginning of a whole new chapter in the story of your life, but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be any mention of travelling for the rest of the book. Remember to nurture the adventurous side of your personality as it’s an important part of who you are. There’s still a world of endless experiences out there, so whether you choose to see it solo–or bring the kids with you and ignite their wanderlust–is totally up to you.