I speak a lot on this website about travelling with kids and today, I have a different take on this thanks to my friend, Janet Dieman, who is an inspirational grandma who travels with her grand kids. 

I know some of my best memories growing up were exploring the Tasmanian countryside in my grandparent’s campervan, and I have to agree with everything Janet has to say about travel cementing relationships. Read below and be inspired in this special guest post!

One day when you look in the mirror, you’ll see someone who looks like me.

I call myself The Grammy Who Travels With Kids.

But, you’re not there yet.

Janet exploring with her grandson

At this point you’ve discovered the riches of travel and share those treasures with your children. You could not give them a better gift or a more important education. You are, of course, raising children who have a more diverse perspective on life and a broader understanding of the world. We can only wonder how these early experiences will shape their future.

You live in a time when travel for a young family is possible. This would not have been an option when I was your age. Go for it. Grab all you can. Connect. Learn. Enjoy.

Experiencing a different culture has many benefits. Most are obvious – seeing different things, eating new foods, hearing unfamiliar languages, experiencing ethnic and cultural traditions, etc.

The greatest benefit of all, however, is the opportunity for family bonding and memory making. I know nothing that cements relationships more solidly than being an island in an unfamiliar sea of humanity and living it together. The experience of shared travel provides endless reflections that start with “Remember when…”

But I’m preaching to the choir. You travel, so you already know all this.

Have you considered yet another dimension of relationship building your children may not have experienced?

Intergenerational travel. Your parents paired with your kids.

When you put these two generations together, magic happens.

If your parents are like most, they cherish their grandchildren. However, they seldom have time alone with them. When grandparents and grandchildren travel together, they experience the same rewards you enjoy. More importantly, they build bonds and make memories.

Benefits of intergenerational travel

• Your children benefit from the wisdom and perspective your parents garnered over a lifetime.
• Your children strengthen a link to their heritage, especially if your parents relate stories about their parents and grandparents. Your children are grounded by those who came before.
• Your parents benefit from the priceless joy of time alone with their grandchildren.
• You benefit from a little time off duty. Not that you don’t love your kids. But, a change of pace is always welcome.

Consider the gifts of intergenerational travel for your parents and children. I invite you and your parents to visit my website where you’ll find tips to plan such a trip. 

We will all be the richer for it.

Janet also writes some awesome, interactive kids’ books about travel with her grand kids. Both me and my kids particularly love them. You can see them here.