We know travel is good for us, but what about the kids. A life on the road without school, without stability and most importantly…without friends, why would anyone choose to do this to their kids??
We know what we think, but we decided to actually put some of the research in (so you don’t have to) to actually find the solid evidence of is travel good for kids?
Travelling isn’t just about checking places off a list—it quite literally rewires our brains.
Every new experience, culture, and adventure our kids encounter helps build new neural pathways, making them more creative, adaptable, and open-minded.
And let’s be honest—between school, screens, and the routine of everyday life, a little brain rewiring can only be a good thing!
Travel makes us happy
The truth is, experiences make us happier than material things. Kids may forget about that expensive toy in a week, but they’ll never forget the time they snorkled with sharks, slept under the stars in the Sahara desert, or saw the inside of a pyramid in Egypt.
And if things don’t go as planned? Well, a travel mishap today is just a great story for later.
In recent years, more families have ditched the classic package holidays in favour of full-blown, immersive adventures—bringing their kids along to explore the big, wide world. And as it turns out, science is totally on their side.
Travel encourages cultural awareness
Research shows that travel enhances cognitive development in children by exposing them to new languages, customs, and ways of thinking.
Studies from the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA) found that 76% of teachers noticed increased cultural awareness in students after travel experiences—proving that seeing the world is one of the best education tools out there.
Even small experiences—like figuring out how to use a different currency, navigating a new city, or trying an unfamiliar food—stimulate brain growth.
And yes, that means even the time they refused to eat bugs in Bangkok was technically a learning experience.
Travel Builds Confidence and Resilience
Travel forces kids out of their comfort zones in the best way possible. Whether they’re ordering gelato in Italy, climbing a hill at sunrise in Sri Lanka, or simply dealing with a long flight, they’re learning how to adapt, problem-solve, and gain independence.
A whopping 69% of teachers say that travel boosts kids’ self-esteem, confidence, and sense of independence.
In other words, that nervous kid who once hid behind your leg might just be leading the way through an airport next time.
It Teaches Kids to Embrace the Unexpected
Let’s be real: travel rarely goes 100% according to plan. There will be wrong turns, lost luggage, and that one time you order something off the menu that you thought was chicken but… wasn’t.
And that’s okay!
Learning to roll with the punches teaches kids adaptability and patience—essential skills for life.
Bonus? These “oops” moments often turn into the best travel memories. No one reminisces about the perfectly smooth taxi ride—but everyone remembers the time they accidentally took the wrong train and ended up discovering the best little café in the city.
Travel Strengthens Family Bonds
When you’re traveling, you’re spending real, quality time together—without the distractions of work, school, or TikTok (well, hopefully).
Families that travel together create stronger bonds, shared experiences, and inside jokes that last a lifetime.
And yes, there will be a time when your kids actually appreciate all those memories (even if it takes them until adulthood to admit it).
Educational BenEfits
Kids who travel do better in school
According to research from the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA), travel isn’t just fun for kids—it actually makes them smarter, more confident, and better at handling life. Who knew that chasing pigeons in a foreign square could be so educational?
The World Is a Classroom (Cliched I know!)
Teachers (and not just me and Jak!) also agree that kids learn more from seeing the world than from a textbook. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, navigating a new city, or just figuring out foreign bathroom signs (very important skill!), travel boosts cultural awareness and understanding. In fact, 76% of teachers say their students become more culturally aware after traveling. So, yes, that trip to Paris really can count as a history lesson!
Travel Supercharges Brain Development
Want to give your child a head start in life? Take your kids traveling- it’s good for them. Experiencing the world firsthand accelerates cognitive and social development in ways that a classroom simply can’t.
Educational researchers call it “play-based learning,” and it’s exactly what it sounds like—kids absorbing knowledge naturally through exploration, curiosity, and hands-on experience.
Travel forces kids to think, adapt, and grow.
And if you need hard data to back it up, check this out: a study from the “Travel Effect” project surveyed 2,500 adults and found that those who traveled regularly as kids had:
✅ Higher grades in school
✅ Greater educational attainment
✅ 12% higher-than-average incomes (yes, really!)
So, while that family trip might feel like a bit of fun, what you’re actually doing is shaping your child’s future success so I would count that as travel is good for kids.
Travel is the Ultimate Crash Course in Culture & History
Textbooks are great, but nothing beats experiencing history and culture in real life. Instead of just reading about Tutankhamun, kids can walk inside the tomb and see the treasures.
Instead of memorizing Greek vocabulary, they can practice ordering gyros in Athens (and quickly learn that food is the best language lesson).
Through travel, kids absorb:
New languages – even just picking up common phrases boosts linguistic skills.
Cultural traditions – from food to festivals, experiencing a new way of life firsthand is eye-opening.
History & philosophy – suddenly, ancient ruins and historical landmarks aren’t just pages in a book—they’re real.
Travel Boosts Creativity & Problem-Solving Skills
Ever noticed how kids see the world differently?
Give them a cardboard box, and it’s suddenly a spaceship, a castle, or a time machine. Now imagine what exposing them to multiple cultures, environments, and ways of thinking can do for their creativity.
Studies show that kids who are exposed to multicultural experiences develop stronger cognitive skills, higher adaptability, and a broader sense of imagination.
That’s because new sights, sounds, and smells stimulate all five senses, helping them:
Think outside the box – seeing how different people solve problems in different cultures expands their own creative thinking.
Embrace new perspectives – understanding different worldviews makes them better at critical thinking and problem-solving.
Become more resourceful – whether it’s figuring out how to communicate in a foreign country or making the most of what they have, travel teaches kids to adapt.
So, next time your child comes up with a wild, creative idea after a trip—just remember, it’s their brain rewiring itself to think bigger and bolder.
Enhanced Social-Emotional Development
The 2023 Family Travel Association (FTA) survey revealed that family travel reduces feelings of isolation in children (58%), encourages adventurous eating habits (48%) (unfortunately this one comes with absolutely no guarantees), and increases comfort around strangers (44%).
Worldschooling: A different kind of education
Worldschooling is a different kind of education. It’s an educational philosophy and lifestyle that embraces the world as the classroom.
Worldschoolers learn by experiencing the world firsthand. They are curious and open-minded, and they have a natural love of learning.
And is not just about travel. It’s about exposing your children to different cultures and worldviews, and giving them the opportunity to learn in a variety of settings.
Worldschoolers often have more flexibility than traditional students when it comes to their education. They can design their own curriculum, choose where and when they learn, and tailor their education to their individual needs and interests.
Benefits of Worldschooling
Worldschoolers develop strong social skills, independence, and confidence. They learn how to think critically and creatively, and they gain a global perspective on the world.
Worldschooling can also be cheaper than traditional schooling, since you don’t have to pay for tuition or textbooks. And it’s a great way to bond with your children as you explore new places together.
Is travel good for kids?
At the end of the day, travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about shaping young minds, broadening perspectives, and creating lifelong memories. From rewiring their brains for creativity and adaptability to teaching them resilience, confidence, and cultural awareness, the benefits of travel for kids go far beyond what we might see in the moment.
Sure, there will be meltdowns. There will be lost socks, questionable street snacks, and at least one instance where you question your life choices mid-airport tantrum. But there will also be unforgettable experiences, deeper family bonds, and a future filled with curiosity and open-mindedness—and that makes it all worth it.
So, if you’re debating whether to take the trip—do it. Even the mishaps will become part of the adventure, and one day, your kids will thank you for it (probably not today, but someday).
The Worldschool Coach; Our mission is to empower families like yours to confidently embark on a journey of discovery, exploration, and learning that unfolds across the globe.
Join an experienced teacher and worldschool parent to unlock your confidence, gain clarity, unpack resources and strategies to tailor your bespoke educational plan.
Our Favourite family planning tools
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site with the widest selection of budget accommodation. It’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss.
- Kiwi– We use Kiwi for our destination inspiration, and to help find those routes which are a little cheaper. It has a very flexible search option for finding flights.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is the place to go for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A great travel insurance option that offers load of flexibility.
- Genki – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel, gap years and digital nomads (including those who have already left home).
- Wise– Our go to for all international spending and transfers. Get a fee free transfer of 500GBP with our link
- ESim– We always set up an esim for arrival into a country to help navigate our way around.
- Discover Cars– Our go to for rentals, internationally. We always find the best deals here
- 12go– Our go to for booking buses, trains, coaches and boats
- TravelSpend– Helps us to keep track of our budget
Meet the author
Jak is co founder of Boston Tribe Travels. He has lived and travelled abroad for over 15 years with his family. He has taught in International schools around the world as a primary teacher and leader. He now travels full time with his family, worldschooling and coaching other families to follow their worldschool dream.
