Raising Curious, Confident Kids Through Travel
Travel Is a Gift That Lasts
🌴 From Jamaica, With Love
As I sit here on the open-air deck, listening to the reggae music playing in the background, the gentle Caribbean island breeze swirling around my skin, I’m watching the waves crash to the shore while my daughter plays in the sand. Today, I am feeling full of gratitude that my daughter and I have been provided the opportunities to travel. I am reminded why travel matters, especially for kids.
I’ve never been one to think that material things are what spoil my daughter. I prefer to spoil her with experiences and memories. She doesn’t get everything she wants—but she’s close! More and more, I realize she might remember having certain things, but the memories won’t stick like the experiences will. Those are what she’ll carry with her.
She will remember making friends and spending the whole day in the water. She will remember coming to Jamaica with her mom and this beautiful experience. These are the “things” I want her to have more than material items. Not only is she getting these memories with me—she’s making friends, having fun, meeting new people, and learning through exposure. She sees how others live, how they speak, what they eat. She’s gaining insight without even realizing it.
She’s curious and asking questions. We’ve talked about the weather—why the hotel lobby doesn’t have windows and is open-air (because it doesn’t snow here like it does in Michigan). She’s asked about the waves, and we learned how to flow with them—not fear them. We’ve snorkeled and witnessed colorful marine life in its natural habitat.
I sometimes forget that travel is much more than an escape from everyday life. It’s about the journey and the real-life lessons we learn outside the classroom. The world is a classroom, and children are always learning. There is only so much teachers and education systems can provide—the rest is up to us.
🌎 The Educational Impact of Travel
In the classroom, we may learn about geography. We can point to the Caribbean Sea or locate Jamaica on a map. We might discuss weather differences between Michigan and Jamaica. But hearing about something and experiencing it are completely different.
From leaving Michigan bundled in jackets to landing in a tropical island needing shorts and tanks—now she truly understands the contrast. We’ve learned about security in different countries—how some airports require removing shoes, while others don’t. We’ve talked about budgeting, the value of money, and how prices vary internationally.
We even discuss how businesses price items differently in resort areas to make a profit. We notice how familiar brands appear under different names or how regional cuisine differs. We’re used to potatoes at home—here, it’s rice. We love BBQ chicken back home—here, we’re introduced to spicy jerk chicken. And we hear the difference in accents and dialects. English is widely spoken here, but so is Jamaican Patois—a beautiful mix of West African, Spanish, and other cultural influences.
These are lessons no classroom can truly teach. Travel gives her the kind of hands-on, heart-filled education she might never get otherwise.
🤝 The Social & Emotional Impact
Although Devyn is an only child, she’s social and loves making friends. Sometimes she gets shy, but I encourage her to introduce herself. She watches how other kids interact with their peers, parents, and adults—valuable learning in itself.
Here in Jamaica, we’ve experienced a melting pot of people. Many families are from the Midwest—Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin. We even met a family just a few towns over from us in Michigan! She’s going through a self-confidence phase, and I’ve seen travel helping her grow. She’s been herself. She’s been included. She’s been collaborative.
She’s seeing different perspectives and learning to respect other lifestyles. Her curiosity blooms through travel. She asks questions about why things are done differently—and I love that about her. Curiosity and a hunger for learning will take her far in life.
Travel helps her be flexible. We make plans, but we adapt. When it rained during our catamaran snorkel tour, we danced on the boat. We snorkeled between showers, ate delicious jerk chicken and red peas and rice at Rick’s Cafe, and embraced the day. That kind of spontaneity is powerful.
This is also why I created family retreats. Some destinations don’t have other kids for Devyn to play with. I know I’m not the only solo parent—and she’s not the only only child. These retreats build support systems. They give parents connection and kids built-in friends. And those relationships? I hope they last far beyond the trip.
🌍 The Cultural Impact: A Global Lens on Life
Travel has broadened both Devyn’s view and mine. We’ve tried new foods, explored cultures, and experienced local music and customs. We’ve learned that there’s not just one right way to live. Our way isn’t always the best or only way.
Diverse perspectives enrich our lives. The seemingly small cultural differences we encounter are deeply impactful. Travel fosters open-mindedness, empathy, and appreciation for inclusion.
“Travel teaches our children that there are endless ways to live, love, and celebrate—and that their way is just one beautiful version.”
😎 And Let’s Be Honest… It’s FUN!
Of course, travel is fun. It’s exciting, joyful, vibrant. We dance. We explore. We break routines. She gets to see me relax, laugh, and enjoy life—not just “mom on a schedule.” And I get to see her thrive—learning, playing, laughing.
These are the reasons I make travel a priority. The importance of family travel goes beyond what she could experience at home. These moments shape a curious, compassionate, culturally aware young woman. That’s my goal. To show her the world and help her feel it’s hers to explore.
I’ve also brought my niece and nephew on trips. Instead of toys for birthdays or holidays, I want to give them something lasting—family travel. It builds connection, creates memories, and strengthens our bond.
These aren’t just vacations. They’re values and experiences I’m passing down.
“Our kids won’t remember every toy we bought them, but they’ll remember how it felt to jump into the sea in a brand new country, hand-in-hand with someone who showed them the world”
