Before we had children, my husband and I were devoted travelers. Our demanding careers made us crave the thrill of escaping into the unknown. But we didn’t just visit new places, we immersed ourselves in them. 

From canyoning in Bali to exploring mud caves in Phong Nga, skiing in Bariloche, and wandering the ruins of Angkor Wat, we filled our days with adrenaline, culture, and unforgettable cuisine. Our dinners were just as adventurous: black truffle tasting menus in Saigon, hidden steak restaurants in Buenos Aires, each meal an experience, a memory.

When we started a family, we were told, often and with certainty, that our days of daring travel were over. That our future vacations would revolve around theme parks and chicken nuggets. And yes, we’ve done the theme park circuit. But we weren’t ready to give up our passion for immersive travel or settle for hot dogs and fries.

When our children were just 3 and 5, we planned an 18-day journey through Switzerland, visiting nine cities and changing hotels nine times. It was ambitious, maybe even a little crazy. We packed light, knowing we’d be navigating train stations and city streets with two toddlers. Scooter luggage became our secret weapon, giving the kids mobility and helping us manage the logistics.

We knew they might not remember the trip. We wondered if we should have gone without them. But we booked it anyway. And then something incredible happened on that trip.

Our children fell in love with travel. 

During this 18-day European adventure, they learned how to embrace new cultures, they tried every local dish, and they opened their minds and hearts in ways we hadn’t imagined.

That first trip sparked a tradition. The next year, we explored Austria. Then Spain. 

Our kids have now stood atop Alpine peaks, tasted paella in Barcelona, danced in family-friendly beach clubs in Ibiza, and watched us paraglide in Zell am See and Interlaken. 

They’ve become curious, adventurous eaters and enthusiastic learners of new languages. Our son enjoyed the Prado Museum more than we did. In Vienna, our 5-year-old daughter discovered a love for Austrian history, especially Princess Sisi, after visiting the Habsburg Museum. Her fascination with the royal legacy was a reminder that even young children can connect deeply with the stories and cultures they encounter abroad.

Traveling with children isn’t easy. It takes planning, patience, and a willingness to embrace chaos. But it’s worth it. Watching your children learn history where it happened, taste flavors they’ve never imagined, and grow into global citizens is truly a gift.

So to every parent wondering if it’s possible: take the damn trip. 

Ignore the negativity. Pack the bags. Book the flights. Your kids might surprise you. And you’ll get to witness something truly magical. Not the Disney World kind. But the kind that changes how they see the world.