Why I Make Travel with Kids a Priority

(And why you might want to, too)

We just got back from a family trip to Belize, and let me tell you—it was one of those family travel experiences that reminded me exactly why we make traveling with kids a priority. (I even got them to do their own packing this time, which I shared here if you're curious how I pulled that off with a couple of whiteboards and some snacks.)

Traveling with kids isn't always easy. Let’s be honest, it takes more planning, more packing, more than double the budgeting, a different itinerary altogether, a lot less relaxing for the adults, snacks on snacks on snacks… and at least one meltdown (from me most likely LOL!). But even with all of that? It’s still one of the most important things we do together as a family.

Here’s why we choose to make travel a priority- and what it’s given us in return.

🌍 Learning That Sticks No matter how great a classroom is, there’s something different about being there. In Belize, the girls snorkeled with sea turtles and stingrays, swam alongside nurse sharks, held a starfish, and explored a completely new marine world. They bought fresh mango, papaya, and soursop from a local produce stand and drove golf carts across the island to explore beaches and hidden spots. These travel experiences for kids are unforgettable—and help them build empathy, confidence, and curiosity. These are the kinds of hands-on, sensory-rich moments that help kids connect to the world in ways books never could.

💤 We All Need a Break It’s not just parents who are tired. Our tweens and teens are juggling school, sports, homework, friends, volunteering, and trying to figure out who they are in the middle of it all. Travel gives us all permission to slow down and just be together—without rushing off to the next event, practice, or me feeling like I'm a drill sergeant keeping everyone on task to not be late in the morning or before bed. We get to reset. We laugh more. We sleep in. We find that in-between space that doesn’t always exist during busy school weeks.

⏳ "We Only Get 18 Summers" That line hits me every time. I hate hearing the phrase "it goes so fast" because it's always said in a negative moment when you least want to hear it—but realizing how quickly 18 summers will go actually resonates. And while not every summer will include plane tickets or passports, I try to make each one count. This year’s trip to Belize took us on two planes and a ferry just to reach our hotel, and it was worth every leg of the journey. Whether it’s a long weekend away, a beach trip, or a few days in a new city only a few hours away, I want our girls to grow up with travel memories that shape who they are—and time that felt like it was just for them.

💰 It Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy We’ve taken big trips, yes—but we’ve also gone through seasons where we couldn’t. And honestly? Some of our favorite memories were made on budget weekend getaways. Affordable family travel can be just as rich as any luxury vacation. You don’t need five stars or first class. A cozy Airbnb, a packed cooler, and a new view can go a long way. It’s more about presence than price.

🧳 Choosing Travel Memories Over More Stuff We try to teach our kids this: stuff fades. Gadgets break. But memories? Those stay. In Belize, we rode jet skis off Secret Beach, found live conch shells in the sand, and spent hours swimming in clear turquoise water. That’s the good stuff. If it means I have to sacrifice a few Target hauls to save for these experiences, then it's worth it. (Even if I do love a Target run.)

Traveling as a family isn’t always perfect. There’s bickering, attitude, the occasional eye-roll. I’m still making snacks, breaking up disagreements, and wiping counter, just in a different zip code. But it’s always worth it.

Whether you're planning your next family vacation or just dreaming of a weekend escape, I hope this gives you encouragement to say yes to the journey. There’s something powerful about stepping away from the daily grind and simply being together.

Where do you dream of going with your family? Tell me in the comments—I’d love to hear .And if you’re looking for more simple, meaningful ways to enjoy family life, come hang out with us at www.handleyplaceliving.com 💛

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