This is Why I Love Travelling With My Son

whenever travel plans are being discussed and being firmed up my usual request to him is that I want to see India as much as I can before I turn 50 and then start with international travel. The reason behind it is that I find travelling in India needs a relatively stronger body and mind. Now as a parent to a 9-year-old boy whose studies entail a lot of information about other states, from the diversities in our culture, landscapes, food, agriculture and language. My strategy seems to be working well for him too.
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Being married to someone who enjoys travelling and nature has taught me to appreciate the same. As a child, we did not travel to many new destinations as my parents had always been away from family, settled in other cities away owing to job opportunities. Therefore, it was natural for them to travel to their native place to catch up and unwind with the family. Hence, most of my vacations have been spent in West Bengal and during our visits, I have seen some places around West Bengal. 

But since my husband is an avid traveller and thankfully loves to take me along, I have also started enjoying travelling to new destinations. So, whenever travel plans are being discussed and being firmed up my usual request to him is that I want to see India as much as I can before I turn 50 and then start with international travel. The reason behind it is that I find travelling in India needs a relatively stronger body and mind. Keeping in mind the toilets especially for women and the road conditions. Although it is definitely getting better!

Now as a parent to a 9-year-old boy whose studies entail a lot of information about other states, from the diversities in our culture, landscapes, food, agriculture and language. My strategy seems to be working well for him too.

Our Travels As A Family Of 3

After my son turned 3, we started our travel diaries to farther destinations again and we made a trip to Kerala and it was amazing. Yes, it is known as ‘God’s own country’ it absolutely is, but it is also extremely kid-friendly. We did almost the entire state which included Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Thekkady etc. Since it was a road trip and we prefer road trips as one can appreciate the experiences better, my son used to sleep through the travel and by God’s grace he does not suffer from road sickness hence getting up fresh to view the destination.

What amazes me is that he remembers so many things from that trip and that was the foundation for him to start enjoying travel and also start appreciating the natural beauty around him. He remembers the houseboat experience, the Venna lake boat ride and also the elephant farm that we visited. 

What Travel Taught Us

We have many more to visit and explore. We have almost covered Maharashtra which includes some beautiful places like Ganpatipule, Rajgad, Harihareshwar, Mulshi, Satara, Bhimashankar and many more.  Through the trip, we talked about Shivaji’s valour and courage and his determination to free India from invaders. It was a good lesson in history for him.

We also visited a small village in Maharashtra called Kelshi and were extremely fortunate to witness the birth and life journey of Olive Ridley Turtles. It was almost like a life lesson for him, he learnt and appreciated the concept of ‘survival of the fittest’. 

Rajasthan was again a very different experience; the grandeur and overall beauty of the state are so mesmerising. The warmth and depth of their culture and the pride the locals have about it had a very positive impact on my son’s mind. Subconsciously, the thought of taking pride in your roots and knowing where you belong builds confidence which then becomes part of your personality.

The changing landscape during the travels allows him to relate to all what he is studying especially in EVS and GK.  A trip to Sikkim during his summer break opened his eyes to the natural beauty our country is blessed with. Doing road trips around India is one of the most beautiful travel experiences and essential for children to learn about adaptability. 

Travelling can have different meanings for different people but for me as a person, it is a medium to learn, absorb and implement what I see on my way.

As a kid travelling had a different meaning, it was the thrill of meeting my grandparents, aunt, uncles and cousins. Travel opens up your mind and helps you accept diversity, respect it and enjoy it. Travelling and the experiences that come with it helps you to explore and respect what you have, it prepares you to accept what the world has to offer to you.  As a parent, it’s about providing an opportunity for my child to learn and appreciate what we are surrounded with.

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