The Perfect Age?
There actually isn’t a “perfect age” for long-haul travel. International travel can work at any age (my kids started at just 8 weeks old, after their first immunizations), so you have to judge the situation, your child’s temperament, and your family’s interests. The only age I found things to be a bit difficult was during the early toddler stage when my child’s urge to roam the airplane aisles and shove every nasty thing into his/her mouth was insurmountable. Bottom line: Travel is a gift and can work at any age and stage. A wide range of exposures, both near and far, will teach your kids the invaluable life lessons of being adaptable, open-minded, exhibiting good manners, and having a sense of humor (hopefully).
Great ideas, but think slow travel and extended travel if you want to save money and get deep language immersion. We’ve been traveling the world as a family non-stop for 6 years on just $23/day per person to 43 countries on 5 continents and it’s been an amazing education! http://www.soultravelers3.com/2011/07/how-to-and-why-raise-a-global-kid.html
As our world shrinks, we need to raise global kids. DO travel internationally with your kids..make it a priority!
I agree. Travel with them as much as possible. We are military stationed in Germany with a 4yo, 2yo and 4 month old. We travel all over. It’s great for the children. Ours will be so bored when we move back to the US this summer. Funny Barcelona was mentioned. That’s my 4yo’s favorite place of all!
We are a family who are at the tail end of a year-long backpacking trip covering 10 countries in SEA, including India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Our kids were aged 3.5yrs and 5yrs when we started. As @soultravelers3 pointed out, slow and extended travel is a good way to actually save money as you can negotiate better long-stay rates on accommodation and spend less on travel. We typically average about $50 USD per day for our entire family, which includes everything from food, accommodation, overland travel expenses and activities. And not only can you get to know a place better, but it’s easier for families as it takes the pressure off of having to do everything ‘now’. Kids need to be well paced and need lots of down time too–happy kids mean happy trip! we’re at http://www.with2kidsintow.blogspot.com in case you are curious. Travel is a terrific family experience!