Travel when your kids are young - even if they won’t remember it all

I have a theory about travel - that it’s not an optional fun thing to do but an extremely important part of growing up and non-negotiable for our family. I believe it gives my kids the chance to do hard things over and over again. They hike when they’re tired, try foods they don’t recognize, navigate unfamiliar places, adapt when plans change, and learn how to be comfortable being uncomfortable. They probably won’t remember every hotel, tour, or flight years from now, but that’s not really the point. What will stick with them is the confidence that comes from realizing they can handle challenges, figure things out, and do things that once felt difficult or scary. Every trip is an opportunity to build resilience, independence, curiosity, and grit—and those lessons become part of who they are long after the details of the trip have faded. ❤️