Member-only story
It’s Not What They Remember But Who They Become
The case for traveling with your children
When I got pregnant, I made myself a promise: I would not let having a child interrupt my commitment to travel. My travels have come to define me, each experience contributing to the story of who I am and what I believe. Every place I’ve visited has woven its way into the tapestry of my life.
I promised myself I’d continue adding to my tapestry, regardless of how different my travels would look once I had kids. It was also important to my husband and me that we bring our children around the world so they could begin collecting their own experiences at a young age.
It was with this mentality that my husband and I found ourselves bringing our daughter on an unforgettable 11-day adventure to Latvia and France this summer. Unforgettable, except for the fact that she’s only one and a half and will, in fact, forget the trip.
When I told people we were taking our daughter overseas in the weeks leading up to our vacation, most people responded with notes of excitement and encouragement. One person told me my decision was bold; many others, brave. Some asked if we’d ever consider leaving her at home. One person asked if she’d even remember it, noting the expense and hassle of traveling with a child and wondering if it would be…
