Throughout my childhood, I was fortunate enough to have a family that prioritized traveling to new places. It’s now time for my nephew. Having visited seven countries at the age of two, he is on his way to becoming a global citizen.

Travelling with a child can significantly boost their development, even though it may seem daunting. Children are said to become more empathetic toward cultural differences and more able to adapt to changing circumstances when they travel. Even the development of their linguistic abilities as babies can be influenced by it.

From an early age, children will be taught the tools for developing meaningful relationships, particularly across differences, according to Dr. Robin Hancock. We have the potential to raise a generation that knows how to live and coexist with others through travel.” “Travel has the ability to create new narratives that teach children about their similarities and lay a strong foundation, especially in the early years.”

As my nephew tasted beans for the first time at La Guarida in Havana, he picked each one up and considered it, almost like he was testing it. During my visits to Florence, I have seen him dip his feet into gelato under the shade of the Duomo, and he has also tried gelato at the Dead Sea.

These adventures may not be remembered by Hancock, but they will have an impact on his development. It is during the first three to five years of a child’s life that a child’s brain develops the fastest. In the first few years of a child’s life, it is important to surround them with people who are different from themselves to help normalize that experience.

The message of global citizenship should be taught to children when they are young, she said. It is said that when someone initiates a habit or a tradition at an early age, it becomes the foundation through which they view the world for the remainder of their lives.”

Erika Levy, an associate professor in communication sciences and disorders at Teachers College at Columbia University, said that traveling with young children – even as young as six months old – could enhance their linguistic development.

According to our knowledge, babies perceive sounds differently from adults in terms of language. During their aging process, their ability to distinguish speech sounds becomes less and less, said Levy. The more speech sounds they hear from all over the world, the more likely we are to preserve those categories later on in life when it comes to their language development.”

According to Hancock, when students return home from a trip, they can actually take advantage of their experiences in the classroom.

“This encourages them to try new things [and] makes them less cautious of people and situations that are unfamiliar to them,” she stated. It will inevitably lead to a greater degree of openness and a reduction in bias among children.”

Here are a few tips to make your child’s travel experience as enjoyable as possible.

Explore the neighborhood on foot.

In addition to visiting the major attractions in a destination, Hancock believes that walking around a local neighborhood can provide children with some of the most meaningful experiences. The brain of a child tends to make connections based on what is familiar to him or her. The pieces that really resonate with children are experiences they can relate to, such as the Grand Canal in Venice and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. I recommend you find a quiet neighborhood and walk with your child…Inevitably, you will see people sweeping out their front yards and local vendors. The experience will be much more meaningful for both of you – you’ll get a better understanding of what everyday life is like as well as your child.”

While on vacation, establish a tradition.

It is possible for kids to connect with a trip through traditions. When I was a child, my sister and I collected soda bottles in every country we visited. The importance of traditions for children cannot be overstated, said Hancock. The child will find it meaningful to experience anything that can be related to their world.

Children should be allowed to play with each other.

Even if children speak a different language, grouping them with other children of the same age will help their development. Having them meet other children will allow them to play, learn, and communicate better. It will also teach them that not everyone speaks English.”

Play a game during your trip.

As a way to encourage children to point out new things to you, Levy recommends “Have them show you three things they have never seen before at home.” You can even have them participate in a treasure hunt.

Take the necessary precautions to prepare your children.

A little preparation can go a long way in helping children to cope with what they are about to experience, suggests Levy. It may be helpful to inform them in advance about jet lag, or if they are nervous about traveling, bring a special toy with them. Ultimately, you should consider.