A weird lifelong dream has been to visit and walk on an actual glacier…sadly these opportunities are rapidly decreasing due to the expanding climate crisis.

We had an amazing time on Mt Athabasca in Alberta, Canada last week. The frequency of traveling internationally with the kids has picked up and I’ve learned one simple fact: just do it, they will adjust.

We have come into an almost default travel mode with the car seats, snacks, entertainment needed to get us through either a 4-5 hour or 6-9 hour flight. The routine helps them also manage expectations. What I find even more fascinating is their desire for newness.

I don’t believe travel has any true negative consequences for children at all: they are exposed to different cultures (both native and the touring ones), exposed to different languages, and get an opportunity to explore. Obviously the financial toll of traveling adds up, beyond the fact you are managing them (not a camp counselor) intensely for 5+ days when going abroad.

My cousin who is a teacher does it right-they take the summer and just disappear. We joined them last year in Belgium, but skipped this year when they went to Portugal due to airline ticket pricing and the expected excessive heat. With that said I hope everyone gets an opportunity to disconnect from the daily and engage with your little ones, it’s not easy but it creates a culture of spending on experience over things, and allows nuanced, deeper bonding with them.

I can’t wait for more summer adventures locally, and already regret the start of the school year 😣