Although we are not nomadic and have a fairly consistent weekday routine, my family and I travel more than the average person (or so I like to think). We try to plan visits to local attractions and further destinations each weekend. Sometimes we succeed, at other times the chores get in the way and we fill precious moments with games and laughter at home … and sometimes just the ironing.
I have always wondered whether travel makes kids smarter or provides a greater chance of future success. I was very intrigued by an article I found on Travel Effectwhich analysed a survey conducted in the USA titled “Travel Improves Educational Attainment & Future Success”.
The survey revealed that adults who had taken educational trips as a child were more likely to complete university and, on average, made $5,000 more than their peers who did not make such trips. Travelling also showed an increase in school engagement and a general increase in school grades. Interesting, right?
The survey further revealed that the positive gains are regardless of socioeconomic class. This deviates from past reports that I have read which have indicated that travel is something only the middle to upper classes seem to access. Whilst many educational travel opportunities may be out of the grasp for those struggling with a budget if we define travel as a holiday destination, the survey thinks of travel as something that can be closer to home.
It’s exciting to see places like the Sydney Opera House moving to a new model of inclusion where their doors are open to those that are often marginalised by their household income. Their Access All Areas initiative provides $5.00 tickets to people who face barriers to accessing live performance at the House due to social and financial disadvantage. Here in Sydney, both The Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia are free to explore. And of course, you can always seek out Open Days at locations you are keen to visit.
Although this study was conducted in the United States, I would like to think that the positive gains that travel brings are applicable to Australian children as well. In my own experience, our adventures have increased my kidlets understanding of the world around us and their general knowledge. With 86 percent of participants in the survey reporting that travel in their youth made them more intellectually curious not only in school, but outside the classroom, as well, I’m reassured that our adventures are helping T and I to raise our children to be life long learners who are interested in the knowledge they encounter each day.
Which brings me to ask YOU…. where are you headed with your children next?
Phew! 🙂 I think travel definitely makes an impact on kids education. I’ve interviewed young adults who travelled a lot as children and they were the wisest,worldliest bunch I’d ever met. And I’m definitely starting to see the impact it’s having on our kids. Great post! 🙂
Thanks for taking a moment to read it! I really do think it has a huge positive impact on our kids. If nothing else, their vocabulary expands
I definitely think travel as a kid makes you smarter. It broadens your horizons and gives you a different view on life outside of what’s your local suburban “norm”. I travelled around the world as a child and it was life-changing for me. I was obsessed with the world and cultures from then on. I can see the effect on my daughter slowly now as she is getting older too.
Well it certainly can’t hurt! I think it depends a little on the type of travel and what you do at your destination. But overall I think travel is one of the best gifts you can give to your children.
This is why we have pushed through our kids special needs and have worked hard to be able to travel and show them the world. They learn so much from being out in the world and experiencing everything it has to offer. From first hand experience I can also attest to the value of travelling overseas when young – I went to Europe with a choir tour when I was 14 and it changed my life for the better. I developed a love and appreciation for history that has served me well all my life.
That’s so awesome to hear Kirsty. We need to make a few adjustments to most travel plans due to a serious health complication within our family to make it happen, but we’re reaping the benefits.
I’m most impressed with your choir experience too! Do you still sing?