Breaking the Myth: Kids Need Routine Over Travel
For years, we’ve been told that children need routine. Predictability. Stability. The same bedtime, the same meals, the same environment. And while structure certainly has its place, what happens when we let go of the idea that kids can only thrive if their schedule stays the same every single day?
Some parents avoid travelling with their children because they fear that disrupting their routine will lead to chaos, meltdowns, and total disaster. And yes, I won’t lie—there are moments of exhaustion, jet lag, and unexpected tantrums. But here’s the thing: life itself isn’t predictable, so why pretend it is?
The idea that kids can’t handle change is a myth. In reality, kids are incredibly adaptable, and travel teaches them resilience, curiosity, and problem-solving in a way no structured routine ever could.
Children Thrive on Experience, Not Just Routine
Think about the days in your own childhood that truly stood out. Do you remember the Tuesday when you had your usual dinner and went to bed at 7:30 sharp? Or do you remember the time you went on an adventure, even if it meant staying up late, eating something new, or experiencing something outside your usual bubble?
Routine can be great, but routine can also make life small. If every day is the same, kids miss out on the magic of new experiences. Travel introduces them to different cultures, foods, people, and places, giving them a broader understanding of the world from an early age.
Flexibility Builds Resilience
Many parents worry about how their child will handle jet lag, different time zones, or unfamiliar surroundings. But here’s the secret: kids take their cues from us. If we make a big deal about everything being “off-routine,” they will, too. If we treat travel as an adventure—something exciting rather than something disruptive—they learn to go with the flow.
A child who learns to sleep in different places, try different foods, and adjust to new environments without panic becomes more adaptable. Travel forces them to experience change in a safe way, helping them realise that they can handle uncertainty, even as they grow up.
Learning Happens Everywhere, Not Just at Home
Many parents worry that breaking a routine means their child will miss out on sleep, nutrition, or development milestones. But learning isn’t just about structure; it’s about exposure. Watching street performers in Paris, hiking through a rainforest in Costa Rica, or even ordering food in another language teaches children more than they could ever learn from a book.
Travel naturally fosters curiosity. It gives children real-life experiences that open their minds, making them more aware, engaged, and appreciative of the world. Routine teaches discipline, but travel teaches perspective.
Making Travel Work for Your Family
Letting go of strict routines doesn’t mean throwing all structure out the window. It just means being flexible enough to adjust. Maybe bedtime is later because you’re watching the sunset in Santorini. Maybe breakfast isn’t what they’re used to, but they’re learning to love fresh tropical fruit instead of cereal. Maybe they don’t nap at the usual time, but they sleep peacefully in a sling while you explore.
Instead of worrying about keeping things exactly as they are at home, think about what your child is gaining. They will remember the sights, the sounds, and the feeling of being somewhere different. They won’t remember that they ate dinner an hour later than usual.
Travel is the Best Lesson in Adaptability
Children will always need a level of security and stability, but that doesn’t mean it has to come in the form of rigid schedules. The real world is unpredictable, and the best thing we can teach our children is how to embrace change rather than fear it.
By showing them the world, we’re teaching them to be open, adaptable, and adventurous. And that lesson is far more valuable than sticking to the same bedtime every night.
