Regular parenting life in triplicate is tough enough. What about when you pack your brood up and cart them around the world? We consulted education expert, professional mom of 3, and friend of T+L SEA Dr. Holly Hatcher-Frazier for her family travel tips to boost bonding and make great memories with your kids.
YOU MIGHT KNOW Holly Hatcher-Frazier from her role as, well, herself on the reality TV show “Dance Moms.” A regular guest of the White House, she currently co-hosts the podcast “Because Mom Said So” and has written a daily affirmations book called “Moments of Clarity.” Holly previously had a decorated career as a teacher and educational leader stemming from — aside from being a fellow alum of my beloved Williams College — her Ph.D in education from UPenn (hence, Dr. Holly).
As a professional mom (Holly has a college-age daughter who recently interviewed Vice President Kamala Harris about climate change, and two accomplished sons as well) and avid international adventurer (though now based in the States, their family used to live in Singapore, for example), she seemed like the perfect person to share T+L Kids tips for maximising travelling with your brood.
Word has it the Hatcher-Frazier fam is headed back to Asia soon, so be on the lookout for more of Holly’s adventures, albeit with her now much bigger kids. I’ll tell you the dress code when she lets me know what it is. (Watch the video and read on to see what I mean!) —Jeninne Lee-St. John
Here, Dr. Holly shares her top 10 tips for travelling with three kids:
10 Top Family Travel Tips from Dr. Holly
1) Go to supermarkets
… to get a feel of local foods, be surprised at different takes on brands you have at home, see what’s popular, and especially try fruits you can’t get in your part of the world
2) Look for street art
… to immerse in the creative scene and get a sense of what local artists feel the need to shout about
3) Disposable cameras
… so each kid can capture moments and perspectives from their own points of view and interests (without being distracted by the screens!)
4) Learn the language
… with even just a few phrases and perhaps the names of foods you like to order; this will endear you with people you meet in the destination and build bridges
5) Appreciate nature
… both just by paying attention to what’s around you and by seeking it out in parks and reserves
6) Take local transportation
… to see more at the ground level, understand the geography, live daily life like a local, and get a more granular sense of place
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The Schwebebahn in Germany. Image Credit: Teka77/Getty Images/Canva
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7) Bring games to play
… at night to unwind, or during down time, or when it rains so that you’re still having an experience together as a family
8) Sample local and traditional foods, or local versions of your favourite foods
… to expand your kids’ palates, help make memories, and spark creativity in your cooking once you get home – plus the locals will appreciate you for ordering their favourites
9) Coordinate the colours of your clothes each day
… to keep track of your crew in large settings – and it looks great in group photos
10) Do some homework
… prior to travel, to identify activities and sites that connect with each child’s individual interests – from archaeology to animals and whatever’s in between – so everyone feels heard and no one gets bored
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