Congratulations! If you are reading this, you are either considering or have committed to the idea that vacation, education, and family don’t have to be separate! Joining a platform like Lingoo is a fantastic start to a great family adventure.
Making the choice to travel and learn with your family can be both thrilling and daunting. Recently, I traveled with my 10-year-old niece. She is a bright, energetic little lady, but I found the majority of our transit time she spent playing word games on her tablet or watching movies. Though she would engage with the “sites” and activities in the moment, upon returning home it was difficult for her to remember all the different things we did on our trip.
Once you’ve made you selection for a homestay or language experience with the kids, the real challenge can be getting your children excited and keeping them engaged with your chosen destination. Often our children have a whole different meaning of what is “fun” and what is “memorable.” Luckily, through Lingoo and other sites, there are a million ways to ensure the kids get the most out of your destination itself and the language you hope to practice!
Finding that “family fun”
Prepping for your trip is key. Learn the fun facts about your destination and have a plan for the local attraction you hope to visit. In our modern, interconnected world there are many amazing blogs and travel sites geared toward families with children. These can be a great way to find the best kid-friendly spots, as well as help you keep the family on a budget.
Tools for engagement
A great tool for families headed on a language stay is a travel guide. Series such as The FlyingKids Travel Guides offer a combination guide and activity book. These can offer an array of destination specific games, quizzes and colorful activities. Families studying English find children’s games a great way to engage with and practice the language. Those who are already English speakers can utilize the fun facts and information to enhance the whole families connection to their chosen destination.
Guides like the Travel Kids series also have a journal, which is a wonderful tool for children to record their adventure or keep as a workbook to practice their English!
In the event that your globetrotter is headed out on their own to a host family, a great way to stay up to speed would be to encourage your child to keep a journal or even a blog about their adventure. Finding a good format to record your child’s trip is also great as a keepsake for after their return.
Keep calm and travel on!
Traveling with our children can be a challenge, but that shouldn’t stop us from getting our kids and families out into the world to experience all the wonders it holds. And remember, you are not alone! Many parents and families have been in your shoes, and you can reach out to an amazing network of travelers through Lingoo, FlyingKids, and dozens of family travel sites.