The X Factor that can make Traveling with Kids Extraordinary

The X-Factor of Traveling

What? Is that term ‘X-Factor’ even related to traveling? Hey guys, I am sure today’s title must have piqued your curiosity. In fact, I am very excited to write on this topic. It is somewhat special and close to my heart. The X Factor of Traveling! That unique factor which if added to our travels can make the experience truly extraordinary.

Traveling is fun for some and an experiential journey for many. When I used to travel with my parents my expectations were different as compared to now when I travel with my own child. When we plan a family vacation, we try to design it in such a way that there are takeaways for everyone.

If you have noticed in my travel posts, we love to travel with Nemit’s maternal and paternal grandmothers. It adds a special spark to our travel experience and makes our time spent together truly memorable.

So, what’s the X-factor of traveling? Is it fun or experience? Or the journey and the memories? Or is it that special spark you add which makes traveling memorable?

Let’s see what’s the x-factor of traveling and how it makes the whole experience extraordinary.

What is the X-Factor of Traveling?

I want to answer this question with this quote by Amelia E. Barr –

“The great difference between voyages rests not with the ships, but with the people, you meet on them.”

I hope you have guessed it now. But if not, let me spill the beans for you. What makes any travel experience extraordinary are not just the journey, destination, scenery, fun times, and adventure but also the ‘PEOPLE‘ we meet along the journey. The impression they leave on our memories is something that gives a completely new meaning to our experience. The kind of people you meet can turn your travel experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

The X Factor that makes Traveling with Kids Extraordinary

I have mostly seen girls and boys traveling solo or in groups engaging and interacting with the locals & other travelers. It’s a great way to connect with interesting people and make friends. But, I have rarely seen families making such connections. Obviously, due to safety concerns & trust issues with strangers.

Does that mean we can’t offer such enriching experience of meeting & connecting with locals to our kids? Not exactly!

When you are traveling with kids, look around yourself. Ok, not too far! Look a little closer.

The X Factor that makes Traveling with Kids Extraordinary

Our Guides cum driver from our trips

Do you see your cab driver who is also your guide for the time of your stay in their city/town/village? You spend maximum time with him. Encourage your child to interact with him. But, make sure you are not disturbing him while he’s driving. He can be your storyteller, narrating all the local interesting tales of that place.

what makes Traveling with Kids Extraordinary

Chef & Hotel staff from Kerala, & Krabi

What about the waiters who serve you at the restaurant. You loved their service, why not leave them a good word. Let your child say ‘Thank you’. They will love this gesture. Oh, and don’t forget the chef. If you really liked their signature dish, call the chef and appreciate his work.

Our Guides cum driver from our trips

Property Managers & Caretakers

Who else do we meet on our travels? The hotel staff or if you are staying at a private property then the owner, manager or the caretaker of the property. Talk to them and tell them how much you liked their special attention. They can recommend you some really cool local places to check out.

what makes Traveling with Kids Extraordinary

Nemit with local kids from Kashmir & Shillong

You worry about your family’s safety and stay away from interacting much with the locals. But your kid can definitely talk & mingle with the local kids. They are not a threat. Such an amazing way for their social development. Isn’t it?

Think about it.

What if all these people you meet on your vacation do not treat you well? Or your experience is not very great. There’s a chance that it may spoil your whole vacation mood.

The X Factor that makes Traveling with Kids Extraordinary

People we met during our travels

Whereas, when you meet such loving and caring people, it makes your whole experience enriching. And, that is why I feel for any travel, the people we meet along our journey are the X factor that makes the whole experience extraordinary. We never leave an opportunity to say thanks to such people who add so much value to our vacation.

What do you think about it guys? I would love to read your thoughts on this. Write them down in the comments below. And, don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family.

That’s all for today, see you guys on Monday with the second last post of this travel series.


Today is Day 24 of #BlogchatterA2Z and the letter of the day is ‘X’. My theme for the challenge is ‘Traveling with kids’ & I have chosen X for X-Factor of Traveling. 



You may read all my posts under BlogchatterA2Z here!


 

Spread the love

14 Comments

  1. blank
    Noor Anand Chawla April 28, 2019 at 11:37 pm - Reply

    Lovely post Neha! I completely agree on the importance of meeting people and embracing new experiences for the most fulfilling kind of travel!

    • blank
      Neha Sharma April 29, 2019 at 10:26 am - Reply

      Thanks Noor 🙂

  2. blank
    Anita October 25, 2019 at 10:26 am - Reply

    Its always lovely to meet new people while traveling .Makes it all the more special indeed.

    • blank
      Neha Sharma October 26, 2019 at 2:59 pm - Reply

      Thanks, Anita 🙂

  3. blank
    Surbhi Prapanna October 26, 2019 at 2:06 am - Reply

    Loved your presepective Neha and I agree with you, yes! Traveling offers an excellent opportunity to Meet new people and explore new culture.

    • blank
      Neha Sharma October 26, 2019 at 2:56 pm - Reply

      I’m glad you liked the post, Surbhi 🙂

  4. blank
    Anahita Irani October 26, 2019 at 4:58 pm - Reply

    I am a big talker and love to socialize on my travels. It feels so good to connect with with different people and know more about their house stories.

    • blank
      Neha Sharma October 28, 2019 at 9:12 pm - Reply

      Absolutely, stories are the best part of meeting & interacting with new people while traveling

  5. blank
    Tina Basu October 26, 2019 at 7:08 pm - Reply

    This is such a lovely post. I always encourage my son to interact with other kids. He enjoys it too.

    • blank
      Neha Sharma October 28, 2019 at 9:11 pm - Reply

      Thanks Tina 🙂

  6. blank
    Aishwarya Sandeep October 27, 2019 at 11:23 am - Reply

    The thing is there are so many scary stories in the media about children being kidnapped that we are scared to even allow our children to basically interact with anyone. I would encourage my child to be friendly with everyone but in the back of my mind I am scared.

    • blank
      Neha Sharma October 28, 2019 at 9:11 pm - Reply

      That’s right & we should never leave our kids alone with strangers. But not everyone is bad out there so sometimes we need to trust our instincts & allow our kids to talk to new people.

  7. blank
    Amrit Kaur October 27, 2019 at 11:27 am - Reply

    Yes it is necessary that the people and hosts treat us right during our trips so that our vacation doesn’t get spoiled.

    • blank
      Neha Sharma October 28, 2019 at 9:08 pm - Reply

      Thanks for stopping by 🙂

Leave A Comment