Why Tablet Free Travel for Kids May Be Easier Than You Think
Screens are everywhere. In fact, it might feel impossible to imagine traveling with children without handing them a tablet. But, what if ditching devices actually made your trips more enjoyable, memorable, and creative?
(Spoiler Alert: It can!)
Early in our parenting journey, my husband and I agreed that we would not purchase a tablet for our child. We both have a deep appreciation for the simpler times of growing up with less accessibility to screens.
Now, we also travel…quite a bit.
In the car.
On trains.
In coach buses.
On boats and ferries.
And, via planes, both domestic and international.
We’ve flexed our creative muscles to think beyond the screen, and it has worked.
We have a 4-year old that does not have a tablet or device.
Last summer, we had two pretty extreme litmus tests for our approach:
A cancelled flight home from Northern Michigan which led to a 16-hour device free car ride.
A flight from Atlanta, Georgia to Rome, Italy
We’ve also dealt with delays and traffic jams, and as of a few months ago, have even used this strategy while being stuck on an elevator.
And, guess what? We survived all of it.
I would even say it was fun.
So, in case there are other parents out there considering this approach for your travel, here are 5 things we do to make it work:
Talk…A Lot: It is important to practice the art of conversation before a child even fully understands the power of language and conversation.
Take in the Sights: Look around! Talk about the sights, people, places, and things that surround you. This is one of the most fun parts of travel.
Bring Things: Be prepared with alternative activities: figurines, snacks, books to read, workbooks, fidgets, play packs.
Listen to Stories: My husband is really good about downloading stories to his phone on Spotify (me, not so much). Bring some headphones in case a pause for music or stories is needed.
Embrace the Boredom: It’s okay for our brains to not be busy. That’s when creativity fully activates.
When there’s a device, it automatically removes the possibility of experiencing all of the things listed above.
If a tablet was available, I think of so many moments of childhood wonder we might have missed.
I try to be vigilant of moments I might even miss because of my smartphone.
(Intentionality matters!)
And, let me be clear, we aren’t anti-screen.
Instead, we are mindful about how screens are used in our family.
Part of the beauty of travel is the experience of soaking in the process, and we choose to be as present, as possible, for all that entails.
Ready to give tablet-free travel a try?
Start small, stay curious, and watch your child discover the world: one conversation, sight, and story at a time.
Your next travel experience might just be your best one yet!
