A parenting choice some may not agree with — but one I fully stand by.

I’ve lost count of how many times someone has said, “But won’t they fall behind?” when they hear I’m taking my kids out of school to travel. I get it. It’s not the most conventional choice, and it definitely raises a few eyebrows. But for me, the benefits of travelling as a family — the life skills, the memories, the connection — far outweigh the temporary disruption to their school routine.

I’m not worried about missed school, because these memories will stay with them forever. And in so many ways, what they’re gaining out in the world is just as valuable as what they’d be learning in a classroom.

1. Real-life learning is powerful

Travel throws kids into situations that help them grow in ways school just can’t replicate. They learn how to navigate unfamiliar environments, try new foods, handle delays or changes, and interact with people from different cultures. These are real, hands-on experiences that build confidence, flexibility, and curiosity.

My kids have asked questions about history while walking through ancient ruins, tried to speak local words in markets, and learned patience through airport delays. These aren’t things you can teach through a worksheet — they’re learned by living.Georgia TunstallLo

2. They bounce back quickly — and often return stronger

Of course, I care about their education. I always check in with their teachers before we leave, and we make a plan to catch up on anything important. But the truth is, kids are incredibly resilient.

They don’t just ‘fall behind’ after a couple of weeks off. In fact, I often find they come back refreshed, more engaged, and full of stories to share. Travel sparks curiosity in a way that often reignites their love for learning.

3. These are the years we don’t get back

One of the biggest reasons I say yes to travel, even if it means pulling them out of school, is because I know this window of time — where they’re still little and want to go on adventures with me — won’t last forever. Life gets busy. Between work, school, and everything in between, it’s rare to get uninterrupted time together. These trips give us space to connect, laugh, and create the kind of memories I know they’ll carry with them into adulthood.

4. Education doesn’t only happen in a classroom

I really believe we need to broaden how we see education. Yes, school is important. But learning can also happen through trying new foods, walking through museums, managing spending money, journaling about a trip, or navigating public transport in a new city.

 My goal as a parent isn’t just to help them pass tests — it’s to raise capable, curious, and compassionate humans. Travel plays a big role in that.

How I make it work practically

• I always let their school know well in advance and ask if there’s anything they can work on while we’re away.
  

• And I keep our trips balanced — yes, there are beach days and fun moments, but there’s also a lot of time for reflection, trying new things, and even boredom (which I think is healthy too).

Final thoughts

Every family is different, and I know this choice isn’t for everyone. But for us, travel is an education in itself — not instead of school, but alongside it. It’s how we create shared memories, build life skills, and stay connected as a family.

So no, I’m not worried about the school days we’ll miss. I’m thinking about the sunsets we’ll see together, the conversations we’ll have walking through new cities, and the way my kids will look back and remember that time we explored the world together — as one of the best parts of their childhood.