Travel Guru, Rick Steves, is a favorite of mine - I have watched many of his tv shows, listened to his radio shows,
and read anything that he has written about destinations I travel to in Europe. Rick Steves is the travel guru for European travelers. He has written over 30 European travel guidebooks, hosts public television travel shows and a public radio show. He also writes a weekly syndicated travel column. I was honored when his radio producer contacted me to be in studio with Rick and discuss “Traveling with Kids” for his weekly Radio Show Travel With Rick Steves.
Rick and I, along with callers into the show, discussed what parents need to know before flying with their kids, how parents can best prepare for the flight, what to do with a jet-lagged child, and many more topics concerning the traveling family and international travel with children of all ages.
The radio show aired on public radio on June 7, 2008. Listen to the podcast of the show here.
If you ever get a chance to visit the Rick Steves European Travel Center in Edmonds, WA (near Seattle)- I encourage you to do so! The center is filled with any resource you need for European travel and travel products, guides, travel consultants, and videos galore. Can’t make it to Edmonds? Check out Rick Steves site at http://www.ricksteves.com/ for planning your European travel.
This past weekend I was once again in beautiful Edmonds, WA - home of Rick Steves and his European Travel Center. My “Jet with Kids” travel class was taught to Rick Steves’ loyal fans -parents and grandparents heading to Europe with children of all ages. And you know which part I loved the most? When one pregnant mother raised her hand and told me she and her husband were planning a trip to Spain with the baby when he/she turned 6 months old. She asked, “Do you think I am crazy to do this? All my coworkers tell me that I am crazy to travel with a baby or child internationally - but I just love to travel and don’t want to give it up!”
And you don’t have to give it up!! I too was often told that I wouldn’t be able to or want to travel with kids, but so much of the joy of traveling now is directly related to the fact that we can share our many unique travel experiences with our child. When you travel with children, you experience cultures in a new way; you become a part of everyday life in a new location (after all - a toddler needs a snack, nap, and diaper change whether in Rome, Malta or San Diego!)