Turning Travel Stress into Family Memories: A Fresh Look at Airport Experiences

Sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination.

When I was a kid, and even as a young adult, I loved going to the airport. There was something about it that just felt magical. I'd watch people and imagine where they might be going or coming from, who they were traveling with, or who they were meeting.

Now, as a parent, it often just feels hard. The lines, the crowds, getting there early, the packing, thinking about entertaining my kiddos, having enough snacks, wondering if everyone went to the bathroom... it can be overwhelming.

But on my last trip, I tried to take a step back and see the journey through the eyes of my daughter. She was so excited about all the little parts of the journey that had grown to feel irritating and difficult to me. She was thrilled to ride the train, watching out the window the whole time. She loved walking through the airport, observing all the people, watching planes take off before ours, and pressing her little nose firmly against the window as our own plane ascended.

As I watched her, I remembered how much I used to love travel days, the airport, and the plane. Then it hit me: the journey can be just as important as the destination.

So, on your next family adventure, I urge you to take a few extra minutes to embrace the journey and see it through the eyes of your kids. You might find that the frustration subsides a bit, and you'll enjoy the journey more too.