Melo Villareal
Revenge travel, or the increase of travel activity to make up for lost time during the height of the pandemic, is real and on the rise. In the Philippines, optimism for tourism is also continuously growing, with the Department of Tourism reporting 91.6 percent in tourism receipts from April to September 2021 versus the same period in 2020.
As more countries ease restrictions and open borders, families can now explore new places both internationally and locally after the long pause during the pandemic. Experts say traveling benefits not just adults but also children’s development.
Here are some ways traveling can help your children later in life.
Broadens perspectives.
Being thrust into new environments is key to transformative learning, according to sociologist and education professor Jack Mezirow. This is when a learner’s assumptions and beliefs are challenged and changed. When traveling, children are exposed to different cultures, languages, art, and more. They interact with all kinds of people. This helps them grow into more open-minded individuals and improves cross-cultural understanding.
Equips them with valuable life skills.
During travels, children encounter situations that help them develop and practice soft skills in real-life settings, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, patience, and flexibility.
Ignites creativity and imagination.
According to a leading child psychologist, your child’s “play” and “seek” brain systems, discovered by Professor Jaak Panksepp, a neuroscientist at Washington State University, are activated when traveling. These are two of the seven emotional systems exercised when you interact and bond with your kids and when you explore new sights with them. Traveling supports your child’s explorative and playful side, making them more adept at exploring new ideas in the future.
Strengthens family relationships.
Nothing creates bonds more than shared family experiences. Use travel to connect with your family and collect memories you can look back on for years to come.
As traveling makes a comeback, we have to ensure our family’s safety wherever we go. Traveling with children can be tricky, but parents need not worry if they are well prepared. AXA Philippines Chief Customer Officer Nandy Villar shares, “Studies have shown that traveling is an important experience not only for learning and development but also for overall wellbeing and mental health. As a company that aims to promote wellbeing through its services, AXA Philippines wants to give its customers security and protection so they can remain worry-free throughout well-deserved vacations.”
Getting travel insurance provides a financial safety net and emergency assistance as you show your children the world. Smart Traveller by AXA offers convenient, best-in-class protection whether you travel locally or abroad so your family can make the most of their experience. It provides comprehensive medical benefits during your trip, including hospitalization costs, doctors’ fees, and more, and has 24/7 travel and medical assistance. It also helps manage travel inconveniences by protecting your luggage in case of loss or damage and covering refunds for trip cancellation or postponement of non-refundable expenses.
Smart Traveller is also Schengen-accredited, so you’re covered for your visa requirements. If you have multiple travel plans ahead, AXA also offers annual plans and group travel discounts.
Visit https://www.axa.com.ph/travel-insurance and prepare for your next adventure!
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