Photo by iStockphoto

By Lisa T. Bergren

Com’on people! If you were brave enough to HAVE kids, you can certainly get on a plane or in a car for a road trip with them. Here are the top 10 reasons we hear that parents would rather leave the kids at home (and therefore, why most stay home too):

1) We’ve never been there before.

TheWorldIsCallingSays: So go—and figure it out together! It’s incredibly fun (and a bonding experience) to share the wonder of discovery.

2) I’m afraid I’ll get lost.

TheWorldIsCallingSays: Foreign city? Bring along a compass for your daypack. Show your kids it’s not scary to get lost—you can always find your way in time. (And sometimes you see way more cool stuff that way.) Make finding your way a game, and let them choose a few turns based on the map and the compass.

3) My kid is a picky eater.

TheWorldIsCallingSays: They can survive for a week on nothing but noodles with butter—but what a great opportunity to expand their taste bud experiences! Fallback: Every country has their version of mac and cheese.

4) What if we don’t like it? What if they don’t?

TheWorldIsCallingSays: Chances are, everyone will like at least some aspect of the trip. Cultivate a curious spirit, a sense of adventure, and the ability to be flexible—three things that will serve children for the rest of their lives. How do you do that? Model it for them!

5) We don’t do well if we don’t have room to spread out.

TheWorldIsCallingSays: So spread! We’re huge fans of renting condos, homes, and apartments. It’s great to have the space, and a kitchen, for a family on the road. Can’t afford it? Check out home swapping! See HomeExchange.com if that’s of interest to you.

6) We like romantic getaways.

TheWorldIsCallingSays: We like romantic getaways too! See our post on why parents should get away WITHOUT the kids at times—but dedicate some vacation time for family exploration too.

7) We did Disney last year. Maybe we’ll just go back there.

TheWorldIsCallingSays: Okay, no offense to the Mouse, but if you’ve donned the black ears before, what about trying something new? We understand Disney is a sure bet—some years, it’s the only thing you can manage. But keep in mind it’s an amusement park. Consider any other option that opens your child’s eyes to history, architecture, religion, politics, culture, languages, landscapes…their greater world. (And yes, I know about Epcot. But consider the real, authentic alternative…okay?) Still leery? Consider a family trip with a tour group. Disney even offers them now.

8 ) My kid needs to stay on his schedule.

TheWorldIsCallingSays: You can keep the kiddo pretty much on schedule, once you’re there. Just plan the itinerary around it. And brace yourself for some variation on travel days—trust us, it will be okay!

9) It’s too expensive for all of us to go.

TheWorldIsCallingSays: Expenses are something to keep an eye on. We don’t want you to regret your trip. But if you save for your trip, create a budget and stick to it (add in some “extra”), you’ll be fine. Can’t do London? How ‘bout the nearest big city for a night or two? Can’t afford hotels? What about borrowing a friend’s camper or tenting it for a weekend? There’s always an option for any family’s budget. (And if you trade two parents-only trips for one family trip, you probably have the funds you need.)

10) They’re too young to remember.

TheWorldIsCallingSays: Too young? People do what they are accustomed to doing. If you start ‘em young, hopping a plane, train or automobile will become something they love to do…and feel at ease doing. If it’s a serious investment trip, consider creating a photo album, encouraging them to keep a daily journal—or whatever it takes to keep the memories alive.

What is keeping YOU from traveling with your kids? Comment below and we’ll help coach you through the anxiety. You’ll be okay, we promise!