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She sees each trip as an opportunity for her son to learn something new, so making sure the experience will be enriching for him is imperative. "Traveling is one of the best ways to learn, immerse yourself in the culture, and rid yourself of any trace of xenophobia," Nyja said.
In addition to teaching her son about other cultures, Nyja also hopes traveling will help him learn to feel confident in any situation. "It’s really important for me to instill early that he can take up space anywhere as a Black male, and I believe traveling is a great way for him to learn that," she said.
After your tickets are booked, it's time to start planning all the excursions and activities you want to do during your trip. When she's exploring a new place with Nolyn, Nyja said having a detailed itinerary makes the trip go much more smoothly. Before she boards her first flight, Nyja likes to make sure she knows all of the cultural landmarks and attractions they will want to see after they land.
Although Nyja has had plenty of wonderful experiences traveling just with her son, she also said larger group trips have their perks — like built-in babysitters. "If you can, bring another family so that the children can play together and the adults could possibly indulge in some fun sans children," she said. Whether you're traveling with just your family or with a larger group, "make sure you do things that are not only fun for your child but that you will also enjoy."
Start teaching kids about other countries and cultures at a young age to spark their curiosity.
Travel has always been a huge part of Nyja Richardson's life, so when she became a mom, she knew she wanted to ensure her now-6-year-old son, Nolyn, had the opportunity to experience other cultures and ways of life through traveling together. It's a lifestyle and parenting style inspired by her own upbringing: "My mom gave me a globe and said whatever country I can say first is where we would travel to," Nyja explained.
Before the pandemic, Nyja and Nolyn were always on the go, traveling the world as a dynamic duo; their last trip before the pandemic was a month-long excursion to Singapore, the Maldives, and India. While she's been spending more time at home, Nyja has been focused on planning her next big adventure with Nolyn. Here's how she prepares for a family trip, from scoring the best deal to making sure the journey is worthwhile for both kids and adults.
Editor: Annalise Mantz
Photographer: Matthew Kelly
Art Director: Becky Joy
Producer: Cassie Doyle
Asociate Producer: Hannah Lee
Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi
HMU Artist: Ashley Schultz
Prop Stylist: Katrina Rozeville
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How This Travel Influencer Is Raising Her Son to Be a
World
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Get
Cultured
When Nyja is choosing a destination, the region's culture is the first thing she considers.
Make an Itinerary
Nyja has had all kinds of mishaps while traveling — like losing her luggage in Europe when Nolyn was just a toddler — but tries to not let those setbacks put a damper on the trip. "Some days, they may not want to explore an entire country or they could be misbehaving and you question why you even brought them," she said. "Just remember that things don’t always go according to plan."
Just Roll
With It
Of course, as every parent knows, even the best-laid plans can go awry when kids are involved.
When traveling with kids, be ready to make adjustments to your plans if a little one gets a headache, throws a tantrum, or catches a cold. Having a few travel essentials in your carry-on can help you stay adaptable. Nyja recommends always keeping a portable phone charger and travel adapter on hand so you can at least use your phone. She also said Google Maps is a lifesaver: you can download a city's map before you travel so you can easily explore it without WiFi while you're there.
Even when a trip doesn't go according to plan, Nyja said she tries to remember the reason she loves travel: having new experiences with her kid. As she gears up for her next trip with Nolyn — this time to Mexico — Nyja has one piece of advice for other parents who love to travel: "Book the flight. My son has learned so much outside of the classroom due to traveling."
Nyja suggests doing some research on average flight prices for the route and typical hotel costs for the time of year you'd like to visit so you can get a sense of what the trip will cost. Then, compare it to the money you have to spend: If it fits the budget, book it! If it's a little outside of your price range, start saving up so you can make it happen down the line.
Nyja also uses a few savvy travel hacks to score deals on flights. If you have flexible travel dates, you might be able to fly on a less popular day for a cheaper price. "Sometimes traveling off peak will save you a few hundred dollars," Nyja said. Or consider visiting a destination during the off-season for even bigger savings. Just make sure all the landmarks, museums, and activities you want to experience are still open for business.
Set a
Budget
Once you've decided where you want to go, it's time to get practical.
Get Cultured
Make an Itinerary
Just Roll With It
Set a Budget
Citizen
of the
If you're traveling with a child under 2, many airlines will let them fly for free on your lap.
An itinerary with lots of variety — like a museum visit followed by an afternoon at the beach — will help keep restless kids entertained.
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the World
Nyja suggests doing some research on average flight prices for the route and typical hotel costs for the time of year you'd like to visit so you can get a sense of what the trip will cost. Then, compare it to the money you have to spend: If it fits the budget, book it! If it's a little outside of your price range, start saving up so you can make it happen down the line.
Nyja also uses a few savvy travel hacks to score deals on flights. If you have flexible travel dates, you might be able to fly on a less popular day for a cheaper price. "Sometimes traveling off peak will save you a few hundred dollars," Nyja said. Or consider visiting a destination during the off-season for even bigger savings. Just make sure all the landmarks, museums, and activities you want to experience are still open for business.
Start teaching kids about other countries and cultures at a young age to spark their curiosity.
Make an Itinerary
Once you've decided where you want to go, it's time to get practical.
When she's exploring a new place with Nolyn, Nyja said having a detailed itinerary makes the trip go much more smoothly. Before she boards her first flight, Nyja likes to make sure she knows all of the cultural landmarks and attractions they will want to see after they land.
If you're traveling with a child under 2, many airlines will let them fly for free on your lap.
Editor: Annalise Mantz
Photographer: Matthew Kelly
Art Director: Becky Joy
Producer: Cassie Doyle
Producer (day of): Hannah Lee
Food Stylist: Takako Kuniyuki
Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi
Prop Stylist: Jojo Li
HMU Artist: Ashley Schultz
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