Giving in to your inner child while traveling can be a wonderful and rewarding experience for several reasons...
Rediscovering Wonder
Children often have a sense of wonder and excitement about the world around them. Embracing your inner child allows you to tap into that same curiosity and rekindle a sense of awe and amazement. It helps you see familiar and unfamiliar places with fresh eyes, appreciating the beauty and magic in even the simplest things.
Embracing Playfulness
Traveling as an adult can sometimes be filled with responsibilities and stress. Giving in to your inner child allows you to let go of those burdens and embrace a more carefree and playful attitude. You can engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it's building sandcastles on the beach, playing games, or simply running through a meadow.
Trying New Things
Children are often more open to trying new experiences without fear or judgment. When you let your inner child take the lead, you may find yourself more willing to step out of your comfort zone and try new activities, foods, or adventures. It opens up opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and memorable moments that you may have otherwise missed.
Connecting with Others
Children have a natural ability to make friends and connect with others. Embracing your inner child while traveling can help break down barriers and allow you to interact with locals and fellow travelers in a more open and lighthearted way. You may find yourself engaging in spontaneous conversations, sharing laughter, and creating connections that can enrich your travel experience.
Unleashing Creativity
Children are often imaginative and creative, and embracing your inner child can reignite your own creativity. It can inspire you to take photographs, draw, write, or engage in other artistic pursuits that help capture and express your travel experiences in unique and personal ways.
Mindfulness and Living in the Present
Children are masters of living in the present moment, fully immersed in their experiences. Giving in to your inner child while traveling allows you to let go of worries about the past or future and focus on the present. It helps you savor the little joys, appreciate the details, and truly be present in the places you visit.
By giving in to your inner child while traveling, you can enhance your travel experience by infusing it with a sense of wonder, playfulness, openness, and mindfulness. It allows you to see the world through fresh eyes, embrace new experiences, connect with others, and create cherished memories that will stay with you long after your journey is over.
My personal experience
Avignon, France, boasts a historic and ornate carousel that sits in the Place de l’Horloge, the main square of the historical city center. The two-level carousel features the traditional horses on poles. But for this ride, I contented myself with one of the high-backed, gilded, stationary bench seats. My friend Betty Wing and I laughed through the entire musical cycle as the carousel whirled us around. We probably had more fun than the handful of little kids sharing the ride – although their horses did go up and down.
These tips for travelers are from Author Sherry Knowlton's travel memoirs, Beyond the Sunset: Volume 1 & Volume 2. Buy the book, in Kindle or paperback, today!
Also available at Sunbury Press or wherever most books are sold.