10 Ways to Introduce Travel to Your Child

         While shopping with your little one you feel a tug on your skirt and hear your well intentioned child say “look mommy”, while their index finger is extended at the end of that finger is a person dressed in their traditional attire from their homeland. What do you do? We have all been on one side or another of that finger and the way we responded has gone on to shape a child’s life. Now if you haven’t been on either side of the finger you have been in the vicinity of said incident and thought “get your child”, or maybe you thought “look at….” Yeah, I’ll let you complete that thought. 
        Ok.ok, this is not about pointing and who’s wrong or right, but it is about exposure and appeasing our little and big one’s curiosity. Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive and for this post’s purpose I am going to substitute travel for exposure. Here’s 10 ways you can introduce your child to travel without breaking the bank or his finger.
1.    Explore your local area. Local cultural festivals are typically free to attend and you’ll have access to people who are actually from that culture, their food, music attire and more. These are also family friendly events so the entire family can enjoy.  Look at your local newspaper for monthly and weekly events. The city or town you live in typically sponsors these events so look on their website and if you are in an area with colleges and universities you can find events on their website also. 
2.    Google is your friend. Search the internet for photos and videos of different places and cultures. Use this to create a conversation about what is appealing to your child and how a person is similar to him or her. Gauge your child’s response and then search for local places where these individuals are represented. 
3.    Museums have the answers Sway. There is a museum for everything, choose what piques your interest and the way that your child enjoys learning. For example a children’s museum or art museum may be ideal for elementary kids where older children may enjoy a museum that requires less interaction and more reading. 
4.    Grab a book. This is a tale as old as time, but it is still one of the best ways to travel. Pick up a book and read about other countries, people and places. You can choose fiction or nonfiction as long as it gives you a realistic view on what someone else is experiencing. Some of my favorite books are Kite Runner, Namesake and the Sympathizer. These are for more advanced readers but they provide insight to immigrant’s lives as well as give excellent cultural references. 
5.    Eat up. What better way to learn about others than over a good meal. Round the family up and go to an authentic restaurant ran by those whose name is in the title with meals prepared that they would traditionally eat in their home.  So that means no fried rice and 4 chicken wings with duck sauce. Eating foods that you are not accustom to expands your pallet, vocabulary and your mind.
An alternative is to go to a local market and grab the ingredients so that you and your little one can have an Italian, Indian or Mexican night while bonding in your home. 
6.    Play that song again. Turn on some tunes and get moving. Music has a way of destroying barriers and bringing people closer, not only is it a great way to get an understanding of the composer’s life, but it’s also a great way to practice a foreign language. 
7.    Dancing! Yep get up and move ya body! There are dances and traditions that accompany songs and events all over the world. Learning how to move to the beat or simply watching can help give a sense of understanding while providing a fun and engaging environment. Whether its salsa, gwara gwara or dabke you and your child can get to moving while learning. 
8.    My friends are your friend and your friends are my friends. Whitney said love, but friends just seem more appropriate. As I have said before tap into your network. We all have friends from different cultures and backgrounds invite them to your family gatherings and outings as well as schedule play dates for your children. Get to know them as people not items or experiences to check off your list and I guarantee you and your child will be better for it. 
9.    Skype me! Skype offers great experiences lead by professionals that you can watch in the comfort of your own home. These lessons are interactive and are typically geared towards lesson planning. This is ideal if you homeschool or teach your student when they are on break. The lessons are typically free, but you’ll need to register in advance to secure your place. 
10.    Socialize. Finally hop on social media and see what is happening throughout the world and in your own backyard. You can search hashtags, attend live events and create your own narrative from Instagram videos and pictures. Social media also allows you to connect with others for FREE. Of course take all precautions to keep you and your little one safe while learning about foreign countries, animals and people.