How We Trained Our Kids to be Good Hikers and Adventurous Eaters (and why it makes travel easier)

One thing that has made family travel much easier for us is that we started early with two habits: hiking and trying new foods.

With hiking, we began when the kids were very young. At first it was short walks through the woods with lots of breaks, but the goals were always the same. Enjoy being outdoors together and walk as much of it as you can. Over time they built endurance and confidence. We kept trying increasingly more challenging hikes. On a hike up to the top of Yosemite Falls when she was 4, I told my daughter she could stop anytime she wanted, but she insisted on making it to the top (and back down). Kids who hike regularly just get used to being outside and moving for a long time.

The same idea applied to food. We always encouraged trying new things, but we also followed a rule that many pediatric nutritionists recommend. A child may need to try a food **five or six times** before deciding if they actually like it. So if a kid says they do not like something the first time, that is not the end of the story. We just keep offering it again in different meals without making a big deal about it.

That approach has paid off in a big way when traveling. Kids who are used to hiking can handle longer walks through cities, national parks, or archaeological sites without melting down. Kids who are used to trying foods are much more open to eating what is available in different countries.

None of this happened overnight. It was just years of small habits at home and on local trips.

Curious: What are the parenting techniques that have made travel easier and more enjoyable? 🌍🥾🍜