Study Shows Traveling Can Help Make Kids Successful in School

Image: Family jumping for joy at a beach. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / LightFieldStudios)
Image: Family jumping for joy at a beach. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / LightFieldStudios)
Alex Temblador
by Alex Temblador
Last updated: 4:00 PM ET, Tue January 15, 2019

We all know that vacations bring families together, but a recent survey shows that traveling may also help kids to be more successful in school.

The Student and Youth Travel Association (SYTA) conducted a survey of almost 1,500 U.S. based teachers and discovered that 74 percent of educators believe travel has "a very positive impact on students' personal development."

Fifty-six percent of teachers also believe that traveling can have a positive impact on a student's education and career.

Children who traveled with their families seemed to also have more tolerance and respectfulness in the classroom, as well as more willing to learn and try new things, according to the teachers surveyed.

Educators even witnessed how travel affects a student's personality in the classroom and playground. Everything from higher independence and improved self-esteem, confidence, adaptability, sensitivity, and self-expression were noted by teachers.

It's important to keep in mind that not all families have the financial means to travel, but even traveling within one's city to explore museums or culturally-focused events can inspire children and improve their personality at school.

According to 76 percent of teachers, it just takes one trip to really make kids fall in love with travel and want to travel more.

So pack the bags and hop in the car or on a plane in 2019 and watch how your kids improve in school with a family vacation.


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Alex Temblador

Alex Temblador

Alex Temblador is an award-winning travel writer and the award-winning author of Secrets of the Casa Rosada, Half Outlaw, andWriting An Identity Not Your Own. This Mixed Latine writer is based in Dallas, Texas, and has had publications in Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, Outside, among many others. She's best known for her articles on diversity, inclusion, and equity in travel. You can reach her at [email protected].

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