Age-Appropriate Ways To Teach Kids About Privilege in Travel

November 15, 2016

One of the things that travel has taught me is that I possess a lot of privilege in travel. Despite being a woman and a minority in a culture that still predominantly favors the white male, I occupy a fairly privileged status in American society. And in the world context, my position as an American world affords me a lot of privilege as well.

Before I traveled, I had a well-paying job. And I lived in a city where I felt comfortable to speak my mind and pursue the things I want to pursue. In general, I have a good education, and my skills are marketable enough that I can earn income. But as we've slow traveled around the world, witnessing my privilege in travel has allowed me to realize that there are many places in the world where people do not have the same rights or freedoms as me.

This post was updated on February 18, 2020.


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Feet in Tom's shoes in South Africa, showcasing privilege in travel

The act of travel is a privilege

In truth, the act of travel in itself is a privilege. For a lot of people in the world, things like money, physical fitness, mental state of mind, religious beliefs, and even sexual orientation often hinders them from going to certain places in the world.

As travelers, we need to be mindful of this privilege in travel. Many of us have the means to expose our kids to the world, whether it's through access to WiFi or being able to take our kids on a trip. We need to use our privilege in a responsible way.

As parents and family travelers, we have the additional responsibility of passing on this mindfulness to our children. We need to ask ourselves, how can we help our children appreciate their ability to experience the world?

Having the money to travel is truly a privilege, but you don't have to be extremely wealthy to travel. Here's how you can make world travel affordable for your family.

Lessons about privilege from my travels

At last count, I have been to 35 different countries, and each place I have visited has taught me a few things about how unfair the world can be:

In Paraguay, I learned that life can be quite difficult for a woman. The women are up early in the morning, making breakfast and feeding the animals. They work the fields, clean the house, and cook the meals. And they are the last members of the family to go to sleep.

While traveling through Mexico, I learned how colonial social structures still plays a huge part in Mexican society. The wealthy families are often those with ties to Spanish heritage. And the lower class families are often those with primarily indigenous roots.

In South Africa, I learned that institutional racism can have lasting effects on a country. Even though the racist system of apartheid ended over twenty years ago, the country is still dealing with its aftermath. Many of the black African population live in poverty, and over 70% of the land in South Africa are still owned by white Africans.

And in Indonesia, I learned that the color of your skin DOES make a difference. Grocery stores sell beauty products that lighten your skin. Commercials, television shows, and movies all revere actresses with pale skin and jet black hair as the epitome of beauty.

An exhibit at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, where families can learn about privilege in travel

With privilege in travel comes responsibility

These lessons from my travels have shown me that the world is far from being equal, and that these issues of inequality and privilege exist not only in the United States, but everywhere.

Whether you're taking a trip through England or a trek through Southeast Asia, inequities exist in all places of the world. And it's important that we are aware of those inequities.

So where does that leave us as travelers?

I have come to the conclusion that with privilege comes responsibility. But what that responsibility entails is up to each of us to decide.

For me, as a mother, I am realizing that my responsibility lies in the legacy that I leave behind in this world. My children have many of the same privileges as I have, and as a parent, it is my responsibility to instill in them gratitude and humility. Ultimately, I want my children to have a greater appreciation and understanding of the world around them.

Want to know how we are teaching our kids as we travel? Here are some ways we incorporate worldschooling into our travel experiences.

girl looking out window of boat, thinking about privilege in travel

Ready for a change? Take the first step to living a life of full time travel.

How to talk to your children about privilege in travel

It's never too early to get your kids aware of the privileges they possess as travelers. Farzana Nayani has written a great book about how to talk to kids about topics like race, especially for families of mixed race. Even if you're not part of a multi-cultural family, this book has great insight into talking about race and privilege with your kids.

Buy Farzana's book here: Raising Multiracial Kids: Tools for Nurturing Identity in a Racialized World

There are ways to talk about privilege in travel with your kids without making them feel bad or glossing over aspects of privilege. You can tailor your conversations to make them age appropriate. Here are a few of my suggestions.

A man and boy on the beach in Costa Rica, thinking about privilege in travel

Age group: Toddlers and younger

The main objective for kids in this age group is to get them used to being in new and different environments. Rather than a cruise or a theme park, travel to another country or a different city. Walk through different neighborhoods. Try new cuisines. Talk to people from backgrounds that are different from your family.

Age group: Three to five years old

When we travel, we like playing a game with our kids called, "What's the same? What's different?" During the preschool years, kids are able to distinguish between things are the same and different. This ability can help kids start understanding that concepts about inequality and privilege in travel.

girl looking at street

Age group: Six to eight years old

Once kids are able to read, a world of knowledge suddenly opens up them. When traveling, read a few books about the places you visit. Continue talking about the differences and similarities, and encourage your kids to come up with their own observations.

Age group: Nine years and older

If your kids enjoy writing, have them keep a travel journal. Encourage them to reflect on the places they visit, and how it relates to their life. Seek out opportunities for your kids to meet and interact with other local kids. Additionally, you can look for opportunities to volunteer when you travel. For teens and older kids, give them a chance to explore destinations on their own.

Ready to learn more about traveling responsibly with your kids? Click here for more posts about responsible family travel.

Defining your responsibilities when thinking about privilege in travel

My kids will undoubtedly grow up in a world of privilege, but I hope that our family travels will show them that inequalities exist in this world. I also hope that it inspires them to fight against those injustices, in any way that they can.

In the grand scheme of things, this is what I would want for all travelers, especially those traveling with their kids. My hope is that you will find your own way to shape and define the responsibilities that your privilege brings with it, and find a way to pass these values on to your kids.

In the end, all we can do is hope that each individual out there is doing their part to make the world a more equal and just place.

Do you feel that travel is a privilege? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Are you planning a big family travel adventure for your family? Use my ebook, Hey Kids, Let’s Go Travel! as a resource for tools, advice, and action steps for planning your trip.

Teaching Your Kids About Privilege In Travel | The Wandering Daughter

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