It always makes me sad to hear people say kids are better off sitting in a classroom than they are out traveling and seeing the world! I can say wholeheartedly that my 21 years as a classroom teacher have taught me otherwise!

Travel is good for kids in so many ways, and traveling on bicycle is even more beneficial. There are many reasons I feel seeing the world from the seat of a bike are good for both parents and kids:

* Determination. One of the most important skills for people today is the idea of sticking with a task even though it may be hard. Our children have learned that task when they try to climb a tough hill or battle fierce headwinds. They’ve learned that by taking baby steps they can reach their goal – it may take a while, but they’ll get there!

* Life is not a bowl of cherries. Some days are the pits, but we push on to get through. When traveling on bicycle, you will face tough days and all you can do is plod through it the best you can. But most days are wonderful and that’s what keeps us going. That’s exactly how life is – we don’t stop living just because we have a bad day or two.

* There are no limits to what they can do. Self confidence is a wonderful thing that helps us accomplish so much in life. If a child can pedal across the state, country, or world, is there anything he can’t do?

* Religion, color, or language does not define a person. When children play with others from various cultures, they discover humanity’s similarities rather than focusing on the differences.

* Built in play things rather than idiot boxes. Most kids today spend way too much time with electronic entertainment. Who needs all that when Mother Nature’s toys surround you?

* Creative. Our children have learned to be more creative with what they have since they carry few toys. They use sticks and rocks and leaves and pine cones and berries and…

* Contextual learning. If you learn something in context it means a whole lot more than learning random facts and figures. When you travel, all those random facts come together and make sense.

* Active. One of the major problems with children today is the sedentary lifestyle they are leading. Getting them out on the bike teaches them to be active and healthy for life.

Want to find out more about bicycling with children, then visit Nancy Sathre-Vogel’s site for info on how to plan and organize an extended family vacation.