Recent research indicates that it's true! ARDA / VacationBetter.Org has published a report based on the findings of the U.S. Department of Education, which showed that "...kids with the experience of travel broadens their horizons and opens up their minds to learning." Here's an excerpt:
Quote:
Research Shows Vacations Can Actually Make Kids Smarter
Study Shows Link to Academic Achievement in First Graders
WASHINGTON, September 22, 2009 -- As the nation’s children settle in for another school year, many parents and teachers wonder how the summer break affected their children’s academic achievement. Analysis of a U.S. Department of Education study found that children who travel over summer break – whether to a beach, historic site or a national park – did better in reading, math and general knowledge than their peers who didn’t vacation. "The data is clear – and gives hard-working parents another reason not to put off a summer vacation trip," said Dr. Bill Norman, Clemson University. "Providing kids with the experience of travel broadens their horizons and opens up their minds to learning." A series of analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between summer vacation travel and academic achievement in children entering first grade. Specifically, the study explored whether going on a vacation, the number of days spent on a vacation and places visited were linked to academic achievement in the areas of reading, mathematics and general knowledge. The results revealed a significant difference in academic achievement and taking a family summer vacation trip. Children that traveled with their family over summer vacation scored higher on academic achievement assessment tests than those who did not travel. The days spent on family summer vacation trips had a modest significant relationship with academic achievement. Lastly, children who visited plays or concerts, art or science museums, historical sites, beaches or lakes, national or state parks, and zoos or aquariums had significantly higher academic achievement scores than those who did not.
Part of being a good parent means exposing your child to positive stimulating experiences. It is not surprising to read that vacations can lead to smarter children and it's nice to see that it has been documented scientifically by the US Dept of Education. If you're an adult I'm sure you can think back on the travel experiences that impacted your life. I remember, as a child, just being fascinated at viewing back yards as the train passed thru towns, big and small. Today a family can immerse theirselves in a foreign culture and use all their senses to assimilate ideas of different lifestyles. Some families even opt to use travel as their approach to "home schooling".
Most families, tho', are scheduling their adventures around their children's school calendars. This factor is what makes traveling timeshare style appealing to families. And, in addition to the advanced planning, having a home-like timeshare to live in makes everyone in the family more comfortable.
What trips have broadened your childs' horizons and opened up their minds to learning? Share a story here!
Children Who Vacation Smarter? 
Exposing children to life 
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