Travel prepares kids for a global future

Every day, we live in a world that is far more connected than it was even a year ago. Both in business and in our free time, a familiarity with the world outside of our homes is important - and it will only become more so for future generations. In the age of globalization and international companies with employees based all across the globe, one of the best ways to prepare your kids for future success is to travel with them.

The old chestnut that travel isn't worth it because kids won't remember has been proven wrong time and time again. But it's important to remember that travel is one aspect of giving your kids a broad world view that will set them apart in their future careers. In the long run, your investment in travel - which doesn't necessarily need to be very big - can pay off for your children.

And there's certainly a more sentimental side to the argument in favor of traveling as a family. What better way to create lasting, treasured memories than by taking a trip together. Keep these tips in mind as you plan family travel and help your children build global perspectives.

* Make a sensible start. Being dropped off in the middle of a remote jungle isn't the best way to start your children's international travel experience. A guided tour can provide the structure a traveling family will need, and take care of the complicated details of planning a trip on your own. Choose European tours to get started in a way that feels fascinating and still somewhat familiar.

* Encourage interest. Once you've booked a tour, make the effort to cultivate your child's curiosity about the places you'll be seeing. Try using language instruction podcasts or software to have a bit of fun with a new tongue, try cooking meals from other countries, and watch a movie or two set in a city on your Europe tour itinerary.

* Try to find curriculum crossover. Talk to your kids about whether they're studying anything related to the countries you'll visit. Consider working on homework together to get a deeper perspective on where you're going and the people who live there. Your kids might even be able to use your trip as inspiration for a school project.

* Be curious yourself. Everyone knows that kids pick up on what their parents are doing and will learn by example. If you foster habits of watching international news and reading about other parts of the world, it's only natural that your curiosity will rub off on your kids.