Travel Like a Kid Again – How to Make Any Trip More Fun and Playful

As kids, we didn’t need fancy plans or expensive activities to have an adventure. Everything felt exciting—whether it was climbing a tree, playing in the rain, or making up stories about the world around us. But somewhere along the way, travel became more about checklists, reservations, and responsibilities.

What if you could bring back that childhood magic? The good news is—you can. All it takes is a little imagination and a willingness to let go of the “adult” way of traveling.

Get Excited About the Little Things

Kids find joy in the simplest moments—watching birds, jumping in puddles, or collecting rocks. Instead of rushing from one tourist attraction to the next, slow down and appreciate the small details around you.

Look at the colors of the buildings, the way the light changes in the afternoon, or the quirky signs in shop windows. Try to see the world as if you’ve never been anywhere like this before—because in reality, you haven’t.

Forget the Itinerary—Explore with Curiosity

Kids don’t need a plan to have fun. They wander, get distracted, and follow whatever interests them. Try traveling the same way. Instead of planning every minute, give yourself a free day with no agenda. Walk in a direction that looks interesting. Take a turn down a street just because you like the name. See where the day takes you.

Some of the best adventures happen when you’re not looking for them.

Play with Your Food

Kids don’t just eat—they experience food. They touch it, smell it, sometimes even make a mess with it. Instead of just ordering what you know, approach meals with curiosity. Try something completely new, even if you have no idea what it is. Eat with your hands if it’s part of the culture. Sit on the floor if that’s how locals do it. Let food be part of the adventure.

Talk to Strangers (Like Kids Do)

Children have no problem striking up conversations with random people. They ask questions, share stories, and make friends easily. As adults, we tend to keep to ourselves, but travel is the perfect time to break that habit.

Ask a local for their favorite hidden spot. Compliment someone’s street performance. Say hello to another traveler. The best travel experiences often come from unexpected conversations.

Do Something Just for Fun

As kids, we played for no reason other than enjoyment. When was the last time you did something on a trip just because it looked fun? Buy a cheap toy from a street vendor and play with it. Ride a carousel. Jump into the ocean fully clothed. Run through a park. Do something that has no purpose other than to make you smile.

Embrace the Silly Moments

Kids don’t worry about looking cool or acting "proper." They dance when they hear music, laugh at silly things, and aren’t afraid to be ridiculous. Travel is the perfect time to let go of self-consciousness. Take silly photos, make up stories about the places you visit, or challenge a friend to a ridiculous contest—who can find the weirdest souvenir, the funniest street name, or the best animal-shaped cloud?

Get Lost on Purpose

Remember how fun it was to explore new places as a kid? Getting lost wasn’t scary—it was an adventure. Instead of always relying on Google Maps, put away your phone and navigate by instinct. Wander down streets that look interesting. See where you end up. If you get truly lost, ask a local for directions—it might lead to an unexpected discovery.

End the Day with a Story

Kids love telling stories about their day—every little detail feels exciting. Instead of just snapping photos, take time to reflect on your experiences. Write in a journal, record a voice memo, or just tell someone about the most fun, weird, or surprising thing that happened.

By turning your day into a story, you relive the magic all over again.

Travel isn’t just about places—it’s about how you experience them. By thinking like a kid again, you bring back the sense of wonder, playfulness, and joy that makes exploring new places so exciting. So next time you travel, forget being a serious adult—jump in, have fun, and let the adventure happen.