I am curious what peoples opinions are on youth travel sports? Specifically is there an age that you would recommend starting a kid at a travel sport?

I am sure there are many people younger than me that did do travel sports because I am older and these things did not exist , but do you have any regrets spending so much free time traveling and giving up every weekend throughout the summer or winter depending on which sport you played?

Any advice, insight or regrets from parents that had a child do travel sports?

From my perspective having seen so many travel teams as an umpire it seems the better players do play travel ball as opposed to the local rec league. Am I right?

Is hiring a private instructor more beneficial or just as beneficial early on in a kids career as opposed to barnstorming around the midwest as a 9 year old?

Any info is appreciated.