Many parents are intimidated by traveling with kids, and many wouldn’t even dream of traveling internationally. However, traveling with children is one of the most incredible experiences you can share with your family. No, they won’t remember every detail of the trip. But as parents, we’ll remember their smiles and laughter for the rest of our lives!
Additionally, I genuinely believe these cultural encounters impact children in a way that’s deeper than simply the creation of fun memories. Personally, I can’t wait to see how Caden and Willow grow with an understanding of our world that goes way beyond their years!
I won’t lie, international travel with kids isn’t always a breeze, but there are lots of ways to make it easier and even enjoyable. As parents, we just need to lay a little groundwork, set the right expectations, and relax. (That last part is extra important.)
So today, I’m sharing some practical tips and strategies to help you prepare for your own international family vacation!
Be mindful of your destination and travel dates.
When you’re in the early stages of planning your trip, carefully consider where and when you’ll travel. Look for destinations that have plenty for kids to do, family-friendly accommodations, and stroller-friendly walkways. You’ll also want to consider transportation while you’re there. A city where a rental car will get you where you need to go is just fine for families with young kids. However, a city more reliant on public transportation may be more of a hassle than you’re up for.
Of course, weather is important too. Traveling to the south in the depths of summer or going north in the dead of winter could make enjoying the trip difficult with kids. Find places with optimal weather year-round or ensure you visit your destination at the right time of year.
Include your kids in the planning process.
Something that I’m loving about our recent international trips is that Caden is finally old enough to be involved in the planning process. Of course, he doesn’t get much input on airlines and travel dates. But, Jason and I love letting him look at different destinations, excursions, and tours and letting him give his input.
I have noticed a difference in the overall excitement for the trip, as well as the behavior on the trip. In the end, I really hope this will help maintain his love for travel. So if you have a child over the age of 3, consider planning the trip together!
Secure flights well in advance and reserve the best seats.
Secure your flights as early as possible—this will give you the most seating options. I think the most family-friendly spots are those coveted bulkhead seats. The extra space is ideal for flying with kids for a few reasons. If you have a newborn, you can actually get an airplane bassinet that secures to the wall in front of the seats (double check it’s available on the bulkhead seats you chose). For other kids, you have more space for play and sleep, and you have a few fewer neighbors to worry about if your kids like to kick the seats in front of them.
In addition to booking your international flights way in advance, I also recommend getting refundable tickets. They are pricier, yes. But, they’re worth every penny of the peace of mind they offer in case anyone isn’t up for the trip for whatever reason. Lastly, always inform the airline if you’re bringing a lap child even if they don’t need their own seat.
Use a travel credit card for everything.
Consider using a travel credit card for every purchase on the trip. You’ll get everything from free upgrades to travel points to apply toward this trip and family vacations to come. I recommend the American Express Business Platinum card because it offers lots and lots of travel benefits. When you apply for it, you’ll also qualify for several new customer benefits and, of course, ongoing international and domestic travel perks.
Apply for, receive, and check passports.
Apply for your child’s passport long before the trip. You’ll first have to set an application appointment that everyone in the family should attend. Your children will need birth certificates, social security numbers, and their parents’ IDs for their application.
The cost is $135 for each passport, and you’ll have to pay by personal, certified, cashier's, or traveler's check. (Yes, the government is old school.) Before you attend your appointment, confirm the service includes passport photos. If they don’t, you’ll need to get those elsewhere before the appointment.
If you have a newborn, here’s your guide to getting a newborn passport.
Set up Global Entry for everyone.
Global Entry is a program that makes re-entry into the U.S. a breeze with kids. Trust me, it’ll save you so much time and stress at customs!
To do this, apply for Global Entry online for yourself, your spouse, and all of your children. Next, you’ll have an application and interview. You can actually do your interview when you return to the U.S. from an international trip. This is called “Enrollment on Arrival” and it’s a great way to avoid an extra trip to the airport!
Double-check immunization needs and bring records.
Before you travel, ensure you and your children have all the immunizations the country (or countries) requires. Keep track of documentation of all these immunizations and schedule those extra vaccines if necessary. Then, be absolutely sure to bring your records with you on your trip.
Prepare for time changes.
Time changes and jet lag as an adult are difficult enough. As you can imagine, it’s not easy for kids either! Luckily, you can make a plan to make adjusting to the new time less difficult for your kids. If you’re able, I recommend adjusting your child to the new time zone one hour at a time before you leave for your trip. That way, you can fully relax at your destination!
However, if you can’t do that with work and other commitments, here are some quick tips to get you through:
- Don’t let naps get too long. Wake your kids to keep them on a schedule if you need to.
- Plan for plenty of physical activity.
- Stick to your home routines as much as possible.
- Spend plenty of time in the sun.
- Make your child’s sleeping area dark with blackout curtains or a SlumberPod.
- Don’t forget you’ll have an adjustment period when you return home too.
As far as jet lag goes, try to get overnight flights if possible! Your kids getting plenty of sleep before you arrive at your destination will help everyone stay in a good mood and adjust more easily to the local time.
For more on this, here’s my guide to adjusting your child to time changes.
Plan for airport security and practice it beforehand!
Airport security is a hassle no matter what, especially with kids. For this reason, I recommend making sure you get there with plenty of time to work your way through. I also recommend creating a family TSA check strategy. You and your spouse should decide who’s going to pull out the necessary items, take off the required clothing, get each kid through the line, and so on.
It’s also a good idea to talk through airport security with your children. Let them know what to expect, and even rehearse the process a few times at home. They’ll think it’s lots of fun and, believe me when I say, it’ll prevent most of the chaos that comes with the TSA line.
Decide how you’ll handle breast milk and formula.
Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, or formula-feeding, you’ll need a plan for the trip. Once you get to your destination, feeding probably isn’t an issue, but the flight provides more of a challenge. Many airports have nursing rooms, but on the plane, there is much less privacy. Decide what you’re comfortable with and make a plan! (At this point with Willow, I just use the Snuggle Me feeding pillow and embrace feeding in public, but with Caden, I used this cover!)
If you’re pumping, bring your breast pump in your carry-on bag. You don’t want that getting lost! I highly recommend a backup manual breast pump just in case there is a mishap with your breast pump. Beyond the pump, I also use a portable bottle warmer and love this Hydro Flask cooler with these reusable ice packs. I tested lots of options, and this combo worked the best.
For formula feeding, just ensure you bring plenty of formula and water to last the whole flight (and then some). My friends who formula feed recommend this Boon tripod formula container. The funnel-like compartments mean no mess and no smacking of the container to get the powder out of the corners.
Assign your older kids age-appropriate responsibilities.
If you have kids over the age of around 7, try giving them 1 or 2 travel responsibilities. I haven’t reached this point with either of my children yet, but friends and followers have told me their older kids can be a super helpful extra set of hands on your travel day!
Be intentional about your packing list.
Creating a smart packing list is essential when traveling with kids. First, write down all of your children’s everyday essentials they’ll inevitably need. Then, jot down all the flight necessities. After that, make a separate list of things you can purchase once you arrive at your destination, like diapers and formula. Finally, list all the items you’ll need for any medical unknowns. This should give you a pretty comprehensive list!
Get toys specifically for the long flight.
Consider buying special new toys for your international flight! Of course, you can bring a few of your child’s favorites from home, but if the toys are new, they’ll provide more minutes/hours of entertainment. I have some of my favorite toys for air travel on my Amazon Shop—here are my lists of toys for 1-2-year-olds and toys for 3-4-year-olds.
Load up your electronics with shows and games.
Even if screen time isn’t your planned method of entertaining your kids on your long flight, it’s a great backup if things go south. Pre-load your electronics with a few educational games and some episodes of your child’s favorite show. Better safe than sorry with this one!
Pack for emergencies—but don’t overdo it.
As tempting as it is to pack for every worst-case scenario, try to keep it conservative. Bring a basic first-aid kit and common medications your children may need on the trip. Pack a thermometer, a medicine dispenser, tylenol, ibuprofen, benadryl, a Nose Frida (and extra filters), saline spray, natural vapor rub, and antibiotic ointment.
Unless you know you’ll need one of these on the flight (like tylenol and ibuprofen if you know you have a teething baby), put these in your checked bag, so you don’t exceed TSA liquid limits.
Research the right gear.
Though packing light is good in principle, you don’t want to be without essential baby gear that’s going to make everything at your destination much easier! You need things like a travel stroller, diaper bag, baby carrier, bouncer, and more. Here are my top pieces of gear in terms of portability and functionality:
- Table High Chair
- Travel Crib
- Inflatable Toddler Bed
- Hatch Rest Go
- UPPAbaby Mini V2 Stroller
- Mini Travel Bag
- Baby Bjorn Bouncer
- Baby Bjorn Travel Bag
- Aerial Baby Carrier
Keep bags organized with packing cubes.
The more people you pack for, the more chaotic the process becomes. When I can, I opt to pack for Willow and Caden in the same bag. That way, I have one less bag to carry. (Actually, that way Jason has one less bag to carry. Let’s be real. 😆)
However, when you pack this way, it’s easy for things to get disorganized, so use packing cubes and zipper pouches. This is a lifesaver for packing at home and unpacking at your destination!
Don’t forget about homey comfort items!
As you’re packing everything up, don’t forget comfort items from home. Let your kids pick out one or two of their favorite security items to bring with them. A small blanket, a stuffed animal, or even a small toy can help with discomfort and homesickness!
Bring plenty of snacks.
Snacks are one of the best ways to occupy your kids on long flights or busy travel days. Choose mess-free options like crackers or granola bars and put them inside a fun snack container like the GoBe Snack Spinner or the Match Up Memory Game Snack Container.
Pack lots of wipes.
I cannot stress enough the importance of bringing as many wipes as you can possibly pack. You’ll be using anti-bacterial wipes on everything from bathroom door handles to airplane seats. And, you’ll be using baby wipes on everything from diaper changes to sticky hands. Here are my favorite baby wipes and favorite anti-bacterial wipes.
Choose how you’ll get your car seat to your destination.
If you have children under 12, chances are you’ll need to bring your car seat or booster. How you get it to your destination is up to you. Here are your options:
Check your car seat.
Most airlines allow you to check your car seat for free. Just bring it with you in a car seat bag and check it with your luggage. Remember that the extra space in the bag is free real estate too! We pack it full of diapers to save space in the rest of our luggage.
Some parents prefer not to check their car seat, since airport staff are notoriously hard on luggage. The worry is that once your car seat gets to the destination, it may be damaged in a way that’s not obvious from glancing at it. Also, many families like having a place for their babies and toddlers to sit comfortably, rather than squirming on their lap the whole flight.
Bring your car seat on the plane.
That brings us to the next option. Most car seats are FAA-approved and you can bring them on the plane with you. These fasten to the seat using the seatbelt, and your child has a safe and comfortable seat for the rest of the flight.
The Federal Aviation Administration actually recommends children under 40 lbs be in their car seats on a plane in case of turbulence or a hard landing. However, getting a car seat (or two) on a plane along with your children is a hassle. And, if your kids don’t like being in their car seat, the whole thing can add another layer of difficulty to the long international flight.
Also, if your child is riding in a car seat, that means that they must have their own seat. No saving money on those lap riders if you bring car seats along. But, again, the argument is that this is safer and you’ll be 100% certain your car seat gets to your destination without being damaged.
Rent a car seat when you get there.
The last option is renting car seats when you get to your destination. Some rental car companies even offer this service. This takes the inconvenience of flying with a car seat out of the equation. However, this isn’t always a reliable option.
Rental companies have limited car seats available, and I can’t help but question the way the car seats are handled, cleaned, and stored. Additionally, if you’re traveling internationally, the car seats in that country may not be up to the same safety standards as the U.S. Do your research on this before you go and triple check that you can reserve a car seat with your car rental company.
Check your car seat and pack it with essentials.
This is one of the best travel hacks you’ll read in the post. Again, when you check your car seat at the gate (which is what I recommend) you’ll have a lot of extra space inside your car seat travel bag. Don’t let that free space go to waste– pack the car seat with a week’s worth of diapers and any other necessities you can jam in there!
AirTag your luggage and your children.
Unfortunately, losing luggage isn’t uncommon. It happens even more often, it seems, on international flights. Because of this, it’s a good idea to add an AirTag in a silicone case to each piece of luggage. Of course, you should pack must-have items in your carry-on just in case.
I haven’t done this yet, but I am tempted by how fast Caden is getting! I swear, he could be an Olympic runner. He can be at my side and gone in two seconds, running to the next terminal. If you’re worried about losing track of your child, put an AirTag in a special bracelet and make sure it’s secured to them throughout the whole trip.
Let your kids run wild before your flights.
Here’s my number one hack for long flights: let your kids run wild before boarding! Get the hand wipes ready, because I recommend you let your young children do whatever and go wherever they want until they’re totally tuckered out. This will hopefully mean naps on the flight. Or, at least, it helps prevent them from getting restless from sitting so long!
Find accommodations that function like home.
You may be used to traveling and staying in hotel rooms, but if you are traveling internationally with children, consider booking a vacation rental. This will offer more space and home-like amenities, especially since hotel accommodations and expectations are different in every country.
Not only will it be more homey and spacious, but you’ll also have separate sleeping and living arrangements, which is perfect when juggling multiple bed and nap times. I also recommend you get a rental with a kitchen or kitchenette, which will give you a place to prepare baby food, formula, breast milk, and meals. It’s a lifesaver!
Maintain your routines when possible.
Food and sleep schedules are everything for a happy international trip with kids. Where possible, try to maintain the same routines you had at home. Nap times, bedtimes, snack times, and meal times should all stay as consistent as possible. For this tip, flexibility is key!
Avoid jam-packed itineraries.
Gone are the days of packed itineraries. When you’re single or it’s just you and your spouse, it makes sense to fill your days to the brim with everything your destination has to offer. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always work for family travel. Think slow–make the trip a lot more relaxed and flexible than what you’re used to.
Carefully consider what you’ll put in your kid’s carry-on.
Once you have your packing list worked out, consider what needs to go in your kid’s carry-on specifically. Everything your child could need while on your lengthy international flight needs to be in that bag. Plus, if your checked luggage gets delayed or lost, the carry-on must get you through at least the first night before you can get to a shop and restock the missing checked bag contents. The carry-on also needs to have irreplaceable (or difficult to replace) things in it too, like prescriptions, essential medical devices, and comfort items.
To help you out, I’ve created this kid’s carry-on packing list.
Be patient and lower your expectations.
With family trips, you’re never sure what the day will bring—just like when you’re at home! You’re still going to have the same newborn sleepless nights, toddler tantrums, and teenage attitude that you have at home. Expect these setbacks, make a plan to handle them, and be patient with your children. Stay positive, lower your expectations, and just enjoy your time with your loved ones!
Traveling internationally with kids is not only possible, it’s fulfilling!
I hope this post encourages you to schedule that trip! And, if you’re thinking about taking a trip with an infant, check out this post on traveling internationally with an infant. I’ve gone on dozens of trips with my kids since they were just a few months old, and I don’t regret a day of it. We’ll keep scheduling more family vacations all around the world to make a lasting imprint on our hearts and minds. Use these tips and advice from the travel section of my blog to plan the perfect international trip for you and your family!
Author
