20 Expert Tips for International Family Travel
Your Guide to Stress-Free Travel
“It is never too early to start exploring the world”
Setting off on another international Uncommon Family Adventure
It’s the middle of the night, somewhere high above the Atlantic. Outside, the plane is swallowed by darkness, and the steady hum of the engines is your only comfort. You glance around, noticing the way your family is scattered across their seats—eyes closed, blankets tucked tightly under their chins, lost in the kind of deep sleep that only exhaustion can bring. But not you. You can’t rest. Not yet.
Your youngest daughter shifts in her seat, clutching her worn-out stuffed animal close to her chest. In the dim cabin light, her wide eyes reflect the unease you feel inside. She leans over, her small hand finding yours, and whispers in a shaky voice, “I’m scared.”
You squeeze her hand gently, murmuring reassurances, but her comment lingers in your own mind. Are we really ready for this? Did we plan enough? Suddenly, the excitement of this long-awaited family adventure is overshadowed by doubt. You’re thousands of miles from home, hurtling toward a place where everything will be different—the language, the culture, the food. It’s thrilling and terrifying all at once.
In the quiet of the plane, as your child drifts back to sleep, your mind races. You replay the weeks of preparation, the lists, the bookings, the what-ifs. Yet there’s still that voice whispering the same thing over and over: Are we ready for this?
The stakes feel high. After all, this isn’t just a vacation. It’s a challenge to your comfort zone, an adventure into the unknown, with your family depending on you to guide them through it. But as your heart rate slows and you glance at your sleeping family, you remind yourself of one simple truth: you didn’t plan this to be perfect. You planned this to be memorable.
Our First International Flight
Our first overseas flight was a lot like the story above. Even with the best plans, it’s hard to anticipate everything. Before embarking on our first trip to France, we had to keep reminding ourselves of our family motto: “Everything Always Works Out.” It’s important to remember that the best journeys are the ones that push you out of your comfort zone. We were certainly out of ours. But as we navigated our first international trip, we learned that with the right strategy and a little flexibility, traveling internationally with kids can be not just manageable but magical.
Whether you’re planning your first trip abroad or you’re seasoned adventurers, here are our top tips to make international travel with kids an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons.
20 Tips for Traveling Internationally with Kids
Involve Your Kids in the Planning Process
Including your kids in the trip planning is more than just fun—it’s essential. Let them research the destination, pick activities, and even pack their own bags (with guidance and a final check). This not only builds excitement but also gives them a sense of ownership. For instance, Rachel’s fascination with Greek mythology led us to the Louvre, while Sophie’s goal to visit every Disneyland location led us to the park in Paris and has us adding some new cities to our upcoming year of travel.
Make Long Flights More Comfortable for Kids
Long flights aren’t the most comfortable for even the most seasoned adult travelers. For kids, boredom, pent-up energy, and curiosity can result in uncomfortable, wiggly, and even whiny kids. Give some consideration to how you can make them as comfortable as possible for the journey.
Rachel is most content when she’s listening to music and drawing so we make sure she has her sketchbook, pencils, and headphones handy. Honestly, these long flights (along with lengthy bus or train trips) are one time that screen time rules go right out the window. If your kids will behave and be content playing a game or watching a movie, then now is the time to just let them do it.
Be Prepared with Essential Medications and First-Aid for International Travel
Make sure you have everyone’s prescriptions packed in your carry-on bags. In addition, it’s a great idea to have a hard copy of your prescription and even a note from your doctor with you to provide documentation about why you need the medicine you are carrying with you. If you’re traveling for over a month, you might need to refill those prescriptions and this paperwork will help tremendously.
Also, never underestimate the power of a well-stocked first aid kit. We have learned, from experience, that Rachel sometimes gets motion sick so we make sure we have Dramamine with us when we travel. In addition to that, we always carry a small kit with us, complete with other essentials like pain relievers, fever reducers, antibacterial ointment, bandaids, and sterile wipes. While you can find these things in local pharmacies, having a small kit will help you quickly overcome skinned knees, car sickness, and headaches on the spot.
Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccines & Immunizations
Check the CDC’s website and visit your doctors to ensure everyone’s vaccines are up to date before you travel. This is especially important for countries where certain diseases are more prevalent. Better to be safe and well-prepared than to risk health issues abroad.
Our doctors and pediatricians all told us that, as a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to get any necessary vaccinations at least a month before traveling to a specific country. The CDC’s website will inform you of any outbreaks that are happening in the country you’re visiting and which vaccines are recommended for travelers of specific ages or countries of origin.
If you’re traveling from the United States, you will likely need to see a physician who specializes in international travel vaccines to receive the recommended shots before leaving. However, as we’ve traveled in Europe, we’ve noticed more clinics where these can be done, especially if your plans and routes change along the way.
Pack Light But Smart
The temptation to overpack is real, but resist! Each person in our family manages their own rolling carry-on suitcase and a backpack. That’s it, regardless of the length of our travels, we don’t add extra baggage. We realize that younger kids require more items (strollers, car seats, diaper bags, toys, etc). Even so, we encourage you to resist the urge to pack more than what you absolutely need.
The less you bring, the easier it is to navigate airports, trains, and narrow cobblestone streets. Plus, you’re less likely to leave something behind along the way. When we tell people how little we bring along, we get lots of surprised looks and often get asked how we can pack for multiple climates and months of travel. (We plan to write an entire post on this topic in the very near future to help answer those questions.)
One last thing on this point, almost anything you need can be purchased wherever you go. If you’re in doubt over whether to pack that extra sweater or pair of shoes, chances are you’ll be able to do without it. If not, you can pick something similar up when the need arises. Trust me, your back will thank you for packing light.
Have a Safety Plan
Having a child get separated from you in a crowd is terrifying in any situation, but in a foreign country, it is extra scary. Make a plan in advance. If you’re traveling with young children, decide which adult will be responsible for each child when entering a crowded area. Teach your kids what to do if they get separated from you.
Years ago, while on a trip to Disney World in Orlando with several members of our extended family, we temporarily lost Ellie. She had been my sister’s shadow for the whole trip and when we were working our way through the crowds, our large group got spread out. When we joined back up, 8 year old Ellie was missing. Thankfully, Kevin was able to retrace our steps and found her as she was waiting to tell an employee that she had become separated from her family. It was a terrifying few minutes and we’ve taken care to never experience it again.
Whether it’s finding a security guard or heading to a designated meeting point, having a plan can turn a scary situation into a manageable one. Consider ID bracelets or Apple AirTags for younger children. Teach your children about stranger danger and decide on a “safe word” so that they don't trust anyone who approaches them and can’t provide that word.
Let Your Child Bring ONE Favorite Toy
Instead of packing a suitcase full of toys, encourage your child to pick just one favorite item. The more you have to keep track of, the more likely it will be that a precious toy will be left behind somewhere along the way. The last thing you want to deal with is an inconsolable child whose favorite item has been lost.
For Sophie, it’s Cinnamon, her stuffed dog who has been with us since she was 2 years old. Although she’s small, this tiny dog represents comfort, security, and a sense of home no matter where we are in the world. She’s so important that we all check to make sure Sophie has her before we leave any of our accommodations. With just ONE toy to keep track of, you’re much less likely to leave it behind.
Help Them Learn Basic Phrases
Spend some time before your trip learning the basics of the local language. A well placed “please” or “thank you” goes a long way in breaking the language barrier when you travel. We used the Duolingo app to learn some basic words and phrases before traveling to France for the first time.
When Sophie confidently apologized to a waiter for dropping her fork with “je suis désolée,” he looked at her with surprise and quickly said “bon français” (good French)! The smile on the waiter’s face was priceless and the encounter gave Sophie such a sense of accomplishment. It was heartwarming to see how much their efforts were noticed and appreciated by the locals.
Double Check Everyone’s Passport
Don’t let an expired passport ruin your trip! Most countries require 6 months to be remaining on your passport before allowing entry. As a rule of thumb, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your planned departure from your destination country. Remember that children’s passports expire sooner than adult ones, so check those dates carefully. With current processing delays, it’s best to renew well in advance.
Take Advantage of the Off-Season
Traveling during the off-season means fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and a more relaxed pace. It’s a win-win for both your sanity and your wallet. This can be challenging to plan if you’re held captive by a traditional school calendar. If you’re wanting to take an epic overseas trip, it is worth having a conversation with your child’s school to arrange to take them out of school for a week or two.
While this can be more challenging for middle and high school kids, it shouldn’t be a problem for younger children. If you approach administrators with a proactive plan to get some of the work done while traveling and complete the rest in a timely manner upon return, you might be surprised at their willingness.
Rest, Don’t Rush
When traveling, it's important to leave room for flexibility. As full-time travelers, we’ve learned to be mindful of how we use our time. That’s why we intentionally leave some days unscheduled. Between working, schooling, travel days, and sightseeing, having time to slow down is essential. These unscheduled days give us a chance to relax, recharge, and tackle household tasks like laundry and planning our next steps.
Even if you’re only traveling for a week, you’ll need moments to decompress and adjust to your new surroundings. While it’s tempting to cram as much as possible into each day, constantly rushing from one activity to the next can leave everyone exhausted and irritable. Instead, choose a few key experiences and fully immerse yourself in them, creating memories that are more meaningful—and enjoyable.
Fly Overnight & Plan for Jet Lag
Booking overnight flights can work in your favor. If you can sync the flight with your child’s natural sleep schedule, the journey will feel shorter, and you’ll arrive more rested. In spite of this, jet lag is inevitable. You can mitigate its effects by keeping the first few days of your itinerary light. Allow your body—and your kids’ bodies—to adjust to the new time zone gradually.
We recently arrived in Ireland after an overnight flight and a long layover in Paris. By the time we arrived, we had been mostly awake for well over 24 hours. We ordered delivery for dinner and got to bed! Since we didn’t have any specific plans, we didn’t set an alarm. We all slept peacefully for 14 hours! Instead of feeling guilty for “sleeping the day away,” we woke refreshed and went out to explore. With our internal clocks reset and our bodies well-rested, the days ahead were much more enjoyable.
Document the Family Journey
I love all of my old travel diaries. It’s fun to see where we went and when. We have even captured some favorite quotes from the kids as they’ve reacted to a new experience or expressed their frustration with a statement they will laugh about later. Show your kids how to journal their own way. Provide them with a journal where they can write their thoughts, document their favorite moments, or even draw their favorite sites.
Mix Kid-Friendly with Adult-Friendly Activities
Balance the itinerary with activities that cater to both kids and adults. A day at an amusement park can be followed by a visit to a local market or historical site. This keeps everyone engaged and excited about what’s next. Mom and Dad would love a fancy food tour but the kids might prefer a family cooking class. Making trade-offs to keep everyone happy and engaged are worth it!
Plan for Layovers & Flight Delays
If you have a layover, plan for at least three hours to account for delays, meals, and letting the kids stretch their legs. A rushed layover is a recipe for stress, so give yourself plenty of time. A layover could even be an opportunity for a rare treat to reward your kids for good behavior on a flight and to show them your confidence in their ability to hang in there for the duration. There are lots of snacks and treats at most airports that might not be on your everyday menu (ice cream, cookies, or even an indulgent dessert that’s popular in the country where your layover is).
Give Kids Responsibilities
Each of us had a rolling carry-on suitcase and a backpack for our 3-month trip and we were each responsible for our own bags. (We, of course, helped the girls during stressful times like getting onto trains and buses quickly.) Rachel was in charge of checking each of our accommodations before we left. She went room by room checking cabinets, closets, drawers, and underneath beds to make sure we’d packed everything. Kevin spot-checked her work but she was a pro within just a couple of check-outs and found, on more than one occasion, items that would have been forgotten. Kids are often more capable than we give them credit for, and taking responsibility builds their confidence.
Consider Alternatives to Hotels
Vacation rentals can offer more space, kitchen facilities, and laundry options, often at a lower cost than hotels. This is especially handy when traveling with kids who need room to spread out. We mainly use Booking.com, Airbnb, and VRBO. Similarly, housesitting/petsitting locations can serve the same purpose, offering more space at (get this) NO cost!! There are of course responsibilities that are expected of you with these options, but they are definitely worth considering.
We recently stayed at a hostel in Dublin. While our private family room (with 3 sets of bunk beds) was quite cramped, the downstairs common area was a great place to cook a meal, listen to music, relax on the couch, or even get to know fellow travelers. The cost was a fraction of local hotel prices and our downtown location put us steps away from food, entertainment, and historical sites!
Make Water & Nutrition a Priority
Dehydration can make everyone grumpy, so keep those water bottles filled. And don’t underestimate the power of snacks (fruit, energy bars, trail mix, etc.). These can be lifesavers on long flights or car rides. Once you arrive at your destination, be sure to mix healthy proteins, fruits, and veggies into the mix along with those inevitable treats.
We find that staying hydrated is one of our toughest challenges. We have struggled with not wanting to use so many water bottles, but the quality of the water can be questionable sometimes. Ellie discovered LARQ water bottles and loves the look and functionality. With a built-in filter, and even the option for a UV-C LED lid that kills bacteria, it’s a great solution when traveling in places that have less than stellar water quality.
Be Flexible
Things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Be willing to adjust your plans and go with the flow. Some of our best memories came from unexpected detours. Our first international trip wasn’t even supposed to be to France! We were thinking of going to Italy, Portugal, Spain, or Germany but airline prices and Covid restrictions led us to France instead.
I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I would spend nearly 3 full months in France but once we booked the flight, we started planning and quickly filled our itinerary. By the time we left, we were so thankful that fate led us there and already thinking of all the places we wanted to return and visit again one day. If we hadn’t been open to change, we would’ve missed one of the best experiences of our lives.
Limit Souvenirs
Instead of buying loads of trinkets, encourage your kids to take photos or collect small, meaningful items. Journals and pictures make for priceless keepsakes that won’t clutter your home. If you do decide to purchase souvenirs, opt for smaller items that also serve a purpose, a pair of socks or a keychain.
Ellie purchased a beautiful scarf at Mont-Saint-Michel that kept her warm for the next month and left her with a keepsake of one of her bucket list destinations. We typically purchase one family Christmas ornament from our travels that can be packed away until we return. If you simply have to have something, consider sending it to a friend or family member so you don’t have to find room in your luggage for the remainder of your trip.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Pass the Bathroom Without Stopping
This one’s a golden rule—if you see a bathroom, use it! You never know when the next one will appear, and avoiding a last-minute scramble can save everyone some stress. We’ve found ourselves wandering the streets of Paris trying to avoid a bathroom emergency—it’s not fun!
Even in areas where a service charge is necessary, it’s worth stopping when you have the opportunity. And it never hurts to have a few extra tissues in your daypack just in case the bathrooms aren’t well-stocked. (If you’ve ever been in this situation, you’ll know what I’m talking about.)
Now, Hit the Ground Running
Your flight lands at your final destination and you find yourself in a new country. You’re surrounded by people speaking a different language and it takes you a moment to get your bearings. In our case, our first challenge was purchasing train tickets from a kiosk that was entirely in French.
Very quickly, our planning helped us take action. A friendly “bonjour, parlez vous anglais?” helped us get the assistance of a nearby worker who was happy to walk us through the process. We’ve found that to be the case no matter where we travel. Yes, you’ll find cranky, impatient people along your journey (that’s the case no matter where you are in the world), but you’ll mostly find friendly people who are happy to lend a hand so don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
You’ve done the planning. You’re ready to explore the world as a family, with memories waiting to be made. What’s stopping you? Jump in—start small, but start now! We’d love to hear about your family adventures, so drop a comment and share your favorite tips. And before you go, don’t forget to join the UFA community by subscribing HERE —your next adventure is just around the corner!
