How to Travel Internationally With Kids Without Losing Your Mind

There's no use in denying it: Traveling with kids is difficult. A road trip or short flight is one thing, but international travel comes with its own challenges. It can be a pain to cross the border without kids, and with them, there are even more layers of stress to work through.

If you're thinking another country is off limits, though, we're here to let you know that's not the case. As more families choose experiences over toys, travel becomes more routine. Traveling internationally with kids is a process, but it's doable — especially if you know how to do it without losing your mind. And, if you start traveling with your child early enough, it can even be an enjoyable process.

Involve Them As Much As Possible in the Planning Process

If you think about travel from a kid's perspective, there's not much in it for them. Unless the destination is an international Disneyland, it's bound to feel like they're being told to pack up and go to an unfamiliar place. By giving your kids some say in the process — whether it's picking activities or helping choose a hotel — they're more likely to be excited.

Adding some hype before boarding the plane quickly turns the trip from an obligation into something they can actually look forward to. With so many travel apps available, it's easier than ever to show them photos of a resort or read activity descriptions. Remember: This is their vacation, too!

Pack the Essentials, and Pack Light

It may sound counterintuitive to pack light when children are involved, but it pays off when you reach your destination. You might think you need to pack 10 different toys, two types of wipes, several electronics, 10 pairs of backup outfits, and several pairs of shoes. In reality, your family will likely require far less.

Depending on the destination, most hotels offer all the essentials, including kid-friendly amenities. A little research beforehand also goes a long way. If you find the nearest clothing store, pharmacy, and convenience store, you can likely buy anything you forget or didn't pack. Overpacking might provide peace of mind, but it's also an additional hassle when traveling with kids. Pro tip: Packing cubes are a lifesaver for kids and parents.

Double and Triple-Check Your Passports

Passports are a tricky business and should not be left until the last minute. Getting through the airport with kids is enough of a challenge, and being held up in one place only makes it worse. The U.S. Government website has all the information you need for traveling internationally with kids. Once this checklist is done, you can also turn it into a teaching moment if your kids are old enough.

Find a colorful or themed passport holder for them (or have them decorate their own!) and explain the purpose of a passport and why it's so important to have one. Knowing the value of a pass like this might even get them more excited about traveling. Global Entry is another option to consider if you travel frequently, and it can help reduce the stress of moving through the airport.

Consider the Most Uncomfortable Parts of Travel

Arriving at your destination is the easy part, but dealing with the plane ride and transportation to get there can be challenging. Impatience typically wins out when there's nothing to do on a flight. Knowing how to combat this is half the battle and, thankfully, the perfect time to pull out that tablet or e-reader.

Downloading your child's favorite TV show or movie is the best way to pass the time. This is especially helpful for children who might be anxious fliers since it can provide a comforting distraction. If they enjoy storytime, this is also an easy way to download a few audiobooks or children's podcast episodes.

If your kids are the restless type, packing plane-friendly activities might be the way to go. These could be games on a tablet, portable game consoles, or coloring and activity books. Alternatively, if rest is what they need, be sure to pack a comfortable travel pillow and their favorite cozy blanket in your carry-on.

You can also include small snacks, aromatherapy sticks, or their favorite plushie if they need some extra TLC during the flight.

Pro tip: If flying is a significant challenge, the promise of a new toy once they're settled in their seat always helps! Bonus points if it's something they can use during the flight.

Pre-Schedule Transportation Between Locations

Things you wouldn't normally think about, such as getting a cab from the airport to the hotel, can become unnecessary stressors when you're traveling with kids. Scheduling transfers before the trip saves time and the headache of waiting for a taxi after stepping off the plane.

This can also be arranged through your hotel, which can assist with items such as car seats and SUVs for large families. When traveling abroad, relying on a bit of help from others never hurts. If you're renting a car, you can also do this in advance so it's ready for pickup as soon as you land.

Avoid Over-Scheduling Activities

FOMO happens to the best of us, and there's always a fear that we'll forget to experience something while abroad. In this case, it's crucial to remember: your family will remember everything you experience and won't care about what they may have missed. There's no point in filling every spare minute of the day, because exhaustion happens quickly while traveling.

A good way to tackle the schedule is to narrow your list of activities down to the essentials. Then, book one thing a day. If your kids have more energy before or after the activity, that's when you can squeeze in something else. Flexibility is the name of the game when traveling internationally with your kids! It might mean a slower pace, but one that they'll enjoy just as much as you do.

Include Kid-Friendly Activities

A trip to Rome might not be complete without a Colosseum tour, but depending on the age of your kids, this might not be as thrilling for them. Booking a hotel within walking distance of a park or playground gives them a way to decompress. Sometimes, kids need a little familiarity in their routine, especially on vacation.

Finding a local playspot is also an excellent way for them to make new friends, which is surprisingly easy for kids. Even if it's just a quick stop where they can run around for a little bit, it'll be worth it. They might not remember every historical tour, but they'll definitely remember the new friends they made on the swings.

Let Your Kids Bring a Small Kid Pack

Giving your kids a sense of freedom on an international trip can start with a small gesture. A small backpack can easily become a certified “kid pack.” Before you leave, let them pack whatever they want in it. They might grab comfort items, headphones, a favorite toy, or even a book. If it fits inside the bag, it's fair game.

While abroad, let them bring their kid pack with them so they can pull out things as needed. It'll serve as a comfort for them and a relief to you as a parent when they can entertain themselves at dinner or during the car ride.

Pro tip: This is especially important for kids who are neurodivergent. Having comfort items within reach goes a long way in a new country.

Choose Restaurants in Advance, But Stay Flexible

Your kids can't live on snacks alone while traveling, so booking restaurants is inevitable. However, letting your kids help choose the restaurants can make breakfast, lunch, and dinner go much more smoothly. In today's day and age, nearly every restaurant menu is online, making it super easy to choose what sounds good. However, it's also important to remain flexible.

Some nights, your kids might be too tired to go out to dinner. In that case, booking a hotel with room service (or a hotel near food) will be essential. Other times, your kids might settle for nothing less than fast food as a comfort meal. There's a balance between having a plan, being flexible, and adapting, but having options makes it easier.

Pro tip: A hotel or resort with a continental breakfast offers familiarity and a routine.

Don't Be Afraid to Travel With Your Kids

Your kids will always follow your lead. If you're hesitant, anxious, or apprehensive, your child will immediately pick up on that. Traveling, especially internationally, is a rewarding experience for young kids. It teaches tolerance, culture, and an appreciation for people around the world.

Your family can experience something entirely new together on this kind of trip. Whether you prepare by teaching them some key words in the local language or showing them photos of the things they'll experience, they'll thank you later. Just be confident and show them that you're excited, and they'll be excited, too.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock.com