The Do’s and Don’ts of Traveling Internationally with Kids
My firstborn was a mere two months old when my husband and I did something that people thought we were truly crazy for: we packed up our baby gear, hit the road, and went on a three month trip around the U.S.
Thus began a mantra we’ve stood by since: you can be tired at home or you can be tired in a place you’ve always wanted to visit. You’re going to be tired either way, so pick your view!
Now here we are, two more kids later, getting ready to pack up for the summer in Germany. We’ve got a newborn, four-year-old, and seven- year-old. Is it a lot? Sure. But is it worth it? Absolutely! During the summers, we get to spend precious quality time with my husband’s family and regardless of the pain that comes with a transatlantic flight, that alone makes it endurable.
Here’s what I’ve learned now, seven years in, traveling locally, nationally, and internationally with kids.
DON’T: Create an extensive packing list.
DO: Pack only what you can’t get at your destination
A long packing list and multiple suitcases will only make you more stressed and likely cause you to take more luggage than you really need to lug around. Have you ever had to drag a suitcase up the metro steps in Paris? Less is more, friends!
Instead, think about what necessities you need to bring and what you can get once you arrive at your destination. These days, there are fantastic kids’ gear rental places like Babyquip that you can take advantage of. I personally take advantage of Germany’s many high-quality consignment stores and buy things like baby toys, bathtubs and mats once we arrive.
For toiletries and beauty products, there’s nothing more fun than scouring a pharmacy in Europe. They often have all the products we have here in the U.S. plus great brands you may love (like La Roche) that are often a fraction of the price.
When we’re traveling somewhere a bit more local than Germany for the summer, I will Google the closest dollar store to our destination to snag things like swim floaties, beach toys and beach towels. Not packing these items easily saves on space and sanity!
DON’T: Fret about packing bulky clothing
DO: Use vacuum seal bags to create more space
I remember seeing this hack when I was flustered about how we were going to fit our big, bulky ski wear into one small suitcase. Vacuum bags to the rescue! While this particular tip comes in handy especially in the winter, it can relieve your luggage woes when you’re desperately trying to fit a family of five’s clothing into one bag.
DON’T: Let putting together an itinerary overwhelm you
DO: Check out apps like Wanderlog or Tripit for help
Wanderlog is my personal favorite and came in handy during last summer’s road trip in Provence. My favorite features are the optimized route suggestions and how easy it is to track your budget.
Lately, a few friends have even shared using ChatGPT to plan itineraries! So don’t let the task of finding activities your whole family will enjoy get you down. Check out Wanderlog, Tripit, Chat GPT and let the apps do the work.
DON’T: Expect your family vacation to be super relaxing
DO: Go anyway (and maybe even look up local babysitting services)
My husband and I would have likely spent our entire vacation in Provence laying beside a pool, drinking Rose and napping. Our actual trip to Provence was way less relaxing with kids in tow and had we expected it to be, we would have been sorely disappointed.
Part of this is setting expectations. Traveling with kids – no matter the distance – is not easy.
If you can, find a local babysitting service and make sure to book one dinner out for you and your partner. I’m in the process right now of tracking down a babysitter for a night out in Berlin.
Another tip that we implement is trading off with your partner so you each get to take a few hours to yourself. I will book a massage or go sit by the pool for an hour, which can be priceless during an action packed vacation.
As I sit here preparing for our upcoming trip in a few weeks, I’m reminded that travel can be one of the most valuable gifts you can give to your children. Even in the moments when you feel overwhelmed and think you can’t possibly cart your kids onto a 10 hour plane ride, remember the mantra I shared above.
