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So you’re planning your first big adventure in the sky? Whether you’re heading off solo, flying with your partner, or wrangling little ones through TSA, these travel prep tips will help you fly smarter, pack better, and avoid those rookie mistakes. (Oh yes, I’ve all made them!)
Here’s your complete guide to what to do before, during, and right before your trip—with tips drawn from real experiences traveling as a family.
✅ Before You Book an International travel with kids
Before you even click “buy now” on that flight, take a moment to get your travel ducks in a row:
- Check passport expiration dates for everyone (most countries require 6 months validity beyond your travel dates).
- Research visa requirements for each destination.
- Look up any required or recommended vaccinations.
- Get travel insurance (we love SafetyWing for families—it’s affordable, flexible, and easy).
- Register your trip with the U.S. Embassy through STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program).
- Compare flights using Skyscanner or Google Flights.
- Book your stay—Airbnb or Booking.com often offer great family-friendly options.
- Download the Flighty App to track flights (it’s saved us more than once!).
ℹ️ Read the clomplete list in this blog post: How to Survive a Long Flight with Kids
🚳 Packing Must-Haves for International travel with kids
Documents
- Passports and visas
- Printed/digital copies of flights, lodging, and insurance
- Notarized letter if one parent is traveling alone with kids
Gear
- Ride-on suitcase or JetKids BedBox
- GPS child tracker watch
- Compact stroller or baby carrier
- Packing cubes (color-coded for each kid = game changer!)
- Portable booster seat
- Power adapters, chargers, and battery packs
- Noise-canceling headphones + loaded tablets
- Refillable water bottles and plenty of snacks
ℹ️ More details read: Best Packing Tips for International Travel
Must have for Family Vacations:
👕 Essentials for Kids International travel
- 2-3 outfits for the plane and arrival day
- Outerwear suited to the destination
- Swimsuits and sun hats
- A favorite lovey or comfort toy
- Kid-size backpack filled with quiet entertainment
- Neck pillow or travel cushion
- Medications and basic first-aid kit
- Dramamine or motion sickness wristbands
- Wet wipes, tissues, and hand sanitizer
ℹ️ Explore more: Our Family Review: Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack
📱 Travel Apps You Shouldn’t Forget for International travel with kids
- Flighty (real-time alerts for delays and gates)
- Google Translate
- XE Currency Converter
- Airalo for affordable eSIM data
- Your airline’s mobile app
- Lonely Planet Guides app
📅 Final Week Before You Go
- Tell your bank you’re traveling internationally
- Print/download all confirmations and boarding passes
- Organize each kid’s carry-on ahead of time
- Book airport transfers or check rideshare options
- Know your destination’s time zone
- Pack snacks and meals that fit your family’s diet
- Download entertainment before leaving Wi-Fi
- Talk to your kids about the trip—set expectations and build excitement!
✨ Bonus: Rocio’s Favorite Big-Ticket Must-Haves
- Samsonite Omni Hardside Spinner – tough, light, and TSA-approved
- Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack – your everything bag
- Trunki Ride-On Suitcase – saves sanity in long airport walks
- BuddyPhones Kids Headphones – protects little ears
- Global WiFi Hotspot by Solis – stay connected even off-grid
Want this list in a printable format? Subscribe and get it!
Because whether it’s your first flight or your fiftieth, a little prep goes a long way. Enjoy!!
