From RealWorldMami – Real-Life Travel Tips From a Mom Who’s Done It All
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If you’re dreaming of exploring new countries with your kids—or even just building up the courage to take your first international trip as a family—you’re in the right place. Whether you’re flying with toddlers or trekking with teens, this page brings together everything I wish I had known before I started traveling internationally with kids—and all the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Let’s plan your next family adventure—and make it unforgettable.
✈️ Tips for First-Time Flyers With Kids
Are you (or your kids) nervous about flying for the first time? This guide walks you through everything—what to expect at the airport, how to pack your carry-ons, how to keep kids calm, and how to avoid common mistakes. Trust me, these 21 must-know tips will make your first flight smoother, less stressful, and maybe even fun.
👉 Read: 24 Must-Know Tips for First-Time Flyers
🧳 Packing for International Travel
Packing for kids is an art—and it’s one I’ve practiced on every continent. This post is all about smart, stress-free packing: how to fit everything you need (and nothing you don’t), keep kids comfy, and avoid overstuffed suitcases and travel-day meltdowns. Plus, tips for organizing documents, tech, snacks, toys, and more.
👉 Read: Best Packing Tips for International Travel
🎒 Best Travel Backpacks for Kids and Parents
Having the right backpack changes everything. We’ve tested a lot, and this post shares our honest review of the Osprey Farpoint 40L (for older kids, teens, and adults)—why we love it, how we use it, and why it’s a game changer for families that pack light and move fast.
👉 Read: Our Family Review: Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack
🌟 Choosing the Best Destination for Your Family
Not sure where to go? This post breaks down 15 incredible countries that are budget-friendly, family-welcoming, and unforgettable—from Costa Rica to Portugal. Whether you want nature, culture, food, or beaches, there’s something here for every family and budget.
👉 Read: 15 Best Countries to Visit with Kids That Are Budget-Friendly
👶 What’s the Best Age to Travel With Kids?
Spoiler alert: there’s no perfect age—but every stage has its strengths. I’ve traveled internationally with babies, toddlers, tweens, and now teens—and I break down what works well (and what doesn’t!) at each age. If you’re wondering when to start, this post is for you.
👉 Read: What Is the Best Age to Travel with Kids – and the Worst
🛡️ Is Travel Insurance Worth It for Families?
Short answer: YES. Especially when you’re traveling internationally with kids. In this post, I explain how travel insurance saved our trip through Southeast Asia, what policies we use, and the one provider I recommend for families (yes, it’s affordable!).
👉 Read: Why Travel Insurance Matters – My Real-Life Family Experience
🧭 Let’s Make Your Family Adventure Happen
Planning an international trip with kids takes effort, but it’s worth every second. With the right packing, smart destination choices, and a little flexibility, your family can make unforgettable memories anywhere in the world.
So—where are you dreaming of going next?
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Let’s go make memories.
✈️ Free Travel with kids checklist: International Trips with Kids
✅ Before You Book
- ☐ Check passport expiration dates for all family members (must be valid 6 months beyond travel dates)
- ☐ Research visa requirements for each country
- ☐ Look up required or recommended vaccinations
- ☐ Buy travel insurance (Recommended: Visit Coverage for families) – affordable and flexible!
- ☐ Sign up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) with the U.S. Embassy
- ☐ Compare flights with Skyscanner or Google Flights
- ☐ Book lodging – family-friendly stays via Airbnb or Booking.com
- ☐ Set travel alerts and use Flighty App to track flights – this saved us many headaches!
📝 Check out: How to Find Cheap flights Anywhere
🧳 Packing Must-Haves
Documents
- ☐ Passports
- ☐ Visas (if needed)
- ☐ Printed/digital copies of all reservations & tickets
- ☐ Notarized consent letter if one parent is traveling alone with kids
Gear
- ☐ Ride-on Suitcase or JetKids BedBox
- ☐ GPS Child Tracker Watch
- ☐ Collapsible stroller or baby carrier
- ☐ Packing cubes for each kid
- ☐ Travel booster seat and travel bag
- Toddler Airplane Bed, Child Airplane Safety Harness ,
- ☐ Power adapters & charging banks
- ☐ Headphones + tablets pre-loaded with movies
- ☐ Reusable water bottles and travel snacks
📝 Read: Best Carry-On Luggage for Traveling Families
👕 Essentials for Kids
- ☐ 2-3 pairs of comfy travel clothes
- ☐ Weather-appropriate outerwear
- ☐ Swimsuits & hats
- ☐ Favorite stuffed animal/toy
- ☐ Small backpack with entertainment (stickers, books, crayons)
- ☐ Travel pillow or neck support
- ☐ Medications + child-safe pain reliever
- ☐ Motion sickness bands or tablets
- ☐ Wipes, tissues & hand sanitizer
📝 Related: Best Camping Toys for Kids
📝 Explore: Peru with Kids – Full Family Itinerary
📲 Travel Apps to Download
- ☐ Flighty – real-time flight tracking
- ☐ Google Translate
- ☐ WhatsApp (for international texting)
- ☐ XE Currency Converter
- ☐ Airalo for affordable eSIMs
- ☐ Your airline’s app
- ☐ Guides by Lonely Planet
💡 Final Week Before Departure
- ☐ Notify your bank of international travel
- ☐ Print or download boarding passes & confirmations
- ☐ Organize carry-on bags for each child
- ☐ Arrange airport transfers
- ☐ Double-check time zone differences
- ☐ Pack snacks + food for dietary needs
- ☐ Download shows and games (Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable!)
- ☐ Explain the trip to your kids and set expectations
📝 Need ideas? Family Road Trip Ideas from California
BONUS: Rocio’s Favorite Big-Ticket Travel Must-Haves
- 🧳 Samsonite Omni Hardside Spinner Luggage – Lightweight, tough, and fits overhead!
- 🎒 Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack – For mom or dad to carry all the things
- 🧸 Trunki Ride-On Suitcase – Keeps kids entertained in airports
- 🎧 BuddyPhones Kids Headphones – Volume-limited for safe listening
- 🌎 Global WiFi Airolo – Stay connected everywhere
Want more tips?
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