When you see how 14 years prioritizing travel looks like, totally worth it! Yes! traveling can be stressful, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. We’re a family that loves to travel internationally at all stages, and we’ve learned a lot along the way.
We may not be full-time travelers, but we never give up our love for adventure! Having kids only motivates us even more to raise a well-rounded family.
But how? Here is what I learn traveling with kids per so many years.
BEFORE BOOKING A INTERNATIONALLY TRIP WITH KIDS
Here are the essential before booking your trip:
1. Check your Passport before getting the tickets
Checking your kids passport before buying your tickets for international trips, is important for ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey. Passport validity requirements vary depending on the destination, most countries requiring a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. ake sure to check the expiration date of your passport well in advance, you can avoid any last-minute surprises or disruptions to your travel plans. Also, checking your passport early allows you ample time to renew or obtain any necessary visas before your departure date.
Additionally, some countries have specific entry requirements for minors, including the need for a separate passport or additional documentation such as a parental consent letter.
2. Involve the kids in choosing destinations
Involving kids in the process of choosing destinations for international travel not only helps them to get excited also build anticipation and empowers them to feel invested in the family vacation. Also helps find their children’s interests, and preferences, to align the trip with their individual desires.
Also, it can be an educational opportunity, nurtures their intellectual growth and cultural understandingand global awareness. By researching and discussing destinations together, parents can expand their children’s horizons and cultivate curiosity about the world beyond their immediate surroundings.
3. Research lodging
Looking for lodging once pick different destinations can help you decide which destination is the best for your budget.
4. How avoid jet lag
If your destination is overseas with a big time difference prepating for jer lag. If that happens Sleep on airplane and cover your eyes and ear. Once you arrive walk have fresh air and stay up until your are tired.
BEFORE LANDING IN A NEW COUNTRY WITH KIDS
5. Plan Your Airport Transport:
Avoid confusion upon arrival by arranging transportation in advance. Whether it’s a pick-up service, metro, Uber, taxi, or bus, having a plan will ensure a smooth transition from the airport to your destination.
6.Screen Capture Metro Maps:
Even for domestic trips, it’s wise to save a screenshot of the metro map. This simple step can make easy navigate public transportation, saving you time and hassle.
7. Research Local Banks with Low ATM Fees:
ATM fees can vary significantly, ranging from zero to considerable amounts. Take the time to research banks with lower fees beforehand to avoid unnecessary expenses during your trip.
8. Familiarize Yourself with Currency Conversion:
Memorize basic currency conversions, such as the value of $1 or $10 in the local currency. This will help prevent overpaying for services or goods, ensuring you stay within your budget.
9.Explore SIM Card Options:
Research available SIM cards and their prices to avoid unexpected costs upon arrival. Look into the best networks for coverage and data speeds in your destination country, so you’re prepared to make an informed decision upon arrival.
10.Plan for the weather
Check the current weather and plan your clothing so that you can dress in layers if need it .
I prefer to pack my Uniqlo Heattech layers, along with one pair of jeans, a set of hiking pants, and yoga pants. Additionally, I include some thin sweaters, a cozy hoodie, and a couple of lightweight jackets. Specifically, I adore this fleece hoodie with a sweater-knit appearance and thumbholes – not only is it stylish, but it’s also incredibly comfortable.
11. Pack Light
Opt for a single large checked bag instead of juggling multiple carry-ons. The less to lug around the airport, the better. It’s crucial to select the right bag for your trip’s duration and packing needs. For a weekend getaway, consider a compact backpack or a small carry-on. I recently traveled to Europe for two weeks with just an Osprey Farpoint 40L bag, but even then, I found myself overpacking! On another occasion, I managed three weeks in Italy with only a carry-on size backpack. With strategic packing techniques like rolling clothes and using packing cubes, I fit in essentials like makeup, hair tools, multiple pairs of shoes, and sunglasses. Plus, packing cubes come in handy for separating dirty laundry during the trip.
12. TSA Precheck
TSA makes so much easier to get through security with kids. You don’t have to wait in long lines, take off shoes, or take items out of your carry ons. It does cost $85 but some credit cards will cover that fee. And worth it in my opinion if you’re flying solo with kids and fly frequency.
13. TSA RULES
No liquids are allowed in containers exceeding 3.4 ounces. Avoid wrapping gifts as security may need to inspect them. Ensure all children’s grabbies are securely packed in a bag. Breast milk, baby formula, and baby/toddler food packs of puffed food are considered medically necessary liquids and can be brought in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces. This includes gel or freezing packs to keep these liquids cool. Interestingly, your child does not have to be present for you to carry these items. For specific questions, refer to the TSA government website for detailed guidelines and information.
13. Get TSA cares
You can receive assistance navigating through security with ‘TSA Cares’. Request aid up to 72 hours before your flight, particularly beneficial for individuals with medical conditions or disabilities.
AT AIRPORT WHEN TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY WITH KIDS
14. Get to airport with plenty of time ahead to Avoid stress for family at airport:
Arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours before your domestic flights! Arriving at the airport well in advance ensures you won’t have to rush through security, especially with little ones in tow. It’s a bit of a process, so staying calm, taking your time, and maintaining a sense of humor can be incredibly helpful.
Once you’re through security, find a spacious area near your gate where you can relax. Assign one parent to toddler duty, allowing them to roam the airport and burn off some energy before the flight. Look for an empty gate or an open area where your kids can stretch their legs and play before it’s time to board.
15. Carrier
I find using a baby carrier particularly handy during boarding and disembarking, allowing me to be hands-free to manage other tasks like gate-checking the stroller, setting up the car seat, assisting the older kids with their backpacks, and even grabbing a coffee for those early morning flights. Having the right gear is crucial for parents traveling with toddlers or babies. Personally, I swear by the @ergo and @kelty backpacks, as they’ve proven to be incredibly reliable. As my kids have grown, they’ve developed a fondness for carrying their own backpacks, fostering a sense of independence that they adore. As they continue to age, I plan to invest in backpacks tailored to their size, allowing them to carry a few of their favorite items to keep themselves entertained while on the go.
16. A trick for boarding
If you have young kids used this too. Don’t you all board first when they called kids. One of Parents should stay with kiddos, so they don’t worm until the last zone is being called. The other board first with bags and a trollers and extra stuff to make partner 1 the lightest it can.
17. Chose the right Pillowcase
Don’t overlook the pillows! They can make a world of difference in comfort for everyone
18. Wear a small Fanny pack/cross body bag to stick your boarding passes, passports, & phone in.
Initially, I overlooked this step, but it’s proven to be incredibly convenient for checking passes (which I meticulously do about 700 times to ensure accuracy) and quickly accessing them even when my hands are full. It’s compact enough to slip into your “personal item” bag when boarding if needed.
19. Avoid carrying big bulky boosters or car seats by getting a travel one.
Flying back home frequently, I realized it’s impractical to carry two boosters and a car seat alone, so investing in this was definitely worthwhile. Alternatively, you can also consider renting car seats at your destination.
20. Dress them in matching, bright clothes to always make them easily visible.
Keeping track of little ones becomes a breeze when they’re all dressed in the same vibrant color. Opting for neon hues instead of the usual neutrals was my strategy, ensuring visibility in any crowd. To amplify this, I even wore a shirt in the same striking shade. This way, it was unmistakable to everyone that we were a unit, and in case of separation, I could quickly point out our distinctive attire for easy identification.
21. Keep passport safe for kids
First and foremost, make sure to securely store your passport.
22. Have reasonable expectations about the kids’ behavior:
Maintain realistic expectations regarding your kids’ behavior, including their schedules, naps, and bedtimes. Understand that perfection isn’t achievable, and that’s perfectly okay. Kids are adaptable and resilient—they can cope with missed naps or altered sleep patterns. While dealing with an unsettled child may not be enjoyable for parents, it’s manageable. Tantrums and fatigue are temporary, and the body adjusts accordingly. Take each day as it comes and navigate challenges one step at a time.
23. Ask local about best places to visit
Look for recommendations from locals regarding the top places to visit during your trip. Engage in conversations with strangers who drive you or serve you, ensuring your safety while refraining from sharing personal information. Trust your instincts; if you feel uncomfortable in any situation, prioritize your gut feelings and take necessary precautions.
24. Allow for a leisurely pace!
Embrace a leisurely pace during your journey! You’ll hit traffic, get lost, want to spend more time at scenic overlooks or cool funky road stops along the way. Make sure you leave enough time in your schedule for all of that. Leave some days free on your itinerary so you won’t have a super rigorous schedule.
HOW TO MAKE TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY WITH KIDS POSSIBLE
When travel internationally when kids are at school?
Take advantage of flexibility of elementary years at school. When the kids are little, take advantage of the flexibly of the school calendar and book those trips during the off season.
Plan to maximize school breaks.
Over longer breaks, such as winter and summer vacations, plan bigger trips. To get the most out of shorter breaks, like spring break, tag on a few extra days before or after. Don’t forget about the power of long weekends as your secret weapon! Travel within a few hours of home on the weekends
To help academic success, we provide advanced notice to school. As kids move through high school, expectations become more rigorous, making it even more important to stay on top of deadlines. Asking to do independent studies is key!
Be creative during using school break.
Although school breaks can be expensive, if you are creative, they don’t have to. Here is how: Think about where you go. For instance, airfare during American holidays can be costly domestically, but you might snag a great international deal. Avoid popular locations and times or get flights a few days earlier than normal or return a few days later.
Travel during low season, avoid the crowds and make sure you get the deals of low season. I love taking a week off here and there in early spring and the fall. I know is hard when kid is at school, but they learn so much when they travel and explore that totally teach them so much. My kids go to public school and luckily, they had teachers that support this philosophy. Yes, I help them to catch up. It is okay to miss a week here and there.
Booking earlier during high season for sure save you money
For international trips. Travel when your kids are little, airplanes tickets are cheaper. When kids are little what they miss at school is something that you can help them to catch up with. Also, when kids are in middle school and high school gets harder, but is possible.
Use miles to book hotels and airplanes tickets if you are flying. It is amazing how much you can safe with them. One great one is chase sapphire preferred. Buy miles to book hotels sometimes you can safe a lot buying miles instead.
Also Booking last minute helps you to find deals. You could be surprised of how much you can save booking a last minute hotel…of course if you are lucky to find space, you know those rooms that hotel has not sell.
By being strategic with our time and destinations, we make sure this happens.
WHAT YOU NEED IF YOU TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY WITH KIDS FOR THE FIRST TIME
If a child is traveling internationally for the first time, they will need the same essential documents as any other traveler. These documents include: A valid passport: All children, including infants, need a valid passport to travel internationally. The passport should be valid for at least six months after the return date of the trip.
Visa: Depending on the destination country, children may require a visa to enter. Check with the embassy of the country you plan to visit to determine if your child needs a visa.
Travel consent letter: Only If a child is traveling with only one parent or with someone other than their parents, they may need a travel consent letter. This letter should include information about who is traveling with the child, where they will be going, and how long they will be staying. I have to say I have traveled solo with my kids and have never been ask for this but you could bring it just in case. I did when my kid was a baby but i didn’t use it. Custody documents: If a child is traveling with only one parent, or if the parents are divorced or separated, they may need custody documents to prove that the traveling parent has the legal right to take the child out of the country.
Birth certificate: In some cases, a birth certificate may be required to prove the child’s age and relationship to the parents.
Unaccompanied minor forms: Airlines may require an unaccompanied minor form if a child is traveling alone or without both parents.
I hope this is helpful
Rocio
