Traveling domestically with children has its challenges. International travel has an entire set of issues of its own; lines in customs, long flights, new foods, and new people. If you are armed with some tricks of the trade and prepare sufficiently, you and your little ones can have an amazingly fun trip to remember always.
The first thing to do when traveling abroad is to apply for your child's passport early. Make sure you allow several months before your trip to receive the passport. Expecting a passport weeks before travel is asking for trouble. You also want to make sure there is enough time left before your passport expires when planning your trip. Some countries require that you have at least 3 months remaining before a passport's expiration. When you get the passports, copy them and leave in a safe place in case original is lost or stolen while on your trip.

Another pre-trip necessity is a visit to the pediatrician. Notify your child's pediatrician of your upcoming trip. Let them know what your destination country is. Make sure your child has all of the proper immunizations necessary to remain as safe as possible at your destination.

Passports and immunizations done make sure you have travel insurance. Children get sick. You want to be prepared if your little one needs medical attention abroad. One suggestion is to pay for your trip with a credit card. Credit
card companies provide medical and travel cancellation insurance and other perks.

When thinking of insurance it is also suggested that you take some of your child's "familiar" medications, such as cough syrup, and aspirin. Also pack a travel first aid kit. These may come in handy when the medical issue is minor.

Since we are on the subject of familiar things to take from home, it is reasonable to suggest packing some of your child's favorite foods. Stuff like peanut butter and cheerios can be taken if factory sealed. They will provide a familiar food if you have a picky eater, or just if your child isn't quite ready to dive into the local cuisine.

Most of my tips are in preparation of your trip. For the actual flight it is imperative that you pack your carry on for your child. Bring a favorite sleeping toy, a game that takes up some time, and tons of books. One of the most challenging things is to keep a child occupied in an airplane seat for 15+ hours. Coming up with creative ways to make that flight fly by should be a priority.

When booking the flight it is important to try to book non-stop flights if possible. They are shorter and changing planes on an international trip is definitely something to avoid when you have children along. Non-stop flights are more expensive, but the benefit when you are traveling with children is invaluable. If budget is an issue, try to find some Expedia bargains. Expedia has numerous packages and ease that will ease your wallet.

Once at your destination, keep your child engaged. It can be a little scary in a new place listening to a foreign language. Make everything a game - from exiting the airplane, to hailing a taxi or shuttle, to figuring out the most common traffic or street sign. Learning a new word or two will make help your child adjust and want to learn more about the culture.


Traveling with children internationally can be made easier with these tips. Don't stay at home waiting until your child is old enough. It's never too early to experience a new culture and when done right it can be as easy as pie.

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