10 top tips for travelling abroad with young children

1. Plan ahead but stay flexible

Planning is key when travelling with kids, but it’s equally important to remain flexible. Research your destination thoroughly – find family-friendly accommodation, nearby medical facilities, and kid-friendly attractions. However, be prepared to adapt your plans based on how your children are feeling each day. Some of our best moments have come from unplanned adventures when the kids were more interested in a park we stumbled upon than the scheduled tourist attraction visit.

2. Pack smart

Packing can make or break your trip. Make a list of essentials, and don’t overpack. Focus on versatile clothing, comfort items like a favourite stuffed animal or blanket, and plenty of snacks. For my two-year-old, I always pack extra clothes and nappies in my carry-on, while my five-year-old has a small backpack with toys and books. Remember, you can usually buy what you need at your destination. You can also pre-order things like nappies and milk at the airport for you to collect just before your flight.

3. Keep the kids entertained

Long flights or car rides can be challenging. Pack a variety of activities to keep the kids entertained. For my five-year-old, I bring colouring books, stickers and a tablet with pre-downloaded games and shows. My two-year-old enjoys interactive toys and board books. Also, never underestimate the power of a good playlist of their favourite songs.

4. Choose the right accommodation

Finding the right place to stay can significantly impact your travel experience. Look for accommodation that’s suitable for families and offer family-friendly amenities such as cribs, high chairs, kitchen facilities, children’s pools and entertainment. Apartments or vacation rentals can also be a great alternative to a hotel, providing more space and the ability to cook meals.

5. Maintain a routine

While it’s tempting to throw schedules completely out the window on vacation, maintaining some sort of routine can help young children adjust better. Try to keep regular meal times and nap time routines as much as possible. For our kids, we are more flexible with bed times but we still have a familiar bedtime story before bed, even when we’re in a different time zone.

6. Prioritise safety

Safety is always a top priority. Make sure you have updated copies of your children’s medical records, good travel insurance and know the location of the nearest hospital or clinic.

7. Allow time for rest

Travel can be exhausting, especially for little ones. Plan for downtime in your itinerary. This could be a quiet afternoon at the hotel pool or a leisurely stroll through a park. When my kids are well-rested, they’re happier and more cooperative, which makes the whole trip more enjoyable.

8. Engage with the destination

Find activities that are specifically geared towards children. Many cities have children’s museums, zoos, or interactive exhibits. We always look for playgrounds or open spaces where the kids can run around and burn off energy.

9. Stay positive

Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s OK. Stay positive and patient. If your two-year-old throws a tantrum or your five-year-old gets bored, take a deep breath and try to see the humour in the situation. Children often take their cues from us, and a calm, upbeat attitude can go a long way in keeping everyone’s spirits high.

10. Create lasting memories

Finally, focus on making memories rather than just ticking off tourist sites. Take lots of photos, keep a travel journal, and involve your children in documenting the trip. These memories will become cherished family stories that you’ll talk about for years to come.

Travelling with young children can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and memorable family adventure. Happy travels!

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