Traveling with Children Abroad
Expanding your family but love to travel? It's possible! Here are some tips and tricks to make it less stressful and more fun.
I love planning trips for families, big or small! There’s nothing more precious than seeing a child experience new places, people, and cultures, all while creating core memories. But I also hear a lot of families, especially new parents, who are nervous or concerned about traveling with little ones abroad. And while adding a new element to your travel routine can seem daunting it doesn’t have to be.
Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when traveling with children abroad!
Book Overnight International Flights
This is a HUGE suggestion not only for those traveling with children but for adults as well! Overnight international flights allow you to get rest while following your natural circadian rhythm and handling jet lag like a pro.
Start Prepping Ahead of Your Trip
When traveling to Europe you’re going ahead in time so start putting your children to bed a little earlier than normal about a week before you leave. For children, minimal sleep disturbance is key, and while getting rest on the plane will be a huge benefit getting them adjusted to a new sleep schedule will go miles!
Buy Diapers When You Land
Did you know European countries also sell diapers, wipes, and additional baby items? While packing for the time you’re traveling is important don’t worry about overpacking items like this! Simply pick them up once you arrive. It will make the luggage you take with you less full and much easier to lug around the airport!
Travel Tip - Does your child have sensitivities or need certain medications? Focus on packing those items first.
Give Yourself Grace
There are a couple of things to understand when traveling when children, and if you can shift your mindset it will make your day-to-day travels much more enjoyable. The first is that your trip will more than likely revolve around your child’s schedule, and that’s okay!
If they’re fussy, not adjusting well to the time change, or simply need a day to relax that might inhibit some of the things you get to do. When scheduling out your days make sure you keep this in mind and give yourself some grace when booking activities.
The second piece of advice is to make naps a priority! Schedule them into your day so your child feels well-rested and ready to adventure.
Invest In Baby Earmuffs
Headphones and earplugs are items I recommend all adults travel with to help with noise during flights or trains. Depending on your child’s age these may not be possible so I highly suggest investing in earmuffs! Anything that can help lessen ambient noise during travel, whether it be the plane or other children, will help them focus or sleep much easier!
Travel Tip - Looking for earmuffs to purchase? Check out the Alpine Muffy Baby Earmuffs by clicking here!
Arrive Early
There is a HUGE difference in the amount of time it will take you to get through airport customs and security as a single adult vs when you’re with children, especially those that have car seats or strollers. Make sure you give yourself a minimum of two hours before your flight departs. Any earlier is great as well! It is better to get to your gate ahead of schedule and let your children get out some energy than frantically navigating a new airport with the stress of missing a flight!
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*Special thanks to Jordan, Katie, and Alletta, pictured on this blog post, my amazing clients who I had the pleasure of working with on a family trip to Provence in the summer of 2022. Katie’s suggested tips above are great advice for parents everywhere!*