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Traveling internationally with little ones may seem daunting, but it’s one of the most rewarding adventures you can share as a family. Our recent trip to Japan taught us that with a little planning, flexibility and creativity, you can turn a long-haul journey into an enriching experience full of memories. Here are our top practical tips to ensure stress-free, educational and fun family travel:
1. Plan Ahead—But Keep It Flexible
- Research Your Destination:
We used planbuddy.com to organize our days and get great suggestions on attractions. It provided an excellent guideline and we kept our itinerary loose with plenty of downtime. We even skipped evening plans when everyone was too exhausted. - Prepare Documents Early:
Make sure passports, visas and travel insurance are sorted well in advance. This avoids any last-minute stress, so you can focus on the adventure ahead. - Plan Layovers Wisely: For longer layovers, consider booking an overnight hotel stay—after a 12-hour flight, this extra rest made our onward journey much smoother. And for short layovers, ensure you have ample time to reach your next gate with the kids, as navigating through busy airports can take longer than expected.
- Embrace Local Customs:
Learn about local rules—like in Japan, where you don’t typically eat while walking or see many public trash bins—so you can prepare your kids accordingly. Be aware of practical quirks like the scarcity of elevators, which might mean carrying your kids sometimes.
2. Pack Smart and Be Weather Ready
- Essential Carry-On: Organize a bag with snacks, a first-aid kit, entertainment (books, games, or a tablet with preloaded shows) and comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket. Liam never travels without his favorite pillow, not to mention his plushie.
- Extra Outfits & More Space:
Pack one extra outfit per person in your carry-on, as spills and messes are inevitable with kids. We use small packing organizers, so everyone gets a different color. When traveling long-haul with a baby, book a bassinet and choose seats with extra leg space, so they have room to play and you can move a bit more freely. - Weather Preparedness:
Check the weather forecast at your destination and pack versatile clothing, including layers, hats, and rain gear if necessary. - Travel-Friendly Gear:
Use a lightweight, airline-approved stroller (like the Cybex Libelle) that fits in the overhead compartment, making transitions smoother.
3. Make the Journey Educational and Fun
- Incorporate Your Child’s Interests:
Let your kids help shape the adventure. Since Liam loves trains, we made sure to ride the Shinkansen and visit a train museum in Kyoto—turning travel into a hands-on learning experience. - Engage Their Curiosity: Involve your kids in planning by discussing fun facts about your destination. On our Japan trip, we taught them simple Japanese phrases and shared stories about local traditions.
- Engage with Games and Activities:
Pack activity bags with coloring books, puzzles, or portable games to keep your children entertained during flights or train rides. This helps pass the time and turns travel into play.
4. Embrace Local Culture
- Explore Themed Experiences:
Japan offers unique themed cafes and restaurants—like the Pokémon Cafe and Kirby Cafe—that makes dining an adventure. Visiting temples and shrines, where Liam loved exploring torii gates and climbing up to a monkey park, adds to the cultural richness. - Try New Foods Together: Encourage your children to sample local cuisine in fun, kid-friendly ways. Whether it’s enjoying vibrant street food or dining at a themed restaurant, make mealtime part of the adventure. For example, during our Japan trip, Liam bought a special pair of children’s learning chopsticks that helped him master their use—he loved them so much that he still uses them at home, even for non-Japanese meals!
- Local Etiquette:
Familiarize yourself with cultural practices such as not eating while walking and carrying your trash back to the hotel (there are literally no bins anywhere)—these insights help create a smoother experience for everyone.
5. Prioritize Safety and Connectivity
- Stay Connected:
Invest in a local esim (for example via Klook) for your phone. It’s a super cheap alternative to roaming, easy to set up and ensures you’re connected while navigating busy places. - GPS and Safety Measures:
Use GPS trackers like Apple AirTag to keep track of your kids in crowded spots. Discuss meeting points. - Prepare for the Unexpected:
Always have a backup plan for emergencies. Ensure your phone is equipped with translation and navigation apps to help you confidently explore your destination.
With these tips, your family can embrace international travel as a smooth, enriching adventure. Prepare, pack and plan wisely and you’ll create lasting memories as you explore the world together.
Happy travels from our family to yours!
