The Easy, Empowering Approach to Traveling Internationally with Kids

Think back on your years as a parent. How many times have you thought, "I would love to go to _______, but my kids are too young?" Have you limited trips to something nearby or familiar, or just canceled the trip altogether?

One of the biggest, most common fears for traveling families is going international.

Most parents believe international travel with kids is exhausting, stressful, and downright hard. You are not alone in this belief. I've worked with families who spent years avoiding incredible destinations because it felt impossible to coordinate.

It is very possible to travel internationally with your young children. In fact, it can be easy and enjoyable if done in a way designed for families. How do I know this?

My son turns 10 in a few months, and he has been to Japan, Greece, Portugal, Costa Rica, Belize, The Bahamas, and Canada. He has also been to several Caribbean Islands, and we are going to Peru this summer. There he will hike Machu Picchu, explore the Sacred Valley, and stay in a jungle lodge in the Amazon.

And trust me, I do not give my son some magic maturity potion before we grab our passports. I have developed an approach that empowers him, and myself, to go out and see the world.

Why Travel Empowers Kids: How International Travel Builds Confidence in Children

Every new experience, no matter how small, can help a child grow. Traveling introduces kids to diverse environments, cultures, foods, and people, which broadens their understanding of the world. Travel also helps build resilience and fosters independence in all kids. Simple milestones – like navigating an airport or experiencing a new form of transportation – can boost a child's confidence. These moments empower children to step outside their comfort zone in fun, manageable ways.

I could go on for hours about the ways travel fosters growth in kids, but the most important reason to travel with kids is this: it creates priceless memories that last for years. Even the moments that weren't picture-perfect end up becoming stories you laugh about around the dinner table.

Every single adventure I take with my son leaves me in awe of his excitement, questions, and energy; each trip is elevated by these simple reasons alone.

As a mother and travel advisor, my goal is to help all families discover how to make stress-free family travel possible — especially international travel with children. These three travel tips make the process feel effortless.

1. Pick a Destination with Nonstop Flights from Your City

For nonstop flights, family travel beginners will want to treat this as a near-firm rule — it's the single easiest way to reduce stress on your first international trip. Why? Well, not to state the obvious, but "nonstop" means you get on the plane and you get off the plane and voila, you are there. Don't make things harder for yourself by adding another round of airports!

We took my son to Japan when he was 3 years old. Why Japan?

I searched Google Flights for nonstop flights from San Diego (my home at the time). Japan was the first destination that popped up. And that's how we decided—it really was that simple.

2. Choose a Two-City Itinerary for Your Family Trip

Okay, checking in, unpacking, repacking, and checking out isn't the hardest thing in the world. But three or four times in one trip? For the whole family? Without leaving a single stuffed animal under a bed two hotels ago?

No thanks, I would rather not go.

Choose no more than two central locations to be your home-away-from-home. Cities around the world pair well, like wine and cheese. This is where a travel advisor can be helpful!

If you don't have an advisor, now you do. Contact me below (and expect no fees, ever).

Destination Pairings That Work Best for Families

• Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto
• Portugal: Lisbon and Lagos (Algarve Coast)
• Belize: Ambergris Caye & San Ignacio
• Costa Rica: La Fortuna & Papagayo
• Greece: Athens & Chania (A City in Crete)

A two-base itinerary for family travel can unlock a huge portion of the world for your family to explore. We took plenty of day trips from each one to visit more destinations completely different from our home base! Ask your advisor or contact me below for recommendations.

3. Keep It Stress-Free: Base #1 and Base #2 Must Be Reachable by Car or Train

When I said a nonstop flight, I meant it. Make sure the two cities you choose don't require a flight between them. The goal is to keep this trip stress-free for everyone. A mid-trip flight means re-navigating security lines with the kid(s), repacking carry-ons, and burning precious vacation hours in another terminal. It's unnecessary stress you can avoid.

Ground Transportation That Works

• Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto via nonstop bullet train
• Portugal: Lisbon to Lagos via car
• Costa Rica: La Fortuna to Papagayo via car

Belize and Greece didn't follow this rule — we did take another flight in the middle of our trip. The rule can be broken; just know what you're getting into. In general, I still avoid mid-trip flights when I can.

That's All, Folks

Those are my three simple rules to get you all on a plane and across the sea — and help you feel confident that your trip will be easy and enjoyable.

There is nothing wrong with playing it safe, but don't let the comfort of familiar trips stop you from seeing the world with your kids. Your only regret will be not getting your kids' passports years sooner.

Connect with me for ideas and help planning a trip with the family. I make myself available seven days a week, holidays included, and booking with me usually means you pay less and get more than you would on your own. Plus, you get an experienced advocate on your side working to keep your trip running smoothly while you enjoy the experience.

If my kid and I can do it, we believe you can, too.