Traveling Internationally With Young Children: What I’ve Learned

I have been an explorer for as long as I can remember.. As a child, I tagged along with my mom on her work trips across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Those adventures not only shaped my worldview but inspired me to give my own children the gift of travel—starting as young as possible.

Getting Their Passports Early

I didn’t waste time when it came to getting my kids ready to fly. My daughter had her first passport at just 3 months old. My son? Around 6 months. Their first international trip was to Jamaica, and since then, we’ve made memories in France, Mexico, Denmark and returned to Jamaica a few times to visit family.

Of course, traveling with young kids isn’t always seamless. Living in a rural area, we’re a four-hour drive from the nearest international airport. Add in coordinating PTO with two full-time jobs, and every trip requires serious planning. But it’s worth it every time.

Booking Flights: Comfort is Key

I mostly fly Delta and United—Delta for personal trips and United for work. I’ve been loyal to Delta since the ‘90s (yes, I still have my original SkyMiles card!) and when it comes to long-haul flights with little ones, I strongly recommend splurging for Delta Comfort+ or Business Class.

Here’s why:

• Earlier boarding (crucial for settling in)
• Extra legroom (your legs and your sanity will thank you)
• More seat recline (which makes napping actually possible)
• Complimentary snacks, blankets, and a general sense of peace

United’s Premium Plus offers similar perks and is my go-to when traveling solo for work. Either way, prioritize comfort when possible. A tiny bit of extra space can go a long way at 30,000 feet.

Our Must-Have In-Flight Items

After trial and (plenty of) error, I’ve narrowed down what we actually need to survive long-haul flights with little ones. (I go even deeper on gear in my dedicated packing guide for flying abroad with kids.) Here are our top essentials:

• Anti-Bacterial Wipes: I’m that mom wiping down tray tables and seatbacks before we settle in. No apologies.
• Baby Wipes: My kids are no longer in their diaper era but, these are a lifesaver for sticky fingers, faces, and emergency cleanups. We were long time subscribers to Hello Bello because I loved their unscented and plant-based products, so I always had a pack of their wipes on hand.
• Yoto Player: This little screen-free audio device has been a game-changer. Before our trip to France, I wanted something engaging that wasn’t a tablet. The Yoto lets kids listen to audiobooks, music, or kid-friendly podcasts through physical cards they insert into the player. My daughter was hooked immediately. She started with a Yoto Mini while my son used a second-hand Gen 2 box I found on Facebook Marketplace. He recently graduated to his own Mini too.

• Coloring Books: Yes, it’s basic—but yes, it works.
• Familiar Snacks: Flights are not the time to enforce your crunchy, granola snack agenda. I always pack the treats my kids know and love. It brings comfort and a taste of home when we’re far from it.
• A Blanket From Home: I’m a blanket person, and I stand by this one. Travel blankets are often too small, home blankets too bulky. But the right blanket? It’s like bringing a piece of their bedtime routine onboard. Some airlines provide blankets depending on which cabin class you book. We like to bring one from home (if our luggage space allows it), not only for the flight but to comfort the kids in hotel rooms too. Check out these cozy ones from Sand Cloud!
• Noise-Canceling Headphones: For the parents. I personally love Bose‘s Quiet Comfort bluetooth headphones when I’m awake, but I’ll switch to Apple AirPods if I’m planning to fall asleep mid-podcast or movie.

Traveling internationally with young children takes effort, but it’s the kind of effort that pays dividends in memories, growth, and connection. My kids may not remember every detail of our trips, but they’re growing up seeing the world, expanding their comfort zones, and learning that adventure can start at any age.

That’s the legacy I want to pass on.

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