10 Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling Internationally with Kids (And What to Do Instead)

Let’s get real for a second: traveling internationally with kids is not always the sunshine and rainbows you dream it would be—at least not every moment. Sure, there’s magic, 100%. There are wide eyes at ancient ruins, gelato melting in tiny hands, and spontaneous dance parties in cobblestone squares. But there’s also jet-lagged toddlers losing their minds at customs, diaper blowouts at 38,000 feet, and at least one child loudly announcing they are tired and can’t walk anymore when you are still at least 5 miles from your hotel.

I’ve made all the rookie mistakes. And I’m here to help you avoid making the same mistakes. Because when you travel solo (or as a duo) with your kids, preparation is the difference between chaos and (mostly) calm.

So here it is: the 10 biggest mistakes parents make when traveling internationally with kids—and what to do instead. Pack your snacks, power up that tablet, and let’s dive in.

1. Mistake: Overpacking Like You’re Fleeing the Country

Yes, kids come with a lot of stuff, trust me, I feel that all the time, traveling now with an 8-year-old and a 17-month-old. But that doesn’t mean you need to bring your entire house. That is one of the biggest mistakes I tell parents to avoid when traveling internationally with kids.

The mistake? Packing three outfits a day per kid, five “just in case” items, and every “travel” toy you own, and three blankets to help them sleep. Suddenly, you’re hauling three suitcases, a car seat, a stroller, a diaper bag, and your sanity hanging by a thread through an airport in Munich.

What to do instead:
Pack light, pack smart. Focus on layerable, mix-and-match clothing, and embrace laundry while traveling or wearing the same clothes twice. If it works for us as adults, it works for kids, too. Most destinations sell diapers, wipes, and snacks—I promise. They might look a little different, but they exist. Pick versatile toys and leave the “maybe they’ll use it” items at home. Your back will thank you.

2. Mistake: Skipping the Time Zone Transition Plan

You land in paradise, and everyone is… miserable. Why? Jet lag, baby.

The mistake? Expecting your kids to bounce into a new time zone like tiny, resilient travelers. Instead, you get a 3 a.m. breakfast and full-scale meltdowns during your dreamy sunset tour.

What to do instead:
Upon arrival, get outdoors for sunlight exposure, limit naps, and plan low-pressure activities on the first day. Oh, and pack ALL the snacks. Jet lag + hangry = disaster.

3. Mistake: Trying to Do Too Much

You want to see it all. Climb the Eiffel Tower, take a boat tour, hit the Louvre, eat in that cute bistro—and it’s only Day 1. What is the mistake when traveling internationally with kids? Not creating an itinerary better suited for child-free backpackers than snack-needing, nap-requiring little ones.

What to do instead:
Embrace the one big thing per day rule. Choose a highlight activity, then leave space for parks, playgrounds, ice cream stops, and spontaneous naps. You’ll enjoy the experience more when you’re not dragging exhausted children through a museum with zero patience left.

4. Mistake: Not Preparing for the Airport Gauntlet

Here’s a universal truth: airports are chaos machines. Then go ahead and add kids to the mix, and suddenly it’s a traveling circus with liquid limits (though that might be going away soon) and overtired tantrums.

The mistake? Not prepping for security lines, long walks between gates. This is why TSA PreCheck is one of the best programs I’ve signed up for as a mom traveling with my kids.

What to do instead:
Wear easy-on shoes, keep liquids in a clear pouch, and bring a small, dedicated “fun bag” for airport play (stickers, magnetic games, new coloring books). Use a baby carrier if you’ve got a toddler—it keeps hands free and toddlers wrangled. Also, I highly recommend getting to the airport early. No one ever regrets buffer time with kids.

5. Mistake: Forgetting to Check Entry Requirements for Kids

You’ve got your passport, your tickets, your dream itinerary… but surprise! The border agent wants a notarized letter from your co-parent (if traveling solo), proof of vaccinations, or some other random reason.

The mistake? Assuming your child’s travel requirements are the same as yours.

What to do instead:
Always make sure that you are researching entry requirements for each country—especially for minors. Some countries require parental consent forms if you’re traveling solo. Others need proof of vaccines, visas that must be applied for before entry, or extra documentation. A quick check can save you from heartbreak at the border. (And trust me, that is not where you want a toddler meltdown.)

6. Mistake: Booking the Wrong Kind of Accommodation

“Let’s save money with a single hotel room,” said Past Me. Present Me remembers the joy of trying to sip wine in the dark while the baby slept in a travel crib next to the mini fridge.

The mistake? Booking rooms that don’t allow for separation, nap time, or nighttime wine time. When I travel solo with the kids, I still book single rooms, but I try to find ones that have more “corners” where I can tuck a pack n’ play to have a little more separation between beds and kids.

What to do instead:
Go for apartment rentals, family suites, or hotels with kid-friendly amenities (hello, kids’ clubs). Look for places with kitchenettes, laundry, and separate sleeping areas. Even a small balcony or curtain divider can be game-changing.

7. Mistake: Not Having a Health & Safety Plan

Your kid gets a fever. You don’t know where to go, you don’t have meds, and the pharmacy labels are in a language you can’t read.

The mistake? Not planning for the when, not if of kids getting sick on the road.

What to do instead:
Pack a mini first-aid kit with basics: fever reducer, band-aids, hand sanitizer, thermometer, and any prescription meds. Learn the local emergency number and look up the nearest clinic in advance. Also, buy travel insurance with medical coverage for kids. It’s a small price for peace of mind.

8. Mistake: Underestimating Food Challenges

You’ve envisioned your child joyfully biting into fresh croissants in Paris… but they only want chicken nuggets. And now they’re crying in a charming bistro because the pasta is “different.”

The mistake? Expecting kids to adapt their taste buds immediately.

What to do instead:
Pack snacks from home to get through the first few days. Visit grocery stores and let them choose local options (they’re more likely to try what they pick). If all else fails: find that one thing they’ll eat, and run with it. You can introduce new flavors slowly—like stealth parenting, but tastier.

One thing I always recommend is to have your children try at least three bites of new food when you’re traveling. This allows them to try new foods without having to stress about finishing the plate.

9. Mistake: Not Downloading Entertainment for Planes and Trains

In-flight Wi-Fi is spotty on a good day. The entertainment system is down. You thought your kid would nap but instead… well YOU know what happens!

The mistake? Relying on in-transit distractions to do the heavy lifting.

What to do instead:
Pre-download shows, games, audiobooks, and music on devices. Don’t forget chargers and a power bank. Bring headphones that actually fit kids. Add in offline activity books, small toys, and surprise treats to break up long stretches. And always have an “emergency lollipop”—your future self will thank you.

10. Mistake: Forgetting That the Trip Is Theirs Too

You’re in a world-famous cathedral. You’re in awe. Your kid? Is loudly narrating a fart. Or my daughter is dying from laughter as we are taking the horse carriage up the hill to Neuschwanstein Castle while I am trying to create this magical memory with my little princess.l

The mistake? Expecting kids to react like adults to major landmarks—or worse, spending the entire trip focused on your dream and forgetting theirs.

What to do instead:
Involve them in planning! Let them choose one activity per city—whether that’s a dinosaur museum, a beach afternoon, or a chocolate-making class. Look for family-specific tours or interactive attractions. When kids feel like it’s their adventure too, they’ll be more engaged (and less likely to whine through the whole thing).

Bonus Tips to Smooth the Journey:

• Always bring a change of clothes in your carry-on—for everyone (yes, even you).
• Learn a few local phrases with your kids before you go—hello, goodbye, bathroom!
• Set realistic expectations. Some days will be magical. Others will be… character building.
• Take the photo. Even if your hair’s a mess and your kid’s got gelato on their face. Especially then.

It’s Not Perfect, But It’s Worth It

International travel with kids is equal parts chaos and joy. You’ll cry. You’ll laugh. You’ll question every life decision while digging through your backpack for that one snack they suddenly hate. But then… you’ll watch your child learn to say “thank you” in a new language. You’ll explore a new culture together. You’ll raise little citizens of the world who understand that life is big, diverse, and full of beauty.

And that? That makes all the meltdowns, missed connections, and messy moments worth it.

So take the trip. Just don’t forget the snacks. 😉