As I prepare to head to Europe tomorrow, solo with my two kids, ages 5 and 11, for our fifth international trip together, I’ve been reflecting on how much traveling with my children has shaped the way I plan. I’ve helped lots of families over the years, but doing it firsthand has given me a whole new perspective on what really matters when you're out there living it.

If you're planning a trip with children, especially something international, here are a few things that have really helped us.

Always pay for seat assignments.
Truly. It’s one of the first things I advise families to do. Whether it’s a long-haul flight or a short connection, knowing you’ll be seated together reduces stress for everyone. If there’s an option to upgrade for more legroom or early boarding, I usually take it. It’s not about luxury, it’s about smoother transitions and fewer surprises.

Snacks matter more than you think.
I bring a lot, especially ones that are high in protein and fiber to keep energy steady. I choose options that pack well and won’t melt or crumble, making them perfect for travel. These reliable snacks help us get through long travel days, late dinners, and those moments when a little distraction goes a long way with restless kids. Some of our favorites include roasted chickpeas, protein granola bars, jerky, and nuts.

Same with screens.
Before we travel, I download games, shows, and movies they already know and love. When we’re dealing with jet lag, delays, or long train rides, it makes a big difference to have something familiar and comforting on hand.

We pack light. Really light.
It took me a while to get here, but I’ve learned that less stuff equals less stress. We rewear outfits, do laundry mid-trip if needed, and only pack what we’ll truly use. Every time I leave something out of the suitcase, I end up grateful I did. This is especially true for trips with multiple stops, train travel, or destinations with older infrastructure, think lots of stairs, cobblestones, or hills (looking at you, Switzerland!).

Rain jacket and sun protection, always.
No matter the destination or season, I pack layers for sun and rain. We’ve used them in more places than I expected, even when the forecast looked perfect. I have never regretted this exception to packing light!

Build in downtime.
Our itinerary always includes space for downtime. Some days that means a park stop or a slow afternoon. Other times it’s simply letting the day unfold instead of booking it full. My kids (and I) do best when we have some structure, but not too much of it. To prepare for these low-key moments, I like to research nearby parks, well-reviewed burger joints, local grocery stores, and the services offered by our hotel, so we have options ready without too much thought when we need a relaxed break.

Take safety seriously, especially in new places.
I pack a simple alarm for hotel doors or balconies and a portable carbon monoxide detector. They’re small, easy to pack, and give me peace of mind. These things aren’t about being fearful, they’re about being prepared.

Ask about child pricing and family passes.
In some cases, traveling with kids can actually make certain options more economical. For example, in Switzerland, the rail pass we used included free or discounted travel for my children. The presence of those discounts made the rail pass more cost-effective with kids than it would’ve been without them. Every destination is different, so it really helps to know where those family-friendly perks come into play. This is a great question for your travel advisor!

Go over the basics before you leave.
We like to watch short YouTube videos about airports or train stations before a trip. It helps my kids know what to expect, and it makes the actual travel day feel a little less intimidating.

Keep a few surprises in your back pocket.
I always have a new game or small activity tucked away that they don’t know about. I save it for when we really need it, delays, long dinners, that point in the trip where patience is running low.

Traveling with kids isn’t always easy, but it is so worth it. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just need a mix of preparation, flexibility, and the ability to laugh when things don’t go as planned. Like the time my 3-year-old didn’t sleep on our London to Denver flight, turning our layover into a full-on toddler chase. Or when a live theater show in Mexico was rescheduled without notice, so we pivoted to a delicious steak dinner and a peaceful beach walk after dusk. Things often don’t go as expected, but that’s part of the story, often the most memorable and fun part!

I’ll be sharing a few glimpses from our trip along the way, and if you’re planning a trip with kids, or even thinking about it, I’d love to help you figure out what’s possible.

Traveling with Kids: What I’ve Learned So You Don’t Have To