Take the kids! How to Create a Fantastic International Family Vacation Experience

Ready to make traveling internationally with kids (pretty much) stress-free? Laura Cox from @travel80by80 joins Lisa to share her expertise on how to create a memorable international trip with your family. She shares practical tips about safety, food, where to go on your first international trip, how to immerse in new cultures, plus ideas on how to give back to communities while you travel.

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General Tips When Traveling Internationally with Kids

  1. Be flexible

  2. Keep the kids entertained (baby and older kid examples)

  3. Slow down; plan for the unexpected

  4. Get outside - find playgrounds, hikes for older kids

  5. Have kids help with planning

  6. Unplug

  7. Find immersive, cultural, and community activities

Safety Tips When Traveling internationally with Kids

  1. Bring a medical kit

  2. Aware of accommodation; parents' phone number

  3. Point out safe responsible adults

  4. Dress kids in bright colors when going to crowded places

  5. Babyproof accommodation

Tips for Handling Food with Kids on International Trips

  1. Traveling with a child who has a food allergy

  2. Bring snack foods

  3. It’s okay if you get a slice of pizza (kids need breaks from food they aren't used to)

  4. Cooking classes are a great way for picky eaters to learn and enjoy the food

Great First Time International Travel Destinations for Families

  • Costa Rica. If you are looking for a fun beach & adventure vacation.

  • London & Paris. If you are looking for a city/history/museum trip.

  • Italy. It’s very family-friendly with so much to do.

More Fantastic International Family-Friendly Destinations

  • Vietnam. Consider a homestay and a cooking class.

  • Morocco. A totally different culture from the US.

  • Iceland. Adventurous and a lot of outdoor activities. Plan on lots of driving time and expensive.

Tips for Immersing in Culture and Community 

  1. Find a local sporting match; participate in a local dance class; attend a festival

  2. Visit local markets

  3. Take cooking classes

  4. Engage with locals - talk and ask questions

  5. Live in a homestay

Tips for Giving Back When on a Trip

  1. Bring suitcase full of supplies - work with hotels. your Airbnb, local charities

  2. Do onsite volunteer work

Laura Cox and her family on vacation

Thank you to Laura Cox for sharing so many great insights with us!

Follow along on Laura’s adventures.

@travel80by80 on Instagram

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