10 Things to Prepare Before Taking Babies Abroad for a Happy Family Trip

Sophia Chang

Think having kids means you're stuck at home and can't travel abroad? That's just too cruel for travel lovers...

It’s true that many people feel held back by their own mindset. With proper preparation, taking kids abroad is really no different from taking them to Kenting or Yilan. Stick to a few key principles, and traveling with children is not difficult at all.

When kids go out, they find everything new and exciting.

Of course, traveling with kids can be exhausting—I won’t lie about that—but think about it: isn’t raising kids at home tiring too? You still have to take them out to burn off energy, and you still end up yelling in frustration.

If you’re going to be taking care of kids at home anyway, why not do it abroad? At least when you’re overseas, no one understands what you’re saying when you scold your child, and strangers won’t judge you. Isn’t that a win? (Okay, that’s some next-level rationalizing, haha!)

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At Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses, Little Steamed Bun was fascinated by every single cross.

When my kids were very young, I liked to play it safe. I always packed two bottles of boiled water from home in my luggage. We’d start by drinking that, then mix it with locally bought water before giving it to the kids, to help prevent any upset from unfamiliar water.

Getting hugged by Santa Claus in Finland made me so happy I felt like I could fly.

The biggest worry when traveling is kids getting sick, so hygiene is crucial. When washing hands isn’t convenient, alcohol-based hand sanitizer and wet wipes can handle on-the-spot cleaning. I prepare two types of wipes: gentle, baby-safe ones for hands and mouths—so they can eat right after wiping—and thicker, disinfecting wipes for cleaning surfaces, which offer more peace of mind.

On a sightseeing bus in South Africa, even the little ones listen to the guide.

At Nairobi’s Elephant Orphanage, playing with Kenyan kids.

If you’re traveling in winter, warm clothing is a must. But even if you’re not traveling in fall or winter, it’s wise to pack a light jacket or an adult’s thin shawl to wrap your child in when it’s windy (or air-conditioned), or when they fall asleep, so you don’t accidentally let them catch a chill.

At Jerusalem’s Western Wall, hiding her face on purpose because she didn’t want her photo taken.

For preschoolers, it’s a good idea to bring utensils they’re used to, such as spoons, small bowls, sippy cups, bibs, or even food scissors. This helps them feel more comfortable eating and makes meals go more smoothly, without worrying about unsuitable or unclean tableware. (Of course, this isn’t necessary for older kids—the less you bring, the better!)

As we traveled more, we grew to love taking photos—Little Steamed Bun taking mom’s picture, mom taking Little Steamed Bun’s.

Wanting to imitate adults using a camera, in Kenya, she started taking wildlife photos with a DSLR herself.

The most essential thing when traveling with kids is a well-stocked medical kit. It should generally include fever and pain relief drops, anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medicine, antihistamines (for allergies), insect repellent, anti-itch cream (for bug bites), gas relief ointment, and diaper rash cream (for skin irritation), as well as band-aids, cotton swabs, iodine solution, safety scissors, fever-reducing patches, and skin soothers.

In Ho Chi Minh City, joining mom in a cooking class to learn Vietnamese cuisine.

When traveling independently, strollers aren’t just for babies—even preschoolers often need them. Kids aren’t like adults; they can’t walk all day, and sometimes they get tired or sleepy, which can lead to meltdowns or refusal to move on to the next destination, throwing off your schedule.

Taking on the challenge of riding motorcycles in Ho Chi Minh City.

If your next activity is cancelable, you can stay longer if needed, but if you’ve already paid for something, it’s a bummer. Letting your child rest when needed makes things easier on everyone.

Strollers aren’t essential, but when you need one, nothing else will do. Don’t skip it just to save effort—you’ll only wear yourself out more. (And when the kid falls asleep in the stroller? That’s your free time!)

Note:You can wheel the stroller right up to the plane door—the flight attendants will fold it for you. When you land, it’ll be waiting for you at the gate or baggage carousel.

Jordan’s ancient city of Petra, set in the desert, requires riding camels to reach.

When kids are very young, bring along a few small toys—but avoid anything with lots of tiny parts that could get lost. Instead, opt for compact toys, sticker books, board books, or pocket-sized books. These come in handy when kids get bored or fussy.

But remember, rotate toys or books—don’t reveal all your cards at once. Bring them out one at a time to keep things fresh, extend playtime, and maintain the element of surprise. That way, kids stay amused and don’t get bored so easily.

In Vietnam, learn how to make rice noodles alongside locals.

If your child enjoys drawing, it’s even easier—just bring crayons and a sketchbook. Older kids can be encouraged to keep a diary by writing or drawing, helping you all create lasting memories.

Note:These small items can be hidden away a few days before departure, then brought out on the day of the flight or when you arrive in a foreign country. This keeps things fresh and helps your child stay entertained longer.

Cheerfully posing for a photo with dad at Table Mountain in Cape Town.

Some children may rely on a favorite stuffed animal or blanket to sleep with. Without it, they might not sleep well. It’s best to bring these along on the first overseas trip. Later, you can discuss with your child whether they’re ready to leave it behind next time.

The child eats the toast, and the crusts can be fed to pigeons. (Riga, Latvia)

Kids can get hungry at any time—or just feel like a snack. Keep biscuits, rice crackers, bread, or even sheep milk tablets or vitamin C tablets on hand to satisfy their cravings and help them settle down. Sometimes, meals aren’t conveniently available during travel times, so having a little something to tide them over can prevent tantrums.

Note:If you’re traveling to places like Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, or Macau, it’s relatively easy to find kid-friendly snacks. But in European or American countries, most biscuits aren’t very healthy, so it’s recommended to bring some from Taiwan to ensure you have suitable options.

Because she didn’t want to take a photo with dad, she made a face—haha !

When traveling abroad, you’ll notice that the climate is often very dry. In summer, the sun is intense, so besides sunscreen, remember to apply moisturizing lotion to protect your skin from drying out and peeling.

If you’re traveling in winter, it’s not just cold and dry—indoor heating can make it worse. Without regular replenishment of lotion and lip balm, or if they’re not moisturizing enough, your skin can easily crack. Adults might try local brands, but children have delicate, sensitive skin, so it’s best to bring their usual skincare products.

In Korea, visiting a Korean spa (jjimjilbang) with mom to experience daily Korean life.

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Traveling abroad isn’t like in Taiwan—sometimes finding a restroom isn’t easy, and in Europe, restrooms often come with a fee for each use.

For children under 4–5 years old, the urge to go can come suddenly, and sometimes it’s just a little. Taking them to the bathroom can be impractical, so it’s best to discuss this beforehand. If absolutely necessary, letting them use a diaper can save you from scrambling to find a restroom.

Note:Once, my colleague and I took her child to Tokyo. She ran up and down the subway station several times looking for a restroom, taking nearly half an hour to finally find one.

As they grow a bit older, they can often join mom in playing dress-up.

Children who are used to being in front of the camera become less self-conscious.

They can even pull off these overly posed photos !

Of course, as you gain more experience, you’ll bring fewer of these items and become more skilled—you won’t need to pack as much. Hope this helps everyone !

[Authorized reprint from Sophie’s Parent-Child Travel Fun | Original source: “10 Must-Haves for Taking Babies & Toddlers Abroad. Preparing in Advance for a Stress-Free, Happy Trip”]