Traveling with kids: preparation and tips
Documents, luggage, the journey: what's worth planning ahead for a smoother family trip.
Documents to check
- Each child needs their own valid passport or ID card, even babies.
- For a child traveling without one of their two parents, a parental travel authorization (or local equivalent) is often required — check with the departure country's authorities.
- Bring a copy of the health/vaccination record if the destination country asks for it.
Luggage and comfort
| Worth packing | Why |
|---|---|
| Cabin "activity kit" backpack | Keeps the child occupied without relying on an outlet or Wi-Fi |
| Full change of clothes in the cabin bag | For little ones, in case of a delay or accident |
| Snacks and an empty bottle (fill after security) | Avoids hunger/thirst during waiting |
| Comfort object | Helps falling asleep in an unfamiliar environment |
Book seats in advance if you want to sit next to your child: some airlines don't guarantee grouped seating without a reservation.
On arrival
- Note a local medical contact (pharmacy, clinic) in advance, without waiting for an emergency.
- Jet lag affects children too: try to keep their meal/sleep schedule close to usual for the first few days.
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