Family travel essentials. 13 things to sort. Before the chaos begins.

Check passports and visas

Check passport expiry dates, visa rules and entry requirements for every person travelling. Many countries require passports to be valid beyond your arrival or departure date, but the exact rule varies, so check official guidance for each destination and any transit countries.

• Check children’s passports early, as they usually expire faster than adult passports.
• Confirm visa, eTA or arrival card requirements.
• Check whether parental consent documents are needed if one parent is travelling alone with children.

Book GP and travel health checks

Speak to your GP, pharmacist, travel clinic or relevant specialist before travelling, especially if your child has regular medication, allergies, seizures, mobility needs or any ongoing health condition.

• Ask about destination-specific vaccines and health precautions.
• Carry prescriptions or medical letters where needed.
• Keep medication in original packaging where practical.

Sort proper travel insurance

Travel insurance matters even more with children. Check that it covers medical care, cancellations, lost luggage, delays, declared pre-existing conditions and the destinations you are actually visiting.

• Declare relevant medical conditions honestly.
• Save the emergency assistance number offline.
• Check activity exclusions before booking anything adventurous.

Choose family-friendly destinations

A destination does not need to be built entirely for children, but it should work for your family. Think about safety, healthcare access, transport, food, climate, walking distances and whether there are activities everyone can enjoy.

• Look for parks, beaches, museums and easy day trips.
• Check heat, rainy seasons and air quality.
• Read family reviews, not just glossy destination guides.

Build a flexible itinerary

A plan helps. A military timetable does not. Keep travel details, accommodation, transfers and key activities organised, but leave enough space for rest, food stops and days when everyone simply needs to do less.

• Plan one main activity per day.
• Share the plan with older children.
• Keep booking confirmations available offline.

Pack the essentials properly

Pack documents, medication, chargers, snacks, spare clothes and comfort items where you can reach them. Checked luggage is for clothing and optimism. Carry-on is for survival.

• Keep passports, medicine and valuables in hand luggage.
• Pack spare clothes for children and at least one adult top.
• Use packing cubes or labelled bags to reduce suitcase archaeology.

Prepare travel entertainment

Long journeys are easier when entertainment is ready before you leave. Download shows, games, audiobooks and music, then add a few non-screen options for when batteries die or screens stop helping.

• Download content before travelling.
• Pack headphones that fit your child.
• Use small toys, colouring, stickers or books for variety.

Plan for time zones and jet lag

Children do not magically adapt because the clock says so. Help them adjust with daylight, gentle routines, food timing and realistic expectations. The first day may be a bit weird. That is normal.

• Use natural light after arrival to help reset body clocks.
• Keep the first day light where possible.
• Hydrate, eat properly and avoid overplanning after long flights.

Choose accommodation that works

Family-friendly accommodation is not just about a cot. Think space, stairs, kitchen access, laundry, noise, safety, beds, location and whether everyone has somewhere to decompress.

• Check lift access, balcony safety and window locks.
• Consider self-catering for food flexibility.
• Look at walking distances to transport, shops and food.

Learn a few local phrases

A few words can go a long way. Teach children simple greetings, please, thank you and excuse me. It is polite, fun and helps them feel more connected to the place they are visiting.

• Practise hello, thank you and goodbye.
• Save key phrases offline.
• Use translation apps, but do not rely on signal always being available.

Think through child safety

Every destination has different risks. Think about roads, balconies, pools, beaches, crowds, transport, wildlife, heat and local emergency numbers before you are in the middle of it.

• Agree a meeting point in busy places.
• Use ID cards or wristbands for younger children where useful.
• Check car seat and booster seat rules before hiring cars or using taxis.

Make food part of the adventure

Local food can be one of the best parts of travel, but hungry children are not always brave food critics. Mix familiar options with small experiments, and check allergy or dietary needs carefully.

• Find supermarkets or simple food options near your accommodation.
• Carry safe snacks for travel days.
• Use markets and bakeries as low-pressure food adventures.

Sort money, phones and emergency contacts

This is the boring bit that saves you when things go sideways. Make sure you can pay, call, navigate and access important information even if Wi-Fi disappears or a card gets blocked.

• Carry at least two payment options stored separately.
• Save emergency contacts, insurance details and accommodation addresses offline.
• Consider an eSIM, local SIM or roaming plan before arrival.

Photos and videos

Capture the big views and the small moments. Back photos up regularly so one lost phone does not take the memories with it.

Kids’ journals

Encourage children to draw, write, stick in tickets, collect maps or record voice notes. It turns travel into reflection, not just movement.

Simple traditions

Choose a small family ritual, like a magnet, postcard, silly photo, best snack vote or favourite view. These are the things that become family folklore later.