Is It Worth It to Travel with Toddlers and Babies Internationally?

“It’s too hard.”
“They won’t remember it.”
“Isn’t that dangerous?”

If you’ve said (or heard) any of these, you’re in good company, we’ve heard it often too. Dragging a car seat through customs while sleep-deprived and crossing your fingers that the baby doesn’t scream through the whole flight? Not exactly what vacation dreams are made of, yet I still believe it’s absolutely worth it to travel with babies and toddlers. 

At Full Passport Family, we believe in raising curious, empathetic, resilient kids by exploring the world together, even when it’s messy, unpredictable, and exhausting. 

We’ve traveled to over 40 countries and currently live overseas with our two young children. While traveling, we’ve experienced the most beautiful moments and also the most challenging, draining moments that make us question if it’s even worth it to travel with our kids.

Is it worth it to travel with toddlers and babies internationally? In short, absolutely it is.

In this post, we’ll walk through the emotional truths, practical tips, cultural connections, and gear that can make all the difference — even when your tiny travel buddy screams loudly at the passport control agent. 

A Note about Travel & Privilege 

Before I share about international baby and toddler travel, I want to recognize that travel is a privilege. The ability to cross borders, book flights, and explore new places with our children isn’t something we take lightly. Passports that make visas easy, finances that allow for mobility, and time and safety- we recognize this is a privilege not all families have. 

We hold that privilege with deep gratitude and with a responsibility to travel mindfully, respectfully, and with a commitment to learning from the people and places we encounter.

World travel isn’t the only way to raise globally minded kids, but for those who can access it, it’s a powerful tool for expanding compassion, understanding, and wonder, starting from the very earliest years.

“They Won’t Remember It” — But That’s Not the Point

This is the first thing most people say when we tell them we’re taking our baby abroad: “But… they won’t even remember it!”

And honestly? They’re probably right. Your baby likely will not remember strolling through a Moroccan souk or dipping their toes in Lake Atitlan underneath volcanoes. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter. 

Babies and toddlers are constantly soaking in the world around them, not through facts and memories, but through senses, feelings, and secure relationships. Their brains are developing at a rate that’s nearly impossible to overstate: by age five, 90% of brain development has already happened!

What they’re exposed to now — the smells of new spices, the sounds of unfamiliar languages, the feel of sand from a beach halfway across the world — becomes part of how they understand the world and their place in it.

Early learning experts agree:
“The foundations of sensory and perceptual systems that are critical to language, social behavior, and emotion are formed in the early years and are strongly influenced by experiences during this time.”

So no, they might not recall that moment they declared the playground in Budapest the very best in the world. But their brain and body remember the joy of play,  trying new foods, hearing new languages. Travel creates rich, diverse sensory environments that support early learning in many ways. 

And even more importantly, when your baby is with you, feeling safe, connected, and loved in new settings, they’re learning a powerful lesson: the world is full of good people, beautiful places, and new things worth exploring.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the “they won’t remember it” excuse. I think of it similar to reading with my baby, sure, he can’t read yet, but I’m still going to read to him everyday. 

Lastly, while I know my young kids may not remember traveling at this age, I will remember the experiences of traveling with my kids. It’s important to me to make and hold on to these memories (at least I hope so, the constant sleep deprivation of life with a baby makes memory challenging and do I really want to remember a full meltdown in terminal 2 of Charles de Gaulle Airport?). 

“Isn’t It Too Hard?” — Let’s Talk Logistics and Reality

Let’s be honest: traveling with a baby and/or toddler can be hard. There are diaper blowouts at 35,000 feet, jet lagged toddlers who think 1am is party time (this was SO rough our first night in Paris), and entire airport security lines watching while you try to sweatily, one hand fold your stroller while baby wearing a screaming baby and a 5 year old asking 100 questions a minute. I’ve been there.

But here’s the thing: hard doesn’t mean impossible. And hard doesn’t mean not worth it.

Once you’ve accepted that family travel is a little chaotic, the whole experience becomes more manageable. You can plan smarter, pack more intentionally, and build in breathing room instead of back-to-back activities. 

You can bring travel sleep gear that works for your children, prep your toddler with picture books about airplanes, and create simple rituals that help your child feel safe no matter where in the world you are.

We’ve found that the hardest moments usually come at the edges: the transitions, the time zone jumps, the skipped naps. But the rest? So much magic!

Watching your child play on ruins in Guatemala, see hippos up close in the Congo, or wave “bonjour” to strangers on a train in Paris — those are the tiny sparks that remind me that yes, it is worth it. The connection within your family and with the surrounding world deepens and you get to see it all through their eyes.

So yes, it’s work. But if you’re already doing the hard things of parenting at home (which you are!), you can certainly do this with the right tools, support, and mindset. And we’re here to help.

“But What About Safety?” — Travel Risks vs. Resilience

When people hear “international travel” and “baby” in the same sentence, their first thought is often: Is that safe?

We get it. We had a lot of doubts when we first heard that we were moving to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You’re not just packing sunscreen and snacks. You’re packing the most important little human in your life. And concerns about health, food, water, transportation, and emergencies are completely valid (we’ve had worries about them all!)

But here’s what we’ve learned: the world is not as scary as the headlines make it seem. Even after being emergency evacuated from the DRC in the middle of the night with two young children, I still wholeheartedly believe that traveling with young children is important and meaningful. 

Did I question if I’m building resilience in my kids or scarring them for life? Of course I have. But ultimately, there are children being raised as good, kind humans all over the world, and I want my children to see and interact with global communities.

When you prepare well, ask questions, and stay flexible, travel with young children can be not just safe, but deeply enriching.

We always research destinations ahead of time (including healthcare access), pack a family-friendly medical kit, and have health insurance that includes emergency care. 

We also teach our toddler age-appropriate safety habits and keep routines as familiar as possible. 

And if something does go wrong — as it did for us when we had a medical emergency in Portugal— knowing how to find help quickly can make all the difference. 

Ultimately, safety and resilience can go hand in hand. When your child learns that they’re safe with you anywhere in the world, they’re not just physically protected, they’re emotionally secure. That’s the foundation for a resilient, adventurous mindset that will serve them far beyond this trip.

I do not believe it’s reckless to take your young children abroad. In fact, I think it’s brave and beautiful and impactful. And when done thoughtfully, with a focus on cultural connection, like we believe at Full Passport Family,  it helps make the world feel a little smaller. 

Travel as a Parenting Tool

Pre children, we used to think of travel as a vacation. Now, for us, travel with young kids is not a relaxing vacation, but it is an incredibly helpful parenting tool. 

There are fewer distractions. No endless to-do lists, no playdates to rush off to, no strict sleep schedule and bedtime routines. 

Travel stretches you as a parent. It teaches flexibility, when dinner plans fall through and you end up eating crackers and bananas on a balcony in Paris. It invites presence, when your baby’s eyes light up at something you would’ve walked right past. And it fosters creativity, when you turn a travel delay into an adventure. 

Even more, we’ve found that travel supports secure attachment in a surprising way. When your child is in a totally new environment and you’re their familiar anchor, they learn, “I can trust you. I’m safe with you. No matter where we are.” That message is powerful.

And for the parents? The first time you navigate a language barrier to find your baby’s sensitive skin wipes or change a diaper in a tiny bathroom mid-turbulence like a boss, your confidence grows too. It’s not always easy. But it’s always worth it.

Common Objections + Reassurance

Questions and some worries are just part of the process. Let’s address a few of the most common ones so you can head into your travels feeling confident and calm.

“What if they get sick?”
It’s a valid concern, but the good news is: You can be prepared. A little prep goes a long way, whether that means packing a well-stocked medical kit or knowing where the nearest healthcare facility is. We’ve got you covered with tips on how to prepare for medical emergencies abroad and how to handle unexpected health hiccups while traveling with little ones.

“What if they cry on the plane?”
It happens. It’s totally normal for babies and toddlers (and often adults!) to get fussy on flights — and, in our experience, most people are understanding. We’ve been there, and we’ve learned that it’s all about managing the situation with calmness and a few survival tricks: a favorite toy, snacks, extra love, and lots of patience. And, if you’re unfortunately sitting next to the meanest-baby-hating human who sends hateful glares your way, just picture them as a baby too. 

“What if I feel overwhelmed?”
You’re not alone. Every family goes through a travel transition phase, it takes time to find your travel rhythm, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed in the process. The secret is giving yourself permission to feel messy and imperfect. You’re doing an incredible job parenting and raising tiny humans. The growth, connection, and memories that come from these adventures are well worth the bumps along the way.

Practical Tips for Making It Worth It

If you’re going to put in the effort to travel internationally with babies or toddlers, you want it to feel “worth it” for everyone. We believe it absolutely can be, with a few thoughtful choices and the right mindset.

First, choose a destination that fits your family’s current stage. A charming small town with parks and walkable streets might be a better fit than a fast-paced itinerary through five countries in ten days. Go where your child can thrive — and where you can breathe a little, too. It’s ok to choose ease at this stage in life. 

Second, keep expectations low, and connection high. You don’t need to hit every landmark to have a meaningful trip. Some of our most memorable moments have happened while chasing bubbles in a Budapest plaza or starting the day with no plans at all. Let your baby or toddler set the pace — you’ll be surprised what opens up when you slow down.

Third, build your days around the three essentials: movement, snacks, and rest. (Trust us on the snacks.) Prioritize nap-friendly schedules, places where your little one can roam freely, and low-pressure activities that give everyone space to enjoy the moment.

And finally, travel smart with gear that works for you, not against you. We’ve tested a lot, and these are the game-changers we never travel without:

• 🧳 This travel stroller — compact, lightweight, and fits in overhead bins. I love that it has a universal adaptor for carseats. We still travel with our baby’s carseat and need a stroller that it can attach to.
• 🐨 Our go-to baby carrier — comfy enough for naps on the go, supportive for long walks and hikes. This is my all time favorite carrier.
• 🔊 Travel sleep essentials — for longer trips, we always bring these toddler travel essentials so we can all get good sleep.

Cultural Connection Starts Early

So why do we keep doing this? Why board planes with grumpy toddlers? Why spend hours packing and repacking, only to deal with another nap rebellion in a new timezone?

Because it’s through these experiences that our kids learn to understand the world and the importance of being kind, curious, global citizens.

When our baby hears a new language on the train in Portugal, or our toddler says “thank you” in Lingala, they’re connecting with a culture in a way that shapes how they see others and themselves. They begin to understand that the world is large, that people live differently, and that those differences are something to respect and embrace, not fear.

We don’t travel to check off destinations; we travel because we believe these experiences help raise curious, open-hearted humans. Even if they don’t remember every trip, the lessons are being woven into the fabric of who they’ll become.

Every plane ride, every packing struggle, every last-minute change of plans, it’s all part of the process. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about travel. It’s about shaping the kind of people our children will grow into.

Better Question to Ask Yourself

Instead of asking, “Will they even remember this trip?” try asking yourself:

• “What new experiences do we want our children to have?”
• “What lessons do we want to pass down to our children?”
• “How can we use this trip to broaden their understanding of the world?”
• “What memories do we want to create, even if they can’t remember all of them?”
• “How can this journey support our family’s values?

When you travel with your baby or toddler, you’re not just ticking items off a bucket list,  you’re shaping your family’s identity. You’re creating memories that matter, even if your little one can’t recall the specifics. You’re teaching them the importance of connection, flexibility, and resilience. And that’s something they’ll carry with them forever.

Yes, travel is hard sometimes —packing, jet lag, and navigating new places can feel overwhelming. But it’s worth it. 

Every new place, every new experience, every new connection expands their understanding of the world and the kind of compassionate, curious global citizens they’ll become.