A lot of families are hesitant to take their kids overseas when they are young. I will admit, I was like that too, but I put my hesitation down to three main reasons.

1. Fear that my kids won’t remember the trip, so should we wait until they are older?
2. Degree of difficulty travelling with littlies; sleep, things to do, travel plans, food options
3. Cost of travel

But after some deep thinking, I changed my view and I am so pleased I did.

1. Your kids may not remember the trip. But that is what photos are for. You as a parent will remember the trip, and you will have so many fond memories of taking them to places. My boys still reminisce about trips from when they were one year old. I am not sure if they remember, I highly doubt they do, but they sure love hearing the stories and seeing the pictures. That sense of knowing they have been somewhere special shines in their eyes and they often surprise me with connecting things we see today like snow on TV, to a time when they were two and saw it for the first and only time. The feelings of accomplishment as a parent to have taken your children somewhere you may or may not have travelled as a child is also a great feeling.
2. Going on any holiday with little kids is hard whether it is an hour away, or fifteen. Holidaying with kids is mostly the same life at home but in a different location, but without the comforts of home. You need to set some ground rules, and really pick your battles as to what you will tolerate and will not tolerate. My main mantra is “don’t sweat the small stuff’ while you are away. Do your best and remain calm in stressful situations- you will laugh about them later. There are very challenging times. We once wanted to leave our 15 month old son at the security check point in Hawaii as he had an adverse effect to Phenergan (it made him hyperactive instead of sleepy) and he kept running back through the security check points. We had to take our jackets and shoes off and be screened four times because he kept running back through. Absolutely painful. But that said, we have had more amazing moments than stressful times. Many countries cater so well to children. Things like Disneyland lose their magic to older kids, so it is fantastic to take them when they are little and are so amazed and star struck to meet Micky Mouse or their favourite character. Priceless.
3. The cost can actually be a lot cheaper. Airfares are free for under two year olds. Some flights are discounted for children, accommodation can be cheaper- some places kids stay and eat free, and feeding a 4 year old is much cheaper than feeding a fourteen year old. A lot of tourism attractions are free for under six year olds. The cost of travelling overseas is nowhere what it used to be when we were growing up. Sure. Holidays are expensive. But the investment in our memories as a family have been worth the sacrifices at home to save to make it happen.

Having kids will not stop me from travelling and I hope it doesn’t stop you. My boys have been on six overseas holidays in six years. It is my mission to ensure they see as much of the world, and learn the many things that travel teaches us.

My top five tips

1. Pack as light as you can into good suitcases that have 360 degree wheels, or use a backpack for hands free. Juggling kids and luggage=chaos
2. Pack their favourite must have daily foods as it’s doubtful you will find them overseas
3. If you have under 4 year olds get a leash bag. I know. I’ve judged mums that used these too. But trust me. In very busy airports and theme parks you will thank me. Make it fun to use and they will wear it most of the time!
4. Take a stroller, or buy a $20 one when you arrive that you can donate later. It’s good to have when the leash wearing wears off and vice versa.
5. Take a pen, stick of glue and special small notebook. I journaled with the boys at the end of each day asking them their favourite things and sticking in our tickets and brochures from our days’ adventure. It is a great keepsake for reminiscing later and for them to show friends and family when you return.

You can do it. Give it a go.