Everything you need for a smooth journey
From packing tips and destination guides to travel documents and advisor recommendations, our essentials are here to make your trip feel effortless from the very beginning. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or planning your first big getaway, we’ve curated resources to help you feel confident, prepared, and excited to go.
Before you go
Plan smarter, pack better, and travel with confidence.
Whether you're heading across the country or across the globe, being prepared is the first step to a seamless trip. These essential travel tips cover what to know, what to bring, and how to navigate key logistics before takeoff.
Currency Exchange: What You Really Need
In many destinations, credit cards are widely accepted—but it’s smart to carry a small amount of local currency for tips, small vendors, or taxis. ATMs at major airports usually offer better exchange rates than currency kiosks or banks at home.
Avoid changing large amounts at hotels or airports where rates are less favorable. Consider using a debit card with no foreign transaction fees—NerdWallet’s guide to travel-friendly cards is a helpful place to start.
Passport, Visa & Entry Requirements
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date—a common requirement for international travel.
To find visa requirements for your destination based on your nationality, visit the IATA Travel Centre or check with the official government site of the country you're visiting. Some destinations offer e-visas or visa-free entry; others may require advance applications or fees on arrival.
Vaccines & Travel Insurance
Check the CDC’s Travelers’ Health page to see recommended or required vaccines by destination. Some countries require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination or other documentation depending on health concerns.
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory but is strongly recommended. Look for policies that cover trip cancellations, medical emergencies, baggage loss, and travel delays. A helpful comparison site is Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip.
Plugs, Voltage & Power Adapters
Not all outlets are created equal. To find out which plug type you’ll need and whether voltage conversion is required, use this interactive plug guide.
Look for universal adapters that include USB ports, and if you're visiting a country with a different voltage (e.g., Europe vs. the U.S.), confirm your devices are dual-voltage or pack a converter.
Connectivity & SIM Cards
If your mobile plan doesn't include international coverage, consider a travel SIM card, an eSIM app (like Airalo or Holafly), or a portable Wi-Fi device. Many airports also sell local SIMs on arrival.
To avoid surprises, turn off data roaming before your flight and use Wi-Fi for updates. Apps like WhatsApp or Signal are widely used for communication abroad.
Packing Important Documents
Print and pack a physical copy of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and key reservations. Store digital versions in a secure cloud folder (e.g., Google Drive or Dropbox), and share access with a trusted contact at home.
You can also use a password manager (like 1Password) to safely store travel confirmations and login credentials.
Cultural Norms, Tipping & Laws
Every country has its own customs, and being informed shows respect. For tipping practices, check Tip Advisor by country.
For dress codes and local etiquette, Culture Crossing is a great reference.
Avoid assumptions—some medications, drones, or vapes may be banned. Search "[country name] customs travel rules" using official government sources before packing anything questionable.
Family travel
Adventures for all ages, memories for a lifetime.
Traveling with kids doesn’t mean compromising—it means planning with intention. Whether you’re jetting off with toddlers, teens, or a mix of generations, we help make every step feel smoother and more meaningful. From clever packing strategies to kid-friendly destinations and in-flight sanity savers, this section is filled with tips, tools, and insights to help families travel well—together.
Flying with Kids
Choose flights that align with your child’s nap or bedtime when possible. Bulkhead seats or aisles offer more flexibility, and many airlines provide early boarding or infant-specific amenities—check ahead.
Pack a carry-on with the essentials: snacks, wipes, a change of clothes, and activities for each stage of the journey. For babies, bring extra diapers and formula beyond what you think you’ll need. Noise-canceling headphones, a comfort item, and a few surprises can help ease the travel day.
Packing for Little Ones
Pack light but smart. Stick to mix-and-match outfits, layering pieces, and easy-wash fabrics. For babies and toddlers, plan one outfit per day plus extras for travel days and emergencies.
Include medications, favorite snacks, and a small first-aid kit. Bring sleep aids like a travel white noise machine or blackout cover for naps on the go. Keep essentials in a backpack or under-seat bag—don’t rely on overhead access mid-flight.
Keeping Them Entertained
Distraction is key. Pack compact, low-mess activities: coloring books, sticker pads, audio stories, or screen-free toys. For screens, load content before travel and don’t forget child-sized headphones.
Use “travel-time” reward charts or snack intervals to break long flights into smaller segments. For older kids, give them a role—tracking flights, photographing the journey, or planning a day’s itinerary fosters engagement.
Choosing the Right Destination for Your Family
Every family has a different travel rhythm. Consider flight duration, time zone changes, and on-the-ground logistics. Look for destinations with a mix of kid-friendly attractions, safe transportation, and downtime options like pools or beaches. National parks, all-inclusive resorts, and cities with walkable centers are great for families.
Use resources like Ciao Bambino and Family Vacation Critic for destination inspiration and reviews.
Managing Sleep Schedules & Jet Lag
Crossing time zones with kids? Adjust sleep and meal times gradually before departure if possible. On the flight, follow the local schedule of your destination. Use blackout curtains or travel shades and bring familiar sleep items to help them adjust quickly.
Melatonin (in kid-safe doses) may help with transitions—consult your pediatrician before use.
Traveling with Grandparents
Multigenerational travel can be incredibly rewarding but requires extra planning. Choose accommodations with flexible space (like suites or villas), and build itineraries with downtime between activities. Make sure everyone has input to balance mobility needs, energy levels, and interests.
Group travel insurance may offer better coverage for mixed-age groups—compare providers like Travel Guard or Allianz.
On the ground
Practical guidance for smoother days abroad.
Once you’ve landed, the real adventure begins. Whether you’re navigating unfamiliar streets, dining in new cultures, or balancing schedules with little ones in tow, this section offers thoughtful, experience-driven tips to help your trip run beautifully. From packing smart to moving confidently through cities, we’ve gathered the insights that make each day easier—and more enjoyable—for every kind of traveler.
Navigating New Cities
Exploring a new city with children can be thrilling—but also overwhelming. Start by downloading offline maps with Google Maps and bookmarking key locations: your hotel, nearby hospitals, pharmacies, and restrooms. Citymapper is ideal for urban areas with public transit—it shows stroller-friendly routes and elevator locations in many cities.
For families, walking is often the best pace—but when needed, prioritize safe, convenient options like rideshares (e.g., Uber, Bolt, or Grab in Southeast Asia) or hop-on-hop-off bus tours that allow breaks between attractions.
Use visual aids to help young children recognize landmarks or turns. Consider bringing a lightweight umbrella stroller for urban trips, or a child carrier for cobblestone-heavy destinations.
And don’t underestimate the power of a playground or public square—letting kids run off energy in the middle of a touring day can help everyone recharge.
Dining Abroad
Mealtimes are an important part of the travel experience, but unfamiliar foods, timing, or etiquette can be tricky with kids. In many parts of Europe or South America, dinner may not begin until 8 p.m.—plan accordingly with snacks, or opt for lunch as your main meal.
Research family-friendly restaurants using TheFork (available in many European cities), HappyCow for plant-based options, or Tripadvisor’s “Good for Families” filter to find welcoming venues.
Pack familiar snacks and an emergency food stash, especially for picky eaters. For non-English menus, apps like Google Translate’s camera feature can scan and translate directly on your phone.
If high chairs aren't provided, a travel booster seat like the Bombol Pop-Up Booster or Inglesina Fast Table Chair can be a game-changer.
Finally, be aware of tipping practices—they vary widely. Use WhoToTip.net for country-specific guidance.
Light Packing Tips
Packing light is key to stress-free family travel. Choose neutral, quick-dry clothing that layers easily and can be reworn in multiple combinations. Limit each person to 2–3 pairs of shoes: a comfortable walking shoe, a dress-up or dinner option, and water shoes or sandals for beach destinations.
Packing cubes like those from Eagle Creek or Tripped Travel Gear help organize by category—ideal when managing multiple family members in one suitcase. Roll clothing to save space and minimize wrinkles.
For longer trips, plan to do laundry midway—use hotel services, local laundromats, or pack travel laundry sheets like SinkSuds for quick sink washes. Bring a foldable hamper or reusable laundry bag to keep dirty clothes contained.
Skip packing full-size toiletries. Instead, use GoToob travel bottles or solid toiletries like shampoo bars to reduce bulk. A digital luggage scale ensures no overage fees—especially helpful for budget carriers with strict limits.
Staying Healthy on the Road
Maintaining health while traveling with kids means being prepared for changes in food, climate, and routine. Start with preventive steps: ensure routine vaccines are up to date, pack any necessary prescriptions, and check your destination’s health advisories through the CDC Travelers’ Health or WHO Travel Advice.
When it comes to food, prioritize bottled water (especially for brushing teeth), and opt for well-cooked, freshly prepared meals to avoid stomach bugs. Bring basic medications like:
Children’s pain reliever (acetaminophen/ibuprofen)
Electrolyte powder (like DripDrop or Liquid I.V.)
Motion sickness remedies (e.g., Sea-Bands or chewable Dramamine)
Altitude, sun exposure, and humidity can impact little ones more quickly than adults. Use reef-safe sunscreen (like Thinkbaby), stay hydrated, and build in rest time. For longer or remote trips, consider travel insurance with emergency medical coverage.
Keeping Track of Kids in Crowds
In busy cities, theme parks, or airports, it only takes a moment for a child to wander. Start with prevention: dress kids in bright colors, snap a quick photo each morning, and establish a meeting point at each location.
Travel ID bracelets are a simple safety net—choose one with your contact info or use a temporary tattoo. Older kids can carry a printed card with their hotel name and local emergency numbers.
For extra peace of mind, consider a kid-friendly GPS tracker:
- Jiobit Smart Tag – small, secure, and real-time tracking
- Apple AirTag – simple to drop in a backpack or shoe (requires iPhone for tracking)
- AngelSense – for children who need more active monitoring
Talk through a lost-child plan with your kids so they know what to do—like finding a uniformed employee, staying put, or using a parent’s phone number.
Travel smart
Practical know-how for confident travelers
Simple upgrades that can make every journey more efficient and enjoyable. These smart tips are designed to save time, reduce stress, and help you travel with more confidence—no matter your destination.
Track Your Luggage with AirTags or Tile
Lost bags are more common than you think. Slip a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTag or Tile Pro into each checked bag for real-time location tracking. You’ll know where your bag is—even when the airline doesn’t.
Turn Your Old Phone into a Dedicated Travel Tool
Repurpose an old smartphone as a dedicated travel device. Load it with offline maps, translation apps, digital copies of documents, and streaming content for kids. Add an eSIM via Airalo or Holafly for secure, affordable data without disrupting your main phone.
Refresh On the Go with a Mini Comfort Kit
Create a slim pouch with travel essentials like Evian facial spray, lip balm, disinfecting wipes, hand cream, and gum. This quick-access kit makes long flights and layovers more comfortable—especially in dry or crowded environments.
Organize Travel Details in a Digital Folder
Keep your reservations, tickets, and emergency contacts easily accessible by creating a “Travel” folder in your email inbox and on your phone’s Notes or Files app. Star or label emails with your trip name, and store screenshots of confirmations and maps in case you’re offline or low on signal.
Wear Compression Socks on Long Travel Days
