Traveling Internationally for the First Time With My Four Year Old

Last week, I boarded a plane that would take me and my 4 year old daughter ten hours across the world. We were going to visit the UK for the first time. It was an experience that taught me so much about preparation, patience and flexibility.

Preparing for the trip

Before leaving, I truly believed I was ready. I made lists, packed early, and thought I had everything under control. But once I arrived at the airport, I realized how overwhelming it can be to travel alone with a young child, it's easy to underestimate how much energy it takes to manage everything on your own.

When Things Got difficult

We had a layover in one of the busiest airports, and it truly tested every bit of my patience. I was traveling with two backpacks, two suitcases, a stroller, and a four-year-old. We had to collect our luggage from baggage claim, take the underground to another terminal and then check in our bags again. It was a struggle. Next time, I want to be more intentional about what I pack and how I organize it so I can make the process smoother for both of us.

Navigating Londons Underground

The London underground was another challenge. Not every station has elevators, which can be tough when you're pushing a stroller and or luggage. Thankfully, I had purchased a lightweight toddler stroller that was easy to lift.

Also, If you're staying in the city, you won't need a car seat. Public transportation is everywhere and very easy to use. It was so nice not having to worry about renting a car and car seat

What Helped

Our flight from Arizona to London was a red-eye, and it ended up being a great decision. My daughter slept for most of the ten hour flight, which gave me a chance to rest as well. The airline provided two meals, snacks, and drinks, so I didn't need to bring a lot of food. I also packed her an inflatable footrest, so she could stretch out and sleep comfortably. I decided to not bring a blanket and pillow on the plane, British Airways provides both for international flights.

My Advice

If you're traveling with a little one, pack smart and only bring essentials. Invest in luggage that's durable and easy to maneuver. I realized that most of my struggles came from not setting myself up for properly. A little extra planning can make a huge difference in how enjoyable the experience is. You can do everything right, plan every detail, and things can still go wrong. So be easy on yourself.

Travel suitcase link here

Mini pink suitcase link here