I've traveled to 30 countries with my kids. I always do these 4 things before leaving home.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A person holding a passport from USA checks in at an airport.
In addition to the usual travel documents like a passport, the author said she always travels with a notarized note from her husband when traveling outside of the country without him.

SDI Productions/Getty Images

Our family of 7 took a multigenerational trip to Paris. We got some things right, but still made a few first-timer mistakes.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author and her family in Paris.
The author and her family went on a trip to Paris this past December.

Courtesy of Kris Ann Valdez

My kids have been to 26 countries on 6 continents. We never check bags.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author poses with a carry-on suitcase while standing on a platform by train tracks.
The author said the key to easy travel days, is only using carry-ons — even when she's with her kids.

Courtesy of Jamie Davis Smith.

The world's most powerful passports in 2026, ranked

Tech Insider : Travel, Politics, Business
Singapore skyline
Singapore passport holders have the most flexibility for travel worldwide.

inigolai-Photography/Shutterstock

I've walked roughly 500 miles through Europe with my mom — twice. The experiences brought us closer together.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The author and his mom posing for a selfie on their route in 2023.
Going on international trips with my mom has helped us strengthen our relationship.

Cameron McKeon

I've traveled to 16 countries with my guide dog. He gives me freedom, but sometimes strangers make me want to stay home.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The writer and her guide dog standing in front of a monument.
captionTK

Milagros Costabel

My dad prioritized experiences over possessions. Because of this, our family has traveled to 20 countries together.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author poses with her family while visiting Mount Titlis in Switzerland.
The author, shown here on Mount Titlis in Switzerland, has visited 20 countries with her family.

Courtesy of Varisha Tariq

I've learned that stress-free travel with kids means breaking some rules

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author poses at a pyramid with her family.
Some parents try to follow a bunch of rules when they travel with their kids, but the author thinks it's better to break them.

Courtesy of Jamie Davis Smith

Kids can get bored visiting temples, museums, and other historical sights during international travel. I have a no-fail fix.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The author poses with her son outside of the Tower of Terror attraction at Tokyo DisneySea in Japan.
The author said her kids can grow tired of visiting museums and other historical stops during international travel. To keep them happy, she tries add a visit to an amusement park to their itinerary.

Courtesy of Jamie Davis Smith

My family of 4 only packed carry-ons for a monthlong international trip. We'll never travel with checked bags again.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author with her husband and their two kids at Borough Market in London.
My family and I only packed carry-ons for our monthlong international trip, and we loved it.

Emily Bond

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