Episode #24: Traveling Internationally with Kids for the First Time: The Best Countries to Visit First

Did you know that when kids navigate new languages, currencies, foods, and transportation systems, they build resilience and problem-solving skills — real-world confidence you simply can’t replicate in a classroom?

That’s the power of international travel.

Today on the podcast, I’m talking about traveling internationally with kids for the first time — why it’s worth it, how it shapes our children in incredible ways, and the best places to start if you’re feeling a little nervous about taking that leap.

If you’ve ever thought:

• “Is international travel with kids too overwhelming?”

• “What if they don’t like the food?”

• “What about the language barrier?”

• “What if something goes wrong in another country?”

You are not alone.

Today, we’re talking about the best international destinations to visit first with kids — especially if you’re just getting started with global travel as a family.

And I promise you… it is absolutely doable.

🌎 Why Traveling Internationally with Kids Is So Worth It

Before we get into the destinations, let’s talk about why you should even consider going international in the first place.

Because yes — it’s more planning.
Yes — it’s longer flights.
Yes — it pushes you outside your comfort zone.

But here’s what it gives your kids:

1. Cultural awareness at a young age
They see that the world is bigger than their neighborhood.

2. Adaptability & confidence
Navigating new transportation systems, trying new foods, hearing new languages — it builds resilience.

3. History comes alive
Reading about castles is one thing. Walking through one? Game changer.

4. Perspective
It helps kids understand how other families live, eat, celebrate, and connect.

Some of our most bonding, core-memory moments have happened outside the U.S.

Now let’s talk about the best places to start — countries that are:

• Easy to navigate

• Highly visited by tourists

• Have great transportation

• Offer familiar food options

• Have minimal language stress

• And are packed with family-friendly activities

🇬🇧 1. London & the United Kingdom

This is my #1 recommendation for first-time international family travel.

Why?

They speak English.
Huge confidence boost for parents and kids.

Public transportation is incredible.
The Tube is easy to navigate and kids love it.

It feels familiar but different.
Same language… different culture.

So many iconic sights close together.
Big Ben, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Harry Potter Studio Tour.

And if you haven’t listened yet, go back and check out Episode 10 all about our trip to London and the itinerary and activities that worked for us.

London is the perfect first leap.

🇫🇷 2. Paris, France

Yes — different language.

But here’s why Paris is still amazing for beginners:

Extremely tourist-friendly.
Menus often have English. Transportation is clear. Staff are used to helping visitors.

Compact and walkable.
You can see a lot in just a few days.

Cultural exposure without overwhelm.
Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Seine river cruise, cafés and bakeries on every corner.

Our kids loved the pastries and the river cruise. Paris stretches your kids just enough without being stressful.

Learn more about our trip to Paris with our kids and our perfect itinerary.

🇮🇹 3. Italy

Italy is one of the most family-friendly countries in Europe.

Italians love kids.
They welcome them.

Food is easy.
Pizza. Pasta. Gelato. No one’s starving here.

History everywhere.
Colosseum, Vatican, Florence, Venice.

It’s well toured, easy to get between cities by train, and incredibly memorable.

🇲🇽 4. Mexico

For many U.S. families, this is the easiest first international experience.

Short flights.
Especially from the West Coast.

All-inclusive options.
Perfect for easing into international travel.

Familiar tourism infrastructure.
English widely spoken in tourist areas.

Beach days, ruins, cenotes — culture plus relaxation.

This is such a confidence-building first passport stamp.

🇨🇦 5. Canada

Yes — it’s international.

No language barrier in most areas.
Extremely safe.
Clean and easy to navigate.
Stunning nature and cities.

It’s a soft entry into international travel while still feeling adventurous.

🇯🇵 6. Japan

This might surprise some people.

But Japan is incredibly clean, safe, organized, and efficient.

Yes, the language is different — but signage is often in English, and the culture is welcoming to families.

The bullet trains alone feel like an adventure.

🇪🇸 7. Spain

Spain is vibrant, energetic, and family-centered.

Late dinners are normal — kids included.

Great food options, walkable cities, beaches plus history.

Barcelona and Madrid are fantastic starting points.

🇦🇺 8. Australia

English-speaking. Familiar culture. Big adventure feel.

It’s far — but if you’re ready for long-haul travel, it’s a smooth cultural transition.

🇨🇷 9. Costa Rica

Nature-focused. Adventure-packed. Family-friendly.

Eco tourism infrastructure. Easy tours. Wildlife everywhere. English widely spoken in tourism areas.

It’s a great mix of jungle, beaches, and manageable logistics.

🎪 Why These Countries Work for Beginners

They share common traits:

• Highly visited by tourists

• Reliable public transportation

• English spoken in tourist areas

• Easy-to-access medical care

• Well-established family accommodations

• Familiar food options

• Clear signage

When you’re just starting out internationally, reducing friction matters.

These places let you focus on the magic instead of the stress.

If you’re on the fence — start with one. Just one. Pick the one that feels the least intimidating. Build confidence. You don’t need to backpack across 12 countries.

You just need one successful international trip to show your kids:

“We can do hard things.”

If you want detailed breakdowns of how we structured London and Paris with kids, go back and listen to Episodes 10 and Episode 11 — I walk through flights, pacing, hotel location strategy, and how we prevented burnout.

Traveling internationally with kids is not reckless.
It’s not irresponsible.
It’s not too much.

It’s expansive.
It’s educational.
It’s connection.

And it’s absolutely worth it.

And if you need some more encouragement or tips on how to make traveling with kids as stress-free as possible, listen back to

Episode #3 on surviving flights with kids

Episode #9 for game changing travel apps

Episode #13 for tips on cruising as a family

Episode #17 for a step by step guide on how to plan a family trip for parents