Traveling long-term with young kids is a dream of mine—one I’m actively planning for. Before having kids, I spent 18 months backpacking across 40 countries, and I fell in love with slow travel, cultural exchanges, and the kind of experiences you only get by staying in a place long enough to really connect.
Now, as a mom of two (ages 1 and 5), my wife and I are figuring out how to adapt our travel style to work for our family. I’ve been deep in research mode, learning from families who’ve done it, and finding routes that balance adventure with ease—places that offer the richness of long-term travel but with logistics that work for little ones.
Here’s what I’ve found so far, thanks to this community and other family travelers who’ve shared their wisdom. These are some of the best international extended travel routes for families—and the ones I’m hoping to take my kids on soon. Can’t wait to try these and share on the blog!
1. Europe by Train: The Kid-Friendly Rail Adventure
I traveled Europe extensively solo, but doing it with kids changes the game. Families who’ve done it rave about the train system—it’s easy, comfortable, and lets you skip the hassle of airports.
- Why it works: Trains = no car seats, room to move around, and scenic routes that keep kids entertained.
- Best stops for families (according to seasoned family travelers):
- Netherlands → Germany → Switzerland → Italy (for playgrounds, outdoor fun, and easy city transport)
- Portugal → Spain → France (for relaxed beach towns and charming villages)
- Pro tip from parents: Get a Eurail family pass—kids under four travel free, and older kids get discounts!
Why I love this idea: The ease of train travel means fewer meltdowns, and the variety of landscapes means something new every few days without feeling rushed.
2. Southeast Asia: Budget-Friendly & Adventure-Filled
I backpacked Southeast Asia solo and loved how affordable and welcoming it was—but could I do it with kids? A lot of families do, and they make it work by sticking to easy-going, kid-friendly stops.
- Why it works: Budget-friendly stays, welcoming locals, and built-in adventure.
- Best stops for families (from other traveling parents):
- Thailand (Elephant sanctuaries, beaches, and night markets)
- Vietnam (Easy train travel, stunning landscapes, and hands-on cultural experiences)
- Bali, Indonesia (Laid-back vibe, family-friendly resorts, and outdoor adventure)
- Pro Tip (from traveling families): Many family-friendly stays provide cribs, high chairs, and even toys—no need to overpack.
Why I love this idea: Southeast Asia has a way of slowing you down in the best way. The mix of nature, culture, and affordability makes it an appealing option for extended travel with kids. We spent a week in Bali and are hooked on doing more of Southeast Asia
The Balinese people were very welcoming – even asking to take photos with our daughter and nephew!
3. U.S. & Canada by RV: The Ultimate Family Road Trip
I’ve done plenty of U.S. road trips, but I’ve never done one in an RV with kids. Families who do, however, swear by it as the ultimate way to travel long-term while keeping things simple. Our family loves hiking and camping, so this is an attainable big trip for us.
- Why it works: No constant packing/unpacking, flexible pace, and national parks that kids love.
- Best routes (according to family travelers):
- U.S. National Parks Loop: Start in Colorado → Utah’s Mighty 5 → Yellowstone → Pacific Northwest.
- Canada’s West Coast: Vancouver → Vancouver Island → Banff → Jasper (stunning scenery & wildlife).
- Pro Tip (from RV families): Use campground apps like The Dyrt or iOverlander to find kid-friendly campsites.
Why I love this idea: Kids thrive with routine, and an RV provides a familiar space no matter where you are. Plus, the ability to wake up next to a national park? Yes, please.
4. Latin America: Culture, Wildlife, and Adventure
When I traveled Latin America solo, I saw how easy it would be to return with kids—short travel distances, warm cultures, and so many family-friendly experiences. Families who’ve taken their little ones here love the mix of adventure and downtime.
- Why it works: Close to home (for U.S.-based families), affordable, and packed with hands-on experiences.
- Best stops for families (according to experienced family travelers):
- Costa Rica: Rainforests, wildlife sanctuaries, and easygoing beach towns.
- Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula: Cenotes, Mayan ruins, and small, family-friendly boutique stays.
- Colombia: Colorful cities like Cartagena and Medellín, plus lush coffee country. (I haven’t made it here yet, but would love to hear from others who have!)
- Pro Tip (from traveling parents): Eco-lodges and family-run guesthouses offer a deeper cultural experience than big resorts.
Why I love this idea: The diversity—one day, you’re spotting sloths in the jungle, the next, swimming in cenotes. Plus, flights are shorter and often more affordable than going to Europe for us in USA.
How I’m Planning for Extended and International Family Travel
Here’s what I’ve learned from talking to other families who’ve made long-term travel work with kids:
- Go Slow → The best family trips aren’t about hitting every highlight—they’re about really settling into a place. (One activity planned per day let’s us feel like we’re getting out while staying flexible)
- Balance Adventure & Rest → Big travel days need to be followed by slow, stay-put days.
- Book Kid-Friendly Stays → Airbnbs or hotel/guest houses with a kitchen and separate sleeping spaces = non-negotiable.
- Pack Light & Smart → A capsule wardrobe + multi-use gear (like a baby carrier that doubles as a toddler seat) keeps things simple.
- Keep a Flexible Mindset → Things will go wrong, some days will be harder than others—embrace the adventure!
Final Thoughts
Last year we did a week in Bali followed by three weeks in Australia with family, and our kids did great. So I’m gathering all the insights I can to make our next extended trip happen! Thanks to this community and other family travel bloggers, I feel more prepared than ever to start making long-term family travel a reality.
If you’ve traveled long-term with kids, I’d love to hear from you! What routes worked best? What tips helped the most? Drop a comment below!
Keep Exploring
If you’re dreaming about extended family travel, you’ll love these related posts:
- How to Travel With Kids: 5 Super Easy Tips for Getting Started with Family Trips
- Packing List for Traveling with Kids
- Our Iceland Itinerary with a Toddler and a Baby
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This is a great post. Thanks for the tips! I like your suggestion of Southeast Asia.