Ever stared at an empty suitcase the night before a big international trip with your kids, wondering how on earth you’ll fit it all and not forget something essential? You’re not alone, and this episode is here to save you from the stress spiral.

In this Toolkit Series episode from The New Modern Mom Podcast, host Barbara Mighdoll gets real about what it actually takes to pack smart for international travel with little kids. As a seasoned traveler and mom of two, Barbara has done the trial-and-error for you including 8 international trips with babies, toddlers, and now a future kindergartener. And spoiler: it’s not about packing more, it’s about packing smarter.

This isn’t your basic “remember your toothbrush” kind of list. Instead, Barbara dives deep into the extras that actually make a difference when you're managing long-haul flights, jet lag, unfamiliar accommodations, and a different routine in a different time zone. From the carry-on must-haves you’ll wish you’d brought, to the important gear you never knew existed, this episode is a must-listen for any parent prepping for international travel, especially if you’re balancing work and family life.

Whether you’re a minimalist, a routine-keeper, or a just-in-case packer, you’ll walk away with practical tools and strategies to help you feel confident and prepared, not overwhelmed, before your next family trip abroad.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🧳 The three types of parent-packers and how knowing your type leads to a smoother trip

Understand whether you’re a minimalist, a routine-keeper, or a just-in-case packer, and what that means for your luggage and your sanity.

✈️ The on-flight MVPs that make long-haul travel manageable

Discover the carry-on essentials every parent should have on a plane, from mini first aid kits to shelf-stable milk cartons and activity packs that actually work.

😴 The sleep essentials that help your kids rest in unfamiliar places

Learn what to pack to recreate your child’s sleep environment on the road, from portable blackout curtains to sound machines and night lights.

👶 The gear upgrades that make travel easier (and avoid major meltdowns)

Find out why your daily stroller won’t cut it, the hip toddler carrier you never knew you needed, and the car seat vest that changes everything.

📝 A simple method to build your personalized packing list

Barbara shares her go-to 24-hour routine planning method to make sure you pack only what you actually use, no overpacking or forgotten essentials.

Whether you're planning your first trip abroad with littles or you’re a seasoned traveling parent looking to streamline your process, this episode will arm you with the practical tools and real-world mom-tested wisdom to make your next international trip less chaotic and a lot more fun.

Need help packing for your next international trip? Grab our go-to international packing list designed specifically for moms traveling with kids, so you can pack with confidence, not chaos.

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow mom planning their next big adventure.

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About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Toolkit Series: 10 Unexpected Items to Pack on an International Trip with Kids