Lindsey Granger and Kolyn Boyd, a journalist and director/producer based in Denver, have traveled a staggering 167,000 miles with their 3-year-old daughter, Kynsley. These travels have taken them to 10 international destinations, including the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, St. Lucia, France, the UK, Turkey, and Greece. Their insights, shared through Samsung TV Plus’s "World of Travel" docuseries, offer valuable advice for families planning to travel abroad with young children. 1. Build Airline Loyalty Granger and Boyd emphasize the importance of airline loyalty. On one trip to Greece, their flight was delayed and then canceled, extending a planned one-day, two-flight journey to a two-day, three-flight journey. They were stranded overnight in New York City. Due to their loyalty and rewards status with Delta, they were able to negotiate an upgrade to first class for their entire group, which included Kynsley, for the round-trip to Greece. This experience highlights how valuable loyalty can be during unexpected travel disruptions. 2. Ensure Proper Documentation If your child travels with another adult, even for a short part of the journey, make sure you have all the necessary documentation. This includes obtaining permission forms, birth certificates, and possibly a notarized document. Granger and Boyd stress the importance of being prepared to avoid any legal or administrative issues. 3. Pack a Noise Machine For toddlers and babies, a noise machine can be a game changer. It helps create a familiar and comforting environment, which can be especially useful during long flights or in noisy hotel rooms. Granger and Boyd recommend packing one to help ensure a good night’s sleep for your little one. 4. Choose the Right Stroller When traveling to destinations with unpaved streets, such as Greece, a sturdy stroller is essential. Granger and Boyd learned this the hard way when their cheap, folding stroller broke on the cobblestone streets of Athens. They now advise investing in a stroller that is both durable and compact, like the Guava Roam Stroller, which can handle various terrains without taking up too much space. 5. Bring Over-the-Counter Medications Instead of relying on purchasing medication at your destination, pack essential over-the-counter medications before you leave. This ensures you have what you need in case of illness or common ailments, such as ear infections or fevers, without the stress of finding a local pharmacy. Granger and Boyd recommend bringing a variety of children's medicines to cover different scenarios. 6. Research Local Medical Facilities Before embarking on your trip, research and map out local clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies. This can save precious time and reduce anxiety if your child falls ill or needs medical attention while abroad. Granger and Boyd have found it helpful to know where the nearest medical facilities are, especially in places like Athens, where they have had to seek emergency care for Kynsley. 7. Avoid Bus Tours Bus tours can be impractical with toddlers. They often involve long periods of sitting, which can be challenging for young children who need to move around. Granger and Boyd advise parents to consider other forms of sightseeing, like hiring a private car or walking shorter distances, to make the experience more enjoyable for the whole family. 8. Be Cautious with Walking Tours While walking tours can be a great way to see a city, they can be overwhelming if the streets are busy and crowded. Granger and Boyd suggest choosing less busy areas or opting for private guided tours that can be tailored to a child’s pace and comfort. This can help ensure a more pleasant and stress-free experience for both the parents and the child. 9. Utilize Public Transportation In cities with clean, efficient public transportation systems, like many in Europe, consider using public transit. Granger and Boyd found it a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, especially with a toddler. Public transit can also provide a unique, immersive experience, allowing the family to see more of the local life. 10. Download Google Translate If you're traveling to a country where you don't speak the language, download Google Translate or a similar app. Learning basic phrases in the local language can also be incredibly helpful. This not only aids in communication but can also serve as a fun activity for the family, making travel smoother and more enjoyable. Industry Insights and Company Profiles The advice from Granger and Boyd aligns with broader travel industry trends, where familial experiences and comfort are becoming increasingly important. Companies like Delta are recognizing the value of loyalty programs, particularly for frequent travelers with young children, by offering more personalized and flexible services in case of delays or cancellations. The couple’s travel experiences and recommendations have been featured on various platforms, including Samsung TV Plus, which has helped them build a reputation as seasoned family travelers. Their emphasis on practical, tried-and-true tips reflects a growing need for family-friendly travel advice, underscoring the importance of sharing such insights to help other parents navigate the challenges of international travel with young children.