Our family has just made the long and arduous journey from Australia to the United States. Our travel spanned 48 hours and included three flights, beginning in Adelaide, transiting Fiji and Dallas, and finally touching down in the Midwest.

While my wife and I have done plenty of flying before — including with our oldest child — nothing could have prepared us for two days of travel with two kids under two years old.

We are grateful to have arrived, grateful to finally be beating our jet lag, and grateful to be spending the summer here.

But our journey stateside was not for the faint of heart. We came to call it ‘boot camp’ — a trial by fire marked by relentless sleep deprivation, unexpected hurdles, and nonstop physical demands.

Here are seven strategies we employed to survive the ordeal.

1. Book a sleep-friendly itinerary

My rule of thumb has always been to book the cheapest flights available, never mind the time of day. That philosophy no longer works with kids.

We strategically flew during the day for our short flights and overnight for the long-haul leg. If you’re flying internationally with little children, I recommend you do the same, even if it costs a little more. Thank me later.

2. Keep familiar routines and comforts

Time zone changes pose a major challenge, but for as much of the journey as possible, try to maintain your kids’ usual sleep routines before the jet lag sets in.

Even if the timing is out, be sure to bring all of their familiar comforts in your carry-on luggage. For us, that included sleep sacks, dummies, books to read, and a sound machine for our hotel stay (more on that later).

3. Bring lots of new toys for your travelling toddler

Along with their familiar comforts, invest a few dollars in new toys, games, or craft activities you can introduce gradually to surprise and entertain your toddler throughout the journey.

These treats don’t have to be fancy or even new — a trip to an op shop or a two-dollar store can go a long way. The key is novelty. A sticker book they’ve never seen, a small puzzle, or even a roll of painter’s tape (a surprisingly versatile toy on a plane) can buy you precious minutes of peace — and your child a welcome dose of fun and distraction.

4. Let yourself break all the rules

Yes Day (2021) is a family comedy where parents say “yes” to their kids’ wild ideas for 24 hours, and it’s well worth the watch. We took a similar approach during our travel — within reason, of course.

With sleep deprivation, unfamiliar environments, and the chaos of airports, kids are already under a lot of pressure. Ease up on discipline, pick your battles, and aim for a smooth ride over strict rules.

As parents, we also gave ourselves permission to bend the rules — unlimited screen time for our toddler made the journey easier for everyone.

5. Stay on the same page the whole way

Travelling with two young kids requires a lot of teamwork. Stay on the same page, communicate constantly, and be willing to step in when your spouse needs a break.

Whether it’s handing over a bottle, calming a fussy child, or managing luggage, working together keeps stress low and spirits high. Having someone ready to take over when you’re overwhelmed makes a big difference on those long travel days.

6. Stay a night along the way

Though it means another financial sacrifice and some added hassle at airports, I highly recommend booking one well-timed night at an airport hotel.

Our trip started with a five-hour afternoon flight, followed immediately by a 12-hour overnighter. Arriving in the afternoon (weird, right?), we would have barely survived the final three-hour leg. So we paused and gave ourselves a night to shower, rest and reset at a nearby hotel. This allowed us to finish the journey with a little more focus and sanity.

No regrets.

7. Arrange help at the other end

One of our key reasons for spending the summer in the US (besides escaping the dreary Australian winter) was the support waiting for us on arrival.

Our in-laws jumped in right away, easing the load and giving us much-needed breathing room after the long journey. Their help has been invaluable as we’ve recovered from our exhaustion and found our feet again.

Whether it’s family, close friends, or trusted caregivers, having help lined up at your destination can make all the difference, even if it’s just for a day or so. After the challenge of international travel with two little ones, knowing you’re not alone is a huge comfort.

If you’ve travelled internationally with young children before, what advice would you add to the list? Comment below.

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Image via Unsplash.