What families should know before planning international trips with kids

If its your first time planning overseas family trips with children, planning a family

international travel experience can be both exciting and overwhelming. For parents looking for a smooth, safe and enriching experience while travelling with kids abroad, Singapore and Malaysia are just about the right destinations aligning with their preferences.

Singapore is a compact and extremely organised destination, while Malaysia offers cultural diversity, beaches, and nature. And that’s exactly what makes this combo the perfect one for you.

For travel with kids abroad, Singapore and Malaysia are ideal destinations because they offer:

• Excellent infrastructure and public transport

• Clean, safe cities

• A multitude of child-friendly attractions

• Easy availability of food options for all age groups

Before finalizing your family vacation planning, make sure:

• Your passports have at least 6 months validity

• You are well-versed with the visa rules for both countries

• Kids’ passports and documents are ready (both digital + physical copies)

• Travel insurance covers children, medical care, and emergencies

Tip: Keeping one small folder just for kids’ documents can save you a lot of time at immigration.

When planning overseas family trips:

• Prefer direct flights

• Carry snacks, activity books and comfort items

• Keep an emergency first aid/medical kit handy

• Consider night flights to allow ample nap time for kids

Singapore and Kuala Lumpur airports are very child-friendly due to clean restrooms and easy stroller access.

Look for:

• Family rooms or serviced apartments

• Easy elevator and stroller access

Reducing travel fatigue becomes extremely important while traveling with kids and following these steps ensures the same.

Both destinations are great for families:

• Food courts (hawker centres) in Singapore offer clean, affordable, and diverse meals

• Meanwhile in Malaysia, Indian, Chinese, Malay, and Western options are widely available

If your child is a picky eater, familiar options like rice, noodles, bread, and fruits are still easy to find.

Add these to your family vacation planning list:

Singapore

• Universal Studios Singapore

• Singapore Zoo & Night Safari

• Sentosa Island

• Gardens by the Bay

Malaysia

• Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC Park is great for kids)

• Genting Highlands

• Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

As kids tend to enjoy trips more when they’re slow paced and not rushed, balancing sightseeing with rest days can be helpful.

• As the humidity can be high, don’t forget to carry sunscreen, hats, and water

• During afternoon heat, try planning indoor attractions

• Respect local cultures and dress modestly in religious places

While MRT in Singapore is stroller-friendly, Malaysia’s ride-hailing app, Grab, is widely used and affordable.This makes travel with kids abroad way less stressful than most other

international destinations.

Family international travel to Singapore and Malaysia can be fun, educational, and surprisingly stress-free, if planned meticulously. For first-time parents planning overseas family trips and experienced travelers alike, these destinations can be perfect.