So, you're divorced, co-parenting, and still dreaming of exploring the world with your kids. I get it — it sounds amazing, but international travel after divorce comes with its own unique set of challenges.
There's paperwork, custody agreements, emotional ups and downs, and a million little logistics that can make even the most seasoned traveller feel completely overwhelmed.
But here's what I've learned from my friends: it's not just doable – it can be unforgettable. Some of their treasured travel memories with my kids happened after the divorce. I've also seen pictures of their boat ride along the Kauai beach, and even spotted a family of dolphins swimming.
Of course, getting there smoothly takes more than just excitement — it takes planning.
This guide covers everything: the legal stuff, the emotional stuff, and all the practical bits in between. I'll cover what to pack for international trips with kids, from snacks that survive the flight to gear that makes boat rides and jungle treks manageable, so you can focus on making memories instead of stressing over forgotten essentials.
First Things First: Sort Out The Legal Side
In a hotel in CDMX, Mexico
Before you book anything — flights, hotels, tours — you need to get the legal framework right. Skipping this step can literally get you turned away at the border, or worse.
Understanding Custody And Travel Consent
Most countries require a single parent travelling with children to carry a signed travel consent letter from the other parent. This sounds simple, but when co-parenting relationships are complicated, it rarely is.
Some custody agreements already outline international travel rights and limitations. Others are vague. And some are flat-out silent on the issue, which can create real problems at immigration.
I've spoken to other solo-parent travellers who've been stopped at customs in the UK, Japan, and Mexico because they didn't have the right documents. One mum I met on a cruise told me she nearly missed a family holiday to the Bahamas because border agents questioned her without a proper consent letter.
If your custody arrangement doesn't explicitly address international travel, or if you're running into disagreements with your co-parent about travel permissions, getting proper legal guidance is non-negotiable.
If you're in the Houston area, looking into child custody legal help in Friendswood is a smart first step — a family law specialist can help you draft a co-parenting travel agreement that protects your rights and gives you the documentation you need to move freely with your kids.
What Documents To Always Carry
At a minimum, pack these every time you travel:
- Certified copy of your custody agreement
- Signed and notarised travel consent letter from the other parent (even if not legally required, it helps)
- Your child's birth certificate
- Your child's passport (check expiry dates months in advance!)
- Emergency contact details for the co-parent
Some countries like Canada, Mexico, and many in the EU actively enforce these requirements. Don't assume a friendly border agent will let it slide.
The Emotional Side Nobody Talks About
Nara deer park, Kyoto, Japan
Let's pause on the logistics for a second.
Travelling with kids post-divorce isn't just administratively harder — it's emotionally heavier. Your kids might feel the absence of the other parent, especially on big trips that used to be “family holidays.” You might feel it too.
I still remember the first time my friend took their kids abroad after their divorce. I was there. We were headed to Japan.
The airport layover in Singapore felt particularly strange — watching families reunite while we navigated check-ins and security alone, I couldn't help but feel the weight of doing this solo. Being there without their dad made everything feel a little off at first.
But by day 3, something shifted. We were walking through Nara park, talking as the deer snatched snacks right out of our hands, and my friend's youngest grabbed her hand and said, “This is the best trip ever.” That moment hit me, as they were making a new kind of family memory. A real one.
Give yourself and your kids grace. Some days will feel heavy. Some days will feel uncertain. But most days — especially those moments when your kids' laughter fills the airboat ride, or when they explore at something new in a faraway city. Those are the memories that make every challenge worth it.
Planning the Trip: What's Different Now
Choose Destinations Wisely
Railway in Europe
Not every destination is equally solo-parent friendly. When exploring new destinations with kids, I think about a few things first:
- English-language accessibility — especially helpful if things go sideways
- Safety and healthcare — you're the only adult on this trip
- Family-friendly infrastructure — is it easy to get around with children?
- Visa requirements — particularly if you're a single parent
Some of my favourite destinations for solo parents with kids are Japan, Portugal, New Zealand, and Thailand. All are safe, child-welcoming, and relatively easy to navigate.
A multi-country Europe trip is also a great choice.
Once you're in the Schengen Zone, crossing borders between countries is seamless — no extra customs checks, which means fewer moments to get your paperwork scrutinised.
Look into your local transport options for travelling around Europe because trains, in particular, are a game-changer for families.l
Think About Living, Not Just Visiting
Here's something that changed my relationship with travel: I stopped thinking of trips as vacations and started thinking of them as temporary lives.
If that resonates with you, look into worldwide digital nomad visas that let you live anywhere. Countries like Portugal, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Croatia now offer long-stay visas designed for remote workers and their families. Imagine spending 3 months in the south of France with your kids, working during school hours and exploring on weekends.
That's not a fantasy anymore — it's genuinely possible.
As a single parent, the flexibility of a digital nomad lifestyle can actually work in your favour. You make the schedule. You pick the destination. And your kids get an education that no classroom can replicate.
Practical Bits That Make Everything Easier
Get An eSIM Before You Leave
Working while on travel
One of the best decisions I ever made for international travel with my kids was switching to an eSIM for international travel. Instead of hunting for a local SIM card at every airport, I activated data before we even landed.
This matters more when you're a solo parent than you might think. If something goes wrong — a delayed flight, a child feeling unwell, a missed connection — you need to be reachable and able to reach others. Kids also use devices for entertainment on long-haul flights, and having data connectivity from the moment you land means you can navigate without WiFi stress.
Most modern phones are eSIM-compatible now, and the plans are often cheaper than roaming charges. Don't skip this one.
Life Insurance
This one is uncomfortable to think about, but as a single parent travelling internationally with your children, life insurance is worth a serious conversation.
You're the responsible adult on this trip. If something were to happen to you abroad, your kids need a plan.
Review your current policy before long international trips — specifically whether it covers accidents or medical emergencies overseas. If you don't have one, a travel-specific insurance policy with emergency evacuation and medical cover is the bare minimum.
I'm not trying to be morbid. I'm trying to say: taking care of yourself is taking care of your kids.
Set Up A Family Communication Plan
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, Helsinki
Kids are surprisingly adaptable, but they do better with structure and predictability — especially when routines have been disrupted by divorce. Before each trip, try sitting down with your kids and make a simple plan:
- What do we do if we get separated?
- Who do we call if there's an emergency?
- What are the hotel or accommodation details?
Older kids can have a copy of this saved on their phone. For younger ones, a small card in their bag with your contact details and the local emergency number goes a long way.
Countries That Are Great For Solo-Parent Travel
Japan — Safe, clean, incredibly child-friendly, and endlessly fascinating. The public transport system is the best in the world, the food is incredible, and Japanese culture's natural respect for children makes you feel welcomed everywhere.
Read more about our Japan articles here
New Zealand — If your kids love the outdoors, New Zealand is unbeatable. Think of it as a giant natural playground — volcanic landscapes, fjords, glow-worm caves, and the friendliest locals you'll ever meet.
Read more about our New Zealand articles here
Thailand — Temples, tropical beaches, street food markets, and elephant sanctuaries. Thailand is genuinely magical with kids, and it's also one of the most affordable destinations for families.
Read more about our Thailand articles here
Costa Rica — Perfect for families who want adventure without the stress. Zip-lining, wildlife, rainforests, and beaches — Costa Rica has it all, and it's one of the easiest Central American countries to navigate with children.
Read more about our Costa Rica articles here
Travelling internationally with your kids after divorce is one of the most courageous and rewarding things you can do — for them, and for yourself.
Yes, it takes more planning. Yes, there are more documents, more logistics, more moments where you feel like you're juggling 5 things at once with no one to hand anything to.
But there's also something incredible that happens when it's just you and your kids in a foreign city, figuring it out together. You become a team in a way that's hard to replicate anywhere else.
Get the legal stuff sorted — and if you need support with your custody agreement before you travel, don't hesitate to look into professional legal guidance. Once that foundation is solid, the rest is just adventure.
The world is waiting. Go show your kids.
