March 15, 2026

March 15

I am writing this from 35,000 feet above the Atlantic. Bess (who just spilled an entire cup of ginger ale all over me) is currently trying to fall asleep in my lap.


International travel with kids is not exactly picturesque—but the more you do it, I really do think it gets easier. Or maybe you just get more prepared each time and eventually everyone knows the drill.


We’re on our way to London, which always feels a little like going home to me. I lived there from age 5–16, so most of my childhood was spent there. Because my parents traveled so much with us growing up, it became something I always wanted to do with my own kids.


Traveling with children is chaotic and occasionally stressful (okay, sometimes very stressful), but I really do think it’s incredibly rewarding in the end. I get to be in a beautiful place — off my hamster wheel for a bit — with my precious ones. And hopefully it all serves the ultimate goal of raising happy, independent, kind adults.

I also feel extremely grateful that I get to do this trip with them once a year. Just mommy and the kiddies. And maybe most importantly, I get to see my littlest sister Lisa and her babies.

I thought I would do a little two-part London series since I get so many questions about traveling there with kids (and also because I love talking about it).


First up: getting there.


The plane ride is honestly the most stressful part for me. If the kids don’t get any sleep on the flight, then the next day—and usually the following two or three days—are kind of jeopardized.


So I have become fairly strategic about it.


I try to book a flight that leaves close to their bedtime. We eat dinner before we board and I usually skip movies completely. My goal is basically pajamas, eye masks, and heads on pillows as the plane pulls away from the gate.


As for me, I bring my own pillow from home and try to get a window seat so I can halfway wedge myself into sleep.


I’m slightly embarrassed (as a small business owner!) to admit that all of my travel gear this time was very last-minute Amazon ordering, but these few things made a big difference for the kids:




Once we land, the absolute best part of London with kids is simply walking.


We went to parks and playgrounds, wandered up and down high streets, and my very non-city kids were really moving their legs. I love that part of being there.


Packing for London is always a little tricky because the weather can be very finicky. I hate overpacking, but you really do need to be prepared. Waterproof coats and shoes are key, along with comfortable walking shoes and lots of layers.


Another thing that made the trip much easier this time was a transportation app I downloaded before we left. I have always found London’s public transportation system both amazing and slightly overwhelming. This app made everything incredibly straightforward — I would honestly say it’s a necessity if you’re visiting.


And then, of course… the shopping.


The shopping experience at Selfridges and Liberty is honestly kind of insane. When I compare them to department stores in the U.S. like Saks or Nordstrom, they just don’t quite compete (sorry to say!).


Selfridges has become this full experience. There are restaurants on almost every level, a station where you can get your blue jeans (or basically anything) personalized, and the toy section is a must with little ones.


Liberty, on the other hand, always makes me feel like I must have worked there in another life. Every section is so beautifully curated. The cosmetics rooms are perfection and I always find the most unique things there. It’s much smaller than Selfridges and the building itself feels like a museum.


I could honestly spend days in both.


A few little things I brought home:




Next Sunday I’ll share some of our favorite London spots with kids — parks, playgrounds, and a few places we always go back to.


For now, I’m hoping everyone on this airplane falls asleep.


Especially Bess.


Jody xx