Travelling with children: your go-to checklist for a stress-free trip

Here are the key formalities you need to be aware of.

ID cards, passports and permission to travel

When travelling with children, each child must have their own identity documents. Children can no longer be listed on a parent’s passport, regardless of their age.
In Luxembourg, as in the rest of the European Union, every child must have their own ID card or passport. You’ll need to contact the Luxembourg local authority in your commune (if your child is a Luxembourg national), or the consular services of your child’s country of nationality, in good time to arrange their identity documents (ID card, passport, or both), depending on your destination:

• ID cards allow travel within the European Union.
• Passports allow travel outside the European Union (including the United Kingdom). Note: for certain destinations, you may also need to apply for a visa in advance.

If your child is travelling abroad without both parents, or with only one parent, a parental authorisation may be required. This authorisation is issued by your local council. The child must carry it at all times and present it along with their ID if asked.

Vaccinations and insurance

Before travelling with your children, check that their routine vaccinations are up to date. Some destinations may also require specific vaccinations.
It is strongly recommended to consult your paediatrician or GP for tailored advice based on your destination and your children’s ages.

Don’t forget to bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card is free of charge and allows you to access necessary medical care during your trip. It is issued individually and is non-transferable, so each family member must have their own card. Be sure to check that it is still valid before you travel – the expiry date is printed on the back. The EHIC entitles you to public healthcare under the same conditions as residents of the country you are visiting.

Please note that the EHIC does not cover medical repatriation. For full peace of mind, we recommend taking out additional travel insurance.

Essential documents

Before you leave, make sure you have all the necessary documents to hand: flight tickets, train or hotel bookings, insurance papers, and contact details for emergency situations. It’s also a good idea to keep digital copies of all these documents.

Here are a few tips to help make your journey with little ones easier, whatever your chosen mode of transport.

Travelling by plane

If you’re flying with a baby, consider informing the airline or your travel agent – they may be able to offer a more suitable seat (such as one with extra space or room for a cot on long-haul flights).

At the airport

• Baby pushchairs are permitted up to the boarding gate.
• Pushchairs can usually be placed in the hold free of charge.
• You are allowed to bring baby food, bottled water for formula, breast milk or powdered milk in your hand luggage.

During the flight

• Cabin crew can assist with:
  • Warming bottles
  • Meeting specific needs you may have
  • Setting up a cot for infants under 10 kg on long-haul flights
  • Providing entertainment and games
• For long-haul flights, it’s generally best to wait until your baby is at least three weeks old before travelling.

Tips for managing jet lag

Jet lag can affect the whole family. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Get plenty of natural light upon arrival to help reset your body clock
• Adjust mealtimes to the local time zone as soon as possible
• For babies and young children, it’s best to choose destinations with no more than a 3-4-hour time difference for a first long-distance trip
• Always pack a few snacks to help with hunger at odd hours

Travelling by car: safety first

Choosing the right car seat and seatbelt

In Luxembourg, child car safety regulations require the following:

• An approved child restraint system appropriate for the child’s size and weight is mandatory for all children under 10
• For babies up to 13 kg:
  • A car seat with a three-point harness
  • Rear-facing installation is recommended
• For children weighing 15 to 36 kg:
  • A high-back booster seat
  • Secured with the vehicle’s seatbelt
• Seatbelt use alone is permitted:
  • From age 10 onwards
  • Or from a height of 1.35 m
  • The belt must sit correctly across the shoulder and pelvis

Check the regulations in place at your holiday destination to ensure you are properly equipped.

Plan regular breaks and look out for play areas

For a more comfortable family journey, it’s recommended to:

• Take a break every two hours
• Plan ahead by locating service areas with:
  • Playgrounds for children
  • Relaxation spaces
  • Suitable facilities

Don’t forget this quick checklist to stay comfortable in the car:

• Sunshades with UV protection
• A cool box for drinks and snacks
• Toys and activities to keep the children entertained
• Travel pillows for added comfort
• A first aid kit within easy reach

For more tips on getting your vehicle ready, see our article Preparing you car before going on holiday.

Train or ferry: comfortable alternatives

Other modes of transport can offer greater comfort and convenience for families. So, what are the advantages of travelling long distances by train or ferry?

Why train travel works well for families

Taking the train is often an excellent option for family trips, with many benefits:

• More space and comfort – generous seating, freedom to move around, and dedicated family areas on some trains
• A smoother journey – no turbulence or ear pressure issues, and the steady motion can help children rest more easily
• Simple boarding – arrive shortly before departure, no complex checks, and freedom to enjoy snacks and toys on board
• Convenient access – stations are typically located in city centres, unlike airports, making it easier to reach your accommodation
• Eco-friendly – trains have a significantly lower carbon footprint than planes

Travelling by ferry

When it comes to ferry crossings, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure, with several advantages for families:

• Space to move around, giving children the freedom to explore and enjoy communal areas – a major contrast to flying.
• Flexible luggage allowances at no extra cost, ideal for bringing all the essentials such as pushchairs and toys.
• The option to travel with your family car, meaning you can keep your car seats and enjoy full independence from the moment you arrive – while also avoiding the cost of hiring a car at your destination.
• A more relaxed boarding experience, with no strict security checks or need to arrive hours in advance.
• Cost-effective for larger families, especially when the vehicle is included in the fare.

A well-stocked medical kit is essential for any family trip. It should be lightweight, easy to carry, and tailored to your family’s specific needs.

• Basic medicines (pain relief, antihistamines, fever reducers)
• Antiseptics and bandages
• Remedies for digestive issues
• Insect repellent
• High-protection sunscreen
• Any specific medication your children may need, along with the relevant prescriptions – particularly important if flying or in case of loss

TRAVEL insurance: your key to peace of mind

Travelling with children is an adventure – and one that deserves to be fully protected. At Baloise, we’ve designed our TRAVEL insurance to give you total peace of mind, whether you’re travelling solo or with your family.

Our TRAVEL insurance covers you against unexpected events before or during your holiday. If illness or an accident occurs, our assistance team is available 24/7 to arrange medical repatriation if needed or to deliver essential medication.
Cancellation cover protects you if you're unable to travel – including in the event of illness (Covid included). If your trip is cut short, we’ll reimburse the unused portion of your stay. Your luggage is also covered against theft and loss, including souvenirs and sports equipment purchased during your trip.

If you're travelling by car, we also offer vehicle assistance, including towing and the provision of a replacement vehicle if necessary.
For more details or to take out a policy, visit our TRAVEL insurance information page.