Dreaming of taking your family on an international adventure? At Utah Travel Pros, we’re counting down to our May 2025 trip to Australia, and we’re sharing our top tips to help Utah families plan their first overseas getaway. From Sydney’s stunning harbors to Cairns’ Great Barrier Reef, international travel is more achievable than you think. Here’s how to make it stress-free, budget-friendly, and unforgettable!
1. Start with Passports Early
Passports can take 6-8 weeks to process, or longer during peak seasons, so apply now to avoid last-minute stress. For kids under 16, passports are good for 5 years and cost $100; adults pay $130 for 10 years. Need them faster? Expedited service, which costs an extra $60, takes 2-3 weeks. You can find more details on travel.state.gov.
2. Hunt for Flight Deals from SLC or PVU
International flights don’t have to break the bank. Use our Flight Deals Tracker to snag affordable fares from Salt Lake City (SLC) or Provo (PVU). For our Australia trip, we found round-trip flights for a family of four starting at $860 per person by booking 6-9 months out. Set fare alerts to catch the best deals!
3. Plan a Mix of Adventure and Downtime
When planning activities, balance is key for kids on long trips. In Australia, we’re pairing high-energy days—like snorkeling in Cairns and exploring Sydney—with chill ones, such as beach days in Perth and park picnics in Brisbane. Build in rest days to avoid burnout; your family will thank you. A pro tip: pack familiar snacks for picky eaters to keep them happy.
4. Budget for the Extras
You’ll also want to budget for extras that come with international travel, like visas, travel insurance, and currency exchange fees. Australia requires an ETA visa, which is $20 AUD per person and can be applied for online. This is an incredibly important step! If you don’t have this before you arrive, you will be in a big mess.
5. Embrace the Culture Together
Make the trip a learning experience by embracing the culture together. Before Australia, we’ve watched a lot of videos about the Great Barrier Reef and Aboriginal culture. We have also reached out to local connections we have in different cities throughout Australia to get their insight. Plan one cultural activity per destination—like a didgeridoo workshop in Brisbane—to spark curiosity and create lasting memories.
Your first international family trip is a chance to broaden horizons and bond in ways you’ll never forget. Whether it’s Australia or another dream destination, these tips will set you up for success. At Utah Travel Pros, we’re here to help every step of the way. Ready to take the leap? Let’s plan your family’s global adventure today! Sign up for our Flight Deals newsletter to catch the best international fares, use our Trip Price Calculator to budget for your trip, or contact us to start planning your family’s first international getaway!