Derek and Sharon Wilbraham of Bath, Maine, started planning their first international trip before their child was born. They have relatives abroad and take a biking trip each year, so they decided this summer should be no exception. In June, with five-month-old Jennifer in tow, they're heading to Denmark to tackle a 370-mile bike loop in nine days.

Don't let little things get the best of you

After months of planning, research, and training, Sharon has learned several important lessons:

Be flexible. Already, these new parents know the cardinal rule of any kind of travel with kids. "We picked our destination with our baby in mind," Sharon explains. "Denmark and other Scandinavian countries are very bike-friendly, with parallel bikeways and designated bike routes—enticing, since we'll have our daughter in a trailer." Also, they know that should any unexpected problems arise, they can easily stop pedaling and find a rental car. As Sharon philosophizes, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

Don't over schedule. Instead of the usual 60 or more miles Derek and Sharon used to ride before becoming parents, they've scaled down their mileage to about 40 miles per day, which they calculate will be only about four hours of cycling per day, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing, baby care, fun, and other activities.

Take the right gear and get used to it at home. The Wilbrahams bought an Equinox bike trailer for Jennifer. Her car seat straps right inside, and the trailer also has an infant sling for use without the car seat. These Maine residents were even able to start using the bike trailer during a snowy New England winter because, with the use of a conversion kit, it turns into a ski sled. For themselves, they've bought travel bikes, Bike Friday New World Tourists, which can be folded up to fit into suitcases. Sharon adds:"The Equinox bike trailer is our savior, and we're thinking of getting another one for towing our gear instead of using panniers."

Take any brand-specific items you can't live without. Does your child need certain prescriptions or over-the-counter remedies? Does he or she live for a certain food item? Take these things with you, and inquire ahead of time about the availability of supplies you will need, such as disposable diapers and formula.

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