Children and International Travel

Leaving the country

By Veronica Shine

The sense of adventure, excitement, and the growing curiosity of a planned trip can be shared with everyone in the family. If your goal is to expose your children to encounter culture, other people and food from around the world, then perhaps you should wait until they are at least age five. Before that, they will never remember what the trip of a lifetime was all about.

Requirements

Please be aware that everyone in your traveling party needs a valid passport, including children. Because of the backlog on applications, try to apply well in advance of your trip. Children under age 14 must submit not only proof of citizenship but proof of relationship to you. Both parents must appear with the child when applying or if both parents can not attend, obtain a notarized statement of consent authorizing passport application.

Before you Travel

Prior to taking your trip overseas, get your child enthused and involve about their destinations right from the start. This will help them develop a keen interest in the itinerary, look forward to enjoy something magnificent and be an instrumental member of the planning committee.

Take Off!

Let's us begin with the long flight abroad. Plan on carrying a copy of your child's immunization records, birth certificate and passport. Keep a duplicate set elsewhere, perhaps in another bag. Most flights depart the United States in the evening with an early arrival the next day. Try to book a flight that leaves as late as possible to head overseas. This way the children will be able to sleep during most of the trip.

On your tedious return flight, check to see of there is in seat entertainment. If the flight doesn't, be prepared with plenty of entertainment.

While Abroad

When touring, take breaks, share ideas and plan a special activity. Encourage your child to keep a journal. Having them write will provide a chance for them to formulate their memories and provide a quiet time from the busy schedule. If the child is too young to write, have them draw a picture of their day's activities.

You can not expect a child to view paintings all day long nor sightsee a city non stop. One option is to take a cruise going to several destinations. This is a wonderful alternative as it gives you an opportunity to have a floating hotel with all meals included, and your child can socialize with others in the children's camp aboard. You then can do what you would want hassle free.

In every part of the world there is something special that the children can look forward to. Explore their interests, be realistic, remain flexible and open to new ideas.

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