Home :: travel tips :: Travel with kids

TRAVEL WITH KIDS

What do families have to know before taking their children overseas? Plenty.

Step One: Plan Carefully

Knowing what you're getting into is at the heart of any successful trip, particularly an international adventure. A few things to consider:

Budget for quality lodging. It's one thing to stay in a fleabag hotel when you're a 20-year-old with a backpack. It's something else entirely when said backpack has a child in it.

"Normally, those bargain-basement hotels are in bad areas and they're not going to have the services that you need," notes Kathy Bedell of World Travel Partners in Columbus, Ohio.

Stick to mid-range hotels in familiar areas. Better yet, work through knowledgeable travel agents. Not only will they point you to the safest, most dependable hotels, but they'll also know which ones have "family rooms" with separate lodging for you and the kids.

Factor in jet lag. It's a myth that all children handle time-zone changes with aplomb. In a perfect world, you could travel across the Atlantic by night and arrive in the United Kingdom fully refreshed and ready for a full day of sightseeing. Or you could be like my family and be miserable both on the sleepless red-eye and for three days after. Be realistic about whether your child can handle the overnight flight. If not, take a day flight and count on losing a day adjusting to the new time zone and overcoming the fallout from jet lag.

Step Two: Nuts and Bolts
Be sure that your official travel documents are in order. Proof of citizenship is required any time you leave the country. Some Caribbean destinations require only a birth certificate, but it must be an original with an official registry seal of the state of your birth. Most countries require a passport, some a visa as well. Avoid the last-minute passport rush (and exorbitant fees) by applying at least a month ahead of time.

If your child already has a passport, check the expiration date: Passports for children under 16 are good for only five years, as opposed to 10 years if you're over 16. Some countries require your passport to be valid for six months beyond your trip. So make sure expiration isn't imminent.

And if you're a single parent traveling with children, ask if you'll need to provide proof of custody.

Immunizations. Vaccinations may be necessary for travelers going to particular geographic areas. Even if you don't need specific vaccinations, verify that your standard set of immunizations is up to date.

Step Three: Pack Wisely
Go very light on nonessentials (like fancy clothes), heavy on necessities. A few things to think about:

Medications. Ingredients in over-the-counter drugs can vary from country to country. This is also true of such preparations as sunscreens and insect repellents. Bring supplies of your familiar standbys from home and ask your pharmacist about reasonable substitutes while you're away. And make sure to carry prescription drugs in a carry-on bag, because if your checked baggage is lost or delayed, they may be difficult -- if not impossible -- -to replace overseas.

If your child has a specific medical condition (such as asthma), have your doctor give you a written summary of the ailment to show in case of an emergency.

Safety Equipment. Requirements for car seats and cribs are not always as stringent overseas as they are in the United States. The crib we were given for my daughter in Jamaica was so rickety we opted to put her in a bed. When in doubt, bring your own crib, car seat, high-chair, carriage, or stroller, no matter how cumbersome this may seem.

If you do need equipment while abroad, be specific about what you're asking for. In England, for example, asking for a "crib" (as I did) will get you a cradle. The English version of a crib is called a "cot."

Step Four: Think Fun
With all the historic significance of faraway lands, it's tempting to spend the whole trip visiting monuments and reading placards. Don't. Museums are all well and good, but visit too many with children and you may just have a mutiny on your hands.

Pick up guidebooks and maps detailing the area you'll be visiting and let everyone have a chance to pick. School-age kids might like ruined castles; little ones might opt for an amusement park. Teens might like to do some shopping. But don't neglect a museum or two on your list.

Still, don't schedule every minute. Some of our best moments in Europe were the times we ambled aimlessly and happened upon a colorful, local haunt or eatery.

BACK TO TOP