By Kaamna Bhojwani-Dhawan, Momaboard.com
Traveling overseas is a greatly rewarding experience for adults and kids alike. New cultures, languages, sights and sounds are a wonderful learning experience, but international travel requires a lot more preparation and planning than making a domestic trip, especially when the family is involved. Here are some of the things you need to think about:
- Passports and Visas: Unlike for domestic travel, traversing international borders requires that every traveling individual (including a baby) has a valid passport. Similarly, many countries require foreign travelers to obtain visas. US citizens are exempt from visas for several countries but there are those like China that still require one so make sure you check the rules beforehand so as not to be taken by surprise at the airport.
- Accessibility: You may be dreaming of crossing the seven seas on a global expedition but when you are with young kids, it’s best to start small. Fly to places that are not absurdly far or that require many stops and changes along the way. You don’t want to be exhausted before you even get there!
- Vaccinations: If you are planning to visit countries in Asia and Africa, there are some required and recommended vaccinations that your family should know about. Talk to your general physician and check out the Center for Disease Control website to learn more.
- Safety and Security: While some of the most exciting places in the places (Beirut) have troubled political climates, it’s best to save the adventures for when you are without the kids or they are old enough to assist in the event of an emergency. You never want to risk putting your family in an unsafe situation, be it because of political unrest or a disease epidemic, or the like. Natural disasters unfortunately are something you cannot foresee.
- Cost: International travel is expensive, especially when you factor in plane tickets for a full family. It doesn’t mean that it’s not doable though. Websites like Expedia offer hotel and flight deals that allow for some cost savings. In addition you can try to travel in off-peak times when fares are cheaper (if you have kids that are not yet in school this is a great way to save). Finally, take advantage of exchange rates: when your currency is strong, go to countries with a favorable rate and enjoy calculating how much cheaper everything is! Also remember that kids under 2 fly practically free so there’s a good case for traveling when the children are young.
- Travel insurance: Because international trips are such an expense, and because kids are so unpredictable (illnesses, etc.), travel insurance is probably a good idea when you are planning an overseas jaunt. Ask your travel agent or search Google for the best plans to suit your needs. Make sure to read the fine print (eg. Some plans do not cover babies).
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