International Travel With Children

by Cari Oleskewicz, Demand Media

 

International flights with children require planning and patience.

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For some parents, a simple trip to the grocery store with the kids in tow can be difficult to manage, so an international trip might seem impossible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, though, reports about 1.9 million children travel internationally every year. Many parents find an international trip with children can provide an educational and cultural experience with positive memories. Planning and preparation will make traveling with children easier.

Travel Documents

 

The U.S. Department of State requires minors younger than 16 to have passports. If you don't already have a passport for your children, both parents will need to apply with them in person. If only one parent has custody, an affidavit of consent will need to be signed by the absent parent providing permission for the minor child to leave the country. You will need a passport application (Form DS-11), one passport picture, evidence of citizenship, evidence of relationship to the parents and evidence of parents' citizenship. You will need to pay a fee to the State Department, and you can expect to receive the passport in four to six weeks. Some countries will also require visas for entry, especially if you are planning an extended international trip. Check with the State Department (travel.state.gov) for visa requirements.

Planning

 

Ensure an international trip with children goes as smoothly as possible by being prepared. Look for accommodations that include a kitchen so you can prepare their favorite snacks and meals without relying on restaurants. Find out where you can rent or borrow equipment such as strollers, playpens and bicycles. Help children get through a long international flight by allowing them to pack a backpack with books, electronics and a few favorite toys. Plan activities that are family-friendly and include things your kids like to do.

Consider purchasing travel insurancein case you need to change or cancel your trip. Decide whether you will take carseats on the plane with you. If you are renting a car at your destination, make sure you can have a carseat included if you decide not to bring yours.

Health and Safety

 

According to the CDC, the majority of injuries to children traveling internationally occur in vehicles. Make sure children less than 40 pounds are in carseats, and all other children must use seat belts. Diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems are common among children who travel internationally. Keep your children hydrated, use bottled water and ensure they wash their hands before and after eating. Follow all the food precautions you would follow at home such as making sure meat is cooked and fruits and vegetables are washed. Check with your pediatrician about any vaccinations your children should receive before traveling. If you go to a country where the risk of malaria or other disease is present, you must protect your children before they go and while they are there. Use sunscreen and insect repellent.

Stress

 

Children can get stressed when they travel internationally because their regular routine has been disrupted. Minimize this stress by allowing them to bring toys and blankets from home that are familiar. Try to keep some normalcy when you travel internationally, such as bed times or meal times. Keep your itinerary flexible so your children have plenty of time to rest. Allow them to participate in positive ways. They can take pictures and mail postcards to family and friends.