International Travel can be a little daunting. Add a few kids to the mix and it can be downright scary. Fortunately, it's not nearly as daunting as it may seem. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you travel internationally with kids.
1. Go VIP!
When you travel internationally, most airports have a VIP service that will escort you through customs and immigration. This service typically costs around $50 per person. While that may seem like a lot of money to spend (especially if you're traveling with a large group), I have found it to be worth it's weight in gold. This service allows you to skip the crazy immigration and customs lines and will typically save you over an hour (and sometimes as much as 2-3 hours) of time. These VIP services will often include tickets to the VIP airport lounge which will get you free wifi as well as snacks. To find a VIP service in the area you're heading to, just search the name of the airport you're traveling to and VIP service.
2. Have a designated place for passports!
This may seem like a no-brainer, but make 1 person responsible for passports and keep the passports in the same place. Depending on the country you are traveling to, you may want to use a travel wallet.
3. Carry copies of your passport and other important travel documents.
When you travel overseas, anything can happen. Make copies of your passport (you need the page with your picture as well as the back page with your passport number) and any other important travel documents and keep a set in various places. I have a pocket I use in each of my suitcases where I place these documents. If your passports are ever stolen overseas, this will make it much easier to get replacements. Also, leave a set at home with a trusted friend or family member.
4. Consider staying in a home rather than a hotel.
One of the best things we've done when traveling with our kids is to choose a home rather than a hotel. It gives us more freedom and flexibility and allows the kids to be themselves. We don't have to stress is a child has a loud screaming tantrum (which after long traveling hours and changes in routine has been known to happen a time or two).
This past summer, we vacationed at luxury villa in Jamaica and it was awesome. It was staffed with a maid, a butler, a chef, and a night watchman. It was one of our best vacations and we're planning to go back over spring break.
5. Discuss rules and expectations BEFORE you leave home.
International travel can be a minefield of cultural differences. Do your research before you leave home to find out what is expected of kids in the country you'll be traveling to. You want your kids to have an enjoyable time without offending anyone.
6. Learn some new words before you go!
If you're traveling to a country that does not speak English, take some time before you go to learn these 15 key phrases. You may be surprised at how well your kids do learning these phrases!
- Hello!
- Where is the nearest bathroom?
- Please/Thank you!
- Excuse me {Often the same word as sorry, pardon, etc}
- My name is ____________.
- Can you tell me where I can get a taxi/bus?
- Can you show me on a map how to get there?
- How much does this cost?
- Do you take credit cards?
- Where can I get something to eat?
- I would like _______________
- Check please!
- HELP! {Hopefully you won't need to use this, but if you do, it's better to be safe than sorry!}
- Where is the American Embassy?
- Do you speak English? {If you need to have an in-depth or difficult conversation, start with this question?}
7. Pack any medication you think you may need!
The medications that are available for kids in the US are not always readily available in other countries. We pack the following medications when we travel anywhere (even within the US).
- Neosporin
- Advil
- Children's Advil (We choose dye-free Children's Advil due to allergies)
- Cough medicine (We choose a dye-free cough medicine due to allergies)
- Charcoal capsules (In case our kids ingest something that they're allergic to)
- Essential Oils (We bring a variety, but Valor, Peace & Calming, Peppermint, and Thieves are 4 that we never leave home without)
- Bandaids (We prefer fun bandaids, but you could use any bandages)
- Allergy Medicine
- Swimmer's Ear Drops
- Eye Drops
8. Decide in advance what you will buy or how much you will spend!
Set up a souvenir and eating out plan before you leave the country! If you're planning on eating out, figure out how much you will spend. If you're planning on eating in, decide which meals you want to eat in so you can better budget and so you can purchase only the food you need. As far as souvenirs go, if you're not careful, you can spend more money than you planned AND you can end up with souvenirs don't fit in your suitcase! Decide in advance what you're looking to purchase. If you're planning on traveling on a regular basis, start a collection for each of your children. Have one collect spoons, another collect bells, another collect keychains, and another collect dolls or jewelry.
The most important thing you can do is have fun and make memories! Have a great trip!
