Traveling internationally with young children is a necessary evil if you have family who live overseas.  So, rather than dread the trip, here are some tips to ease the pain of international travel with kids.



1. Know the passport requirements for minors


Think your baby doesn't need a passport?  Think again.  Even newborns need their own travel documents.  In fact, there are myriad special requirements for minors under the age of 16.  Read this government Web page, and familiarize yourself with regulations you'll need to know.


2. Read TSA rules


The TSA has strict rules of what can and can't be brought onto a flight.  Before you pack, make sure you read their list of permitted and prohibited items (it changes all the time).  That way, you won't be surprised when they throw out your child's favorite teether with gel (yep, prohibited!)


3. Single parents, make sure you've got proper documentation


It's even more difficult to travel internationally if you are a single parent, especially if you are a non-custodial parent.  This page provides some idea of what you'll need when you travel.  It's also a good idea to check and double-check what will be needed for each country that you visit.


4. Give them their own seats


Don't try to fly that long with a small one on your lap, even if you're permitted to.  That just spells misery for both you and your child.


5. Make sure to bring meds


Bring any medication that your child might need during the flight (diaper rash cream, children's Tylenol).  You don't want to be stuck 35,000 feet in the air with an uncomfortable toddler.


6. Let you entertain them!


Bring entertainment to last the entire trip: books, DVDs, toys... heck, if you can fit a clown in your carry-on bad, we say, DO IT.


7. Down time is necessary


Build in plenty of relaxation time, both for you and your child.  If you push to sightsee or visit too many people too quickly, you'll both end up utterly exhausted.  And utterly miserable.


What are your surefire tips for traveling far away?




Showing the Latest of 3 Comments

cunghuong
2 yearss ago
Traveling together with kids is not easy at all as we will have to put an eye on them most of the time!
 
mamaemma
2 yearss ago
I came back from our home in Kenya to take my maternity leave in the states. Here are my tips (these are for babies): 1. Use a carrier instead of a stroller. Sure they check at the gate, but they check it all the way through so if you have a layover you're stuck in an airport with nothing but your exhausted arms. 2. Put 'em in footie pajamas and keep 'em in them. For the whole plane ride. 3. Carry four of those footie pajamas. Because if you don't they will soak them. 4. Look desperate as much as possible, you'll get help! Milk the baby angle. www.redearthsafari.blogspot.com
 
goingdomestic
2 yearss ago
Point 2. does not go far enough. The TSA regs are useless once you are no longer in the United States at an American airport. Travellers also need to know what the rules are governing air travel in the countries that one's family will be travelling in. Surprises at airports are not always pleasant. Some countries that we've traveled to are much stricter than the United States, while others are more lax (like the one that I live in). Point 3. Many countries require a letter of permission to travel with children if they are not accompanied by BOTH of their parents. Martial status of the parent does not matter. Point 4. also needs the cavaet that your airline may require children under the age of two occupying a seat to be restrained in a carseat that is approved for airplane use. Foreign airlines, like SAS, Lufthana, British Airways, QANTAS, etc., might not care that one's American or Canadian carseat is approved for use in your home country - they have their own standards. Two great sources for information on flying with children (international or domestic) are: Flying with Kids - http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com/ The Silent I - http://glenniacampbell.typepad.com/silenti/ (has section with extensive travel tips)