Tips for traveling internationally with family
1.Research your destination & set a budget
Once you’ve figured out what you want to gain from your vacation and picked where you want to go, learning more about that destination can be the most fun part of travel planning. Research what the weather is like throughout the year, talk with family and friends who have traveled there, start to identify things you want to see or do, find out what kind of transportation is available once you get there, and familiarize yourself with the customs and culture.
Your budget is another important consideration when traveling internationally. Some destinations may be tourist hotspots, which means everything from airfare to accommodations can be more expensive. You can save some money by traveling during the offseason or shoulder season, searching for flights to different airports, being flexible with your dates if schedules allow it, booking your cruise or flight during “off season,” or looking for family-friendly all-inclusive resorts.
2. Check passport & visa requirements
Did you know that if your passport is set to expire in 6 months or less, you may not be able to fly to or from certain countries? Passport and visa requirements are different for every country, so it’s essential to check your passport expiration dates and the specific rules for your destination before you fly or set off on your cruise.
Like adults, all children—regardless of age—must have a passport to travel internationally. Renewing or getting a new passport for a child under 16 requires that both parents or guardians approve and go with the child in person to a passport acceptance facility to have it adjudicated. If one or both parents are unavailable, you must bring more documentation. Passports for children under the age of 16 are only valid for 5 years.
3. Create an Itinerary
If you’re traveling with young children, finding things to do that will appeal to them will keep them engaged and greatly reduce the risk of any meltdowns. With an itinerary planned, it’ll be easier to let your kids in on what you’ll be doing each day, as well as block off time for rest and meals. Not every activity has to be kid-friendly, but an itinerary can also help you plan for days when an adult can stay with the children. If you’re staying at a resort or taking a cruise, check to see if there are babysitting or childcare services available, like kid’s clubs, which will also allow free time for parents and grandparents.
While being prepared is great, remember to also stay flexible because not everything will go exactly according to plan. If your schedule is interrupted by bad weather or something unexpected, find a workable alternative and stay open to a new activity or experience.
4. Make sure everyone is healthy enough to travel
One of the worst feelings is investing time and money in planning a vacation and then being sick on your trip. A way to help you stay healthy is to make sure everyone is up-to-date on routine vaccines and check the recommended immunizations for your destination from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Most U.S. health insurance policies won’t cover you in another country, so if you get sick or injured while on vacation, travel insurancecan reimburse you for care after a covered medical emergency.
5. Pack smart
Packing for an international vacation for the entire family can become unwieldy and expensive. Even if you’re not concerned with bag fees, checking a piece of luggage for each person in the family can significantly slow you down at the airport. While it may be tempting to load up on toys to keep your kids occupied or overpack to prepare for any situation, remember that your family may also be lugging around their suitcases on cars, trains, and buses while traveling around the destination.
6.Prepare for your long trip
Getting through airport checkpoint screenings can take hours for a single traveler, but with a whole family, you’re guaranteed some waiting before everyone in your group can make it through security.
Enrolling in TSA PreCheck may provide a smoother airport experience for your entire family with dedicated screening lines at more than 200 airports and no need to remove your laptop, shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. TSA Precheck is also ideal for families traveling with young children as kids 17 and younger can access the same expedited lanes for free as long as they’re accompanied by a parent or guardian who is enrolled.
Global Entry is a program that lets eligible travelers access expedited entry lines upon their return which can greatly reduce wait times. If you’re flying internationally more than 4 times a year, Global Entry may be a better option as TSA PreCheck benefits are also included with enrollment.
7. Figure out how you’ll get around your destination
Understanding the transportation options at your destination before you leave is essential to reducing your stress while you’re on vacation. Researching how you’ll get around will help you figure out what type of transportation will be the most efficient for your family. If you plan to drive while you’re overseas, you should get an International Driving Permit(IDP) since some countries may not recognize your U.S. driver’s license and an IDP may be required to rent a vehicle.
8. Stay Connected
Being able to reach everyone in your group while abroad is important, especially if family members plan to break off for separate activities or if you have scheduled alone time in your itinerary. Having a smartphone that works internationally is also key for staying in touch with people back home, capturing memories, navigation, and even translation.
If you want to use the smartphone you carry every day while you’re abroad, make sure it can still get voice, text, and data internationally and then sign up for an international roaming plan.