Every parent dreams of traveling abroad with their child, seeing the Eiffel Tower, making wishes in Trevi Fountain or walking hand in hand along the Thames River.
But it’s scary. It’s a daunting task to think of all the planning and preparation it takes to travel safely and effectively with a child.
Here are a few tips to help make the trip easier:
- Have an itinerary. Everything is easier with a rock solid plan.
- Make sure that all of your papers are in order: passport, visa and even an international drivers license if you plan on renting a vehicle.
- Schedule a pre-travel pediatrician visit to have your child cleared for travel and get up to date on any vaccinations your child might need in order to be permitted to travel safely.
- Check that your medical insurance covers you overseas.
- Have a notarized parent authorization letter from the other parent giving you written permission to leave the country with your child. You also need authorization for medical treatment for your child from your spouse.
- Make sure that you have your credit cards; check balances while you are still stateside. Be sure to have a bit of local currency on your person, as well, for incidentals.
- Have an emergency travel card in case you and your child are separated. This should be two cards, one for you and one for your child, which has a photo and all contact information and statistics, should the two of you get separated. Make sure to pin card onto your child’s person.
- Be informed and talk to your child about the customs, culture and language differences.
Photo Source: Trishhhh
