The first, and most important thing to consider when traveling with children is “Do you really want to?”
If you do, and you really do you can have a lot of fun, but if you don’t and you think you should, forget it, book into a really great resort with a kids club, check guilt at the door and grab yourself a spa treatment.
Traveling with kids is challenging, and at times rewarding, often though you’ll get stuck between frustrating and tiring unless you take along quantities of excess humour and patience in equal measure.
Child friendly countries:
Some countries love kids, they tolerate them everywhere and at any time, others not so much…find out before you go what the attitude towards children is, check out the web services such as Trip Advisor who will give frank advice about a countries tolerance to children. In Asia children are not just tolerated but embraced late into the night, similar can be said of New York where children can be seen dining out in the evening, but don’t try to take your children out to a fancy dinner in Paris, or even expect strangers to smile at them on the tube in London!
Things to consider:
Medications
If your child requires any form of medication make sure it is clearly labeled and that you have the generic name of the medicine to show customs should you be questioned about its use and purpose.
Allergies:
Any possible encounter with allergic reactions in a foreign country can be alarming, try to get written translations of any allergies your child may have so you can show waiters in restaurants and also, in a worst case scenario, doctors at a hospital.
Insurance:
Get travel insurance, seriously it is not worth the risk when you have children, they do the craziest things when you least expect it at home, why should they be any different abroad?
Names on passports:
In this modern era we don’t always have the same surnames as our spouses, or even have spouses, so do make sure if your child is traveling on a passport with a different surname to yours you have evidence of their relationship to you. These laws are strictly enforced in some countries and for the protection of children so be prepared to explain, sometimes often and with patience.
Food:
Always let your traveling child experiment with good food, sure it may be spicy but they aren’t going to eat what they can’t completely stomach. Don’t eat from the street but let them try the specialties of the country in a good café or restaurant where you see many people eating.
Drink:
Always keep up the fluids, remember that bottled water in Asia is often devoid of rehydrating properties and instead use isotonic drinks like Gatorade or Pocari Sweat. If you can, bring sachets of isotonic drink with you from home.
Sleep:
Don’t worry too much about bed times when you have schedules and transport timetables to consider. However it is a good idea when traveling to schedule a day of complete rest every fourth or fifth day. Make this a day where you have no plans and can kick back, chill out and do what ever comes naturally.
Beggars:
Even in the most affluent of countries children can feel confronted by the sight of people begging at transport hubs, even selling people The Big Issue can be of concern to youngsters who want to know why people are homeless, jobless or otherwise unable to take part in the ‘normal’ society they see around them at home. Be conscious of your explanations, even in a busy moment. As you drag them away from the drunkard make sure they get the message that everyone, everywhere deserves compassion.
Bugs:
Be aware of the bugs you may encounter, mosquitoes carry malaria and dengue, sand flies really hurt and a European summer can be a mist of flying irritants. Take natural repellents in pump spray bottles where you can, and use repellent wipes for top ups on night time excursions.
To check symptoms and dangers have a look at http://www.medicinenet.com
Animals:
Most children have an affinity for animals and can be relied upon to be friendly towards all sorts of creatures. Make sure they understand the dangers of street dogs and cats before they go. Be aware also that some countries still allow performing animals, often chained to their owners, to act in shows for money and that zoos in some countries are in bad condition.
http://www.s4cglobal.org/ for dolphins and whales
www.worldwildlife.org for animals around the world
Child Hawkers:
Children selling flowers, poastcards and knick nacks can be seen in many of Aisa’s major centres, while they pose no threat to any one a curious child might be fascinated as to why these young children are not in school and what they are doing on the street at night. It is a good opportunity to talk about contributing to a children’s charity that helps educate and house street kids.
Check out: www.unicef.org
Traveling with children is exceptionally rewarding, you can give children memories for the rest of their lives, even if at the time the experience was difficult. You can help expand their knowledge and through their travel they learn tolerance and to respect the differences that exist between cultures and faiths and understand that we are share one planet.
Seeing the world through the eyes of children also brings joy to the traveling parent as they get to discover the world around them with new enthusiasm.