What every parent should know before planning an international trip.
You must have heard some horror stories about traveling with kids! Some people will tell you that it’s a waste because the children won’t appreciate it and won’t remember the trip and they’ll prevent you from enjoying it as well. Some people never seem to run out of reasons why it’s a bad idea. It’s enough to force you to stay home and never see the world further than a close-by park.
If anyone should discourage you, tell them there are a multitude of advantages to view and appreciate the world as a family, you just need to be prepared.
Even without children, you have to prepare when taking an international trip. With children, you just have to plan a bit more and in different ways. So, let’s get right into it.
Packing
Pack light is rule number one. Avoid those big bags that seem to have an endless pit, which will prove to be a disaster once you get to your destination. You can use clear zip-lock bags to categorize items, which can be very useful in locating items.
Essentials
Pack one or two carry-ons with all the essentials. Essential needs will depend on the age of your children. For you, remember phones, chargers, prescribed medicines, etc. Make sure this bag is with you at all times. Anything that isn’t needed ‘till you arrive goes into your checked luggage.
Documentation
You also have to make sure you have all the right documents for your child. Don’t assume that a baby or toddler doesn’t need documents, such as their birth certificate, which might be asked for depending on where you’re going.
Getting to the airport
Getting to the airport with children gives adults flashbacks of the movie Home Alone, but it doesn’t have to be that catastrophic! It’s simple when you’re prepared. You might want to drive yourself to the airport, especially if your departure time is at a bad hour. Lucky for you, there are several parking lot options near big airports, like Newark airport in New Jersey, since Newark is the most populated spot in Jersey. You can find parking near Newark airport, then use a shuttle bus to get to your terminal. On the site, you can click your check-in and check-out date and search for the available parking of that time. You can find pretty good deals online. It’s important that you make your reservation early on so that you guarantee a safe parking lot and spot; which would be one less thing to worry about. You don’t want to arrive too late, nor too early to your terminal, and give yourself an extra 15 minutes over the normal time of getting to the airport.
Being flexible is going to help you out the most. Maybe not everything will go according to plan, such as a delayed flight. If that happens, you’ll just have to go with the flow. But there are several other things in your hand to ensure a lovely travel time. Don’t forget to pack your patience when packing! You will need it at times, but with advanced planning, family trips can be cherished forever.
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