Traveling overseas seems like something out of a fairytale for most people and this magical feeling can become amplified when you bring your family along. Before you take this big step, it’s important to have a solid plan in place and to do your research before hopping on a flight. The preparation and unknown factors might seem daunting, but don’t worry because we’ve done the legwork for you. Continue reading below so you can educate yourself on the seven key tips for international travel for the whole family.
Proper Paperwork
One of the first things you should do before you even book your trip is to make sure you have all of your paperwork in order. If you’re traveling anywhere outside of the U.S., make sure your passports are up to date and valid for at least six months after your trip. Even a newborn baby requires a passport. Also, make copies of your passport in case it becomes lost or stolen. Certain companies require certain immunizations for travel so bring an immunization record if necessary.
Jet Lag Plan
It’s inevitable that you’ll experience jet lag at some point when traveling across several different time zones so it’s important that you come up with a plan to deal with it ahead of time. According to mayoclinic.org, you and your family might experience daytime fatigue, stomach problems, sleep problems, mood changes, issues focusing, and more. Jet lag is temporary, and your body’s circadian rhythms will naturally adjust overtime. To alleviate the symptoms drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol on the plane, arrive a couple of days early if possible, and gradually adjust your sleep schedule to the new time zone.
Universal Power Adapter
Many countries have different outlets and require different electrical plugs compared to the U.S. Your best bet is investing in a universal power adapter that will work in any country you travel to. Sometimes these adapters will end up costing you an arm and a leg in a foreign country. Either way, this will keep all of your electronic devices charged up and you won’t have to worry about your phone’s battery dying on you.
Pack Light
It’s highly important to pack light when you travel overseas. Don’t bring a ton of toys, instead bring a couple of favorites that remind your children of home. Ask yourself if certain items are truly essential and if you could leave them behind. You can always buy toiletries or other items like diapers at a local store. Remember that you might have lug around your stuff and you don’t want your luggage to become an extra burden on top of everything else.
Luggage Storage
When you first arrive at your destination, you might be excited to explore the local area before checking into your hotel. If this is the case, you can use a company such as Bounce to take care of this need. It’s a simple process. All you have to do is search through a number of convenient locations, choose one, and reserve your space with a few clicks. Go to the location, show your reservation, and you’re good to go. For instance, if you’re looking for Barcelona luggage storage, you can follow the steps above to get this easily accomplished.
Be Flexible
Be flexible when you travel internationally with your family. You know anything could happen like a child could become sick or you might need a couple of days to recover from jet lag. Plan your activities in advance, but be willing to tweak your schedule, especially if you find something fun to do that you didn’t see online. You might want to take advantage of a promotional price for an attraction or tour while you’re staying in a city. Be open to taking advantage of these opportunities and keep your expectation grounded so you can have the best trip possible.
The Bare Necessities
Bring the bare necessities in your carry-on bag when traveling. Sometimes luggage can be delayed or sometimes even lost, so put the essentials in your carry on bags. Put medications, a change of clothes, a laptop or anything else you deem extra important inside these bags so you won’t be caught off guard if something unfortunate happens to your checked bags.
Conclusion
Traveling internationally can be a life-changing experience, but you want to make sure you take the proper steps beforehand to ensure this happens. Start by getting your paperwork together, coming up with a plan for jet lag, and buying several universal power adapters for the entire family. Also, make sure you pack light, look into luggage storage, be flexible, and bring only the bare necessities in your carry on bags. If you follow these seven tips for international travel, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing something truly special and cultivate memories for years to come.
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