Traveling with children can be one of the most exciting things you could do as a parent, but it can also be exhausting. Often we travel domestically for some time before we embark on our first trip abroad. and there are a few things that you need to keep in mind depending on where you are travelling to.

Photo by Steven Coffey on Unsplash

Flight times 

Not all children settle well on an aeroplane, but if you are jetting off abroad one of the best things that you can do is try to book an evening flight. Since most flights to European countries are overnight it's not going to be very difficult - an evening flight may help to avoid any disruption to the child's, and your own sleeping schedule.

Another thing to keep in mind is since they are most likely going to be asleep the flight is a lot less difficult to handle. As you know it small children are like to explore and be entertained, sitting in a single seat for multiple hours can often pose a challenge.

Paperwork

The country that you are travelling to might require that you have at least six months or longer beyond the date of your trip valid on your passport. Make sure that you have carefully checked all of the entry requirements for the countries that you are travelling to.

While this might sound like it is a huge problem, passports can be rushed and all you'll need to do is cover the extra charge and the shipping costs. Your local passport agency should be able to help you.

Car seats

If you will be renting a car, traveling by public transport, or using taxis to your hotel destination, it is good to make sure you have an approved car seat. Quite often any car seats that are approved to be used on the plane and in a car will have stickers to indicate this.

If in doubt, get in touch with your chosen airline, and I'll make sure that you read the tourist guide for the location you are travelling to.

Travel Vaccines

If you are travelling to countries that you are unfamiliar with, you might not know that you potentially need some travel vaccinations. You can check the centre for disease control and prevention travellers health information via their website. 

You can then book any travel immunisations that you need at your local urgent care facility.

Insurance

Before you head anyway, check out the kind of travel insurance that you need and the Health Insurance that you currently have. Sometimes people who get off to foreign locations forget to check the fine print of their insurance - only to have an accident and find out they're not covered. That can lead to some pretty expensive medical bills.

It is also a good idea to check where the local embassy for your country of residency is. Quite often I'll be able to help you with any problems relating to your  travel. 

Perhaps flying is not in your future, but a road trip is! Check this post for tips: Planning a Road Trip with Kids: Let's Do it Right.