Is it your first time travelling after having your baby, and are not sure if it is a good idea or not? Or what are the things to keep in mind when travelling internationally with kids? Well, first of all, take a deep breath, relax, and think about all the good times you are gonna have with your kids on the trip.
I have been traveling with my kids for quite some time now, and I know how clueless and doubtful you must be when planning your tour. So to help you out, I have prepared a few tips for international traveling with kids. But that’s not all, I have also mentioned which documents to carry when traveling your child. But before I start I would like to tell you ‘which airline is the best to fly with kids or infants’, the answer is Brussels Airlines. It is punctual, the crew is very helpful, the in-flight services are excellent, the seating is extremely comfortable, and even the Brussels Airlines reservations process is just super easy and quick.
Tips for International Travel with Kids
Get Vaccinated.
Take your Covid19 vaccinations before you travel. Along with that visit your doctor to get your kid’s check-up done, to know if all their vaccinations are complete, are healthy to travel, check for any allergies as it might get difficult on the plane.
Keep your Passport Within your Reach
Do not put your passport in your big bags that would go into the cargo section. Keep it with you in your carry-on pack or in your hand luggage, so you do not have any problem when asked for it. Also, make sure the kid’s passports are valid for at least 6 months from your date of travel.
Communicate with Kids Prepare them for the Flight
- Since it is gonna their first flight journey across the country, it is important to talk to them. Tell them about the time it is gonna take, how it will be on the flight, tell them about the fun things they can do on the plane.
- If the trip is too long, you can take their favourite toys, storybooks, crayons drawing books, new games, etc. It will give them a feeling of home, and they can have fun too.
- Keep some healthy snacks for them to munch on, or you can order in-flight meals too.
- You can also teach them some new words on the way, that they can use when they reach the destination, etc.
Try Not to Hinder the Routine
Another thing to help kids do not feel any kind of anxiety while travelling is by keeping their daily routine as intact as possible. For example: The eating timings, similar food items, the tv timing, and the time to sleep. This way you will have to deal with fewer tantrums.
Let the Kids Play a Part in your Travel Plans
Yes, that’s right. They surely can not suggest what places to go, or how to commute, but they can surely tell you about the things that they want to do, an activity that they saw on the TV, etc. This will make them happier and excited too. Give them responsibility, so they are occupied with it, like- packing their own bag, taking care of an item when you reach a different country, etc.
Documents/Papers When Travelling with Kid Internationally. This is for your and your kid's safety.
Passport
When traveling with kids you are advised to keep your and your kid's passport handy. As per the government guidelines, children of all ages need a passport when traveling across the country via an airline. But if you are traveling by land or water, you can take your kids with just the birth certificate.
Travel Consent Letter
The next thing to keep handy is the ‘travel consent letter’. This is needed when a kid is traveling across the border without both or one of their parents/legal guardian.
- If only one parent is going with the kid, they need to have a consent letter with the other parent's signature. Also, keep your identity proofs with you.
- If he or she is going somewhere without both parents and with an adult that is not the guardian, it is necessary to have a consent letter signed by both parents. Do not forget to keep your ID card with you.
You don’t usually get asked for this letter, but you may not know what documents your travel destination requires, so it is good to be prepared. To know the exact details of such information you can directly contact the airline you are flying with.
I usually fly with Brussels airlines whenever I travel with my children, they offer great flight deals, exceptional services, and you can easily get in touch with the airline at the exclusive Brussels Airlines Customer Service Number +1-(888) 415-0393
Proof of Relationship
This is the most important document of all after the passport. This proves your relationship with the kid. Some of the things that can act as relationship proof are-
A birth certificate, adoption papers, or a court order.
Do not forget to Pack these things when you are about to head on a vacation with your kids to a whole new country:
- Wipes Sanitizers
- Extra set of clothes
- Earplugs, Chewing Gum Candy (So they do not have a problem when the air pressure changes)
- Baby Food
- Medication (if any)