Have you traveled abroad with children? Any advice?

[bleedingheart]

My hubby and I are thinking about taking a big trip to Europe. Not sure of destination yet, I have family in Lithuania (not really a hopping place) and some in Croatia (gotta look them up) ...but more than likely it will be England first or perhaps France/Spain.

Any advice? Any tips? Are there travel agencies that deal with family type travel???

[supernova]

1. Thread about travel w/ kids at RickSteves.com

I don't have kids, but he's done some shows with tips for traveling with kids that seemed sensible to me.

Stuff like:

- You can probably only manage one or possibly two major attractions a day.
- Try picnics if the weather is nice, it's cheaper and less stressful than a restaurant.
- plan some free time for the kids to play or just blow off steam.
- Everbody can carry their own stuff. (within reason)



http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/graffiti117.html

[bleedingheart]

2. thanks for the link...

my kids are past stroller and diaper age...which is why we are looking to travel further from home now...but there are some interesting ideas there..

[Lydia Leftcoast]

3. My parents took us to Europe when I was 17 and my brothers were

12 and 14.

I was fine (except for overdosing on too much family togetherness) but my brothers had two problems: the food (they were typical pre-adolescent boys and not eager to eat much beyond hamburgers and hot dogs) and overdosing on historic sights.

They enjoyed playing and fishing with cousins in Norway, despite the language barrier. They also enjoyed castles, climbing to the tops of church steeples, and seeing their favorite TV programs dubbed in various languages.

[China_cat]

4. We went to Holland several times

starting when my son was 4.

Best advice? Don't take them.

[cwydro]

5. well, I WAS the child and

traveled with my English parents beginning at 6 weeks on the Queen Mary, then subsequent trips every four or five years or so up to the age of 25. Usually England, but also France and Spain. Some of the best memories of my life. Keep lots of Dramamine on hand. (I never was sick, but my sister was...but it works to make kids sleep also). We had books and played silly word games and talked and had a great time. Look for icebergs from the plane...! We had great fun doing that. My mom always had "Wet-Ones" or whatever those cleanup wipes are called...to this day, that smell reminds me of travel and fun.

I still love traveling. Your kids are in for a TREAT!!!

[clyrc]

9. I second the dramamine and wet ones suggestion

My 10 and seven year old girls have been heavy travelers for 2 1/2 years now, and although they are really good on travels, they both tend to get sick. Thank goodness you don't need a prescription from a doctor to get meds in Europe, though, and that pharmacists can help you! Funnily enough, one of our problems has been that the girls love museums so much, and they have so much more energy than their poor parents, that they always exhaust us running around looking at everything. On our last day in London last year, we went to the Tower Of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, The Museum of London, and the Natural History Museum, and since we were still jet-lagged, my husband and I were tired beyond belief that night!

[leftofthedial]

6. train staton and crowded plazas are great places

for ditching the kids in foreign cities.

:evilgrin:

[momophile]

7. I've wondered about this too...

even though my youngin' is too young still. We were thinking that Britain would be the easiest what with the language and all.

When I was traveling in China, I met a mom traveling with two girls - ages 8 and 11?. They were the most articulate, sensitive and curious girls I had ever met. I couldn't help but think it had something to do with them traveling at a young age to challenging countries.

Go for it!

[Kali]

8. check out the Thorntree forums at Lonely Planet

(google) I am pretty sure there is one just about traveling with squids - plus you can ask on the forums about where you want to go.

I traveled with young ones in Mexico - it can be horrifying and fantastic - depends on the situation - best is when the locals like kids and you aren't afraid. Take them to playgrounds or make sure they have a soccer ball or frisbee or some such - it is so cool to watch the communication between kids.


edit to add link: http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/

and yes there is a kids forum - "kids to go"

[radwriter0555]

10. I have traveled with my young daughter all over the world, Make a deal

with the kids... One day is for the parents, such as visiting relatives, the Tower of London, etc, the next day is for the KIDS. Swimming, boardwalk, fair, pool, beach, shopping for tacky crap, things THEY want to do. Always always always alternate the activities, one day of busy, one day of rest. That way you don't all get worn out.. When you're tired, you aren't having fun!

Do the research on your destinations before you leave, the internet is your friend. Keep a file folder of the consecutive things you've found in each location to do, and as you travel, go down the list.

Just find hotels with pools, and you're set.

Also, a portable dvd player is a great thing for keeping the little ones amused during travel.

Have each kid responsible for their own piece of luggage. If you're doing any rail travel, watch out for pickpockets! MIND THE STAIRS.

I wouldn't bother with package deals through a travel agency. Google really is your best friend while traveling.

GET AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE...

Learn at least enough language of every nation you're going to, to be polite!

And have a blast.

My daughter now 12, has been to Mexico (many times), England, Italy, China and now we live in France. She's a real trooper and really, REALLY loves to travel.