Traveling anywhere as a family is exciting, stressful, and fulfilling all at the same time. It requires a ton of planning but always pays off after an awesome trip!
Heading abroad can be especially challenging for families large and small. When children are involved it can be even more difficult to plan engaging activities that will create life-long memories.
All the money and time that goes into great vacations could go to waste if you don’t plan and prepare perfectly. There are a few things you can do to make sure your family trip goes exactly as desired.
To make the kids and parents happy, make sure to take advantage of these seven travel hacks for international trips with the family.
Make Sure to Buy a Universal Charger Adapter
Any time you travel abroad, there will be something you wouldn’t even think you needed until it’s too late. One of these items is likely going to be a universal travel adapter for your chargers.
Depending on where you go, there might not be outlets that fit the plugs you use at home. Who would have expected that? It’s a common problem that first-time travelers face.
For parents’ cell phones and children’s tablets that need constant power, these are vital. Rather than searching everywhere for an outlet that will work for you, bring a plug that will work for every outlet.
A vacation abroad would drag on without being a little bit connected to home. You have to be able to make at least a few phone calls to check-in!
This tiny tool can make a huge difference when traveling internationally.
Save Those Pennies!
Traveling anywhere can be expensive. International travel can rack up in cost, even more, when you aren’t careful.
It is essential to save money prior to booking and going on any international trip. All About U blog recommends opening a separate savings account as a vacation and travel fund.
Having separate funds will help you make sure you have designated enough money before heading abroad. You will have to purchase more than just a flight and housing. You also have to consider what you will spend on expenses like food and drinks.
Always try to plan ahead for any purchases you might need to make outside of booking the vacation itself. You don’t want to book an awesome vacation and not be able to do all the excursions you hope!
Be Aware of Different Currency
Traveling to new destinations is exciting until you go to make a purchase and don’t have the correct currency.
Make sure before heading out of your home country that you are aware of the currency and exchange rate of where you are visiting.
Currencies are not all made equal. United States Dollars are not equal to Euros which are not equal to Yen.
Recognizing the differences is important in having a positive experience abroad. It will save you some embarrassment and a whole lot of trouble to be aware ahead of time.
There are a few ways to make purchases in a different currency. Many banks can help, as can ATMs. There is also the option to write traveler’s checks, though they sometimes come with a fee.
There are many options when you need to exchange currency that could make your vacation stress free.
Prepare to Sit in the Middle Seat of an Airplane
Families take up whole rows of airplanes, sometimes more depending on size. Aisle seats feel more spacious and window seats have a great view, but the middle seat doesn’t have much going for it.
According to the writers at GiftWits, you should plan ahead and be prepared to sit in the middle seat of an airplane. These can be tricky to navigate since you have a neighbor on either side of you.
It is a good idea to pack your carry on so it is organized with in-flight essentials in easily accessible areas of the bag. You won’t have to worry about knocking into your neighbors’ digging through your belongings.
Headphones are a travel must-have! Don’t forget those for the long flight, especially to drown out snoring neighbors.
Being well-prepared for the flight is the way to get your trip off on the right foot. Pack coloring books for the kids and books to read for the ultimate flight experience.
Notify Your Banks That You Are Traveling
Banks care about protecting your money and might freeze your account if they notice an international or unusual transaction. But don’t panic! There are ways to prevent this.
For any credit or debit cards you plan on using while abroad, it is a good idea to make a quick phone call to the bank to make them aware of your travel plans.
This will allow you to keep up the fun without the hassle of being blocked from spending anything.
Have All Your Documents In Order
As fun as going somewhere new is, there is a lot of preparation and planning involved. Each traveler in your family will need all the proper documentation to ensure a seamless trip.
Passports are a must, and insurance cards and driver’s licenses are other great ideas. Having these in a safe place that is also easy to access will help soar through security checkpoints.
It is also smart to have a list of emergency contacts in your wallet just in case anything were to happen while you are far from home. You can even have children memorize important phone numbers just so they can get in touch with anyone they need.
Many parents might forget to gather everything necessary for every member of the family, which could cause some trouble during the vacation.
Try Learning the Language of Where You’re Going
According to Kate Huber at NJGamblingFun, “It can be a fun family experience to try using a new language. When it will come in handy in the country you are visiting it will be extra useful! Even just a few important phrases and words can make a huge difference in an exciting trip. Practice together as a family so you can easily order dinner or purchase tickets to a show.”
Traveling internationally with your family might seem tedious, but it will be worth all the amazing experiences and memories that will last forever.
