DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT

Traveling beyond US borders almost always requires that both you and your child have a passport. A recent change in the passport application process mandates that minors under the age of 14 appear in person in front of a passport agent, according to Stuwart Patt, spokesman for the Consular Bureau of Affairs. When submitting the application, you will also need the child’s birth certificate, a valid form of ID from both parents, two passport photos and the $70 application fee. Patt recommends that parents always carry their child’s passport while traveling abroad, to ensure that it is not easily lost or stolen.

Before traveling with her 18-month-old daughter to Brazil, Los Angeles resident Lael Lowenstein called ahead to her local passport office. “I didn’t know that all children no matter how small must have a passport.” She also learned that since her husband could not appear with her when applying for her daughter’s passport, she needed a signed letter of consent from him. In the case of single parents that cannot obtain the signature of the other parent, they must show proof of sole custody or a court order permitting travel with the child.

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY

Before traveling to more exotic locales, in particular with children, be sure to visit the Center for Disease Control’s website: www.cdc.gov. “Always check to see which shots are required and if there are any medical warnings,” offers Nichols, “Most inoculations take a week or two to take effect, so schedule your appointment for three to six weeks before leaving. Most shots last several years, so use it as an excuse to continue traveling.” Avoid traveling with a sick child, as symptoms may worsen with the stress of travel.

Although most countries can supply all the necessary modern amenities, there are still items that parents of young children should considering packing. Budget Travel staffer Suzy Walrath travels to India with her husband and two children at least once a year. “At first it was hard to anticipate all the gear I would have to bring. In addition to my carry-on, I had diapers, a stroller and a baby. None of it is designed to make your life easier.” Nichols recommends a first-aid kit of sorts, “I always take a basic kit of things for diarrhea and upset stomach.” Use the Internet to research whether or not a country will have necessary items readily available and for reasonable prices.

NO REST FOR THE WEARY

Once the trip is planned, passports are ready and bags are packed, the next step to look forward to is the plane ride. While most adults can sleep through long-distance flights, young children tend to be more problematic. “As a parent, you have a job on the flight. It can be a nice time to spend with your children, but it’s a challenge to change diapers in those little teeny tiny bathrooms,” said Walrath.

By Liane Stegmaier