May 23, 2016
What You Need to Know about International Travel
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| | 50-plus Great Ideas for your family summer vacation |
Dear Family Travelers:
According to the just-released 2016 Portrait of American Travelers, millennial families are more likely to travel internationally than their peers who don't have kids. Some 38 percent of millennial family vacations are to international destinations, according to those polled for this study. That means a lot of kids are getting their first passport. You may not know: - Both parents and the child need to be present when applying for a passport for a child under age 16. If both parents can't be present and provide consent, you must include a notarized DS-11 form giving consent.
- If the child has only one parent or guardian, you must present evidence of sole authority-a court order granting sole legal custody, for example, or a death certificate of the other parent. You need the originals, not photocopies.
- You need to show evidence that lists you as the parent (a U.S. birth certificate or adoption decree) and evidence of the child's citizenship if foreign born.
- If you are taking your child solo out of the country (or sending her with grandparents, for example), you need to send a letter giving both parents' permission. It is a good idea to get it notarized and include permission to get your child medical care abroad if necessary.
- Though kids under two can fly free, the FAA recommends you purchase a seat and use your safety seat as young children are far safer restrained in turbulent skies. Ask about discounted children's fares on overseas flights.
- There is no guarantee that you will get seats together as a family, especially on many foreign carriers, unless you pay to guarantee the seats you want. British Airways, for example, allows families to book their seats without charge five days in advance of their flight (other customers only can do so 24 hours in advance) but there may be slim pickings by then.
- Although airlines have increasingly large selections of kids' games, movies and TV shows within their entertainment systems-Virgin Atlantic gives kids an entire backpack; be prepared if the airplane's entertainment system isn't working by bringing your own movie and games.
- Be prepared with food and water bottles as it is likely that your child won't be hungry when the meal is served or might not like what is offered (ask about ordering a child's meal).
- Be prepared with a change of clothes-for you too-in case of spills.
- Bring along a book or movie to share on board about the place you are going-Paddington Bear for London, for example.
Happy Travels!
Find out what local and visiting kids have to say about nine great American travel destinations through our Kids' Guides Series from Globe Pequot Press.
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