Tag: best international trips for families

Embrace, Explore, Go: Essential Tips for a Smooth Family Vacations Overseas

Posted on by Erika Bud
Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Having kids is reason to travel, never a reason to stop. – Anonymous

Embrace, Explore, Go: Essential Tips for a Smooth Family Vacations Overseas

Embarking on an international trip with your family can be an exciting-yet-unnerving endeavor. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, careful planning and preparation are key. This includes everything from checking travel documents to securing your home before departure. By taking care of these details, you can focus on enjoying your journey and creating memorable experiences with your family. Here are some items you should have on your list, brought to you by the kind folks at Big World Publishing, LLC.

Passport Validity: A Crucial First Step

Before dreaming of exotic destinations, check the expiration dates on each family member’s passport. It’s imperative that these crucial travel documents remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date. Many countries strictly enforce this six-month rule, and overlooking it can disrupt your travel plans. Additionally, consider the time needed for renewing passports, as this can vary and might take longer than expected.

Navigating Visa Requirements

Each country you plan to visit might have its own set of visa requirements. It’s vital to research these well in advance to avoid any surprises. Applying for visas can sometimes be a time-consuming process, involving detailed paperwork and potentially even visits to embassies or consulates. Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for each country on your itinerary, including processing times and necessary documents, to ensure a hassle-free entry.

Securing Your Home

As you prepare to explore the world, don’t forget to secure your castle. Lock all doors and windows, set alarms, and inform a trusted neighbor or friend about your absence. Alongside these traditional security measures, investing in smart home technology can offer significant advantages. It allows you to monitor your home remotely and integrate with existing measures like deadbolts and window locks for added peace of mind. By combining the reliability of conventional security practices with the innovation of modern technology, you create a comprehensive safety net for your home. These steps ensure that you can enjoy your travels without worrying about the safety and security of your home.

The Safety Net of Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not just a piece of paper; it’s your family’s safety net. Investing in a comprehensive policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings can save you from unforeseen financial burdens. Moreover, travel insurance can also provide assistance services, like medical referrals and emergency travel arrangements. This peace of mind is invaluable, allowing you to fully enjoy your travels without the worry of what-if scenarios, and ensuring that you are prepared for any unexpected challenges that may arise.

Banking Without Borders

Imagine reaching your dream destination and finding your credit or debit card blocked. To avoid such inconveniences, notify your bank of your travel dates and destinations. This simple step ensures your transactions are smooth and uninterrupted, letting you focus on creating memorable experiences with your family. Additionally, inform your bank about the types of expenses you might incur to prevent fraud alerts for unusual activity.

Staying Connected Safely

While it’s tempting to share your travel joys on social media, doing so can inadvertently signal that your home is unoccupied, potentially attracting thieves. Instead, consider using a free card maker to create fun e-cards. These digital postcards are a personal and safe way to share your adventures with friends and family back home. Plus, it’s a creative way to preserve memories and a thoughtful gesture that your loved ones are sure to appreciate.

Embracing Local Languages

Learning a few key phrases in the local language of your destination is not only practical but also a gesture of respect toward the local culture. Simple phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” can go a long way in facilitating smoother interactions and enriching your travel experience. It can also help in situations where English might not be widely spoken, and it shows locals that you’re making an effort to engage with their culture.

Tech Readiness: Adapting to Local Electricity

Different countries have different types of electrical outlets and voltages. To keep your electronic devices charged and ready, research the types of outlets used at your destination and pack the appropriate adapters. This small step prevents the inconvenience of being unable to use or charge your devices when you need them most. It’s also advisable to carry a universal travel adapter, which can be a versatile solution for various types of outlets.

Traveling abroad with your family can be one of the most rewarding experiences, filled with learning, bonding, and adventure. Such trips offer a unique opportunity for family members to step out of their comfort zones, experiencing new cultures, languages, and customs together. By following these essential preparation steps, including checking travel documents, understanding visa requirements, and securing comprehensive travel insurance, you can minimize potential stressors and maximize enjoyment. Thorough preparation allows you to navigate different environments confidently, ensuring a smoother and more fulfilling travel experience. The key to a successful family trip lies not just in the destination, but in the journey — and that journey starts with thorough and thoughtful preparation.

What tips do you have for traveling abroad with your family? We would love to hear from you! Please post your comments below.

Make travel exciting for children with the Travel Rangers picture book series Available Here

To hear more about family travel abroad experiences, travel tips, and more, listen to the Planes, Trains, & Kids Abroad travel podcast today!

Written by: Charlene Roth

How Short-term Rentals Can Save Cash

Posted on by Erika Bud
Photo by Unsplash

An investment in travel is an investment into yourself – Matthew Karsten

 

How Travelers Booking Short-Term Rentals Can Save Some Serious Cash

Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure, or to snap some memorable photos of sunsets on the beach, visiting a new place can be expensive. Over 75 percent of Americans go into debt when they travel (to the tune of $1,108), and this debt can impact your overall financial health. But you don’t have to dig a grave for your credit score to travel.

Many people choose to skip the fancy five-star hotels and book short-term rentals. Whether you’re traveling far away or staying close to home in Atlanta, these fully furnished and equipped apartments and homes can be a financial lifesaver, especially now that apps make finding short-term rentals a cinch. However, the savings don’t have to end there. From Big World Publishing, here are some ways to save some serious dough when you’re traveling and booking short-term rentals.

Scout Out Car Rental Deals

Chances are, you’re not bringing your car with you during your travels — especially if you’re going to another country. Just because you need a car to get around doesn’t mean you have to throw your budget out of the window. Luckily, popular websites make saving money on car rentals easier than ever. You can push your savings if you scout out coupons and stack them together before you rent the car. Some credit cards even offer you special discounts on rentals.

Leverage the Shared Economy

You can rent out short-term rental apartments and vacation homes that are fully furnished, but you’ll probably find a better deal on shared economy apps. Since you’ll be able to deal directly with people who are renting out their spare rooms or homes, you can usually save a ton of dough. Plus, some of the short-term rentals available are way nicer than five-star hotels.

But the shared economy goes far beyond rentals. EatWith connects you with local chefs and dinner parties that can give you the experience of eating out without the massive bill. Apps like Spinlister can help you find local bikes or surfboards without having to spend the dough to buy one outright. And apps like Wag! can find you a dog sitter on the cheap while you’re out of town. That’s just a small list. There are thousands of shared economy apps that let you get products and services at a fraction of the price that some companies charge.

Purchase a Vacation Property

If you find yourself repeatedly visiting the same place, it’s wise to consider investing in a vacation property. This is a great way to save on housing expenses during your vacation while also providing income opportunities when you aren’t using the property. Keep in mind that mortgages for vacation homes can have different requirements.

If you do rent the property, be sure to protect yourself with an appropriate business structure. An LLC is ideal for protecting your personal assets from legal liability. Plus, it offers you tax benefits as well.

Save on Airfare

That short-term rental you found may be amazing and cheap, but you still have to get to it. One of the most expensive components of traveling is airfare. Luckily, there are websites that can help. Places like Priceline can help you find cheap airline tickets. But be careful; there are some shadier websites that claim to offer cheap airfare. It’s not always worth it. Some of them are downright uncomfortable. Also, if you travel a ton, look into frequent flyer miles. Credit cards that offer these may restrict you to using certain airlines, but it’s almost always worth it in the end. And you also get to ride first class, which is always nice.

Flying and staying in new places can be great for your mental health. That said, it’s not always cheap. With these helpful tips, you can save some serious cash during your vacation or business travel. From car rentals to short-term rental apartments and food, there are plenty of ways to be budget-friendly on your next trip.

What travel-saving tips do you have? We would love to hear from you! Please post your comments below.

Make travel exciting for children with the Travel Rangers picture book series Available Here

To hear more about family travel abroad experiences, travel tips, and more, listen to the Planes, Trains, & Kids Abroad travel podcast today!

Written by: Linda Robinson

Your Travel Abroad Memories Are Priceless

Posted on by Erika Bud

Author, Erika Bud's son holding a jellyfish while kayaking in Dingle Bay, Ireland

If you’re not taking your kids abroad because you’re afraid they won’t remember the trip, remind yourself that your memories are just as valuable. – Erika Bud

 

Your Travel Abroad Memories Are Priceless

So many parents love traveling abroad, but when it comes to traveling with young kids, they choose to wait until their kids are older. They want to make sure their kids are old enough to remember the trip. After all, traveling overseas is often more expensive than traveling domestically, so why waste the money?

My challenge to you, however, is what value do you place on your memories?

Of course, you want your children to remember this magical experience. You can try to look through pictures with them to make sure the trip stays on their mind. But if the kids are too young, even that won’t work. Does that mean you shouldn’t take the family trip abroad? Absolutely not. Why? Because you will remember every piece of it.

How many parents will remember when their child asks them why other people sound different than they do or why it’s so hot when it’s winter back home? These are priceless conversations that you would likely never have unless you traveled abroad with them.

Even if somehow, you don’t have these conversations with your children, what about your child’s expressions? How do you think it would make you feel when you see how excited your children get when they travel on the double-decker bus for the first time? Or how about when they see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night? When you’re traveling to new countries, these types of experiences happen all the time and for most parents, it melts their heart every time. 

These are memories you will always have when you take your children to a new country.

So, remember, if you’re not taking your kids abroad because you’re afraid they won’t remember the trip, remind yourself that your memories are just as valuable. Your kids will still learn from the experience since it’s opening their eyes to a new way of life and because of the memorable conversations you’re having with them. Don’t let this be the reason you are not enjoying an overseas travel adventure with your family.

What are your concerns about traveling abroad with your young children? I would love to hear from you! Please post your comments below.

To hear more about family travel abroad experiences, travel tips, and more, listen to the Planes, Trains, & Kids Abroad travel podcast at:  https://bigworldpub.com/listen-to-travel-podcast/

Written by: Erika Bud. You can find out more about the author, the Travel Rangers book series, and the travel podcast at:  http://bigworldpub.com/

Travel to Ireland – What I Learned From Taking My 8-Year-Old Child

Posted on by Erika Bud

You never know what kids will enjoy, but you undeniably can’t discount the little things. – Erika Bud

 

Travel to Ireland – What I Learned From Taking My 8-year-old Child

I had always wanted to travel to Ireland with my son. This summer, we were able to enjoy a two-week family vacation in Ireland and Northern Ireland. While I advocate for overseas travel adventures with your children, each time I take my son out of the country, I can’t help but cross my fingers that he enjoys the experience. One thing I have learned is that what you think your child will love is not often what they actually love or will even remember most. When you plan a family trip abroad, as a parent, you really must allow your children to make the trip theirs and not force them to have the trip or memories you want them to have.

Let your children make the trip theirs

What does this mean? As parents, we often want the vacation to be so perfect and so memorable, that we plan out almost everything. Even if we don’t verbally share the plan with everyone on the trip with us, we have a fairly good idea about what we’re going to see or do at a certain destination. One thing you learn when you travel abroad is that children often have different ideas about what they want to see or do. For example, while we were on Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands, we wanted to walk around to see this new town since we were only there for an afternoon. To my son, this was boring. All he wanted to do was walk on the sand by the water, something that he’s done many times before in his own country. This wasn’t what I planned, but it was ok. We decided to do a little bit of both, so we all got to do what we wanted. He was happy, and now when he thinks of this island, he thinks about how much fun he had on the beach. He was making the trip to this island his own, with his own memories.

The surprise that enhanced the trip for my son

One of the best decisions we made on this trip was to bring a digital camera just for my son to use. It was an old, waterproof camera, nothing special. We thought he would use it occasionally, but we could not have hoped it would have enhanced his experience as much as it did. I think it was the fact that again, he was making the trip his own. He was taking pictures of things he wanted to take pictures of, like five pictures of the fat caterpillar he saw in the parking lot. I was worried that he would have a challenging time traveling for hours between destinations, but instead, he took pictures out of the window for most of the drive. It not only enhanced his experience, but it enhanced ours since we didn’t have to hear him complaining during the drive.

You never know what will happen when you’re on vacation

While we were visiting the stunning Kylemore Abbey, a rescue helicopter made a rescue on the mountain across the way. My son thought it was the most exciting thing he had ever seen. It’s one thing to see a rescue on TV or in a picture, but to see this happen in front of him while he was on vacation in Ireland was priceless. He was way more excited over that than he was by the Abbey that many people dream of seeing. It just goes to show you that you never know what will happen when you’re on vacation. My son will always remember that experience (because he took a million pictures with his camera) and where he was when he saw it.

Take chances; they might surprise you

One of the excursions, when we were in Dingle, was to go kayaking in Dingle Bay. My son was excited to go, but I’m not going to lie and say I wasn’t nervous. I wasn’t nervous he would fall out; I was nervous that halfway into the trip, he would get too tired and complain. The last thing I wanted was to be surrounded by amazing scenery, kayaking in the Atlantic Ocean for the first time, and not be able to enjoy it because my son was complaining. This excursion really helped to get that way of thinking out of my head and to start giving my son the benefit of the doubt. He absolutely loved it! When he was tired, we took breaks, which was fine because we needed the break ourselves. He brings up all the time how we were kayaking with jellyfish and how he got to hold one and how he felt like such an adventurer since he got to kayak through caves. I am so glad I took a chance as I know he had one of the best experiences of his life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s the little things

When I take my son to another country, I’m always reminded that it’s often the little things that make the trip fun and memorable for him. Again, what I am excited to see and experience is rarely what he finds exciting. I saw my son’s face light up over things that I would have otherwise forgotten if it weren’t for him. In one of our hotels, you could climb six stories and look down the grand staircase to the bottom. He thought that was so cool and asked us to climb them several times throughout our stay. Another example is when he was having a blast climbing the cannons on the Derry/Londonderry Wall. He had climbed cannons many times throughout his childhood, but these were the coolest cannons because he was in Ireland and on a wall. You never know what kids will enjoy, but you undeniably can’t discount the little things.

What to get a child as a souvenir

I’m a very practical, rather frugal mom. I mean, how else would I afford these family trips abroad? I am not the mom who buys my son whatever he wants whenever we go to a store. This trip to Ireland made me realize that when traveling abroad, I need to relax this a bit. As I said before, I needed to let my son make this his trip, not my trip. While I like to get practical gifts that will provide memories that will last for years to come, my son doesn’t care about that stuff. We wanted to get him a shirt, sweatshirt, or poster…something that would last longer than a few weeks. On this trip, my son asked for a tin whistle and a little box that had a replica of Blarney Castle in it. This gimmicky stuff was not practical to me in the slightest. While I know he will likely lose it and he will lose interest in the whistle soon, I realized I’d rather him love it for a few weeks than wear a t-shirt he couldn’t care less about.

The memories that will always stay with you

As we wrapped up our trip, we all talked about our top three favorite things we saw or did. Hearing that my son could only narrow it down to his top favorite eight things only confirmed how important it is to keep taking him on overseas travel adventures. While we were talking about the Cliffs of Moher or Kylemore Abbey, some of his favorites were rather surprising. They included staying for a night in Abbeyglen Castle, kayaking in the caves in Dingle Bay, visiting Ross Castle, holding a lamb, seeing a rescue helicopter rescuing people, the ferry ride to Inishmore, and Blarney Castle. While his top memories are different from our top memories, those are memories he will always have, and we will always have together.

What did you learn the last time you took a family trip abroad? I would love to hear from you! Please post your comments below.

To hear more about family travel abroad experiences, travel tips, and more, listen to the Planes, Trains, & Kids Abroad travel podcast at:  https://bigworldpub.com/listen-to-travel-podcast/

Written by: Erika Bud. You can find out more about the  author, the Travel Rangers book series, and travel podcast at:  http://bigworldpub.com/