Tag: family travel abroad

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

Nomadic Narratives: Mastering the Digital Work-Life Balance

Posted on by Erika Bud

A nomad I will remain for life, in love with distant and uncharted places. – Isabelle Eberhardt

Nomadic Narratives: Mastering the Digital Work-Life Balance

Imagine a life where your office views constantly change, from serene beaches to bustling city cafes, all while achieving professional success. This is the digital nomad lifestyle, a blend of work and wanderlust. You have the power to make this dream a reality, and this guide is your roadmap to achieving that freedom. Courtesy of Big World Publishing, let’s dive into the essential steps to transition smoothly into a digital nomad life.

Exploring Remote Work Possibilities

Your first step is to explore the vast realm of remote work. Dig into various online platforms where remote jobs are listed, tailoring your search to align with your expertise and interests. Networking plays a crucial role here; connect with others who have carved out a niche in the digital nomad community. Their insights can lead you to unexplored opportunities, opening doors to roles that are a perfect match for your skills and lifestyle aspirations.

Enhancing Skills with Online Education

To thrive in the digital nomad landscape, continuously sharpening your skills is key. With an online degree program in computer science, you can deepen your knowledge in IT and programming. Such education not only boosts your technical prowess but also increases your marketability. This investment in your education will pay dividends, making you a sought-after professional in the remote working world.

Crafting a Compelling Portfolio

Your portfolio is your passport in the digital nomad universe. It should not only display your previous work but also reflect your unique flair and capabilities. A portfolio that speaks volumes about your expertise will set you apart in the competitive remote work marketplace. It’s your visual resume, showcasing your journey, skills, and the value you bring to potential employers or clients.

Navigating the Tax Landscape

When embarking on your digital nomad journey, it’s essential to get your finances in order. Registering for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) streamlines your tax process. It’s a responsible step that signifies your commitment to maintaining a clear, professional financial status while working remotely. This foresight in managing your finances is crucial for sustaining a successful and stress-free digital nomad life.

Packaging Your Services

In the digital nomad world, how you present your services is as important as the services themselves. Craft packages or service offerings that resonate with your target audience. Your focus should be on highlighting the unique advantages you bring, especially the benefits of remote collaboration. This approach will not only attract potential clients but also position you as a valuable asset in the remote work community.

Budgeting for Nomadic Life

A digital nomad’s life is not just about work; it’s a lifestyle choice. Therefore, a realistic assessment of travel and living expenses is crucial. Create a comprehensive budget that includes all aspects of your nomadic life, from accommodation to daily expenses. This financial prudence ensures you enjoy your travels without monetary worries, enabling a truly free and fulfilling nomadic experience.

Planning Accommodations

Before you embark on your journey, meticulous planning of your accommodations is essential. Research various options, from co-living spaces to short-term rentals. Booking in advance gives you peace of mind and stability, allowing you to focus on work and exploration. Well-planned accommodations are the backbone of a successful digital nomad lifestyle, offering you a safe and comfortable haven wherever you go.

 Your transition to a digital nomad lifestyle is an exciting journey toward freedom and professional growth. By following these key strategies, you’re not just preparing for a change in how you work; you’re embracing a new way of living. With the right mindset and preparation, the world becomes your office, and endless possibilities await. Embrace this change, and watch as your career and personal life flourish in ways you never imagined.

What tips do you have for mastering the digital work-life balance? 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/

Your Comfortable Bubble

Posted on by Erika Bud

Easter procession in Barcelona

Every time you leave your bubble, you enter someone else’s. The best thing to do is ask questions. Then close your mouth and open your mind. – Kellie McIntyre

 

Your Comfortable Bubble

It’s not easy for many people to leave their bubble. It’s what you know, it’s safe, it’s comfortable. So why should you push yourself out of your bubble and travel to another country?

Because of everything you’ll experience and learn.

My 9-year-old son and I spent a month in Barcelona. Every day my son would come back to our apartment and write something new that he learned or experienced that day…every day. That’s 30 things he learned about a new culture. This list included everything from the Romans who founded Barcelona, to discovering that on Easter, there are processions where men where colored robes and hoods. As my son walked in the footsteps of the Romans, he will never forget that they founded Barcelona. And he’ll never forget the strangely dressed men during Easter processions. Especially since he was so fascinated that he researched more about them when we returned to our apartment(the hoods are called capirotes and the robes and hoods have great meaning).

Will it be strange to leave your bubble?

Yes, it will, because the world is comprised of different cultures. But just because it’s strange and different, doesn’t mean it’s bad. My mom does not like to leave her bubble at all, but she pushed herself to visit us in Barcelona. To stay within the comforts of her bubble, she wanted to find the exact same foods she eats at home. Yes, she was more comfortable, but the problem was that she missed out. As soon as she left, my son and I ate at several tapas restaurants and thoroughly enjoyed new foods that we would have never imagined if we didn’t try to experience the Spanish culture and its food.

So, push yourself. Step out of your bubble and open your mind to a new culture. Let yourself be surprised by new foods, new architects, and walking the footsteps of ancient Romans from 2,000 years ago.

What are your concerns about traveling abraod and leaving your bubble? 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/

Cruising the World with Your Child

Posted on by Erika Bud

A mother and daughter are on a ship balcony looking out over the water

“Some cruise lines cater to different passengers. Some are known more as the booze cruises, some as the family cruises, cruises for older passengers, and cruises for those who like luxury.” – Erika Bud

 

Cruising the World with Your Child

Have you been wondering what it would be like to take your children on an international cruise? Or have you visited countries sailing on a cruise with your family and you think it’s the best thing in the world? Well, you’re not alone. According to a study conducted by AAA earlier this year, over 58 million Americans are considering a cruise in the next two years (Edmonds, 2022). Prior to the pandemic, ocean cruising had been steadily increasing over the last decade with almost 30 million passengers cruising worldwide (Statista Search Department, 2022). If this many people are cruising, there must be something to this method of travel, right?

Why should you consider cruising for your family?

For most families, convenience is what comes to mind when you cruise. If you want to see multiple destinations, you can do that with ease as you only need to unpack once, if at all, since you’re on a moving hotel. Cruises, especially ocean cruises, are also considered to be fairly affordable, when considering other forms of traveling. This has especially been true since the pandemic. While there are cruise lines that are more luxurious than others, and therefore more expensive, there seems to be an option for almost everyone. Entertainment is another consideration. The types of entertainment will vary between cruise lines and drastically when you’re considering ocean vs. river cruises, but the point is that some form of entertainment is available.

Should I choose an ocean cruise or river cruise?

This is an easier question than you may think. If your children are younger than eight years old, stick with ocean cruises. If your children are older than eight, make sure they are entertained by sites, history, and experiences. If your children need constant stimulation and the idea of experiencing new cultures sounds like torture to them, avoid river cruises. Ocean cruises are like amusement parks and a dream for most kids. Parents also get to relax knowing their children are entertained. Entertainment on river cruises is the sites and activities themselves. There is minimal entertainment on the actual ship because most people are too tired from that day’s excursions that relaxing sounds like the best option. Speaking of excursions, on a river cruise, there is usually at least one or two excursions included each day, which is a big difference from ocean cruising. Ocean cruising is more about the ship, while river cruising is more about the destination and experiencing the culture.

Erika Bud on an ox cart with the river cruise ship in the background along the Mekong River
Erika Bud on an ox cart with the river cruise ship in the background along the Mekong River


Don’t forget about the people! This is a big factor for many cruisers. If you like a quieter experience, river cruising is better for you. River cruise ships only hold around 150 passengers, while ocean cruise ships hold on average 3,000 passengers, up to over 6,000 passengers. Now, while this does sound like a lot and you definitely see the people, because the ocean cruise ships are so much bigger than a river cruise ship, you can still find a rather quiet corner of the cruise ship if you would like. As far as the size of the cruise ships, there are advantages to the larger ships vs. the smaller ships. The larger ocean cruise ships can accommodate more room types, food, and entertainment options than a river cruise ship. The advantages of having a smaller river cruise ship are that you can go to smaller, less touristy ports than ocean cruise ships. This means that you get a more intimate, cultural experience at your ports and you’re not battling the extremely busy ports when thousands of people disembark to visit the same places as you.

large slide on the top of an ocean cruise ship
Large slide on the top of an ocean cruise ship

Cruise restrictions

It is common for people to think that cruises are too restricting. It’s true in that you can’t go where you want when you want. You are restricted to the cruise itinerary, and you must be back when the cruise line tells you to be back. This can be frustrating for people who want to spend more time in a particular port. The great thing is that you know your itinerary before you book a cruise. If you want to spend more time in a destination, make sure to pay close attention to your itinerary. Many people choose a cruise that leaves or returns from a city they really want to see and stay for a couple nights in a hotel before or after the cruise. Similarly, if you want to have more or fewer sailing days, take that into consideration when you’re looking at the itinerary. As far as food options, river cruise options are more limited as there is usually only one dinner time. Again, since the experience is more about the destination, the dinners are timed perfectly so almost everyone is ready to eat at the scheduled time. That doesn’t mean the food is not high quality though! With ocean cruises, you are usually only restricted to specific times if you want to eat with everyone. If you don’t care, there are several food options that don’t require eating at a certain time. It is very rare that you ever hear about a person coming back from any cruise complaining about being hungry. Most every passenger gains weight by the end of the trip because of the ample food options.

Keep in mind

Some cruise lines cater to different passengers. Some are known more as booze cruises, some as family cruises, cruises for older passengers, and cruises for those who like luxury. Using a travel agent who specializes in ocean or river cruises will help to ensure you have the experience you are looking for and get to enjoy every aspect of your international family vacation.

What are your concerns about traveling with children on a cruise for your next overseas travel adventure? If you love cruising with your family abroad, what did I miss? 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/

References

Edmonds, E. 2022. Ship Ahoy: 40% of Americans Just as Likely to Take a Cruise as Before the Pandemic. AAA Newsroom, https://newsroom.aaa.com/2022/03/ship-ahoy-40-of-americans-just-as-likely-to-take-a-cruise-as-before-the-pandemic/

Statista Research Department (2022, July 27) Number of ocean cruise passengers worldwide from 2009 to 2021 [Infographic]. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/385445/number-of-passengers-of-the-cruise-industry-worldwide/

 

Traveling the world as a single parent

Posted on by Erika Bud

traveling the world as a single parent

Your child assumes a responsibility as your travel partner. You are not the parent traveling with your child. You’re traveling together. It puts the responsibility on your child, and there’s no shame in this.- Joy Lopez

Traveling the World as a Single Parent

You love going on vacations with your family. Your partner is there to help you, and you couldn’t imagine traveling the world without their help. So, what do you do when the unexpected happens and you divorce or separate from your partner? Do you stop traveling with your children or do you start traveling the world as a single parent?

Determining the best way to travel abroad with children

There are many reasons for single parents to stop traveling with their children. It can be more difficult to be responsible for everything and everyone. It’s much more expensive to travel when you don’t have that second income. It’s easier to lose your patience when you’re the only parent listening to your children complain about doing something they don’t want to do or eating something they don’t want to eat. But with all this being said, what it comes down to is do you believe there is a benefit to traveling the world with your children? If your answer is yes, then you can find a way to make it happen. Your outlook will guide the experience to ensure you and your children have a memorable time.

It’s not easy to transition from family travel to single-parent travel

It is true it’s not the same when you travel with your children as a single parent. You’re reminded by it with everything you do, whether it’s going through TSA, entertaining your children on the flight, or navigating how and what you’re doing at each destination.

“Transitioning from family to single parent is hard because families are what’s traveling. Your feelings of resentment and frustration can start as soon as you start looking.” – Joy Lopez

Joy Lopez, single mother to nine-year-old Wilson, was surprised by the positive aspects of traveling as a single parent as well. In some respects, she felt it was easier because she could do what she wanted on the trip instead of taking her partner’s opinions into consideration. It also made it easier to find dates to travel since she only needed to consider her schedule instead of her partner’s. Joy made a great point by highlighting that when you travel solo with your children, your children focus less on the fact that only one parent is there and focus more on the airplane ride and the new experiences. If you focus on the excitement, your children will be excited. If you wallow or focus on the negative aspects of the change in dynamic, your children will pick up on that negativity as well.

Focus on the positive side of traveling solo with your children

Another positive outcome of traveling as a single parent is that it pushes you out of your comfort zone. If your children want to engage in an activity that normally your partner would participate in, it forces you to step out of your comfort zone to enjoy that new experience with your children. It also forces your child to step up as your travel partner.

“Your child assumes a responsibility as your travel partner. You are not the parent traveling with your child. You’re traveling together. It puts the responsibility on your child, and there’s no shame in this.”  – Joy Lopez

Not only does this help you to stay sane and less overwhelmed, but your child enjoys feeling like the “big boy” or “big girl.” How many times do your children try to do something you think they are too young to do? They do this because they enjoy feeling empowered and love being able to help you and show off their abilities.

Parents are stronger than they realize

There is a lot of strength and courage required to travel as a single parent. The best part is if you focus on the experience for your children, you don’t realize how much strength and courage it’s requiring from you because it’s just something you know you need to do if you want to give your children the experience. When you think about it, as parents, this is what we have been doing since the day our children were born.

As far as the cost, there is no denying this becomes more difficult as a single parent. There are still many ways to make it happen though, so don’t let money be the reason you don’t travel with your children. Get an airline credit card to pay for your flights. Travel with your friends or family so you can share the expenses with them. Consider flying at crazy times or off-season when the cost is lower. As you start to travel, you will meet many great people from around the world. Don’t be afraid to take them up on their offer to visit and stay with them. They can always say no, but what do you have to lose?

Adventures await you and your children

What it all comes down to is the fact that while there are many components that change the dynamic of traveling with your children as a single parent, there are still so many adventures for you and your children available for the taking. Start where you can start and expand from there.

Do you have any other international travel tips for single parents? Are there any benefits to traveling solo with your kids abroad that were missed? Please post your comments below.

To hear more about Joy and Wilson’s overseas travel adventures and international travel tips, listen to them on 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/

 

Why travel the world with six children?

Posted on by Erika Bud

Why travel the world with six children?

Ben and Meghann are the proud parents of six children. While most parents would find it challenging just to go to the park with six children, Ben and Meghann make it a priority to travel the world with their children. They took their first child out of the country when she was only ten months old and have now traveled with their children to nine countries. 

So why do Ben and Meghann make traveling abroad a priority? Ben and Meghan’s parents both traveled abroad with them when they were little, and they think it’s important to do the same for their children.  Now they feel that taking the kids traveling is one of the most enjoyable experiences. As Ben pointed out, adults don’t tend to react to things in quite the excitable way that kids do, and when kids get to see new things for the first time, their reaction is incomparable. 

Quality time is another important reason to travel the world with children

Everyday life is very busy, but when you travel, there are no distractions from devices or friends; there’s just family time. Traveling is the best time to focus on the kids and connect with the kids. It can be difficult to connect with the kids, but traveling provides that special opportunity by changing the dynamic in a good way.

Ben and Meghann don’t pretend their kids remember every detail about their vacations abroad or that their kids completely appreciate what they are seeing or experiencing. But they do know the emotions and perspective stay with their children, and it often surprises them with the obscure things they remember. For example, when they are in a country and their children see someone who has less than they have, they reflect on it and discuss what they are seeing as a family. Not only does it make all of them appreciate what they have a little more, but it helps form their perspective of other parts of the world and have compassion as the children always want to do what they can to help them.

Even when their children don’t want to go to a site or enjoy the same experience, Ben and Meghan find that often their kids either end up liking it or later down the line it comes up and it provides a moment to connect with their kids and discuss the experience. Sometimes they have to remind their kids about the importance of what they are seeing, but it just helps to get them excited about it. Furthermore, every time their kids pick up a picture and they remember the experience, it reinforces those good times they had and that memory, and they believe there is nothing that compares to that. 

Do their kids argue on their international family vacations?

Of course they do; they’re kids. But as Meghann and Ben point out, no matter what they do, their kids are going to argue and complain. Since this is the reality of life with kids, they believe they might as well explore another country and experience the benefits of traveling abroad.

Setting expectations when traveling the world with children

To help with the arguing, one of the many things Ben and Meghann have learned over the years as they travel around the world is to set everyone’s expectations. For them, they know traveling to another country is a trip, not a relaxing vacation. Reframing their travels in this way has helped them to enjoy the experience more.

Setting their expectations with the children has also helped to make it a more positive travel experience. Each day they let the kids know what to expect. In this way, the kids are prepared if they are not necessarily doing something they enjoy, but they also know what part of the day they will enjoy. Ben and Meghann make sure each day of their travels has at least one thing the kids will like. It could be seeing a particular site or as simple as ice cream. What a great idea and since this helps with their six children, it’s easy to believe this will work for other families traveling abroad.

Do you have any other international travel tips? Are there any benefits to traveling with your kids abroad that were missed? Please post your comments below.

To hear more about Ben and Meghann’s overseas travel adventures and international travel tips, listen to them on the Planes, Trains, & Kids Abroad travel podcast at https://bigworldpub.com/listen-to-travel-podcast/

“With the challenges that come with lots of family time, the benefits definitely outweigh those challenges.” – Ben Schwartz

 

“Yeah, it’s challenging, but so is going to the park with your kids…the reward is so great.” – Meghann Schwartz

 

“When you see the kids talking about the trips to their friends in a positive way, it just makes us want to keep doing it.” – Ben Schwartz

002: Traveling the World as a Single Mom & Student

Posted on by Erika Bud

Joy is an inspiration to so many single moms. It’s difficult enough being a single mom, but when you add on school and traveling the world with a limited budget, it’s remarkable how she does it all. Join us as Joy provides international travel tips, explains how family travel abroad changed once she got divorced, and explains how she plans affordable international vacations. Don’t miss a special bonus when I am joined by Wilson, Joy’s nine-year-old son, as he explains why parents should travel abroad with their children. I think you’ll finish this episode with a smile…I know I did!

To find out more about the host, the Travel Rangers book series, or if you want to be a guest on this show, go to: https://bigworldpub.com/

To get updates on upcoming podcasts, share stories, pictures, or tips, or ask questions related to family travel abroad, follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/planestrainskidsabroad

Overseas Travel Adventures – Should You Bring Your Children?

Posted on by Erika Bud

Deciding not to travel with your children because they won’t remember the trips you take is like saying don’t read them books because they won’t remember the stories you read. – Unknown

Consider an international family vacation

Overseas Travel Adventures – Should you Bring Your Children?

Like so many parents who love overseas travel adventures, I would not consider an international family vacation until my son was old enough to appreciate it. Why would I take him? He won’t remember anything. He’ll complain about being tired or hungry. The long flight will be a nightmare. I won’t be able to do anything I want to do because what I am interested in, won’t be interesting to him.

Wow, putting this into words makes me feel like the worst parent in the world but, I’m not. I’ve just had my share of parenting struggles and when I travel, I want to be selfish. I want to go away on vacation and enjoy every moment of it without a care in the world. As a parent, it’s ok to let yourself have those special moments, but was it fair that I was choosing to take away these experiences from my son?

The selfish side of a woman who loves to travel abroad

When my son was three, his father and I divorced. It was the last thing I ever wanted for my child, but as we all know, life doesn’t always work out the way we plan. What did this mean for the woman who had traveled to almost thirty countries before she was a parent? It meant I had a built-in babysitter of course! It meant traveling would now be easier knowing my son would be well cared for while I was away. Of course I was going to miss him, but I deserved to indulge occasionally too, right?

The selfish side kicked in and I started planning my next trip. I messaged my friend who lives in England and asked her if she wanted to meet me in Frankfurt, and that was that. I went on a Rhine River cruise for eight days and had an amazing time making new memories with wonderful people. I missed my son, but I checked in every day to let him know I missed him and reminded myself that he would be ok while I was gone. And he was. When I returned, it felt like he barely knew I was gone, even though I know he did. But the trip reignited my passion for travel, and I was committed to traveling overseas at least once per year.

The trip that changed it all

When I was on my river cruise, I met my Australian sister from another mother. When we parted ways in Amsterdam, she and her husband invited me to visit them in Adelaide, Australia. I had lived in Australia for three years, but I had never been to Adelaide and hey, leaving winter to spend time at the beach sounded great. But how could I leave my son already, three months after I returned from my last trip? Then again, how many opportunities do you get to stay with amazing people in a wonderful country?

The battle continued as I thought about the expensive flights and how hard it would be traveling by myself, with a five-year-old, enduring almost two days of travel each way. You’d have to be insane and besides, what’s the point when he won’t remember it anyway? It came down to the fact that I could either spend my first New Year’s Eve divorced, by myself at home, or celebrate it by traveling to Australia with my son. I’m sure you can guess which option won. I thought I was crazy but the idea of passing up on this opportunity sounded even crazier. I got my son’s passport ready and booked the flights. We were going to Australia!

Your child may surprise you

Of course, my son had no idea what was going on. He was just excited that he was going to be on an airplane and that he would be able to watch movies and play video games for hours on end. I braced myself for horrible travel days. I mean I didn’t even like traveling for that long. There was no way my son was going to make it through these two days without at least one tantrum.

The night before our departure, one of our flights was canceled and we now had a 16-hour layover in China. I couldn’t believe it. How was I going to entertain my child in the airport for 16 hours? I figured the best option was to take the airline up on their offer for a free hotel, get a temporary visa at the airport, and make our way into the city of Guangzhou, and that’s what we did.

You are stronger than you realize

Luckily, my son didn’t have any meltdowns on the flight over, but I was going by myself into a foreign country with my son. I was nervous, but I figured it was the only way we were going to make it through the long layover. We would be able to take a nap and I knew we would both desperately need it by that time. We got on a bus arranged by the hotel at the airport (so I felt rather safe), but I was still nervous.

As we started driving away from the airport, my nerves went away (for the most part) when I looked at my son. His facial expression as he looked out of the window let me know I made the right decision. He was in awe. He kept squealing with excitement, telling me to look out of the window because he wanted to make sure I saw everything that was new to him. It made my heart smile. When we arrived at the hotel, we ate in the hotel restaurant, and he tried the local food. He was looking around the entire time, soaking it all in. We then went to our room, took a long nap, and made our way back to the airport. The look of awe rarely left his face.

The turning point that completely changed my perspective

When we returned to the airport, what I saw there would completely change my mind about taking my son with me overseas. As we were sitting in the terminal, waiting for our plane, my son wanted to play on the moving walkway. It was the middle of the night, and the airport was fairly empty, so I let him play. A little Chinese boy smiled at him and before I knew it, the two were playing together, smiling, and laughing the entire time. Neither one of them understood the language spoken but they understood the universal smile, and that was all it took.

I realized from that moment, that not only was I opening his eyes to a new culture and perspective, but he was learning to see people for what they had in common and not for their differences. He learned that even though he couldn’t understand the boy, he was still a friend because he smiled, and that’s all that mattered. I loved that I gave that experience to my son and from that moment on, I wanted to fill his life with many more experiences like that.

Author Erika Bud and her son feeding a kangaroo in Australia

We ended up having an incredible time in Australia. My son got to feed kangaroos and pet koalas. He was surrounded by people who sounded different than him, but he didn’t care because they were so nice to him. He tasted his first pancakes with ice cream and swam in the Indian Ocean. It really is just like reading a book with your child when they are young. While they may not remember every character or every story, when they read the story, they are forming their perspectives and ideas of how they look at other people and the world in general.

Traveling to other countries broadened my son’s perspective and introduced him to new cultures and for that, I will forever be grateful. I have now chosen a career that allows me to travel with my son. I will still travel on my own as I do have a different experience when I travel with adults, but I will keep traveling with my son a priority. I now understand just how much it will contribute to the boy he is and the man he will one day become.

 

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