Tips for easier vacation with children
Advice for parents who want to take their young children abroad. An experience that can be enjoyable, as long as the needs of small travelers are prioritized.
1. Avoid peak periods. Disneyland is relevant in all seasons - why cram it into the Christmas or August holidays?
2. Are you traveling with a friendly family? It is necessary to agree well in advance about the "shifts" in the supervision of the children or the sharing of expenses as well as about the time together, to avoid friction during the trip.
3. Greek parents of children with special needs rarely travel abroad, according to travel agencies. And yet, in several places abroad there is the similar infrastructure. Information on the Internet: www.disabledfriends.com, www.youreable.com and www.medicalert.org.uk
4. Home exchange can significantly reduce the cost of travel. Visit the following websites: www.homelink.org (with 13,000 homes in 69 countries) and www.matchinghouses.com (for exchanging homes between families with children who have special needs).
5. Book rooms in advance - at least for the first few days. As much as you prefer freedom of movement, when traveling with children it is dangerous to wait to look for accommodation when you arrive at your destination.
6. Travel documents: An identity card or passport (and visa, depending on the destination) is also required for children. When the child is traveling with one parent, the birth certificate, marriage certificate and a written, signed and police-certified consent of the parent not accompanying the child (regardless of marital status) are required. If he is adopted, his adoption papers are necessary. In the event that the other parent is not alive, the relevant certification is needed. Information: www.passport.gov.gr
7. Prepare the children for the trip. Find out about the geography or history of the country you will visit, its flora and fauna, read a related book or watch a movie set there. If the local cuisine has particularities, try some dishes before your departure.
8. "Exactly what the adults wear plus one": This is the golden rule when packing children's clothes. Be sure to count on two changes a day. Clothes made of natural materials are essential if you travel to a hot country.
9. Find out about hand luggage restrictions on liquids, creams and various gels - categories that include baby food and baby care products. Divide the baby creams and cosmetics into small bottles and carry only powdered milk with you.
10. The stroller is essential, even if your child can walk. The kids get tired easier, they can take a nap and you carry your bags easier.
11. Provide for a mosquito net (if you visit a place with many insects). Babies are best protected if they sleep in a sleeping bag made of light cotton fabric, with long sleeves at the top. A small amount of insect repellent in the fabric of the sleeping bag acts as a booster.
12. Children can travel more economically. Depending on the agreement of the travel agency and the local agent, children up to two years old get up to 90% discount, while ages 2 - 12 get up to 50% discount (a third bed is added to the parents' double room). For air travel, children up to two years old pay 10% of the ticket price plus a percentage of taxes. Children 2 to 12 years old pay 25% - 30% of the value plus normal tax.
13. Check in online. Some airlines give you this option. Also ask if the airline accepts you to drop off your luggage in advance - usually one day before departure. This way you will avoid queues and inconvenience at the airport.
14. A visit to the pediatrician is not necessary before departure - unless the child has a special health problem or is being treated.
15. For allergic children, a wristband that will list the type of allergy and related medications can prove to be particularly useful.
16. Organize the portable pharmacy with the help of the pediatrician. First aid items for possible injury (iodine preparation for disinfecting wounds, gauze, antibiotic cream, oxygen). Painkiller, antiemetic and antidiarrheal and electrolyte solutions to treat the effects of diarrhea. Cortisone cream for insect bites. Device for removing the stinger in the event of a bite. Sun cream and burn cream. For asthmatic and allergic children, be sure to consult your doctor. As well as for very young children, under 18 months.
17. It is a good idea to carry a mild, non-prescription antihistamine such as Piriton for symptoms such as heavy sneezing, runny nose and irritated eyes. A hydrocortisone cream is useful for skin allergies. Alternatively, you can give the children to drink honey with apple cider vinegar, dissolved in warm water, or just a spoonful of honey.
18. Is vaccination necessary? The child who will travel to an exotic country is vaccinated according to what is endemic in that country. The relevant information is obtained by the parents - always in consultation with the pediatrician - from the Health Centers operating in the prefectures.
19. Most airlines offer games for children to occupy themselves during the flight. If declared at check in, parents are given seats with ample space. Such services are offered by Lufthansa, Iberia, Gulf, Emirates, Thai, Singapore, Air France, British, Qatar, among others.
20. The dry atmosphere in the airplane cabin often causes nasal irritation or a runny nose. You treat it by wetting your finger and putting it inside the child's nostril.