Travel Tips 
Air Travel

If you are traveling abroad here are the top 10 tips you need to make your trip easier:

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!

2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.

3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.

4. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.

5. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.

7. Prior to your departure, you should register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website . Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released without your express authorization. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States.

8. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.

9. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.

10. If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy.

The Airlines (Especially domestic airlines) are being very strict on any changes, they are now stating that once you purchase the ticket, that you can not make any changes to that ticket.

Remember to reconfirm your flights at least 72 hours prior to departure or the Airline may cancel your reservations.

Infants to age 24 months traveling internationally pay 10% of a full adult one way fare from the originating airport to the first point of entry into the United States. This does not entitle the infant to a seat, it is more of a service fee. Children 2-12 usually pay 50 - 75% of an adult one way fare internationally and they are entitled to a seat. Certain countries require the purchase of the infant or child’s ticket to be made there.

Bulkhead or aisle seats are usually the first choice for parents traveling with babies.  The bulkhead is the first row of seats in the main cabin and you have no seats immediately in front of you, this allows you more leg room and easier access in and out, and the ability to attach a bassinet. Most airlines retain the bulkhead seats for airport check-in.

The flight attendants can not legally handle soiled diapers as they are handling your food.

Carry an extra supply of diapers and formula in case you are delayed anywhere. Your carry-on should include a change of clothes for your child as well as children’s Tylenol, etc.

Ear pressure for take offs and landings can be extremely painful. Have a bottle on hand to help alleviate that pain for an infant, especially for landing, which is usually the more difficult of the two.

Don’t take toys that have little bits or parts that will fall on the floor.

Don’t worry about the other passengers, they are adults and can look after themselves. You will have enough to handle with the children.

Do not expect that you will get to nap or read or watch the movie during the flight.
Passport & Visas & Legal Documents

Get your passport early. Adult passports are good for 10 years. If you already have a passport, check the expiration date. Many countries require your passport to be valid for six months after your scheduled return date.

Many countries require a visa. A visa is documentation allowing you entry into another country. There is a link under Information for the Passport and Visa Offices.

Always carry a copy of your passport including the visa number if visa is required and a copy of your airline tickets, secure these items away from the actual items. If lost or stolen, both are much easier to replace if you can produce a copy.
Customs and Immigration

Immigration - Once you arrive at your destination, you will present your passport and Tourist Card (if required, keep this as you will have to return it when you leave the country)

Customs - In many countries the Customs inspectors have two lines: The green “nothing to declare” line and the red “something to declare” line. Normally you would use the green line.

Do not place any of your legal documents in your luggage, if luggage is delayed so are your documents. The documents will be processed and your child will be issued a temporary permit (a stamp in their passport) allowing entry as a legal resident alien pending receipt of a permanent “Green Card”.
Learning about the Country

Understanding your child’s culture will enhance your trip, get as much information as possible, there are brochures and information available on the internet. The government tourist office can provide maps and specific country and city information.

Learn some of the native language. Don’t worry if your pronunciation is not exactly right, it will get better with practice, don’t expect everyone you meet to speak English. Listen to tapes in your home or car, take a language class, you have no idea how this will help to open doors for you in their country.

Arrive a couple days before you are scheduled to meet your child so you can acclimate to the time change and the culture. This is especially important if you are a first time parent and/or this is your first trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific trip.
Additional Tips

Business attire is only necessary to wear in court, but remember that appropriate attire for everyday wear tends to be more formal in many countries other than in the United States.

Camera -Be sure to register your camera with the U.S. Customs before you leave to avoid any problems with your duty-free allowances when you return home.