General
Advice
Visas
Children with their own passports
require visas just like adults.
Travel Insurance
Those travelling with children should
ensure that they have adequate health and travel insurance which covers
their dependent children if medical and/or dental assistance is required.
Schooling
For any would be traveller to a new
country, finding out as much as possible for example about local customs
and legends, places of interest, foods available, dominant language etc.
can enhance and benefit their trip. Choice of schooling is very important
for intending expatriate families. For older children boarding school away
from the overseas family home may have to be considered if there would
be serious local language difficulties or compatibility of courses with
the desired examinations for entry into higher education. Teenage children
often find changing schools difficult and if this also involves changing
countries serious adaptation problems should be expected. Many would advise
against families going abroad as expatriates for the first time if they
have teenage children.
The Journey
Keeping children occupied, comfortable
and as safe as possible may make a journey less stressful. Many airlines
allow infants and young children at approximately 10% of the adult fare.
On long haul flights it would be beneficial to pay for a child seat (usually
50% - 70% of the adult fare).
Sky cots or bassinets, if required,
must be arranged at the time of booking. Infant carriers/capsules for use
in motor vehicles, can be used in flight, when a seat has been booked for
the child. Standard airline seats are unsuitable for very young children
as the child can slip underneath or out of them. Special children's restraining
seat belts should be requested. It is important that the child is not placed
inside a standard seat belt with an adult, children are best held securely
in the arms of an adult where no other option is available.
