While many destinations provide fun in the sun for families, how does New Year’s in China sound – with your two preschoolers?
According to Chartered Accountant Jonathan Spencer, a tax consultant with Thorsteinssons LLP in Toronto, it was amazing! So amazing, in fact that he encourages parents to travel with their young children to just about any destination.
“The key is planning ahead and being prepared,” he says. “Family travel abroad doesn’t have to be complicated, and it can be even more reasonable than you think – kids under age two are free on most airlines and for many attractions.”
Travelling with Children
Here are Spencer’s tips for showing your youngsters the world.
Forget the stroller – it adds to the luggage – and use a baby carrier like BabyBjorn or babyTrekker. “It gives you more mobility and, depending on the country, the sidewalks may not accommodate a stroller – if there even are sidewalks. Plus the kids are higher up so they see more.”
Pack light but carry diapers. “You’re not Hannibal crossing the Alps. People around the world have children, and you’ll find baby supplies in most countries.”
Take a medicine bag of basic supplies, including bandages, salve and decongestant. “Be aware of what to do and where to go for medical help.”
Keep the kids occupied. “Take a bag of toys and activities for long-haul flights. Check out the dollar store, and buy enough to have something new every hour or so. Don’t worry if you don’t get the bulkhead seats on the plane – children are adaptable, the bassinets can be confining, and even looking out the window can be fun.”
Most importantly, slow down. “Remember that this is a holiday, so let your kids explore. If they want time to watch the pigeons under the Eiffel Tower, let them.”
Be Prepared Financially
Spencer also advises planning ahead on the business and financial side. “With children, you want to know where you are going and where you are staying. Because this isn’t freestyle travel, you’ll need to do extra planning.”
Take notarized permission letters authorizing travel with either parent, as well as photocopies of key documents like passports and marriage certificates.
Plan your budget, and travel within your limits.
Carry multiple currencies, depending on the countries you are visiting, including Canadian, U.S. and the local currency. Consider a money belt. Children can unwittingly provide a distraction for pickpockets, especially in markets.
Make sure you have two or three credit cards between you and your partner or spouse, in case one card does not work. Alert your financial institution and credit-card company that you will be out of the country on certain dates.
Carry your bank card – ATMs are found almost everywhere now.
Most importantly, treasure all those Kodak moments along the way. “You’re creating memories: it is amazing what your kids will remember later,” says Spencer.
Brought to you by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario is the qualifying and regulatory body of Ontario’s 33,000 Chartered Accountants and 5,000 CA students. Since 1879, the Institute has protected the public interest through the CA profession’s high standards of qualification and the enforcement of its rules of professional conduct. The Institute works in partnership with the other provincial Institutes of Chartered Accountants and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants to provide national standards and programs that are used as examples around the world. </em>
