international travel Archives

Dad Tips: Take Some Me-Time and Study for a Master’s to Boost Your Career

November 11, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash

When you’re feeling like burning the candle at both ends hasn’t been working and it’s time to take the foot off the gas, then deciding on some me-time is very healthy. Make sure that you’re doing it for the right reasons though.

During your sabbatical, your time is your own again. You can decide how you wish to invest it. Certainly, there are some interesting educational possibilities. Also, there are other things that you can do to rejuvenate your body or broaden your outlook to life. Taking time for yourself is meaningful because it affords you the opportunity to recharge before embarking on the next phase or stage of what life has to offer.

So, let’s look at a few ways that you can spend your me-time, productively or not.

Go on Vacation for a Month or Longer

Depending on how much time you expect to take off, the first thing on most people’s list is to go on vacation. With Americans, we’re usually restricted to just two weeks a year compared to four or more weeks of vacation in Europe or the UK. This restricts how far we can usually go and for how long too.

Instead, you’re now able to choose an inspiring destination based on desire and not a restrictive amount of time off. A country-hopping trip through Asia is now a distinct possibility. Also, a visit to South or Central America, rather than just down to Cancun for a rushed, expensive long weekend, would allow you to sample different cuisine along the way and soak up plenty of local culture.

If the kids don’t have to be in school, why not take them with you to make some cool memories?

Photo by Kelly Russo on Unsplash

Combine a Trip with New Experiences Too

Going away is your chance to unwind and then broaden your mind by trying new experiences you wouldn’t normally do in your everyday life.

Learning a few words and phrases of a new language to make your travel more enjoyable and easier is certainly a possibility. It doesn’t even need to be done in a constructive manner – picking it up intentionally from local people is effective too.

There’s the chance to volunteer in third-world countries if you feel up to it. However, don’t do it because you feel obligated; the point of the trip is to unwind in new surroundings, not to give yourself another job!

Make a List of Things to Do When Back Home

While away, when your mind returns to thoughts of home, use To-Do list app like Any.DO or another one to note ideas down before you forget them.

You might find yourself interested in local history and want to visit a museum. Alternatively, there are plenty of activities just a drive or train ride away that will make life interesting on the home front.

The list shouldn’t be just chores or the equivalent of tasks you never seem to get to that still must be done someday.

Photo by Muhammad Rizwan on Unsplash

Advancing Your Career

When you feel ready for it, studying for an online lean manufacturing degree can really boost your career potential in the manufacturing field.

Not only will you learn about just-in-time production and learn manufacturing to bring new efficiencies to a role but using Six Sigma in manufacturing with defined problem-solving methodologies will improve your ability to plan and troubleshoot too.

The course is also strong on using analytics and critical thinking to develop greater reliability and maintain quality standards within manufacturing. Having an analytical mind doesn’t hurt at all with this kind of study and subsequent work.

This type of degree course will be of particular interest to employers with differing manufacturing plants that keep having quality control issues that threaten long-term supplier contracts.

Addressing Major Projects at Home

Projects at home that will take longer than a weekend to pursue and complete typically get shoved to one-side or semi-permanently put on the back burner due to having a full-time job. When taking time away from work for an extended period and once reenergized, it’s the perfect time to reconsider some of these deferred home projects:

Kitchen Remodeling

A kitchen remodeling project usually puts most of the kitchen out of action for at least a week or more. Whether you choose to have the experts come in to strip out the old kitchen and install a completely new one or you prefer to do the work yourself, it’s certainly going to be highly disruptive.

Backyard Reimagining

The backyard area may be one that you’ve never liked since moving in. However, limited available time has stymied your ability to do anything about it (or even to consider what you wish to change).

A reimagining can include putting in a patio, a deck or landscaping the garden to break it into manageable spaces with some detailed work gone into the garden to bring it back to life. It’s really up to you to decide what you feel can be done with the space. If you’re unsure, see if you can get the interest of a landscape gardener to create some interesting plans. You can pay them for the planning even if you don’t end up going forward with their team.

Installing Hardwood Flooring Throughout the Home

Taking up the existing carpets and other floors to completely replace it is difficult to do when you’re holding down a full-time job. It’s much easier when you have time on your hands either to do the work yourself or let people in and out of the property who are completing the project on your behalf.

Not having to rush out to work means you can supervise from a distance to make sure everything is up to your expected standards too.

Other Projects

It’s important to not mix a complex or time-consuming project with a series of minor ones that can be completed on a weekend in between two workweeks. Focus your energies on what is really going to move the needle, so when you get back to work, they’re not still waiting to be completed.

By taking a balanced approach to time off work, it’s possible to pace yourself. Spreading out what you wish to change and making new advancements based on career goals is all possible when giving yourself time to recover from possible burnout first.

Enjoying a family vacation to the United Kingdom: top tips

August 30, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

If you consider your family to be the adventurous-type or those who love soaking up the history of an old town, then the United Kingdom is the ideal vacation destination for you. With a temperate climate, countless historical sites and endless hiking and walking trails, you won’t be stuck for activities. So, if you’re not keen on spending your summer vacation lazing on the beach in Ibiza, but would prefer to spend some time in historical Europe, here are some top tips.

Find a balance between history and activities

Kids will love finding out about medieval villains and ancient kings and queens, but they only have a finite attention span. After all, kids need to be entertained as well as distracted. While adults could spend all day walking through the Natural History Museum, children might get a little bored after the dinosaurs. Be sure to find a theme park or adventure playground nearby to break up your educational endeavors.

In Sussex, for example, you will find a happy balance between both history and activity. You can visit Battle for walks around the sites of the Battle of Hastings, as well as views of the English countryside. Not too far from that, you will also find Blue Reef Aquarium Hastings – complete with lizard and underwater tunnel exhibits.

Bring the wetsuits

Just because the United Kingdom doesn’t enjoy a Mediterranean climate doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the outdoors. In fact, if you find yourself based along the coast, you should absolutely make the most of potential activities such as swimming, surfing, and paddle-boarding. Truth be told, however, the British sea isn’t exactly balmy in temperature. If you have little ones who are more acclimatized to warmer temperatures, then ensure you either bring or rent wetsuits.

Rent when possible

Family schedules never run according to the time they were originally destined. Children refusing to go to bed, too much time in the bathroom and hectic breakfast times mean that we often find ourselves rushing out of the door at the last minute. It’s for this reason that renting a cottage to stay in will make your trip to the UK much easier. After all, Britain is renowned for its quirky and quaint cottages, which are ideal for basing yourself when you have small children. If you were planning a trip to Sussex and the South Downs, for example, Amberley House Cottage Holidays would be able to find you a place to stay. You can hunt through tons of images and features until you find the place that is right for you and your family.

Don’t be afraid to be spontaneous

Thanks to its dramatic scenery, but mostly tame wildlife, the UK is a cozy country to go exploring in. For example, if you were driving through Scotland’s glens, you would find plenty of brown road markers detailing nearby hikes and monuments. While your children might not be down for climbing a cliff face, you will still find plenty of easy-to-moderate walks to explore – and you might find these by pure accident.

Family vacations are all about balance. It’s about getting up when you want to, exploring, discovering, but providing plenty of downtime to enjoy your well-earned time off. When visiting the United Kingdom, you will quickly learn that you can happily strike a balance between fun and education, as well as adventure and relaxation.

4 Smart Ways to Finance Your Travel Plans

August 25, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Is your wallet restricting your wanderlust? You certainly aren’t alone. Most of us end up setting travel plans aside because we haven’t saved enough. And while saving for travel should definitely be your priority, there are times when sudden or unexpected trips are simply unavoidable.

So what can you do when you have to travel, but don’t have the money for it? Should you take a travel loan or personal line of credit for travel? Are there any other options available, and which is the best one? We’ll answer all these questions for you!

Here are four instant funding options you should explore:

Personal Loan for Travel – Smart travelers often choose this option when they have to travel unexpectedly. Rather than taking money out of your emergency savings or high-yield investment portfolio, using a holiday loan, personal loan or personal line of credit to fund travel expenses helps you keep your finances on track. Of course, you need to make sure you can repay the loan on time, so make room for the EMIs in your monthly budget!
Travel Credit Cards – You could opt for a travel credit card, or use a credit card with an option for converting expenses into EMIs for travel funding. Credit cards allow you anywhere from 20 days to almost two months for repayments, interest-free. If you can convert spends to EMIs, you get even more time for repayment. Travel credit cards, on the other hand, are set up specifically for travel-related expenses, so they may be more competitive than regular credit cards.
Payday Loans – A payday loan is very similar to a personal loan, except that the interest rate is higher, with a shorter repayment period. Payday loans may be approved faster than travel loans and personal loans, so these can be a good option when you need funds urgently. However, you need to make sure you can repay the loan amount quickly, since the tenure for these short-term loans is generally between 3 months to a year.
Travel Operator Financing – Many travel operators partner with banks and NBFCs to offer financing schemes, where you can pay for tickets, stay, meals, sightseeing and other planned or unplanned travel expenses after your trip. Interest rates for these schemes are comparable to rates for personal loans, and repayment may be spread out over 1-5 years. There is typically an upper limit for how much these schemes will cover, though, so keep that in mind.

Remember, dipping into your savings or investments should be your last resort, unless you have set aside a separate fund just for travel. Even if you have saved enough, learn how to travel on a budget. And when you need to make last-minute plans, such as attending a wedding in the family or traveling for medical treatment, take some time to compare prices and select a loan option that really works for you!

Germany Is Dad Food Heaven

October 2, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Germany Is Dad Food Heaven

There are three main ingredients that make Germany one of the guy food capitals of the world:

Beer
Meat
Bread

What else do you need? While they probably wouldn’t be approved by your family doctor — and while there’s a whole lot more that German cuisine has to offer — there are plenty of rich carb-and-protein plates that you should take full advantage of during a short visit.

Explore the Regional Specialties

It seems like almost every town has at least one specialty beer, and they’re almost all wonderful. However, most of the locals will tell you that beer is always best when you drink it with food — and even better if you make the right pairing. Explore enough of the country, and you may even get a few ideas for beer-friendly dinners when you get back home.

Check Out a Bakery or Grocery Store

Restaurants are all well and good, but there’s a lot to be said for eating like a local — or at least snacking like one. You probably won’t have regular access to a kitchen on your family trip, but don’t write off these everyday shops. The local Aldi, REWE, and Lidl stores have plenty of road-trip essentials, from soda for the kids to spicy dried sausages for you. Bakeries are also a great choice for supplies. They’re absolutely everywhere in the country, and they offer the best instant gratification around.

Get Around

You have plenty of options when it comes to getting around Germany. There’s the Deutsche Bahn, one of the best railways in the world. Unfortunately, it’s also pretty pricey — especially when you’re taking multiple people between cities. A rental car is also a good option. Even though the train services most areas, you’ll have a lot more freedom to explore — and you won’t have to decipher the honor-system fares the rail system uses.

Visit the Food Centers

Most people associate Germany with beer, sausage, and pretzels — and they’re not wrong. However, the country has a lot more to offer if you know where to look. Make sure to mark on your map what to eat when traveling to Stuttgart, Germany, or similar towns that offer regional specialties. Like many of the larger countries in continental Europe, Germany has a wide range of climates, terrains, and cultures that leads to a diverse, interesting cuisine.

Take Day Trips

You can only take full advantage of any region if you make a few day trips out of the downtown areas or tourist centers. Simply hop on the train or fuel up your car and get everyone out to the countryside. You’ll find out very quickly, whether it’s from the many road signs on the highway or from your own online research, that there are plenty of fun, weird things to do in Germany.

Deepen Your Culinary Knowledge

Learning is a lot more fun when it involves eating big plates of satisfying food. Take each dinner as an opportunity to learn something. There’s always a new culinary technique or piece of history hidden in each German recipe. If nothing else, you’ll discover the true power of these hearty foods: their ability to bring families together over an enjoyable meal.

5 Ideas for Your Next Family Vacation

September 20, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

When it comes to planning your trip for your next family vacation, there are bound to be disagreements about where to go and most importantly, how you are going to keep the kids entertained. There is so much choice out there – should you stay in the US or travel a little further afield. It goes without saying that a family vacation is all about having fun and making the most of your time together. Therefore the choice of destination is crucial to making sure everyone thoroughly enjoys themselves – without too much quarreling.

Here are five great ideas you may never have thought of for your next family break:

1. Walt Disney World, Florida
Disney World is where all of the magic happens. Whether your kids are five or fifteen, there will be sure to have time of their lives. With plenty of rides, live shows and their favorite characters patrolling around the site, Walt Disney World is the perfect shout for all-around family fun. What’s also extremely useful, is that there are plenty of accommodation options on site to take the stress out of planning, aswell as various methods of transport to transfer you straight into the park itself.

2. London, England
England’s capital will make the perfect weekend break, and you’ll be feeling spoilt for choice on how to spend your time. Whether you hope to see a West End show, visit the many museums on offer or perhaps head to the world-famous Madame Tussauds exhibition, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy in one of the world’s most famous cities. Find out more about things to do in London.

3. Cornwall, England
For a relaxing UK break with white sandy beaches on your doorstep and charming historic towns to stroll through, Cornwall won’t disappoint if you’re looking for that quaint seaside vibe. A few of the main areas to visit in the area include the picturesque town of St Ives, the much more buzzing and commercial town of Newquay or perhaps a more relaxing break at nearby Port Isaac. Whatever you wish to get out of your family vacation, Cornwall has it all. Find out more about what Cornwall has to offer here.

4. Corfu, Greece
Corfu is the ideal destination to visit if you simply wish to sit back and enjoy some sun, sea and gorgeous scenery. Here, you will discover the likes of pretty fishing villages and historical sights, but there is also plenty to do with the kids too; especially once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling and diving opportunities. Although Greeks are known to cook up many delightful local dishes, many of these aren’t too off-putting for picky little eaters.

5. Italy
There is just no place on earth quite like Italy if you are looking for a warm welcome, good food and stunning views. Italy is well-known for being a family resort; no matter where in the country you choose to visit. There are plenty of world-famous cities to explore such as Rome, Florence, Verona, Venice and Milan, while there are also more laid-back parts such as Sorrento and Lake Garda. Lake Garda is great for the children, as the resort has its very own theme park named ‘Gardaland’; which hosts a huge variety of attractions and entertainment shows for all ages. Of course, you can’t go far wrong with the endless amounts of pizza and pasta to tuck into, which should go down well with the kids.

How to Overcome Travel Disasters

September 20, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

When you’re planning a trip, it’s always tempting to focus on the positive elements of what you’re about to experience. After all, who wants to dwell on the potential negatives when you’re planning the vacation of a lifetime or a break from the dull routine of the everyday? As you plan your schedule and do research on fantastic activities to experience, planning for a disaster can all-too-easily take a back seat. Things do go wrong when you’re traveling, and being aware of the potential travel disasters means that you’ll be able to deal with them much easier. If you have a trip on the horizon and you’re starting to get excited, here are the best ways to prepare and overcome even the most frustrating of travel disasters.

Travel light

Lost baggage is always a common nightmare when traveling, but there are some ways to minimize the chances of that happening and reduce the negative impact that losing all of your suitcases will have. The best way to ensure that you don’t lose your luggage (or the airline doesn’t lose your luggage) is to simply pack so lightly that you need nothing more than your carry-on bag. Make sure that your documents are close to hand, a spare change of clothes, and your itinerary. That way, even if you have a suitcase in storage that ends up on the wrong side of the planet, you still have the basics that you need and can start your vacation with minimal amounts of stress. The less that you take, the less you can potentially lose, so pack light and you’ll be able to start relaxing much sooner.

Being stuck at the airport

Unfortunately, being forced to endure hours of unplanned delays while being trapped in the departure lounge is a common disaster. Flight delays or even cancellations can very quickly ruin your trip, which is why it’s a good idea to be prepared, just in case. Make sure that you have plenty of entertainment options with you, and whether that’s a Kindle loaded with books, a laptop full of TV shows and films to while away the hours, or even just a few albums and a good set of headphones, the time will go much faster if you’re preoccupied. Remember to keep your travel documents close to hand in case you have to make a compensation claim for a flight delay or cancellation. The more information that you have, the faster SkyRefund will be able to assess your compensation, so make sure that you have all of your flight details in your carry-on bag.

Hotels from Hell

In the age of TripAdvisor and Yelp, you’d think that booking a hotel and finding it’s as reviewed would be simple, but it’s still very common to arrive at a hotel to find that it’s not quite as advertised. Everyone has a hotel from hell story, and sometimes all of the research that you do can mean nothing if you have been deliberately misled. Sometimes, this is a simple communication error, and having a chat with the staff may make the problem go away by moving you to a better room or upgrading your accommodation package. However, if the staff are unhelpful, remember that the power of social media or a threat to call the local media can go a long way. In the days of digital reviews and viral campaigns, the damage to a business through negative online interactions can be very damaging, and as a consumer, you have a lot of power.

Being prepared for disasters is the best way to ensure that you overcome them. Make your preparations early and never assume that things will go as smoothly as you hope. The more that you prepare, the fewer obstacles will negatively affect your travel, and that will lead to a much more enjoyable trip.

Family Friendly Spots to Visit in Greece

November 22, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Image by Moorpheus used under Creative Commons license CC0 Public Domain

Greece is one of the best destinations for a family vacation. This is especially true if you have small children, because Greece offers a myriad of activities that both you and your little ones can enjoy. From the fabulous islands, through exciting peninsulas and to the places that are situated on the mainland, Greece will definitely provide you with an unforgettable vacation, no matter which part of the country you choose as your destination.

Chalkidiki

This diverse peninsula situated in northern Greece has everything you expect from a family friendly destination. Chalkidiki offers a number of sensational activities and sights you’ll be able to enjoy with your family. The marvelous beaches, exquisite food and rich cultural heritage are just some of the many things Chalkidiki will enchant you with. Be sure to visit the fabulous cave of Petralona, and beautiful Stagira. If you feel like spending the day bonding with your little boy, to take him to Mount Athos, and leave the girls to enjoy the spa treatments.

Athens

If you’re looking for a place to keep your kids interested and provide them with a lot of exciting activities, Athens is the place for you. Acropolis and Ancient Agora are just some of the fabulous sights you should check out. Aside from the spectacular view, these places also offer a great mini-lesson in ancient history. Make the holiday truly unique by visiting the War Museum, and let your little ones experience the atmosphere in the cockpit of a WWII plane. The Planetarium is one of the most exciting places, where your kids can watch the planets and learn numerous interesting facts about the universe. Visit Athens and enjoy the fabulous amusement park, or visit the Attica Zoological Park, where you’ll have a chance to observe beautiful birds, cats, reptiles and numerous other species.

Image by jarekgrafik used under Creative Commons license CC0 Public Domain

Crete

Crete is another one of the prettiest vacation locations in Greece, where you can fully enjoy precious moments with you family. The beautiful sandy beaches and fabulous blue sea will completely enchant you. Not only is Crete a great place for sunbathing and swimming, but for many educational and exciting activities as well. The fabulous Cretaquarium offers kids a chance to see the beautiful jellyfish, sharks, and many other amazing fish. Families that enjoy night walks will find Hania particularly charming and enticing.

Antiparos

Antiparos is by far the best destination for parents with babies and toddlers. A sandy bay, cute little town and the perfect seaside atmosphere will make your family vacation very pleasant. Whether you choose to lay back in a hammock, or taste the delicious Greek specialities, you’ll definitely create memories with your family that you’ll cherish forever. If, on the other hand, you have teenage kids, the cave of Agios is the place you must include into your sightseeing schedule. Boat hire and thrilling beach bars will be a real delight for teenagers, while parents can unwind with the relaxing yoga classes.

Final Thoughts

The next time you start thinking about the perfect destination for a family vacation, be sure to consider Greece. Athens, Crete, Antiparos and Chalkidiki are just some of the marvellous places in Greece that will definitely make your family trip exciting and unforgettable.

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Traveling with Your Kids: Parenting from the Road

June 8, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Traveling with Your Kids: Parenting from the Road

Easy Tips and Teachable Moments

As we all know, parenting is a full time job that provides no time to rest on our laurels, even on vacation. We’re almost in the thick of summer, and for your kids that probably means endless hours of freedom—at least until school starts back up again in the fall. Instead of letting your kids waste the summer hours away in front of the television set or computer screen, plan a family road trip that will create beautiful memories you can all cherish for a lifetime. Check out this collection of fun travel activities that will provide great teaching moments for your kids during your journey.

Before You Head Out

Before packing up the car and hitting the open road, make sure you incorporate your children’s thoughts into the planning of the trip. If you already have a destination in mind, make sure they know where it is you’re going and help them do a little bit of research on the place before you depart. Outline what you will do, take a look at it on the map to improve your child’s geographical awareness, and discuss the types of things you will do whilst there. This will help your kids develop a relationship with your destination and make it less foreboding, and more exciting. Need help with destination ideas? This travel resource has some great ideas!

As the day of departure draws closer, organize and pack for each day of your travels. This will help your little one practice their critical thinking and improve organization skills in one fell swoop. Once the suitcases are packed, build a wish list with your little ones. Talk about the opportunities there are to be had in the locale you’re visiting and find out what your kids hope to see or do. Keep it with you during the trip to refer to and have your kids ready for the next activity throughout the entirety of your journey.

If you are renting your house out while you’re away (I often do this for some extra income), have your children help prepare for the guest. Whether said guest is a friend, family member, or someone paying to stay in your home, having your child participate in the preparation aspects will help him or her feel pride and satisfaction even before you head out on your journey.

Extra Tip! I always rent my home when I leave for an extended period of time. If you follow this route, make sure you vet your tenants. For children (and their parents), coming back to a robbed home or trashed house can be a traumatic experience. I use this resource to get extra background information on my renters, but Airbnb and Homeaway also have great insurance policies.

During Your Travels

Keep your kids busy during a long road trip with educational projects. Coloring books help keep boredom at bay, but they also work wonders for creativity, independence, and improve fine motor skills. If your little one is old enough to write, task them with a project: list all the interesting things you see during the road trip. This will help you learn more about things making an impression on your children, and keep them occupied for hours. To go off of this idea, you can take part in a rousing game of “I Spy” —an oldie but goodie. This simply game supports problem solving and critical thinking, and will definitely help them to take in their surroundings.

Extra Tip! Traveling can be especially difficult when your children are young. To ease your travel needs, make sure to prepare all the necessary food and travel supplies beforehand. Instead of stopping on the way for greasy, unhealthy fast food, pack some yummy and nutritious snacks your little ones can chow down on in the car. Check out this resource for some great snack ideas for travelling.

You’ve Reached Your Destination

Once you’ve arrived, take advantage of the teachable moments that come your way. Whether you’re out sightseeing or relaxing at the beach, you can incorporate these fun activities to make for an education and entertaining family vacation.

Inspire your child’s inner Sherlock Holmes with detective games. Give your little one a difficult task and have them try to determine how to solve or complete it on their own. For example, ask your child to find five items made of red, blue, green, yellow, and orange. If you have multiple children, make it a competition to see who can find the most creative item.

Help your little one improve their art skills with designated drawing time during your travels, especially if you’re in a picturesque destination. Bring along paper and colored pencils, and pop a squat whenever you see a vista or beautiful sight. Then, spend the time with your kids taking in the views and sketching a portrait of all you see. This is sure to leave more of an impression than a photo taken on your iPhone will.

If you’re leaving on an extended vacation, teach your child the importance of maintaining relationships by writing weekly letters to friends or family members back at home. In these letters, encourage your child to explain the best things they’ve seen; this will help with retention, personal skills, and inspire better independent thinking.

Extra Tip! If you’ve stayed in an Airbnb or some other sort of rental, teach your children the lesson of gratitude by writing thank you letters to your host. Instruct your little one to write down (or dictate to you) the best parts of their trip. This will come full circle if you are renting out your home, as your children will be able to see things from the point of view of both a host and a guest. Check out this guide for great ‘thank you’ writing tips.

As we get further into summer and your kids frolic in the freedom of summer break, it’s likely that you plan to head out on the open road and check out some new places. To keep your sanity and make sure your kids have a wonderful experience, keep these “parenting on the road” tips in your arsenal.

Author Bio: Hank can eat a whole pizza in one sitting. He is a wacky DIY blogger with a nose for adventure. Check him out on twitter to see what he is tweeting about next. @Homebyhank

5 Tips For International Travel With Kids

April 18, 2015 by dadofdivas 2 Comments

A week ago we decided to go on a mini-vacation to Niagara Falls, Ontario on the way to the memorial for my Grandmother in Silver Creek, New York. We were excited to be able to have the kids experience the magic and natural wonder that is Niagara Falls and because this was international travel with kids we knew that we had to do our research to do things right. That being said, I cannot say that we did things completely right, but we tried, and I wanted to take a moment to share the top five things that we learned in about international travel with kids.

Research Documentation Requirements
When you choose international travel with kids, look to see what is required in regards to documentation for kids and for you. For many countries, you will have to get a passport. The nice thing about this is that if you get this they will last for a few years, so it is a one time expense. If you are traveling through Canada the rules are a bit more relaxed. For example, we decided not to pay to get new passports for our kids this summer (their passports expired in March) because kids can travel in Canada with their birth certificate if they do not have a passport.
Check on the current Exchange Rates
Make sure to look at the current exchange rates before international travel with kids. Realize that businesses in other countries may not be required to honor the exchange rate at the same rate as many will charge a transaction fee because of having to take the money somewhere to have it exchanged back. We had this happen to us numerous times and we found that the consistency between businesses was non-existent. If you want to pay in your own currency you need to ask what their going rate is for this. You may even want to think about purchasing currency before you go, especially if your trip is an extended one.
Look at the Weather Conditions
Whether the destination that you may be going may be close or far, it is important to look ahead of time to bring the clothes that you will need for international travel with kids. We thought that we had done this, but unfortunately we came to find that our clothes were a bit inadequate for how cold it ended up being (colder than originally expected and rainier than expected).
Explore Public Transportation Options
At Niagara Falls parking is very expensive by the falls, but if you get a WEGO pass you can really save a ton of money and get anywhere you need to go around the downtown falls area. That being said, when you are looking to travel internationally, especially if you will be near a major city, look for public transportation options as you may be very surprised by how inexpensive this may be, especially in regards to international travel with kids!
Pack Everything You Need to Capture Your Memories
I am a photographer by nature so I always pack my Samsung NX 1 with me, but I also do not want to forget to think about the video camera, extra SD cards, battery chargers, external flash or any other filters or other camera equipment that I might need to capture the experiences with my family. So think ahead and bring what you need depending on the type of person you are and the type of experiences you and planning to try to have on your trip.

These are just some of my take-away international travel with kids tips from our trip to Niagara Falls Ontario. I hope that they have helped you.

Do you do international travel with kids? What are your tips that you would share with others?

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