Traveling with families
If you are travelling as a family, you may need to make special arrangements for your travel and accommodation.
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Understand
Travelling as a family can be a great adventure. Young ones can get to see things, meet people and do stuff that they just don't get a chance to do any other time. Adults often find they gain a very different perspective on a place when visiting with children, and in many parts of the world travelling with children opens up many opportunities to be welcomed by and get to know locals. For the whole family, travelling together can be a time to get to know each other again, away from the pressures of work and/or education.However, the travel industry often does not cope well when a family group, and especially young children, arrives without warning. Travelling as a family may need the forward planning of a military operation, with all contingencies allowed for.
The definition of a child varies, but normally it is based on age. There may also be minimum weight and height restriction on some attractions for safety purposes.
- Infants and toddlers - under 3 or even under 5 years. - often no charge.
- Children - under about 12 or sometimes 14 years - child rates normally apply.
- Young People/Teenagers - over about 10 and under 18 years - child rates may apply in some cases.
- Young Adults - between 18 and 21 - may be able to obtain child rates in special circumstances, such as school organised tours.
Unaccompanied Children
Most countries do not permit children to be unsupervised when travelling long distances. While the age of responsibility varies, generally children under 16 years will not be able to travel by themselves any great distance.Some operators do accept unaccompanied children. An unaccompanied child may be required to travel on a full adult fare, or even a return fare, as the operator is effectively supervising the child. Unaccompanied children will normally need to be collected at their destination by a named caregiver and may be returned to their point of departure if not collected. They may not even be permitted to travel without special arrangements and correct documentation. Check with the operator for the specific requirements.
Unaccompanied children are not normally accepted at accommodation places without a supervising caregiver.
Attractions such as swimming pools and amusement parks generally require younger children to be supervised by an adult caregiver or responsible older child. Age limits vary but if the child is getting in at the child rate, expert supervision is also required. If in doubt, ask.
Accommodation
Many accommodation places are set up for adult singles and couples. Travelling as a group of 3 or more may require you to reserve an extra room or a special family suite. You should alway reserve such accommodation well in advance so that the proprietor can make appropriate arrangements, such as installing an extra bed. There may be additional charges for extra people as well.Transportation
Many transport operators will carry children under certain conditions. Although they may offer a child fare, this may require an accompanying adult.By Air
Many airlines do not charge for very young children, however on a full aircraft they will require the child to travel in the parent's lap. (Young children are often known as "laps" for this reason.) If you wish to travel in more comfort you may wish to book a dedicated seat for your child. You may also wish to use a child's carseat on the aircraft. You should inform the airline that you wish to do this before you travel.On a Boeing 747, you will want to reserve the four seats in the middle. The armrests move up allowing for children to sleep. Failing this, you will want as many seats in a row as possible. If you are traveling with infants, you will want the four seats in front of the bulkhead, as the airline can attach a crib to the bulkhead.
Young children will be safer in the airplane if you use a carseat instead of holding them on your lap, though you will usually need a separate ticket to reserve a seat for your child in this case. The airline may require proof that the carseat may be used in an airplane, which is usually indicated on a certification sticker on the carseat.
By Car
Be aware that some countries require children to travel in appropriate child car seats when travelling by car. You should check before you commence your travel what the requirements are for children. If you are renting a car, your rental company may be able to loan or rent you a child seat.
Do
Some activities are not suitable or appropriate for children. Check conditions before booking or buying tickets. Some strenuous or adventure activities may not be available for people who do not meet certain levels of fitness or body size.Eat
Many restaurants can accommodate young children and serve children sized meals. However, checking before booking a table is always wise. Some restaurants cater especially for families and offer permanent special deals.Drink
Places that serve alcoholic drinks may prohibit children. Check the local bylaws before entering bars and restaurants. There may be a special family entertaining area that can be used.
