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First Trip Abroad
Planning Your First Family Trip Overseas
By Alice Cary, GORP Family Expert
"Where would you like to vacation this summer?" we asked our seven-year-old son, Will.
"Anywhere, as long as it's not in this country," he quickly replied, seemingly out of the blue. After all, it's not like we've exhausted travel possiblities in our country. Perhaps, like his mom, he thinks that exploring another country and culture sounds exotic and alluring. Or, more likely, he simply liked Rugrats in Paris!
Ready to stroll the Champs with your tots?
At exactly what age are kids ready to take their first trip abroad? Actually, the answer doesn't depend on the age of the children, but on the attitudes of the parents, and when they're ready to tackle such an expedition.
When is a family ready? The answer doesn't depend on the age of the children, but on the attitudes of the parents.
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Our boy, for instance, probably won't get his wish this summer. That's because some parents, like myself, prefer to wait until all of the children are of school age—say six or seven. In addition to Will, we've got twin girls who just turned two, and when we venture abroad as a family, I don't want to be toting diapers, high chairs, and baby beds. I've found that by age six or seven, kids are able to amuse themselves on long car and plane rides, have sufficient stamina for long, active days, and are old enough to appreciate and remember much of the sites you'll see. After all, going abroad is an extensive, not to mention expensive, proposition.
Other families are more adventuresome than I am when it comes to taking young children farther afield. These families often traveled abroad frequently before they had children, and many have relatives or close friends overseas. For these travelers, international trips are a natural extension of the family travel tradition.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if every family could afford the luxury of an international trip at least once in their lives? Whether you're dreaming or seriously contemplating taking your kids overseas, here are some tried-and-true tips from several families about how to turn your idea into a great adventure for everyone in your clan.
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Article copyright © Alice Cary.
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