Do you dare travel with them to Asia and other exotic lands?
Some of us answer: yes. There's nothing like a taste of other cultures: cultures that may be very different, by the time our kids are older. So we travel now, because the places are worth it; and because trips with our children can make our best memories.
The good news is: expect to be treated better with kids, than without. The smiles, the indulgent attitude to pint-sized visitors, can be wonderful. Another plus is that meals and lodging in Asia are usually very low-cost.
Just remember this good stuff, when you're dealing with:
- long plane trips;
- health issues;
- "weird food" your kids don't like; and
- culture shock.
Long Plane Trips
Plane rides with kids are an experience unto themselves. Remember that old tv show, Mission Impossible? Total preparation; total concentration on your job. Check out
Plane Trips Tips.
Travel in Asia: Health issues
Travel in Asia mean being really careful what your kids drink and eat. "Peel it, boil it, or forget it,"
is the golden rule.
If little Johnie still sticks things in his mouth, maybe you should delay that trip to Nepal. For work reasons, we took both a one-year-old and three-year-old to Sri Lanka; we talked about germs so much, the youngest had a phobia for years.
A cardinal rule: always wash hands after touching money. Carry your own wipes or liquid soap so you can keep this rule.
Where's the ketchup?
Of course, a fussy eater may not want to eat any local
"weird food", anyway. You may have looked forward for months to curries in Asia or nasi goreng, but not your kid.
In many countries, western foods are available, at a price; but you can't count on finding it when you need it. I recommend bringing peanut butter, fruit leather, breakfast cereals, crackers; powdered milk is handy, for cereal. Familiar instant soup or instant noodles from home can make a soothing meal; many guest-houses and informal restaurants will happily supply boiling water. Or you could bring a small immersion heater, to boil water in a cup--but be warned that Asia has a wonderful diversity of wall sockets.
More on what to take to Asia:
Pack plenty of disposable diapers; extra baby-wipes to clean little hands; a medical kit; baby backpack, and a great stroller. Your stroller is your cupboard on wheels, your rocking chair, your portable crib... Don't relinquish it at airports until you board the plane. A backpack is handy, for rough terrain; but in the hot sun, you'll bless your stroller for its shady canopy.
As for culture shock in Asia...
Travel to Third World countries can be jarring.
You might witness poverty and injustice; you might see cultural problems, and wonder about your own effects as a tourist.
If your kids are old enough to be troubled, be prepared to give empathy, and whatever insights you can. Once you're home, it's a fine idea to join an international foster parents' plan.
Finally: just accept that some hassle will befall you on a day when it's really, really hot; and that you'll pay more for things than locals do. Then be happy when things DO go right.
Parts of Asia can quickly become political hotspots; be sure to check current conditions. The US State Department Travel Warnings are one resource. Lonely Planet's Thorntree Forums are a good source for comments from recent travelers.
