Posted by Sudbury Northern Life 
While many destinations provide fun in the sun for families,
how does New Year's in China sound - with your two
preschoolers?
The key is planning ahead and being prepared:
- 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. 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.
Article supplied by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario.
