International Adoption Travel
Note: Latest information on travel warnings, cautions, and bans can be found at the U.S. State Department Web site.
Where to Start
Traveling to a far-off destination to finally meet the child you've grown to love through pictures and/or videos can be full of joyous anticipation, apprehension, and hundreds of questions about what to take, how to get there - or just where to start!
First: Essentials Essential tools, like a document organizer, country information, currency converter, and travel journal are invaluable when starting to plan, and
basics items - and what to pack them in will help as you make lists and gather things together.
Packing: Less Is Better The general consensus is that less is better. Remember that on your return, you'll have all the luggage you started out with, plus an armful of active, curious child.
These are just some basic, common sense tips for your own preparation. As you make your lists of things to take for your child, the orphanage staff, and others who assist you along the way, there's information available through your agency/facilitator, friends and acquaintances, and of course, through the wonderful resources on the Web.
Be sure to draw on
country-specific references and advice from the experts regarding what you'll want to take for your child, orphanage officials, and others who will assist you during your stay. But along more general lines, several tips apply to almost every destination.
What to take
Clothing Court appearances require "business dress." At other times, use your good judgment and remember that you will be very much an ambassador and representative of your child's entire new family.
Don't forget comfortable shoes! Luggage Be prepared to lose at least one piece of luggage. This doesn't mean it
will happen, but it is a possibility. My personal trick is to pack each bag so that it could carry me through two or three days without any of the others. This means that valuables and documents stay with me at all times, and each bag contains an assortment of my personal belongings and items for others. As far as coming back is concerned, with your child in tow, who cares if the luggage gets lost!?
Paperwork Take an extra copy of everything, even if you don't think you'll need it.
Cash If you will be carrying cash for donations, fees, or gifts, make sure you've got new bills. Old bills may not be accepted (and you won't find a convenient branch bank to get new ones while you're there). In China, bills should be not only be new, but in denominations no smaller than $100. [Be sure to check the
State Department Web site for travel advisories and country information concerning carrying cash.]
Medication (your own) Take copies of all your prescriptions for medication you will have with you. Ask if you will need official translations of both your prescriptions and bottle labels for specific countries.
"Essentials" Plastic bags and wet wipes! Use the bags to pack in, to protect documents from moisture, to keep medications separate, to pack the underwear you washed overnight that hasn't quite dried. And the wet wipes are handy not only for your child's needs but also for your own. Don't skimp on either of these!
Child Carrier/Sling If you plan to take a carrier like the
Cuddle Karrier, make sure it packs compactly for the trip over.
Cameras Does this even need to be mentioned? If you own or can borrow a camcorder, plan to take it along. Don't forget the trusty still camera and film. There will be places where a camcorder cannot go.
Journal/Diary A travel journal, diary, or notebook is a must! You'll use it to record every special moment - and some not so special - along the way. Before you leave, you can use the journal to record all your contact information at home and in your country of destination, plus those important
questions you want to ask your child's caregivers.
How to get there
Adoption Travel Agencies Many adoption agencies and facilitators organize group travel using their own connections. Others can recommend experienced travel agents or coordinators, and members of your support group will certainly have recommendations based on their own experience. If you will be making your travel arrangements independently, there are several things you might want to consider:
- Last-minute ticketing: You may need to make your travel plans with very little advance notice, so look for a travel service offering last minute ticketing and great fares!
- Full-service bookings: Unless you are a seasoned traveler with good connections, be sure your travel agent can make your hotel, car rental (if needed), and side-trip bookings.
- Seat Selection: Don't forget that on the return trip, you may want some extra space! When you make your reservations, check seating plans for the trip home and select seats with as much legroom as possible.
- Airline Adoption Specials: Some airlines offer programs specifically for adopting parents with lower fares and last-minute booking capabilities (like Special Delivery from Northwest and KLM Airlines), so be sure to check with airlines serving your area.
See the
Adoption Travel Index for adoption travel specials and other travel services providers, as well as tips and ideas from seasoned travelers.
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