Family Overseas Trip with Kids... Don't Forget to Bring These Essentials

Travel Industry Recommended 'Tips'
Short-Distance Destinations Recommended Considering Fatigue
Useful Items Like Shower Filters, Insect Repellents, and Portable Fans

With Family Month in May, which includes Children's Day and Parents' Day, demand for overseas travel is expected to increase significantly. The reservation rates for overseas travel packages next month at major outbound travel agencies such as Hana Tour, Modetour, Norangpungseon, and Kyowon Tour Travel Ease have increased by around 50% compared to the same period last year. Family travelers with young children are also expected to expand by taking advantage of the holidays. Here are some recommended preparations from the travel industry for those traveling abroad with children.

Overseas travelers visiting Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 are moving toward the departure hall. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Time is Gold, Minimize Flight Time

According to Triple, a hyper-personalized travel platform operated by Interpark Triple on the 28th, overseas travel destinations suitable for both children and parents should preferably be short-haul flights under 5 hours to reduce the burden. It is also important to identify convenient local transportation options such as limousines or rental cars in advance. When booking a rental car, be sure to check whether a car seat is included.

If traveling to Southeast Asia, it is common to depart on an evening flight and arrive late at night. To start the trip in good condition the next day, it is advisable to look for fast track services that allow quick immigration clearance and transfer to the hotel. When choosing accommodation, check whether facilities and programs for children are well-equipped. It is good to search focusing on whether there is a kids club or programs exclusively for infants and young children, if the water park has a shallow kids' pool, and reviews of breakfast.

If your child is young, having a stroller at the airport or while moving around the city before boarding the plane is convenient. Since stroller size regulations for carry-on vary by airline, it is necessary to check in advance.

Showerhead of the 'Only Price Water Purifier Filter' [Photo by Lotte Mart]

Be Prepared, Pack Essentials for Unexpected Situations

In addition to basic medicine, it is good to pack emergency supplies such as Korean food or baby food in case local food does not suit your child’s taste, as well as toys or tablets to alleviate boredom during the flight. If traveling to Southeast Asia, consider bringing a travel shower head and filter. The water quality in Southeast Asia is not as good as in Korea. If you have sensitive skin, you may feel itchy or uncomfortable even after washing. When purchasing a shower head, be sure to check if it has a shower filter function that can filter rust. It is easy to use: just disassemble the existing shower head at the accommodation and replace it with the new head or connect the filter.

Due to the hot and humid climate of Southeast Asia, there is a high possibility of encountering mosquitoes, ticks, bed bugs, and other insects. Since insect bites increase the risk of infectious diseases, it is recommended to bring insect repellent in advance. Recently, many products are safe for skin and respiratory systems.

Bringing aqua shoes needed for water activities can safely protect your feet on the beach, waterfalls, valleys, or wet sand. A foldable clothes hanger, which is good for hanging and drying wet clothes after water play, is also useful. Additionally, a portable fan is recommended for outdoor activities or restaurants without fans or air conditioning.

Meanwhile, depending on the situation, children under 14 years old entering Vietnam must carry an English family relationship certificate. If accompanied by a guardian other than the parents (including relatives or siblings), a power of attorney and an English family relationship certificate must be prepared.