On our recent flight out of Oakland International Airport, I was delighted to enter the green lane at security dedicated to “families and special assistance”–primarily because some of my most unpleasant security screenings with babies and children have taken place at OAK (the Moby Wrap debacle included). I’ve actually favored SFO in recent years for flying with my small children.
Now it seems Oakland is finally ready for us.
The much-debated 3-lane system that lets passengers decide for themselves if they are “expert travelers,” “casual travelers,” or those more obviously in our camp, debuted earlier this year at Denver and Salt Lake City. It has been in place at Oakland since late spring, and can now be found at more than 20 airports nationwide.
Happily, the times appear to be changing for oft-scorned travelers with bottles and strollers. Even at Oakland. The 3-lane system, which includes the green “family and special assistance lane,” is appearing at an increasing number of airports. If you haven’t passed through one already, you may get the option of using one traveling soon with your family, and if you have a baby or small children in tow, I hope that you will.
While many frequent fliers have remained skeptical and even critical of airports letting people decide for themselves if they should fall into the black diamond “expert traveler” or blue square “casual traveler” lanes, even “expert family travelers” will likely prefer going for the green circle lane. During peak travel times, the line may actually be shorter, and it’s refreshing to deal with security officers who are familiar and efficient with fitting car seats through the X-ray scanner, not to mention encouraging small children to walk solo through the metal detector.
Best of all, you won’t have to endure the grumbles of a laptop-toting business contingent breathing down your neck as you collapse your stroller or present your baby’s bottles to security. Anyone who opts for the green lane knows exactly what she’s getting into, and chances are whoever waits behind you in line will be sympathetic to your plight.
The “family and special assistance” lane may get its real test, however, during the upcoming peak holiday travel days. Nevertheless, I think it comes as a relief to most everyone that travelers with babies and small children are finally finding a welcome place at airport security.
If you’re gearing up to fly with a baby or toddler in particular, you may want to revisit these tips for getting through security as smoothly as possible:
3-1-1 Your Diaper Bag
Bringing on Baby Bottles
Bringing Boxed Milk
Carriers, Wraps, Slings and Security
On that final point (the topic of some debate recently as you’ll see in the comments to the post), I have to add that it was also this trip through security where I watched a mother wear her infant right through the walk-through metal detector in a good old-fashioned Baby Bjorn. She didn’t beep and thankfully no one stopped her to insist she take off the carrier and run it through the X-ray.
So I asked a different officer before I left, “Is it okay to wear baby carriers or slings through the X-ray now?” and for good measure, I also asked the Homeland Security representative stationed near the screening lines. They both assured me it is okay, and to just be sure I’ve emptied any pockets on the carrier before I walk through. “Great!” I thanked them and said nothing of the TSA policy. Even I would have to say Oakland airport is feeling family-friendlier than ever.
If you haven’t already, check out Part V of Travels with Baby for more help on clearing security with babies and young children, planning your flights, packing carry-on bags, choosing flights for your family, using car seats and bassinets on aircraft, dealing with diapers, gate-checking gear, and more.
Safe journey,
Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby
SECRET SALE – Save an extra 5% off Amazon’s discounted price on Travels with Baby & qualify for FREE shipping when you buy from “Travels with Baby Books” – click here!
My directory of baby gear rental agencies has been buzzing with hits from all over the globe as families gear up for holiday travels. And with good reason. With reduced baggage weight restrictions from most airlines, new fees for checked baggage, and a growing desire to lighten one’s load on road trips for extra gas savings, baby gear rental agencies are generating more interest than ever before.
Baggage fees, gas bills, and gear schlepping aside, there’s a lot to be gained by renting good gear at your vacation destination, whether its for a holiday at a relative’s home, an escape to the islands, or an overseas apartment stay. Just think about it. What do you really want to do during your time off with your family?
Rest Well?
Rented cribs, bassinets, pack ‘n plays, and toddler beds or bed rails can vastly improve the sleeping arrangements and quality of sleep families get during a vacation. Not having your child play with your hair and engage in wrestling matches with you all night as you share an unfamiliar bed, or knowing your young toddler can’t roam unsupervised after waking from his nap can be a tremendous benefit.
Travel with Twins or Multiples?
Need I say more? One mom I heard from said she never would have made it for the annual visit to Grandma’s during the baby and toddler years without the help of a local baby gear rental agency.
Embrace the Outdoors?
If you’re vacation takes you to terrific hiking country or miles of scenic trails, consider how much more you might be able to explore and enjoy your destination with an all-terrain stroller, jogger, or framed baby backpack carrier.
Make the Most of Your Destination?
On our recent trip to San Diego, part of our budget-saving strategy was to make the most of the great beaches, a free and natural resource and quintessential part of the San Diego experience. Not to mention, a place toddlers and preschoolers can spend glorious hours on end as their parents relax.
Toddler’s Travels, a San Diego baby equipment rental company located near the airport, outfitted us beautifully to do just that. While their most popular rented items are cribs — especially their full-size cribs many parents appreciate having for older babies and toddlers, pack’n plays, their BOB single jogging strollers and Duallies, car seats, high chairs or dining boosters, and not surprisingly: exersaucers, they offer a tremendous variety of other items that may enhance any family’s trip to San Diego. 
As we checked into our hotel, the lovely Hyatt Regency Mission Bay I landed for a song through Hotwire Limited Rate (see my hotel review here), I explained we had a delivery from Toddler’s Travels waiting for us. In a moment, the receptionist returned from the baggage room with a stunned expression. Rather than the red carpet, she rolled out the red wagon for us. It was beautiful, loaded with a small cooler, beach umbrella, beach mats, basket of beach toys, and then some, plus a pair of deluxe beach chairs with built-in sun visors. We got a lot of looks from the mostly business traveler crowd in the lobby, but it was clear that the looks were those of surprise…and envy.
There was also a huge sack filled with great indoor toys, bath toys, and books hand-picked to suit my daughters’ ages and interests — which they most certainly did. And what a relief to have such novelties to occupy their energies in the room rather than the buttons of the hotel telephone and the minibar. Thankfully, Daddy was happy to have a tea party while Mommy read a grown-up book for a change! And the Baby Bjorn training potty, I’m happy to report, was also met with with enthusiasm by my toddler (many marshmallows were earned).
As I’d predicted, our little red wagon was just the conveyance we needed for this trip (I admit I was tempted by the BOB Duallie). Whether loaded with beach gear, one or both children, getting pulled by an adult or a child (now there’s a perk!), it put on many happy miles during our stay in San Diego (the sides slip out and it slid right into the trunk of the rental car). The comfy pair of reclining beach chairs were another item that made our supervisory time on the sand all the better, particularly for me at 5 months pregnant. (Tim loved the flip-up sun visor as well.)
So how do I arrange for a baby gear rental on my next trip?
All baby gear rental agencies (a.k.a. “equipment hire services”) are different, so start by finding an agency at your destination in the online directory. Most will deliver gear, and even set-up items like cribs and swings, right at your destination. When staying at hotels or vacation rentals with a reception office, you should contact the front desk ahead of time to let them know you expect a delivery. At other rentals, cabins, or cottages where there isn’t a reception or office, you can arrange to have the delivery brought after your arrival, or possibly pick up the items yourself directly from the agency. Pick up and delivery policies vary, so be sure to read their policies and agreements thoroughly.
What about renting car seats?
In this case, Toddler’s Travels will actually deliver your chosen car seat or safety booster to your car rental agency at the airport before your scheduled arrival. Or if friends or relatives are coming to pick you up, they can pick up your car seat on their drive to the airport, and just as easily drop it off after your return (Toddler’s Travels is just 5 minutes from the airport). Check with the particular agency at your destination for their own procedures for renting and delivering car seats. Unlike renting car seats directly from many car rental agencies, you will have much more say in what type of car seat or safety booster you rent from a baby gear agency, and much more assurance that it will be there for you on arrival.
How can you get the best value from your baby gear rental?
Think through the typical days you’ll spend at your destination: where will you be eating, sleeping, what activities do you most look forward to, and think about which items would make a big difference in your ability to enjoy all of the above. Then look for a package option that may combine key items at a savings to you. Toddler’s Travels, for example, offers great packages where you choose any 4 key items from a suggested set of products and get them at a savings — with a waived delivery fee. In some cases, you’ll actually save money by renting 4 items as a package with the waived delivery fee versus renting 3 items with the delivery fee. Or if you only want one item, for example (a jogging stroller, play yard, etc.), consider picking it up yourself to save the delivery fee. Many rental agencies give you the option of picking up your items yourself, or offer other ways in which you can save on your rentals, so do check for details. The further in advance you place your order, the more likely you will save on any delivery or convenience fees as well. And finally…
Save 15% on your Baby Equipment Rental in San Diego with Toddler’s Travels!
Toddler’s Travels has very generously offered a 15% discount to my readers on any rented items other than their already very discounted package offers. To get your discount code, see their listing in the Worldwide Directory of Baby Gear Rentals at TravelswithBaby.com.
Toddler’s Travels is a fully insured baby equipment rental company serving the greater San Diego area, offering carefully chosen JPMA-certified products that are always safety-inspected and sanitized according to the California Department of Health’s regulations for children’s products. Located just 5 minutes from the San Diego airport, Toddler’s Travels is an easy pit stop to pick up that pack ‘n play, stroller, or other items on your way to your hotel.
For travel outside of San Diego, browse my online directory of baby gear rental agencies where you’ll find baby gear rental agencies from Tucson to Thailand and beyond.
Safe journey,
SECRET SALE – Save an extra 5% off Amazon’s already discounted price on Travels with Baby and qualify for FREE Super Saver shipping when you buy from “Travels with Baby Books”
As a follow-up to my earlier post on “How to Travel Light—Even with a Baby,” I wanted to share the news that the good people at Babies Travel Lite have extended an offer to my readers for an extra $5 orders with their delivery service. Just use coupon code TRAVELS at check out to tell them that Travels with Baby sent you!
I’ll be updating the earlier post and my Quick Links page with the coupon code and details as well.
Safe journey,
Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby
SECRET SALE – Save an extra 5% off Amazon’s already discounted price & qualify for FREE Super Saver shipping when you buy from “Travels with Baby Books”
When I packed several jars of baby food, rice cereal, plenty of diapers and wipes to get us started, baby-safe insect repellent, sunblock, and even a pop-up sun tent for our trip to Thailand with our first daughter, I had no idea I could have had all of those very items meet us at our first hotel in Bangkok. With a 7-month-old baby along for the two-week adventure, we had our hands full enough as it was. If I had it to do over, I certainly would have taken advantage of Babies Travel Lite as I did on a recent family holiday.
Many miles, many lessons, one book, and 2.5 children later, I can tell you, you don’t have to fly to Thailand with a baby to get a great value from using Babies Travel Lite. Particularly now that they’ve expanded their product list to include more than 1300 items that you can have meet you at your destination—be it Grandma’s house for the holidays, a hotel in Hawaii, or a vacation rental in Vietnam.
Let me tell you, it was a great feeling in the midst of our last-minute packing and travel preparations to get an email notification that my package had already arrived at the hotel—a couple of days before we’d even left town. Within minutes of checking into our room, there was a knock at the door and our package was placed in my hands. No ribbons or bows on top, but it certainly felt like a gift to myself. The girls naturally assumed it was a present for themselves. I told them it was and made them wait until that evening to open it. They were not disappointed finding milk and their favorite crackers on earth inside, the perfect bedtime snack after a busy day of traveling and evening in the hotel pool.
I also had to chuckle as I retrieved my “baby diaper bundles” from the box. For quite some time I’ve packed (and recommended packing) gallon-size Ziploc bags with just enough diapers, wipes, creme, and changing pad to pass the day on airplanes, trains, or while out sightseeing. And here were my diaper bundles: zip-top bags, each efficiently loaded with one day’s worth of my preferred diapers, travel-size creme, travel-size wipes, disposable changing pads, and even diaper disposal bags (which are certainly helpful in the hotel room where there isn’t a diaper pail). The diaper bundles were perfect, and the nice zip-top bags have already been reused for wet bathing suits and beach clothes, among other things.
Where most of us are watching our pennies more closely than ever these days, and every travel dollar spent is in itself a clear luxury, you might especially appreciate the many ways that Babies Travel Lite could save you time, gas, and additional expenses for your upcoming family travels. Just think about it…
Will you be shopping for your trip anyway?
When you consider just the swim diapers, sun block, snacks, antibacterial hand wipes, diaper wipe travel packs, microwavable kids’ meals, inflatable baby float or pool toys, travel-size baby shampoos and medicines, and the like that you might hunt down in your pre-trip weeks, not to mention any extra baby food, formula, teething biscuits, and diapers you will use while you’re there, it may make sense to spend less time and gas dashing around town (or your destination during your precious vacation time) and sit down to place a well-planned order at your computer instead.
Will you save on baggage fees?
Many U.S.-based airlines now charge $15 for each passenger’s first checked suitcase—but if you’re flying with your baby on your lap for free, she most likely won’t get a luggage allowance (more details on baggage fees and babies here). That means if your checked bags outnumber ticketed (paying passengers), you’ll get slapped with the even higher fee (usually $25) for a second checked suitcase. Not to mention, the 50 lb. weight limit per suitcase is frighteningly easy to exceed when traveling as a family (resulting in yet more fees—see tip). If you arrange to have Babies Travel Lite ship your consumables, you won’t just enjoy the convenience, but the savings in extra baggage fees and back strain may prove more than worth it.
Are you picky about your products?
Even if shops are easily accessed at your destination, you may have a hard time finding the specific items you want (including size 6 and 7 diapers), or the snacks your picky toddler insists upon, at your destination. Not to mention resort prices, currency exchange rates, or local sales tax may also end up surprising you. Allergies and food sensitivities can also make it tough to travel with babies and young children. Babies Travel Lite has continued to expand its offerings based on real family requests, and chances are they’ve got what you want (and if not, ask them about a special request). Whether you need specialty formulas, organic baby food, high fructose corn syrup-free toddler snacks, or vanilla soy milk for the whole family, they’ve got it covered.
Want to travel green with your baby?
In addition to organic baby foods, snacks, milk, and formulas, Babies Travel Lite even offers earth-friendly diapering alternatives like gDiaper flushable refills, Tushies, and Seventh Generation diapers (among others). California Baby products are also available, including all-natural bathing supplies, lotions, sunscreens, and baby-safe insect repellents. With their clever “Ship it Home” option, you can also easily pack up any leftovers, reusable items, or other new products you’ve purchased in your same Babies Travel Lite box and drop it off at the hotel desk. FedEx will whisk it all back to your home for you (click here for details).
So, how can you get the best deal using Babies Travel Lite?
First, check out the “bundles” they offer: diaper bundles, mealtime bundles, beach time bundles, pool time bundles, infant bath bundles, and toddler bath bundles. Each of these packages were designed to save you money over buying the individual items alone. Also, order as far in advance as you can and you will avoid paying a “convenience fee” and be able to take advantage of the much lower ground shipping rates, though they have just acquired even lower express shipping rates due to increased volume and demand—and you can probably see why. And finally, use coupon code TRAVELS at check out to save an extra $5 on your order and tell them that I sent you.
Thanks so much, Babies Travel Lite. We’ll be back!
Safe journey,
Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby
SECRET SALE – Save an extra 5% off Amazon’s already discounted price & qualify for FREE Super Saver shipping when you buy from “Travels with Baby Books”
When planning a family vacation to Southern California, it’s easy to end up with an itinerary packed solid with theme parks and an admission-heavy vacation budget that quickly exceeds a one-week stay at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico (especially one where your kids would be free). Just one day at Disneyland will cost you $59 per child ages 3 to 9 years, and $69 for everyone 10 and older (unless you go on a family member’s birthday in 2009, when that person can get in free)–and that’s not counting the meals and souvenirs you will buy while you’re there. Sea World is $51 for everyone 3 years and older (and that’s with their eTicket deal where adults pay the child’s price). And the best way to save on the parks is to pay even more for multi-day and multi-park passes where you will likely make up the difference in all of the food and extras you’ll pay for while spending so much time in the parks.
If your children are old enough to put in long days at the parks and long waits in the lines, and you have an appreciation for theme parks yourself that merits spending most of your vacation time inside one or more, it may be worth it. But with children 5 years and younger, a half-day is ample for most big amusement park experiences–an important consideration as you budget for a family vacation.
Fortunately, southern California has much more to offer families than big-name amusement parks, and with miles of glorious free beaches, months on end of sunshine, superb people watching, and countless free attractions (just stroll Hollywood’s walk of fame, drive through Beverly Hills, take a free tour of San Diego’s Old Town) it’s a worthy option for any family planning a vacation on a budget–and just about any time of the year. So how did we end up in Long Beach last week? And why might you want to add it to your list?
Booking the flight:
In my quest to find the cheapest airfare I could from the Bay Area to Southern California, I had to go with JetBlue’s West Coast airfare special which allowed us to fly Oakland to Long Beach at $59 each way (it was actually offered for $49 at the time, but I took too long to commit, so my rate went up. They are offering this rate currently, click here to see their West Coast and other deals). With a free first checked suitcase, family preboarding, diaper changing tables in each airplane, TVs at every seat, and animal crackers in-flight, what parent doesn’t like to fly Blue? And since Long Beach is well-situated for day trips to L.A.’s attractions, many beaches it makes a logical flying destination for many family vacationers–particularly when they can score a good deal from Jet Blue.
Renting the car:
Since we’ve been wanting to see San Diego with the girls, and also see more of southern California in general, Long Beach proved to be a great entry point for us. With a rental car, we would hit the Aquarium of the Pacific, the local beach, and cruise the coast to San Diego taking in the sights in between. The problem? I couldn’t find the bargains on car rentals in Long Beach that I see at most larger airports.
I grudgingly went with an Avis rental that would at least give us a great mileage bonus. I was so disappointed, and more than a little disturbed by our rate of $226.25 for a 4 day + 1 hour rental, I just couldn’t let it rest. Good thing, too. I finally gave Hotwire.com a try, and found a “Hotwire Limited Rate” that I could swallow. I had to commit to pay up front, knowing only the size of car and that I was assured it was a major national rental agency with an on-airport location. In doing so, I ended up with a reservation for the same mid-size car from the same company (Avis) for the same dates and times at $97.94. Better still, they gave me a free model upgrade on arrival.
Staying there:
We opted for a 2-star hotel that included a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker in our room, and included a continental breakfast with a waffle bar. Not only were these features a great convenience for us, but they helped us cut costs on our dining expenses. (We stocked up on milk and snacks at the local market.)
There are many good hotel options in Long Beach, regardless of your budget, but as with the car, I would encourage you to look for a Hotwire Limited Rate for a better-class hotel than you might normally pay for at a rate you normally would to be closer to the beaches or waterfront (use the Hotwire icons for each hotel listing to see which features and amenities the hotel offers). In many cases, you really can use Hotwire to get a 4-star hotel at a 2-star rate. Even though Hotwire will not tell you the name of the hotel offered at the “limited rate” until you have paid for it, you will see the neighborhood where it’s located, a list of the special features and amenities (e.g. pool, complimentary breakfast, walking distance to beach, on waterfront, etc.).
If you prefer to know the exact hotel before you commit, and to pay upon arrival, try a Kayak.com search for hotel rooms in Long Beach, where you’ll be able to see who offers you the best deal at exactly which hotel. If you click to see your results in the map view, it’s easy to quickly roll over and see your hotel names and rates in your favored areas. Availability is everything, of course, but at the time I did find last-minute rates on Kayak for the historic Queen Mary Hotel (the successor to the Titanic, which your family can tour and also sleep on as overnight guests in your own first class ship cabin) from $139 for four–a unique experience in itself.
Or you may opt, as we did, for less luxury and greater savings with a hotel that may include your breakfast and will let you swim in its pool (on the Mary, you’ll have to settle for admiring it on tour).
Playing there:
The Beach – One of the best things about any trip to southern California is experiencing the beach culture. It can vary from beach to beach, for sure, but one of my favorite moments on this trip was approaching the local “long beach” at dusk and discovering a highway of happy locals strolling, biking, rollerblading, and pushing strollers along a paved sidewalk right in the middle of the beach. Naturally we had to salute Joni Mitchell with a chorus on paving paradise to put in a parking lot, but let’s face it: Who wouldn’t love to roller skate on the beach at sunset–I mean ON the beach (no need to pack yours, you can rent them here)? Though most kids will be thoroughly entertained for hours by the vast expanse of sand and water. Cost: FREE.
The Aquarium – If you have kids in Long Beach, you will have to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific. More than just a collection of pretty tanks of fish and jellyfish, your kids will get their hands on anemones, sea urchins, velvety stingrays, and even small sharks. While you’re there, watch the seal & sea lion show, where you’ll learn how to finally tell the difference between the two as they happily get their lunch (you can take yours afterward in the cafeteria if you like). Cost: Adults $20.95, Children 3 to 11 $11.95, Children 2 years & younger are free. You can save $5 per adult ticket, however, by purchasing your tickets online in advance of your trip (click here). Or on arrival in Long Beach, pick up a copy of the Long Beach Official Guide booklet from the convention & visitors bureau where you’ll find coupons for $3 off adult admission.
You might also:
Ride the ferris wheel or carousel at The Pike at Rainbow Harbor ($2 per ride each), a shopping and entertainment complex next door to the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Tour the Queen Mary and, if you like, its attached Russian submarine. General admission for the self-guided tour is $24.95 adults, Children 5 to 11 $12.95, children under 5 years free. Various tour options and special events are available seasonally. A combination pass is available for the Queen Mary & aquarium, and you may be able to get a family package deal for an overnight stay in a first class family stateroom and tickets to the aquarium (call 1-562-435-3511 to inquire).
Safe journey,
Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby
PSSST! – Save an extra 5% off Amazon’s already discounted price on Travels with Baby when you buy from “Travels with Baby Books” (click here)
A mom recently asked me what to expect in the way of baggage fees now that she and her husband will be flying with a baby over the holidays. Here’s an overview of what you might expect this season…
- If you are flying with a car seat or stroller, virtually all major airlines are still allowing parents to check car seats and collapsible strollers for no additional fee, whether their child is flying free on a lap or in a paid seat. (See details from United, American, JetBlue.) One exception I’ve come across is Southwest, where strollers may be checked for free, but a child’s car seat plus second piece of “baby gear” may be substituted for the one free first suitcase they grant a ticketed adult or child passenger (details here).
- If your baby is flying free as a “lap child” on a domestic flight, be aware that babies flying free aren’t generally allowed a checked bag, so be prepared that if your checked items outnumber paid seats, you will be subject to a second checked bag fee (whatever that is for the airline you’re flying).
- If you are flying internationally with a “lap child” (at 10% the adult ticket price), your child may actually be entitled to one checked bag (at the airline’s going rate for a first checked suitcase). Call the reservations number for your airline to be sure.
- If your child under 2 years is flying in a paid seat with a discounted “infant fare,” he or she is entitled to the same baggage allowance–and fees set forth for regular passengers (in addition to any free stroller or car seat allowances by the airline).
For more help finding airlines offering the best discounts and perks for families flying with babies and small children (infant and child discounted fares, family preboarding, availability of diaper changing stations, bassinets, free baby food & diapers, free luggage allowances for infants, child menus, etc.), head to Part 5 of Travels with Baby, where you’ll find plenty of tips and practical advice for Travels by Airplane.
Safe journey,
Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby
PUBLISHER’S DISCOUNT – Get 15% off Travels with Baby & qualify for FREE Super Saver shipping when you buy from “Travels with Baby Books”
Today, I’m a featured guest blogger over at Barb’s Daily Dose (NurseBarb.com), where I’m addressing one of the top concerns I hear from new parents preparing to travel with their babies and small children: Finding a doctor away from home. Be sure to check out my tips for getting fast, effective treatment for any member of your family, whether staying out of town with friends or overseas with camels.
While I hope you won’t need to find a doctor to treat your child’s unexpected ear infection on your next vacation, being prepared to handle such a situation if it comes up can certainly give you confidence as your family travels near or far.
For those who will be traveling far in particular, I hope you will consider my point on Medical Evacuation Coverage. Fortunately, it is very unlikely that any member of your family will end up needing hospital care as you travel. But clearly there are some destinations and circumstances where, if it happened, you would be very glad to get jetted home to your local hospital for care.
Not only can the expenses of prolonging your family’s stay in a far-off place during treatment add up, but the care may not always be up to your standards, and the language barrier may further complicate things.
After hearing the story of a friend who unexpectedly landed in a hospital in Bolivia during an Andean adventure, I still have visions of him swatting flies from his IV and looking out the unscreened hospital window from his bed at the mound of outgoing hospital trash. I’m sure you’ve heard other stories as well.
It’s great to travel, but clearly there are times when there’s no place like home. If you’re purchasing travel insurance for your trip, Medical Evacuation Coverage may be included in your plan–check to be sure. If your credit card offers some level of travel insurance, ask if it includes Medical Evacuation Coverage. Different plans are available a la carte through AirMed, Medjet Assist, or Medevac through Travel Guard (see my tip on family travel insurance as well). Any of these plans offer a special rate for families and will provide worldwide air transportation with skilled medics to the hospital of your choice.
Now, head over to NurseBarb.com for more tips on finding medical care while traveling with children.
Safe journey,
Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby
PUBLISHER’S DISCOUNT – Get 15% off Travels with Baby & qualify for FREE Super Saver shipping at Amazon when you buy from “Travels with Baby Books”
Bronze Award Winner in Travel Blogs from the North American Travel Journalists Association
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