RTW Trip with 2 adults and 2 children

[Shanye2233]

I always travel with printed copies of all reservations documents. You might not always have access to the internet when checking in to a hotel/flight/tour and if things are different to what you expected you may need this as back up. I'm running at about 40:1 on this.

ESTA are travel authorities for the US and are linked to your passports - they cost USD14 each, are valid for 2 years and each member of your party must have one, regardless of age, prior to traveling to the United States.

You will not even be able to check-in for a flight to the USA if you don't have them.

Thank god someone told me , i wonder what other surprises there are!

 

[Mwenenzi]

.... I wonder what other surprises there are!

You will find out on the day !
But it will OK at the end (we hope)

Have you checked visa requirements for the other countries you are visiting / transiting ?

 

[Shanye2233]

No i havent checked anything i only just got our passports and i thought that was it. The application for the esta is asking me what is the last city prior to arriving in the United states is that toronto or frankfurt ?

 

[Shanye2233]

An ESTA is the visa you need for the us entry. It costs about 15 dollars and is valid for a year or maybe two. You need to do it before you arrive! Make sure you use the official website, others charge extra. The link is below.

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Do i have to do this for children as well or just adults ? My kids are 4 and 2

 

[AVC]

Travelling with a lot of tech, double check you have all your charging leads, and adaptors. Make sure everything is fully charged before leaving. Any devices that have disposable batteries, need fresh batteries in them.

Make sure your iPads have decent covers that will protect them in carry on baggage. (Mrs VC smashed Miss VC's portable DVD screen in a carry on).

Digital cameras? Upload to the web, or copy photos to your iPads regularly. Carry spare memory cards. Any data you do not have backed up, is data you never wanted in the first place.

Some iPad apps require connectivity to the 'net to work (like some games).

Antiseptic hand gel, and baby wipes for the kids.

 

[deejo77]

OH MY GOD____________who let you out of the country?? I hope that Saint Christopher is very very nice to you

There is so MUCH information out there on this stuff - screwing up a visa could make your holiday an ADVENTURE!!

Everyone with a passport who needs to get into the USA needs an ESTA visa

 

[AVC]

Do i have to do this for children as well or just adults ? My kids are 4 and 2

Short answer, yes.

Take the kid's water bottles that they are familiar with, but don't try to take them through security full of water.
If you are taking formula, they'll let that through.

See this site:
Liquids, aerosols and gels
for info on how to pack your liquids and gels in carry on

 

[tuapekastar]

All sage advice. When I travel OS I write (it can take a while and I add to the list as necessary when I think of something new) down every single item I intend to take - it's usually easier to group them in categories - then literally cross each item off the list as I pack it. Makes me much more comfortable that I haven't forgotten anything!

 

[serfty]

Do i have to do this for children as well or just adults ? My kids are 4 and 2

As I posted earlier:

...
ESTA are travel authorities for the US and are linked to your passports - they cost USD14 each, are valid for 2 years and each member of your party must have one, regardless of age, prior to traveling to the United States.

You will not even be able to check-in for a flight to the USA if you don't have them.

Here's some more: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/WebHelp/ESTA_Screen-Level_Online_Help_1.htm#TA2

Who is required to have a travel authorization?

All passengers traveling under the Visa Waiver Program are required to have an approved travel authorization prior to traveling to the United States by air or sea. Even non-ticketed infants are required to have an approved travel authorization, if they do not have a visa for travel to the United States. An application may be submitted by a third party on behalf of a Visa Waiver Program traveler. ...


How do I apply for authorization to travel to the United States?
Step 1: Complete Your Application
Enter all required information. You will be asked to: provide information from your passport; to enter your travel arrangements and credit card information; and to answer seven security questions. Each member of your party must have an approved travel authorization or a visa, regardless of age, prior to traveling to the United States.

 

[serfty]

No i havent checked anything i only just got our passports and i thought that was it. The application for the esta is asking me what is the last city prior to arriving in the United states is that toronto or frankfurt ?

What is your routing? Transits don't count, it's your previous stopover.

 

[JessicaTam]

I leave a copy of my credit cards, passport, driver's license and itinerary (with reference numbers) with a trusted friend so that if I lose everything and have no internet I can call them for the info. Just make sure you memorise their phone number in case your phone is lost too.

Hope it never happens, and remember that you are on holiday!

 

[Shanye2233]

I have all the esta done and approved its $14 per person . I have hand wwritten everything and printed out hotel reservation numbers and some maps. My routing is
syd BKK CAI CDG (stop) zag (stop) FRA YYZ lax (stop) NRT akl SYD . The first stop in Paris is just over 24 hours the next in Croatia is 2 weeks and then 2 weeks in L.A.

Will TG check my bags all the way thru to CDG? I'm flying TG to BKK them MS from
BKK to CAI to CDG

 

[Shanye2233]

I leave a copy of my credit cards, passport, driver's license and itinerary (with reference numbers) with a trusted friend so that if I lose everything and have no internet I can call them for the info. Just make sure you memorise their phone number in case your phone is lost too.

Hope it never happens, and remember that you are on holiday!

I will thank you. Do I need a special drivers licence to drive in Croatia and around to Italy ? And in America i hired a car


Also I would like to ask if I check into a hotel and they hold say 100 euro for incidentals and I gives visa or 28 degree for the holdin is there any fees for that if so what's the work around ?

 

[Mwenenzi]

I will thank you. Do I need a special drivers license to drive in Croatia and around to Italy ? And in America i hired a car

International drivers permit (license) are really no more than a translation. Not a true license to drive.
Do you need International drivers permit: ask the rental car companies. Not needed in USA in my view but for you to check.
You get an International driver permit from the Automobile Association RACV (Vic) or NRMA (NSW)

From http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/tips/road-travel.html

International Driving Permits
Many countries require Australians to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to a valid Australian driving licence to legally drive a car, or ride a motorbike, and tshould be carried with your domestic driver licence. An IDP is a widely recognised document that can be issued by associated members of the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). Before driving overseas, Australians should contact the appropriate foreign mission in Australia for information on drivers licence requirements.

Ensure the IDP allows you to drive or ride the vehicles you intend to use. Some insurance policies will not cover you if you have an accident using a vehicle you are not licensed to drive.

IDPs are issued through state and territory motoring clubs. To obtain an International Driving Permit, please contact the relevant IDP authority in your state:

http://www.mynrma.com.au/travel/services/international-driving-permit.htm


Be very careful when you first drive a left hand drive.
Italian drivers are @@&@. Well being polite "unusual"

Travel agent are worth it at times for inexperienced travelers

 

[serfty]

No i havent checked anything i only just got our passports and i thought that was it. The application for the esta is asking me what is the last city prior to arriving in the United states is that toronto or frankfurt ?

What is your routing? Transits don't count, it's your previous stopover.

I have all the esta done and approved its $14 per person . I have hand wwritten everything and printed out hotel reservation numbers and some maps. My routing is
syd BKK CAI CDG (stop) zag (stop) FRA YYZ lax (stop) NRT akl SYD . The first stop in Paris is just over 24 hours the next in Croatia is 2 weeks and then 2 weeks in L.A.

Will TG check my bags all the way thru to CDG? I'm flying TG to BKK them MS from
BKK to CAI to CDG

In this case, your answer will be Frankfurt as Toronto is only a stopover.

As for luggage SYD-xBKK-xCAI-CDG, it should be checked all the way through from SYD (I believe there can be a 4 segment maximum on this.).

 

[dmouy]

So I'm leaving in under a week now and im sort of trying to make sure I'm not forgetting anything . So I searched for something similar to a check list but couldn't find one so I thought I would I ask .
Having never been overseas it's hard to prepare because I don't know what to expect . I'm goin mainly to Europe and the united states so I know one thing is for sure I need money. With the recent decline of our dollar it hasn't made life easier so I lodged a application for a 28 degrees credit card with a $2,000 so I top it up and that should help . I also cchanged a few thou into euro to have some cash just in case.

I have packed clothes for all nappies iPads cameras . Imnot sure if I'm allowed to take perfumes or bathroom amenities . But I was reading some of the flights provide this so I left it out. I have passports our tickets I have a few screen shots of the areas we are going in case we get lost .printed out hotel reservations and a intinrary . I have travel adaptor charges for Europe and the states , aam I missin something ? I have y drivers licence a few cc just in case. All our bags have tsa locks on them . I'm even taking a booster seat or my 4yr old stuff paying $400 for two seats .
I think I have covered everything but because it's my first ttime I thought someonew
Has beenany times has learn a few extra things they found handy to take .

Thank you for all your help

1. A four socket powerboard can be useful if you have multiple devices to charge (camera, 'phone, iPad, ?). Plug the powerboard into the plug adapter and all the devices can be charged simultaneously. Make sure your chargers work on 100V-250V AC. Read the compliance label on the charger.

2. If you have a smartphone capable of using Dropbox (can also be done on iPad) then you can put your essential documents (flight and accommodation confirmations, maps, scans of credit cards, license and passports) into Dropbox and then flag them as "Favourites". You do this by opening the document in Dropbox and then clicking on the star. This transfers the document into your iPad or smartphone and you can open the documents at ANYTIME - even if there is no internet access. It's prudent to set a Passcode on your iPad for security.

3. If you have a cheap mobile handset as a secondary phone you can use it with a local SIM without having to swap out yours from your primary handset. Make sure you handset is not network locked if you plan to use it with other carriers while away.

Have fun travelling!

 

[kiwitripper64]

Take things on the plane to keep kids interested. Books, snacks toys. If you have access to lounges then shower kids at the airport. Let them splash in the water to tire them out.
Take a few 1L ziplock bags.
Take some laundry powder. Or pay lots at the laundrette
In the US carry a small pile of $1 bills in separate wallet compartment for easy tipping. Not much fun realising later that you tipped someone $20 by mistake.
When kids get tired, ICE CREAM

Have a great trip

 

[JWTravelPlans]

Hi, We have taken our 8 & 10 year olds to 25 & 28 countries respectively so have had plenty of experience travelling with the kids since they were 3 months old. You can see my checklist & Travel with Baby tips on juliewarnertravelplans.com in the Travel with Kids section.

I would never rely on having your travel reservations & documents available on electronic device or internet (many times these are not working or not available when you need them) - you need a paper copy with all reservation details listed on it, hotel name, address, contact number, car hire reservation number, flight numbers & times etc. Better to be prepared than panicking when you are in a foreign country & can't speak the language.

For Europe - you will find that most people will speak enough English for you to get by with day to day travel needs. If you show them the respect of trying some of their language basics with simple greetings and the please & thank you, they will generally appreciate that effort and be more accomodating of any language barriers - yes, even the French. Make sure you let them know you are not English, most countries have a good impression of Australians (I presume you are Australian - sorry if that is incorrect!).

Here is my list of things to check before you go:

1. Check that your passport will be valid for at least six months when you return as you may be refused entry to some countries if it expires earlier than this. It is also a good idea to carry some additional passport photos in case you need a replacement passport or you decide to include some additional destinations on your trip and require additional Visas.

1. Check if you require Visas for any of the destinations you are visiting – or through which you will transit. Make sure that you enquire at least six weeks in advance so that you allow enough time to obtain visas. If travelling to a number of countries start your enquiries well in advance as you will need to send your passport off to all the separate embassies and consulates for each destination with your visa application.

1. Vaccinations – allow at least eight weeks before departure as some vaccinations may require more than one shot over a period of weeks to be effective. Seek advice from your local GP and specialist travel doctor clinics as to each countries requirements.

1. Arrange any banking requirements: Travellers Cheques, currency, ATM/Credit/Debit Cards or a travel money card available from financial institutions. Ensure cards will work in your destinations. Perhaps even deposit some cash into your credit card so you are spending your own money. Check all associated fees before deciding what methods to use - they can really add up!

1. Print 3 copies of all your documentation: Passport Details, Flight Itinerary, Reservations, Travellers Cheque numbers. Take one with you, keep one in your luggage and leave one at home with family, friends or neighbours in case they get lost, stolen or damaged while you are travelling.

1. Email yourself copies of all your travel documentation, in the event you lose your paperwork you will have access online to all details.

1. Cancel any standing orders: newspapers, magazine subscriptions, Pay T.V. monthly packages, milk, bread or fruit weekly deliveries.

1. Mail – arrange for someone to collect your mail or speak with your Post Office regarding holding your mail if away for long periods.

1. Make a checklist of all household items you need to attend to before leaving home. This should include bills to be paid prior to leaving. Set up direct debits or automatic payments to cover bills that arrive while you are travelling.

1. Work out what to do with pets or plants. Perhaps arrange with family or neighbours to look after these, or specialist companies who provide these services.

1. Let a neighbour know you will be away so they can keep an eye on things for you and leave a contact number in case of an emergency.

1. Pack any ID cards that may provide discounts whilst travelling. Student IDs, seniors or any clubs and organisations that have affiliations overseas may all provide some large savings. Automobile Association membership cards, e.g. NRMA, may be handy for obtaining free maps in other countries from their associated automobile associations.

1. Set up all your communication devices. What email will you use? Can you access your current email globally or do you need to set up a Hotmail or Yahoo account? Remember to advise all your family and friends if you have a changed address. Arrange a Skype account for you and those you want to be in contact with as so long as you have internet access you can use this service for free.

If you are taking your mobile and intend switching it to roaming – check the rates carefully. You will be paying high rates for the convenience. It would often be more economical to use local SIM cards in your phone if you really have to be in contact regularly.

1. Arrange your travel insurance; if you can’t afford travel insurance then you can’t afford to travel. Obtain quotes from existing insurance companies you already have policies with, such as: health, car, home and contents providers as they often discount for multiple policies. Research on-line comparison websites and check if any of your credit cards have travel insurance attached. With any policy, ensure that it has adequate cover for your destinations and covers all your travel requirements.

 

[Julesmac]

Pack a night light - we leave one plugged into the bathroom power point with the door slightly ajar for when you need to get up in the night.
Get small torches for the children - helps with the dark and being in strange rooms. 3 & 4 year olds will love them, you can get teeny Maglite ones (these may be too small & easily lost) but I've recently seen some which have glow in the dark covers. Around $4-6
The cash passport cards are good, you load them up with money, use to withdraw cash from ATM's without the crushing charges for cash advances or foreign currency exchange. Our members can advise, or you can find a thread on this site, about what cards offer the best deals. If a bank can screw you they sure will!
Maybe out of date, but I always get my full camera cards downloaded onto cd - duplicates - and send a copy home. May not be practical though if you have to trawl through towns searching for the local PO.
A previous poster recommended copying all docs and leaving with a trusted friend. I'd also suggest including all your and your partner's passwords for banking, computer, and any other accounts where you need to log in.
The 4 year old could pull a little roller case - Thomas the Tank, etc. Light and easy to manoeuvre. I'd advise you against a Trunki - they are absolute cows to pull along and you will be transiting some fairly lengthy terminals on your travels
Travel insurance, travel insurance, travel insurance. Don't leave home without it
Most important item - pack patience and a sense of humour! Enjoy!

 

[Shanye2233]

Serious big thanks guys I think I'm ready to go . I have a little torch app on my phone . All documents reservations passport copies done . All visa's done. I pre loaded 28 degrees card.

Im taking a tripod is that allowed in carry on ? It doesn't fit in our suitcases . I brought two 32" cosmolite
bags for checked luggage. I'm leaving tomorrow fingers crossed !