Travel Tips for International Adoption

Travel Tips for International Adoption When you pursue an international adoption, you will eventually need to make at least one trip to your child's country of origin before the adoption is finalized. This trip is often the highlight of your adoption journey, as you meet your child and begin your life together as a forever family. Due to the cultural, emotional, and practical considerations involved in these trips, however, they also require careful planning.

Following are a few of the steps you can take to prepare.

Do your research ahead of time.

In order to prepare adequately for your trip, you will need to learn everything you can about what to expect once you reach your child's country of origin. This information will guide everything from how you pack to how you dress and act once you are in the country. For instance, you should learn what you can about the medical and physical needs of your child. The adoption agency you are using may be able to help you obtain this information so you can be better prepared to meet your child's needs once you are with them.

In addition, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with your child's culture of origin. For instance, the country may have certain customs regarding modesty (such as long sleeves or head scarves for women) that you will need to plan for and respect.

Knowing other information, such as the legal documents you will need to bring, whether or not you will need large amounts of cash (instead of credit cards and traveler's checks), whether to bring gifts and what type of gifts to bring for the orphanage, and whether there are travel warnings or other safety concerns related to the country, will allow you to prepare more effectively before you go.

Bring a travel partner with you.

Traveling for an international adoption from San Antonio or elsewhere can be a physically and emotionally challenging process. Handling a whirlwind of legal details, meeting and caring for your new child, moving around a foreign country, and staying in touch with family back home can leave you feeling scattered and tired. This is why it is essential to bring a travel partner with you. This person may be your spouse, but can also be another family member or friend who is willing to provide you with the support you need during your trip.

The person you choose should not only be willing to accompany you but also be physically and emotionally capable of handling an international trip. For instance, they should be physically strong enough for the trip, be capable of helping you keep track of details, and be someone you feel comfortable confiding in. The right travel partner can make intercountry adoption easier and less stressful by helping you to manage all the details of the trip and by providing emotional support when you need it.

Pack thoughtfully.

A successful trip overseas, especially to complete an adoption through an international adoption program, requires careful packing ahead of time. Your research should give you a good idea of the kinds of legal documents, money, identifying papers, insurance, and other essential items you will need.

In addition, you should plan to pack essentials for your child such as clothing, diapers, children's medication (such as children's Tylenol), and toys to entertain them on the

plane back home. You may also need to pack crib bedding to use in the hotel room if your child will be staying with you during part of your trip. If you are bringing any of your other children with you, you will also need to pack snacks, toys, clothing, and other items to make the trip more comfortable for them.

To make the process of traveling with a child more comfortable, you may need to pack items such as a carrier, stroller, and/or car seat. You will also need to plan for any special clothing you will need to follow the country's customs, pack gifts or donations for the orphanage, and hand sanitizer to help you prevent illness. You may be able to obtain a more complete list of the basics you should pack by consulting with other families who have adopted from the same country, as well as by asking your international adoption agency for advice.

Take precautions to guard your health

Any time you travel to another country, but especially as part of an international adoption program, you should take steps to guard your health during your trip.

Illnesses from food and water can not only create discomfort but also make it more difficult for you to enjoy your time with your child and to accomplish the tasks needed to successfully finalize the adoption.

The primary steps you can take to prevent illness on your trip are to receive the appropriate vaccinations for the country to which you are traveling, to watch what you eat and drink, and to wash your hands frequently. In particular, you should avoid drinking any water that is not bottled or boiled, and to avoid any food that is not hot or any fruits that have not been peeled. Your medical professional may be able to direct you to more detailed information regarding what specific guidelines you should follow for the country you will be visiting.

Record the details of your trip.

Traveling abroad to meet your child and finalize your adoption is an event that you will want to remember. In the midst of the busyness and fatigue of the trip, therefore, you should take the time to record as many details as you can. One way to do so is to keep a journal where you write down the details of each day. In addition, taking pictures and purchasing cultural items can give you tangible mementos of one of the most important times in your and your child's life.

Preparing for a trip abroad to meet your child and bring them home can be a joyful, as well as a stressful, time. By doing your research, bringing a travel partner, packing thoughtfully, taking precautions to guard your health, and keeping a record of your trip, however, you can cut down on unnecessary obstacles and create a trip that is truly memorable.