13 things to do before you travel as a family

We are going to Bangkok this Thursday, we will be back after 10 years and this time, we’ll be with Gwen. I hardly remember any details from my last trip except that we stayed in Baiyoke Suite Hote and went to Chatuchak and floating market. This time, my preparation for our Bangkok trip started right after we got back from Bohol. I extensively researched on accommodations, itineraries, food, and child-friendly tourist attractions.

Things to do before you travel

1. Print your ticket. I booked our tickets online and not with a travel agency that’s why I’m the one who will also print the tickets.
2. Print your hotel or guesthouse reservation. Since we’re on a budget travel, we’re staying in a condo outside the city. I found this condo’s listing through Roomorama.
3. Print your itinerary and prepare or download in your smartphone the maps to your destination.
4. Check your passports and visa (if needed). Photocopy your passports, visa, and other identifications you might need.
5. If you’re travelling for more than 3 days and if you’re travelling with small children, it’s best to buy travel insurance. I’ve been reading up on this and still comparing the pros and cons of my choices, I’ll make a blog post once I made up my mind what to avail.
6. Get a clearance from doctor. Have some vaccination like the flu vaccine. It’s fun to travel especially if you have a peace of mind that your family’s health is secured.
7. Bring or photocopy your children’s baby book.
8. Prepare your budget. Exchange your money to be used, it’s best to bring US dollars.
9. Inform your bank that you’re going on a trip abroad. This is a must if you have a BPI ATM card and you plan to withdraw money using your ATM card. You need to call BPI at least a week before your trip.
10. Call your credit card company and inform them if you plan to use your credit card abroad. I also do this for added measure. It’s good to bring cash, and then use credit card for high-ticket items.
11. Prepare your gadgets. Test your cameras, phones, power banks, memory cards, etc. Make sure that they are all in good working condition before your trip to capture your moments as a family.
12. Stock up on medicines especially medicines for children (Paracetamol, meds for cold and cough, insect repellant, etc.)
13. Know your rights as a passenger. I found this helpful infographic called Summary of the Rights of Air Passengers and it’s very informative. So in case, there’ll be mishaps at the airport, you’ll know what to demand as a passenger.

Got some travel tips before your family travels? Feel free to share through the comments section, might find them useful before I pack for Bangkok.