Continued from previous posts...

-Know about where you are going. I think this is especially true if you are traveling internationally. Learn about the country you are going to and what to expect. What are some of the cultural “to do’s” and “don’ts?” What is the area like? What sorts of food will there be? What will the weather be like? Is tipping expected? Will there be lots of poverty? Will I be treated poorly for being a white person with a child from that country? Is it safe to be out on my own? What are some good places to eat? What are some places I can visit? What are some basic phrases in the language I can use?

Culture shock can be rough, and although reading books and talking to other people can never truly prepare you, it can do a lot to help mentally prepare yourself for what you are going to experience. For example, seeing that young mother holding her tiny little baby wrapped in rags and pleading me for money at the airport was horribly difficult, but since I knew that there would be lots of people begging at the airport, including mothers and babies, I was at least expecting it and somewhat prepared. Watch videos, read books, talk to other parents and get a good idea of what is ahead of you.

Not being overwhelmed with culture shock helps you to be able to focus on your new child and be in the best state of mind as possible.

-Sleep! As much as you can before your trip, get good sleep. Travel is exhausting, especially international travel, and starting off tired is less than ideal. Once you arrive, excitement, nerves, jet lag, illness, a new baby or child and plenty of other things may keep you up at night, so sleep while you can.

Being organized and prepared for your trip in advance allows you to get the sleep you need right before you leave instead of staying up all night packing.

-Have back up plans. This is especially for people who have other kids that they are leaving at home. Once you have settled child care for while you are gone, find some back up. People get sick, have accidents, have emergencies, change their minds, have things come up, etc. and it will make your life a lot less stressful to have back up plans in line “just in case,” Are you relying on someone to drive you to the airport or someone to pick you up? Is someone watching your pet? Is someone covering you at work? Have a back up plan.

With all of the stresses and emotions of adoption travel, you don’t want to be worrying about things back at home (as much as that is possible).

-Be flexible. It’s easier said than done, I know, but adoption travel is almost always full of unexpected twists and turns. You never know how your new child is going to be feeling and acting. You never know if you are going to get sick or not. You never know when you are going to have your luggage lost or a paperwork problem. Be prepared for things to NOT go as planned, and be able and willing to “go with the flow” and be flexible.

There are my travel tips. Like I said, I will share my packing list and lots of packing advice in tomorrow’s posts. And if you have recently traveled for an adoption, feel free to leave a comment with some of your travel advice.