Over the past year, I have regularly traveled with my daughter between and within Canada and the United States, both by plane and by car. Traveling with your child can be stressful enough without adding the intricacies of figuring out international travel rules.

With prime travel season being upon us with the holiday break coming up, here are some things to consider before you start your trip.

Traveling solo with your child? Make sure you have a consent letter!

If you are traveling with your child(ren) without their other parent – whether you are in a relationship with them or not – you should have a letter from the other parent explaining they agree to you traveling alone with your child. The last thing you want is to be delayed at the border if a border guard becomes concerned that you are traveling without the other parent’s permission.

The Government of Canada provides information on the contents of the letter as well as some other information related to it here.

Familiarize Yourself with Airport Security Rules

One thing I notice a lot in “mom groups” on Facebook when someone is asking about rules for what you want bring through security at the airport when traveling internationally? Most people focus only on TSA (American) rules and not the rules at their destinations.

While many countries may have similar rules, make sure you familiarize yourself specifically with the rules at each airport you are going to (which are usually – if not always – the same throughout the entire country). You may not need to go through security again at your connections, but if you do, it is important to know if the rules on what you can bring through are different.

What I did not know before traveling with my daughter was there are exemptions on the rules for liquids and gels – at least in Canada and the USA – for various things you need for children, such as milk (including breastmilk), food for your children, ice packs, etc. Unfortunately, I have heard countless stories about airport security either handling items unhygienically or telling people (incorrectly) that they aren’t allowed something (such as ice packs for breast milk).

Make sure you not only familiarize yourself with the local airport security rules for your departure location, connections, and destination, but also have the rules handy and be prepared to advocate for yourself if needed (for example, asking them to change their gloves before handling your child’s milk cup).

Finally, make sure you leave a bit of extra time to go through security if you are bringing any items that they would need to screen (liquids/gels over the set limit), because I have always had to have these items screened separately which leads to a bit of a longer wait.

I personally have not had any issues with airport security staff not following the regulations, but it is always best to be prepared with the information if needed.

Familiarize Yourself with each Country’s Customs Rules

So, you have packed all these healthy snacks and milk for your child which you have been able to get through airport security, but now you are crossing an international border… get ready for more rules!

In many cases, you will not be permitted to bring fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and dairy across the border into a different country, though there may be exemptions depending on the origin. Make sure you take a look at each country’s specific customs rules so you can plan your meals accordingly and don’t have to throw out those great snacks you packed!

Travel Insurance

There are two main categories of travel insurance – one to deal with trip delays/cancellations/loss/baggage issues, and one to deal with medical issues. Often, they are intertwined, but it is important to ensure you have enough insurance based on what you need.

In some cases, your credit card will be enough if you have a good travel credit card; however, it is essential to read the fine print and truly understand what is specifically covered. Often the basic trip cancellation etc. is sufficient, but the medical coverage is lacking.

Before you go out and purchase a travel insurance plan, be sure to review any benefits package you might have to determine if you have travel medical insurance and if it would be sufficient for your needs.

Another consideration is rental car insurance. Check your vehicle insurance and your credit card insurance to determine if you are covered before handing over extra cash for rental car insurance that you may not need.

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Do you have any other tips you would include? In an upcoming post, I will write about some tips and products I enjoy specifically for travel with an infant, so keep your eyes peeled for that!