International Travel with Children: Tips for Physicians and Families

Abstract

1. Laura E. Ferguson, MD* 2. Robert J. Yetman, MD† 1. *Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Community and General Pediatrics, The University of Texas, Houston Medical School 2. †Professor of Pediatrics, The University of Texas, Houston Medical School, Houston, Tex For a variety of political and economic reasons, opportunities for childhood travel outside the United States have increased dramatically. Expatriation of employees and their families to global markets, deployment of families who have children for military or humanitarian aid purposes, foreign adoption, return of recent immigrants for visits to their countries of origin, and increased ease of leisure travel in areas previously “off the beaten path” have contributed to opportunities for international travel with children. Often, the first source of information for families that include children who are considering international travel is their pediatrician or other primary care practitioner. The practitioner may be asked to help plan for anticipated and unanticipated health-care needs abroad, to provide information about the prevention of infectious diseases and other health problems specific to certain destinations, and to assist in planning for routine health care in areas where politics and health-care funding are different from those in the United States. Additionally, the health-care practitioner may see patients who recently have traveled abroad, who have immigrated to this country, or who are here for a prolonged stay. A pediatrician’s familiarity with the resources available and current recommendations about international travel allows for helpful guidance to the family. International travel with children is likely to fall into two general categories: 1) short-term travel for leisure or adoption and 2) expatriation for parental career purposes (which may last for months or years). For the leisure traveler, Lonely Planet Travel Guides or a local travel agent can offer suggestions for lodging and dining. For the expatriate, the family’s sponsoring organization often is invaluable, providing names of other expatriated employees and perhaps providing for a visit prior to travel so housing, schooling, and health care can be arranged. International groups for expatriates (eg, Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas) are …