Every now and then, a situation comes along where you end up traveling with kids that aren’t your own. Whether they’re a friend of your child or you’re leading some sort of group trip, there’s a lot of things to consider when it comes to bringing them along for the journey.

Get a temporary guardianship form. In the case of an emergency, an adult will be needed to make important decisions regarding the safety of those they are traveling with. To make documentation and traveling easier, you might want to consider getting a temporary guardianship form, assuring that all parties are okay with it first. This will help settle any disputes that happen when it comes to responsibility.

Know their allergies and get their medical releases. Health is always an important issue when it comes to traveling. As it would be with your own children, knowing and understanding your traveling companion’s allergies is essential. Making sure to avoid whatever allergens may affect the child, and having the proper tools to deflect them (epi-pen, inhaler, etc.) is crucial to ensuring a safe trip.

Stay connected and keep a plan. The last thing you want to have happen during your trip is losing contact with the child you’re traveling with. Make sure to have a way to keep in contact with them, whether it’s a texting plan or some other method. Having a way to communicate with their parents at home is helpful too. Older teens who could travel on their own should be made aware of whatever plans you laid out for the trip.

Know what documents you need for where you’re going. Some countries and places require different documentation than others. Some places might accept a temporary guardianship form as recommended above, while others might need a form of notarized consent, copies of parents’ driver’s license, etc. Between these and other important forms (passports, tickets, ID, etc.) it’s essential to have your documents sorted out and organized before you leave.

Understand their eating habits. Whether you have kids or not, you’re likely used to a limited palette. It’s important to understand that different families and people have different eating habits, taste preferences, and levels of comfort when trying new foods. Make sure to discuss all of these with your new traveling pals before heading off, that way no one is left unhappy at the dinner table.

Jody’s Travel Inc