Making airline reservations
Your airline reservations should be made as soon as you have determined tentative departure and return dates. The cost of a round-trip airline ticket is dependent upon a number of factors including departure date, advance booking requirements, days of the week you are traveling, and the estimated duration of your stay. If you are traveling to adopt, we are usually able to obtain waivers for many of these airfare rules. Most tickets will be issued as e-tickets (electronic tickets) that will be picked up at the airport. Be sure you have the flight information and confirmation number (record locator) to speed up the check-in process.
Infants under the age of two will require a ticket (usually a paper ticket because the airlines have not yet developed the technology to produce infant e-tickets) between the international departure city and the point of first U.S. entry. It costs approximately 10 percent of the adult one-way fare plus all of the various taxes. On domestic flights within the United States, the infant travels free. Each child age 2 to 11 years requires a ticket between the international departure city and home that costs approximately two-thirds of the adult one-way fare plus all of the various taxes. Depending on the regulations of the destination country, these tickets can either be issued in the United States as e-tickets or carried with you as paper tickets or set up as a prepaid ticket for pickup in that country. Certain countries require the purchase of the infant or child's ticket there. We can advise you which option will be the least expensive.
Learning about the country
You will enhance your trip and your understanding of the culture if you read, read, read before you go. Start by locating information at your local library and through your Travel Agent. Ask for pamphlets or other general information from the country's embassy or consulate. Also inquire about the addresses for government tourist offices and trade organizations. The government tourist office can provide maps and specific country and city information. Ask for lodging, sightseeing. and other details. There is also a wealth of information available on the internet. In addition, learn some of the native language. Don't worry if your pronunciation is not exactly right because it will become better with practice. Take language classes, listen to tapes in your home or car, or read a book. You have no idea how much this will help to open up the doors to the country.
Customs and ImmigrationAfter you've landed and collected your luggage. follow your fellow passengers to Customs and Immigration. Don't panic!
Immigration - Once you arrive at your destination, you will present your passport and Tourist Card (if required you will usually receive it on the aircraft). The officials will check you against their list of "undesirables," ensure you have the necessary visas and entry documents then stamp the passport with your entry approval. Make sure you hang on to the Tourist Card if it is issued because you will be required to surrender it when you depart the country.
When you return to the United States with the children you have just adopted, turn in the necessary papers (the big, thick packet you have guarded with your life on the trip back) to the U.S. Immigration officials. The documents will be processed and your child will be issued a temporary permit (a stamp in their passport) allowing entry as a legal resident alien pending receipt of the permanent "Green Card", a first step toward naturalization or confirmation of their citizenship.
Customs - In many countries the Customs inspectors have two lines: The green "nothing to declare" line and the red "something to declare" line. Normally you should use the green line. The officials may inspect your luggage, but normally they won't. Be certain you do not exceed any of the incoming allowances for cash or other controlled-entry items. When you bring back a child to the United States, U.S. Customs will ask why you were gone so long, what you bought, and whether you brought back fruits, vegetables, or anything illegal.
Taking in the culture
Ask about tours through a local tour operator or your Travel Agent. Go shopping! Find out about the handicrafts for which the country is known. Go shopping! Use your driver or strike out on your own to the local flea market or shopping district. Go Shopping! You never know what interesting things you might find.
If you are a member of a service club such as Rotary International, attend the local chapter's meetings. The members will be willing to help you in any way they can and the interchange of cultures is so very important in fostering the cause of world peace and harmony. When we were in Santiago, I regularly went to the Rotary Club de Providencia's weekly meeting. From the friendships we made we were invited to the club's Christmas party and to a member's home for dinner. Overall it widens your horizons and helps you to feel more at home.
Culture Shock
You first notice it when you walk out of Customs and Immigration. You can't put your finger on it, but the feeling is there. It's more than just a language difference, a physical difference, a clothing difference, and a difference in physical features of the people. It is a different culture, a different set of values. You are a guest in someone else's homeland and you must conduct yourself accordingly.
If you have done your homework, you will know about the customs that are different than our own. For example, in Central or South America the word "Manana" does not necessarily mean tomorrow - it just means not today. If you know this and accept it, then you should not get upset when things are not done according to the U.S. timetable.
Don't let the culture get the best of you. If you are uncomfortable, just think that many of the people would feel the same way in our country too. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance. Almost everyone will be glad to help and you never know what interesting friendships you might strike up.
Traveling home
As your trip comes to a close, it will be easy to think about relaxing. But, you must reconfirm your air flights at least 72 hours prior to departure or the air carrier may cancel your reservations. Request bulkhead seats from the gate agent for extra comfort. Then, once you're through the exit formalities, enjoy the flight home knowing your trip was a success because of the advance planning you did.
Timothy D. Swanson is an adoptive parent of 2 daughters from Chile and Paraguay and president of Federal Travel & Cruises; 3170 North Federal Highway, Suite 205, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064.
Contact Information - Let Us Give You a
Quote!Information and Fare Quotes: (954)942-8666 Reservations and Ticketing: Toll-Free: (800)551-8666 Fax: (954)942-4047 Address: Federal Travel & Cruises, 3170 North Federal Highway, Suite 205, Lighthouse Point, FL, 33064 USA E-mail:
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