It's been over a decade since I've had a proper vacation.  I think people were still able to smoke on planes back then. (Are you guessing my age now?) Just someplace where you sit back, sip your Strawberry Margarita, feel the sun, smell the salt water, and where your mind just floats.  Just the melting ice cubes in your drink. BUT, the very thought of travelling outside of Canada with my children scares me. What if they get sick? That is something I can't control...but only prepare for.  Preparation helps me minimize my stress. It makes me feel stronger. First and foremost, make sure your child has their identification papers in order. Passport photos can be challenging especially with the photo restrictions - check with Passport Canada.  After several attempts, I convinced my son that the photo was for his bicycle licence. So he had to keep his mouth shut, no smiling, look straight into the camera and not move.  Otherwise, he couldn't ride his bike without his licence.  Well, it worked.  I even took it to another level, and mailed him out a letter of congratulations with a mock up license - cut to size.  Just like mine. Make sure your children's medical vaccinations are up to date.  Check with your doctor if you or your child needs any additional vaccinations because of where you're travelling. Bring your own "Medical Kit" with your children's familiar brand medications and comfort toys.  Also include sunscreen, topical antibiotic, pain relievers, bandaids. Purchase Medical Insurance - buy the best you can afford.  Read the fine print on the policies. Hopefully, you'll never use it, but if you do, you want to know what you're covered for. A few little extra precautions can eliminate a lot of headaches.