Has anyone taken their small kids traveling?

[PeruPerhaps]

Just that really. We are looking into taking a 6 month break from work (in so far as I have handed in my notice at work...) and spending the time traveling in South America. We are looking at doing one long volunteer stint, probably in Peru, in a school / community project, as well as seeing some of the other sights (avoiding Brazil and Colombia for safety reasons). Kids are 3 and 5.

Are we mad? Can it be done safely? Any tips would be great, thanks.

Hello, we live in Colombia with our two small kids (both born here). It's an incredible country, and really child friendly. Don't believe the rumours! We have travelled extensively during our three years here and never had a problem.

I would say go for it. The kids will get so much out of it.

If you want any advice please PM me.

Great, thank you. What do you think would be the biggest concerns?

How would you do childcare if you were volunteering abroad?

I get the travelling with DCs that sounds great, I just wouldn't have thought you could do volunteering.

We did South Africa, Australia and California with a 4 and 6 year old. It was great. Of course they are relatively easy countries to travel in but I think as long as you are realistic about how much the kids can do in a day you should be fine!
These kinds of experiences are so amazing for young children and the opportunities obviously become more limited as they get older and you have school to contend with. I don't think you're in the least bit mad and of course you can be safe - just be a more cautious version of the ordinary travelling you and you should have it sorted - good luck - it sounds amazing.

I've been to India with DS1 and DD1 when they were 2 and 4. It was good fun and they enjoyed it.

Concerns:

The heat - awful if you're not used to it
Disease - of course there are vaccinations but we try to steer clear of malarial zones
Transport - buses are generally good but can be VERY slow. Developing countries often equal tortuous winding roads (no motorways - depending on where you go of course)
The language barrier obviously be frustrating
Food - if your children are fussy it might be difficult. Small South American towns don't offer much in the way of culinary diversity!
Altitude - depending on where you go (thinking Peru here and other Andean centres)

If you travel to South America you can follow intensive and relatively cheap language courses, often one to one lessons.

In many areas of South America, the heat isn't a problem.

The main problem I would say is illness, children can get very dehydrated very quickly. Make sure you know of decent medical care everywhere you go.

I would stay away from the jungle with small children.

I've travelled a bit with dc (now 2 and 4), around Australia, parts of Europe some SE Asia. My must haves are snacks they will eat (stock up). A very very comprehensive medical kit - the one I travel with is huge ( but as always come in handy), play activities (even if colouring in book/pens). Most importantly is the proper clothes / shoes, to protect from sun/bugs/ lightweight long trousers and socks for rainforest etc.

Have fun! :)

Thanks all.

We live in SE Asia and have seen quite a lot of Asia with them, as well as traveling around Australia and NZ, but this will be different was it will be longer and the volunteering. Heat etc., are fine, and we will obviously need to be careful wrt health, and get good insurance. I'm probably a bit more worried about personal safety. Is this a valid concern?

If we go with the one we are thinking of, DH will be volunteering in a school/community project, and they have said the kids can just join in with the other children. My work will be with adults (I speak Spanish) so probably not appropriate for the kids, but I will do some teaching too.

What aspects of personal safety are you worried about - over what you'd find in Asia? We've also lived in Asia and to me it's pretty comparable.

Is it? I guess that's what I need to know - we've never been to S America.

Here, the threats are - mugging - mostly late at night alone (won't do that)
Driving
Children - kidnapping. Obviously keep a tight rein on them, but when you live somewhere it's easier to know what are riskier situations.
Snatch thefts (in cars and walking - people on bikes)

Are the risks similar, or a similar level?

We felt pretty safe travelling through South AMerica 12 years ago. We did have a bag stolen - opportunistic - but never felt threatened.

My SIL is from Coloumbia and it is mainly a safe, beautiful country, as long as you know where you are going. I would love to go to Cartegena.

Driving - people do drive a bit crazily here and can be aggressive on the roads. Nothing like India though (still top of my list for crazy driving). We drive carefully and slowly and haven't had any problems.

Kidnapping - very unlikely, so long as you take the usual precautions like you would at home.

Snatch thefts/muggings - yes they do happen. I know two people who have had their car windows smashed and stuff taken, while they were in the cars, stopped at lights. You just need to take care with your belongings - not wave your smartphone about, don't leave your handbag sitting on the passenger's seat (as in the case of the two people mentiioned above).

I and most people I know have been fine, it's usually people out late drinking that get targeted as they are vulnerable. I would guess that you're already street smart/aware having lived overseas and also the fact that you're asking these questions.

I actually find it pretty safe here, and because it's not very touristy you don't get ripped off/conned, except in maybe Cartagena where there are lots of tourists.

I get where you're coming from - it's really hard to assess the risks without seeing for yourself what you're dealing with.

PM me if you need help. And if you change your mind about Colombia come and stay with us, we love visitors!