While adopting a child internationally can be overwhelming with paperwork and bureaucracy, it is usually the cost of the foreign adoption process that is prohibitive for many people. However, by working with travel businesses that cater to adoptive families, future parents may find that adopting a child from another country may be within the budget.
Cheap Flights and Travel for International Adoption
Depending on the country the child is being adopted from and the number of trips the parents need to make, the flights to another country are a big chunk of the international adoption budget. Here are some tips on saving money on travel and flights.
- Find the phone numbers for "high mileage" customer service of various airlines by asking friends and family who travel frequently. Adopting parents do not need to be members of elite flight clubs to be eligible for the benefits.
- Check out various airlines for adoption rates such as the Special Delivery program offered by Northwest Airlines.
- Use loyalty program points to pay for flights.
- Use full service booking with a travel agency such as Federal Travel that caters to adoptive families to make arrangements for air travel, hotel bookings and side trips.
Cheap flights do not always offer the flexibility of full fares, so adoptive parents need to research all the options before booking as their travel dates are subject to change once in the child’s birth country.
Less Expensive Accommodation for Adoptive Families
When traveling to get their child, adoptive parents might want to consider two different accommodation experiences during their stay in the child’s birth country. As a couple or single, it is easy to stay with friends, family and business acquaintances while waiting to see the child. Staying in hostels, university residences or using an accommodation connection service such as Global Freeloaders also offer low cost places to stay while experiencing their child’s birth culture first hand.
If there is a part of the adoption budget that is money well spent, it is on the place that the adoptive family spends its first few weeks bonding together. For the enjoyment and memories of the first experiences as a family, roomy and comfortable accommodation is a wise choice. Here are some things adopting parents can inquire about when booking accommodation.
Does the facility have:
- Playpens, strollers and baby gear available for low or no cost
- In-room coffee maker to make hot drinks, soups and oatmeal
- Free internet service
- A refrigerator for storing food
Will they offer a reduced rate if the adoptive parents:
- Bring their own linens and towels
- Do not need a phone or TV in the room
- Use a hotel recommended tour service for excursions
- Are traveling in a group with other adoptive parents
Renting an apartment or suite is what many adoptive families do once they have their child with them. Even though the cost of such accommodation may be a bit more expensive than a hotel room, the convenience of being able to make meals in the room helps save money.
Adopting families can also check on various international adoption chat forums to see where other adoptive families have recently stayed. These contacts will be able to give details on what amenities are available in the accommodations and also any discounts that may be relevant for adoptive families.
With research and by asking questions, adoptive parents can find discounts on flights and accommodation that will help make traveling to get their adopted child less expensive. For more information and resources on financing an adoption read Paying for Adoption in Canada.
Angela Krueger - As an adoptive parent and PRIDE adoption trainer, Angela uses her insights to help others on their adoption journey.
