Any time I mention our travels, I get asked how I found and arranged everything. i wish I had some amazing travel secrets, but I don't. The Kid and I have done two huge trips now - Guatemala in 2015 and Honduras in 2016. I found everything through simple google searches. Language schools are scattered throughout Central America, and most will arrange homestays. Here are a few tips:
1. Make sure your paperwork is in order. Many countries require that your passport not expire for at least six months after you enter. If only one parent is traveling, you may need a notarized form from the other parent stating that you have their permission so as not to be suspected of kidnapping your own child. (Though I have to say, no country has ever asked to see this paperwork, even when it's required. It's a little disconcerting.) If the country you are entering requires a vaccination record, you'll need to have that as well.
2. Medications. Some people travel with half a pharmacy in their bag. I only bring prescriptions, ibuprofen, children's Tylenol, and an anti-diarrhea medicine. Don't forget to check with your local doctor's offices beforehand about any recommended travel vaccines or anti-malarial medication.
3. Money. ATM cards are easiest in most parts of the world, but there are some where ATMs aren't as common or aren't as safe. You'll need to tell your bank that you're traveling, as otherwise many prevent foreign transactions as a fraud prevention measure. Traveler's checks have fallen by the wayside and aren't widely accepted in my experience. Some countries will only accept U.S. cash if it is perfect condition (not even the tiniest tear or ink mark on the bill).
For the trip to Honduras, I remembered to bring my bank card and a credit card. I remembered to make sure my bank knew I was traveling so my card would work in Honduras. I remembered to make sure the ATMs locally were safe to use (some parts of Honduras are well known to have skimmers on machines). And yet, I still forget to see what type of cards were accepted. The ATM did not accept my MasterCard. This means I could make charges at most tourist places, but I couldn't get cash. Damn it. Almost everywhere operates on a cash basis there except for the pricey tourist places. Even some of those are cash only. Fortunately, my husband was still in the U.S. and Western Union works. It barely even costs more than ATM fees, though the lines are definitely longer.
4. Pack lightly. Very, very lightly. Especially if you intend to move around from place to place, you want to be able to carry all your bags in one load.
5. Research before you go. There are so many travel sites online. Trip Advisor is a great one for hotels, restaurants, and activities. 123teachme is a well known site listing Spanish immersion schools, but it is worth noting that schools pay for inclusion so it is nowhere near comprehensive. Guatemala365 is specific to Guatemala, but with the same caveat about not being comprehensive.
As for what to research... It can get overwhelming. So, here's another list:1. Make sure your paperwork is in order. Many countries require that your passport not expire for at least six months after you enter. If only one parent is traveling, you may need a notarized form from the other parent stating that you have their permission so as not to be suspected of kidnapping your own child. (Though I have to say, no country has ever asked to see this paperwork, even when it's required. It's a little disconcerting.) If the country you are entering requires a vaccination record, you'll need to have that as well.
2. Medications. Some people travel with half a pharmacy in their bag. I only bring prescriptions, ibuprofen, children's Tylenol, and an anti-diarrhea medicine. Don't forget to check with your local doctor's offices beforehand about any recommended travel vaccines or anti-malarial medication.
3. Money. ATM cards are easiest in most parts of the world, but there are some where ATMs aren't as common or aren't as safe. You'll need to tell your bank that you're traveling, as otherwise many prevent foreign transactions as a fraud prevention measure. Traveler's checks have fallen by the wayside and aren't widely accepted in my experience. Some countries will only accept U.S. cash if it is perfect condition (not even the tiniest tear or ink mark on the bill).
For the trip to Honduras, I remembered to bring my bank card and a credit card. I remembered to make sure my bank knew I was traveling so my card would work in Honduras. I remembered to make sure the ATMs locally were safe to use (some parts of Honduras are well known to have skimmers on machines). And yet, I still forget to see what type of cards were accepted. The ATM did not accept my MasterCard. This means I could make charges at most tourist places, but I couldn't get cash. Damn it. Almost everywhere operates on a cash basis there except for the pricey tourist places. Even some of those are cash only. Fortunately, my husband was still in the U.S. and Western Union works. It barely even costs more than ATM fees, though the lines are definitely longer.
4. Pack lightly. Very, very lightly. Especially if you intend to move around from place to place, you want to be able to carry all your bags in one load.
5. Research before you go. There are so many travel sites online. Trip Advisor is a great one for hotels, restaurants, and activities. 123teachme is a well known site listing Spanish immersion schools, but it is worth noting that schools pay for inclusion so it is nowhere near comprehensive. Guatemala365 is specific to Guatemala, but with the same caveat about not being comprehensive.
1. Where to go in general. What countries sound interesting to you? Do you want a small town or a city? A beach? Mountains? Forest? Are there activities that are important to you? What is your budget and can you manage in your areas of choice? These can be very specific to your family - we learned by experience that a place with no open spaces for playing was not a good choice for us, even though the area gets fantastic reviews from others. Now we know to ask about public green spaces!
2. Which language school? Some areas have a lot of choices, some just a few. Find all the reviews you can. Most areas copy the basics from each other - if the standard in that city is for classes to be 1-on-1, all the schools will do it that way. If the standard is to have group classes, all the schools will do it that way. Homestays are not common in touristy areas, but they are commonly available elsewhere. Prices are pretty standardized in some areas and quite variable in others.
Once you narrow it down, email each of your top schools to ask any specific questions. Our questions always include whether homestays include more than one student (more students means hearing more English), whether we can be sure of being placed in a homestay with other children present, and how the level of instruction is determined.
3. What else is there to do? You don't want to spend all your travel time finding ways to keep occupied. Besides, you may have very limited internet. Have a decent idea of other activities in the area and going rates. But don't try to fill up every minute of your time in advance. You'll get ideas from locals and other travelers once you arrive.
