American kids travel internationally every day, but many are not prepared for emergencies like the recent earthquakes or volcanic ash disruptions. Both parents and children assume trip leaders know what they are doing, or have experience or training. The truth is that many leaders don’t know how to plan for emergencies or injuries overseas. That’s one of the many reasons why I wrote, Backpack Kids: The Safety Planning Checklist for Overseas Travel. It contains the essential information everyone needs before sending kids overseas. Developed as an interactive checklist application (app) for iPhone and iTouch users, this handy booklet is also available as a downloadable (.PDF) document at Backpack Kids.

Backpack Kids helps anyone planning an upcoming trip for: student exchange, semester abroad, volunteer trips, gap year travel, spring break, int’l sports competitions, language study programs, music performances, summer abroad, English language teaching and temporary overseas jobs. Read the latest reviews.

It contains six chapters arranged in chronological order, counting down to the trip, and a valuable summary checklist with timeline. Know when to order your passports, medevac insurance, and where to look up recommended vaccinations. See sample screenshots.

• Chapter One - Backpack-Ready Kids – experts weigh in on traits that signal readiness and independence for int’l travel without parents
• Chapter Two - Verify Travel Programs – lists the criteria and techniques to find out if exchange and travel companies are legit
• Chapter Three - Essential Planning – includes securing access to money overseas, registration at U.S. Embassies, and how to stay in touch 
• Chapter Four - Research and Passports – how to find the health, legal, and visa requirements for other countries as well as the passport regulations for children under 16, and over 16 (very tricky!)
• Chapter Five - Emergency Measures – what to do in case of emergency abroad, and who to call in-country or from the U.S.
• Chapter Six - Filing Complaints – who to contact if things go wrong
  

We recommend kids download a copy, and get involved, and take responsibility for their own planning too!