Travel / 1 August, 2021 / My Baba

Going On Holiday With Children To The USA? Don’t Forget The ESTA!

It has been called “the best holiday country for kids”, and it’s not hard to see why. With its numerous amusement parks, sprawling cities with all the stores a child could ask for, and wild natural areas to get nice and dirty, the United States is a favoured destination for families to travel to. While travelling to The States is currently not possible due to Covid-19, the best trip is a well-prepared one. It’s never too early to start planning!

In this article, we’re going to delve into some of the highlights of what makes America so special, as well as some helpful tips to plan your trip. For instance, did you know that all children require their own passport as well as their own ESTA? You wouldn’t be the first to forget it!

Ultimate holiday destination for children

Which child doesn’t dream of visiting the land of the cowboys and Indians? The United States is the perfect destination for family holidays, as the country offers plenty to do for people of all ages. Whether it’s driving a motorhome along the west coast or visiting famous film locations in New York, America is a country with endless possibilities for the adventurous. But children don’t want to waste away in a motorhome, or visit Hollywood. They want excitement! And the USA certainly has no shortage of attractions that offer just that. Here are just five examples of places your children won’t ever forget.

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The San Diego Zoo

One of the most popular family holiday spots in California is the San Diego Zoo. From lions to polar bears, the Zoo hosts just about any animal you can think of. What’s best is that you’ll find other great places to go just around the corner, such as Sea World San Diego, or Legoland California. You can easily lose several days exploring these places.

Disneyland Anaheim

While we are still in California, how about a visit to the land of imagination? Disneyland Anaheim is perhaps the most famous family attraction in California. The Park offers a completely immersive experience, allowing children to have their imaginations run free, and adults to relive childhood memories.

The Maid of the Mist

We’ve all heard of the Niagara Falls, the awe-inspiring waterfalls near the Canadian border. The Maid of the Mist ride brings tourists up close to the thunderous water, passing through the watery mist as the boat cuts through the waves. It lasts half an hour and runs from April to October.

The Museum of Science in Boston

For those parents that want to mix a bit of education in with the fun, the Museum of Science in Boston is a prime place to go. It is one of the most famous museums in the world, and home to over 500 exhibits. Many of these are fully interactive, meaning children can touch and play with scientific objects, learning while having fun. Other fun things to do include a simulation journey through the solar system where you can watch the planets and stars whirl around you. The museum is open throughout the year.

Before you head off: don’t forget the ESTA

Before you make any travel plans, and before you even book your flight tickets, it is of key importance that you get your visa paperwork in order. While this might sound arduous, depending on where you’re from, getting the right document can be done in as little as ten minutes. If you are from the United Kingdom, or any other country in the European Union, you won’t need a visa to travel to the United States. Instead, you can get an ESTA. It’s the easy-to-get online substitute for the standard US visa.

All you need to do to get an ESTA is fill in the digital application form. Afterwards, you make the payment, and wait for the whole thing to get approved. Once that’s done, you can now travel to the USA. You won’t need to print anything, as everything happens electronically. Once you’re in the database of Homeland Security, all you need to do is show your passport at the airport, and you can board without problems.

All you need to do to get an ESTA

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that all travellers need an ESTA. This includes children, regardless of their age. Even infants need their own ESTA and passport. Most families, therefore, submit a group application, using a single form to get ESTAs for the whole family.

But once that’s taken care off, nothing stands in your way to travel to America once the borders open again!

Photo credit: Frank Mckenna

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