"What is the most important travel advice you can offer to soon-to-be parents?"

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Tips when traveling abroad from the U.S. Department of State

Penelope, Arizona - Adopted from Ethiopia: Stay in a hotel with local "flavor", eat local food, go to local markets. One thing I always do when traveling is find out where local people eat (not fancy places). The food turnover is greater than at Western places so I believe the food is fresher, and you'll get more of a sense of the food and people. Don't spend your time worried about getting sick--skip the ice in your drinks but enjoy the local fare!

Teri, Australia -Adopted from Ethiopia: Relax and enjoy the country of your child's birth. Get a feel for it, buy some souvenirs and realize that everything does not have to be perfect. Life is about the journey.

Richard, Boulder - Adopted from China: I'm a writer for a living, but when we were in China, I was a writer for my family. My wife and I both kept personal journals during our journey. Of course I was too tired to write much at the time, but now we love to read through our journals to remind us of that amazing time we spent with our new daughter in China. Just opening the pages and reading through a day's entry takes me back to a time I'll always treasure.

Alice, Oklahoma - Adopted from Ukraine: Even though the adoption process takes a while, don't wait to start your travel planning. Talk to your doctor about what shots you need, check your passports to make sure they'll still be valid when its time to go, plan for who might be able to help out around your house while you're gone. Even though adoption seems like a lot of waiting, there's always something that needs to be done!

Monica, Michigan: It's not so much travel advice, but a US Government web site that's got lots of travel information. Travel.State.gov

Ellen, Arizona - Adopted from China: Pack lot's of patience. We had a wonderful trip and I wouldn't trade it for the world, but there were times when it was a bit trying. We traveled in the middle of summer and it was so hot it made everyone uncomfortable. Especially our daughter. We traveled with a great group who have become close friends. It's been a wonderful journey.

Janet, Austin - Adopted from Russia: Learn key phrases in the language of the country you are traveling to. Local people really appreciate that you make the effort. Even if it's just a "Hello" or "Thank you".

Audrey, Vancouver - Adopted from China: This is more of a before you travel recommendation. Get all of the sleep you can before you go. Once you're in China, you'll be off schedule, your new daughter will be off schedule. The only rest you'll get is before you go.

Mark, US - Adopted from Kazakhstan: Wash it, Peel it, or Don't Eat It.

John, IAS Webmaster-Adopted from China: Our sister site, www.freshtravels.com has an article you might enjoy -- Cheap Air Flights Travel Tips.