Montreal to Seoul & Tokyo with young kids! I am overwhelmed!

[isabellea]

OMG! OMG! OMG! Earlier this week DH was offered to go work in Ulsan, South Korea for 3 months (he went for 4 weeks in June-July). This afternoon he just got a call from his boss that the company will pay for tickets for me and our girls to visit. I can't believe we will be in Asia for Christmas!! The plan is to meet him in Seoul at the end of his contract on Dec 8, stay there for a few days before flying to Japan for at least 10 days. I will have to remove my oldest from school (1st grade) for 2 weeks just before Christmas but I think this once in a lifetime experience is worth it!

Anyone has experience flying long distance (Montreal-Vancouver and Vancouver-Seoul) alone with young kid (hoping for business class tickets but planning for economy just in case)? I already told DH we need an extra ipad just to avoid fighting for the games and movies between my girls. I guess I'll need a notarized letter from DH to allow me to fly alone with them? I really don't know how to start planning for such a trip is so little time! The only thing I am sure is that I want to visit Tokyo Disneyland for 2-3 days.

One last thing, our kids are used to a white Christmas. How would you do it? Decorate a tree for the few days in December we will be home (fake obviously) or not bother? Have someone come and leave Santa's gifts (1 gift for each kid) or have Santa find us in Japan?

Thanks for your help!
Isabelle

 

[starvenger]

My wife has done this with the kids before when we went to visit her parents in the UK and I had to leave earlier.

I would definitely get a notarized letter and at least photocopies of the relevant information (statement of live birth, marriage certificate etc. ). Obviously make sure their passports and shots are up to date. Don't know if you need to pre apply for a visa but check on that as well.

Since I don't have direct experience with traveling alone on a plane with the kids I'll let someone else talk about that part.

 

[minnie mum]

Hopefully the Van to Seoul leg will be an evening departure and the kids will sleep. Bring a couple of pashmina to use as a blanket and inflatable pillows. Pack some snacks in your carry on. Other than that, I've got nuthin. It's been too many decades since I've had little ones of my own.

Regarding Tokyo Disney/TDS: 3 days is really the minimum. 4 is better. Be sure to check out the Tokyo subforum on these boards- they're a friendly bunch and can help you plan. Make sure to check out the expected crowd levels for your dates. Those parks c!ose to capacity much more frequently than the US ones do. And have a wonderful trip!.