The holiday season is almost upon us, and for many South Africans, this means planning an overseas trips from South Africa to visit family living abroad. Whether you’re reuniting with your children, grandchildren, or long-lost relatives, preparing for international travel can be both exciting and daunting. This comprehensive guide will help you plan a seamless overseas trip, so you can focus on creating wonderful memories with your loved ones.

Why visit family living abroad?

For many parents and grandparents, the urge to visit family overseas stems from a deep-seated desire to nurture and protect. Despite your children’s independence, the feeling of parental responsibility never entirely fades. Visiting your loved ones allows you to share in their milestones, celebrate achievements, provide comfort during tough times, and offer the tangible support that only physical presence can provide.

The emotional significance of family reunions

Transnational visits go beyond the physical act of traveling; they are about bridging emotional distances. During festive seasons and traditional holidays, the absence of loved ones is felt more acutely, prompting many to reaffirm family bonds. These reunions are less about the destination and more about being an active participant in your family’s narrative, creating cherished memories together.

Planning your trip with purpose

Before embarking on your trip, it’s crucial to understand the key purpose of your visit. Reflect on what this active participation in your children’s lives means to you. Whether it’s sharing in holiday warmth, contributing to laughter and memory-making, or witnessing the joy in your loved ones’ eyes, identifying your visit’s primary goal will help shape a more rewarding experience.

Navigating the logistics

Start planning well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. Early preparation allows you to:

• Navigate passport and visa delays.
• Sidestep high travel costs.
• Choose flexible travel and accommodation options.
• Coordinate schedules with your children for quality time together.

Flexibility
While meticulous planning is essential, it’s equally important to leave room for spontaneity. Allow for unplanned moments of connection and be prepared for potential setbacks, such as cancelled flights or health issues. Accepting uncontrollable factors and focusing on resilience and adaptability will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Shared decision-making
To ensure a rewarding visit, maintain open communication with your family. Proactive planning and continuous dialogue lead to shared decision-making and expectation-setting, catering to the interests of each family member.

Rediscovering communication
Seeing your children in person again adds a new dimension to your relationship. The modes of communication that sustained your long-distance connection may not translate seamlessly into face-to-face interactions. Be patient and empathetic as you rediscover each other’s conversational cues and emotional language.

Financial considerations
International flights, especially during the festive season, can be expensive. Additional costs, such as travel insurance and health precautions for older travelers, can further strain your budget. However, the emotional value of reuniting with loved ones often outweighs these financial burdens.

Physical considerations
Flying poses specific challenges for older travelers. Navigating airports and enduring long flights can be physically taxing. Plan for direct flights if possible, or ensure ample layover time to rest. Select aisle seats for easier access and plan for a rest day upon arrival to recover from the journey.

Setting realistic expectations

Aligning expectations
Reunions bring a mix of emotions and expectations. It’s essential to align your anticipation of a joyous reunion with the present realities of your children’s lives. Respect their need for personal space and routine while cherishing shared moments.

Balanced integration
Find a balance between filling every moment with memorable experiences and allowing your children to maintain their daily rhythms. Express appreciation for their efforts to accommodate your visit, recognising the demands of hosting.

Embracing New Cultures
Your emigrant children have likely embraced customs and norms of their new country. Approach these cultural differences with curiosity and openness. Allow your children to guide you through their adopted culture, fostering a renewed and mature relationship enriched with mutual respect and love.

Legacy and long-lasting impact

Meaningful legacy
Visits across borders offer an opportunity to shape a meaningful legacy, especially if you have grandchildren. Approach each visit with intentionality, reflecting on the values and memories you wish to impart. Share your wisdom and experiences, creating teachable moments that enrich your family’s lives.

New traditions
Introduce new rituals that merge past memories with present realities, creating a shared future. These traditions bridge distances and honor both the memories of what was and the realities of what is.

Saying farewell with hope
As the visit draws to a close, mixed emotions of sadness and love are inevitable. Foster a sense of continuity and unity by planning the next meeting, whether it be another visit, a shared holiday, or regular digital conversations.

Final thoughts visiting with family living abroad

Reuniting with family living abroad is a profound and emotionally enriching experience. Proper planning, open communication, and a flexible mindset will ensure a successful and memorable trip. Remember, the value of face-to-face contact, shared laughter, and warm embraces are investments in your family’s emotional reserve.

Sulette Ferreira is a migration therapist in private practice. You can contact her at info@drsulette.com.

If you’re looking for financial and tax emigration advice, or looking to transfer money from South Africa, don’t hesitate to contact FinGlobal.