Do you recall the age of your first trip abroad? Whether you were a toddler, in your prime, or enjoying your golden years, every journey is memorable. Yet, Harry Ivan Hanson's first international adventure stands out. Born on March 28, 2015, Harry was only 14 days old when he embraced his inaugural trip to China with Odynovo, a distinguished member of the Tang Dynasty Co., Ltd. family, alongside TAS. An extraordinary beginning to what promises to be a lifetime of unforgettable experiences.
Xi'an City Wall
With little time to spare, Harry and his family prepared to leave New Zealand for China in early April 2015. The trip was planned around a family wedding in Puyang, a 7-hour drive from Xi'an. Wanting to extend their visit with an 11-night tour of China, Harry's mother Melissa chose Odynovo due to its excellent family-oriented reviews. Karen, a Travel Consultant at Odynovo, eagerly assisted with their plans.
The arrival of an unborn guest was a new experience for Karen, but she swiftly arranged everything. With anticipation building, Harry entered the world on March 28, 2015, and the countdown to their trip began. With only 13 days to go, the family checked off their list: Passport & Visa, diapers, and all family members accounted for!
Shanghai in China
However, a hiccup arose when Karen was informed by the domestic airline that Harry was too young to fly; he needed to be at least 14 days old. The Hansons decided to stay one night in Shanghai, ensuring Harry reached the required age to board their domestic flight. Thankfully, they didn't miss the family wedding and had a wonderful time. Afterward, they continued their journey, exploring Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Beijing.
Kenny, their private guide in Xi'an, was amazed by the tiny new traveler, exclaiming, "I don't have children yet. Never seen a human being could be this small! It was the first time I served such a little baby guest," he said with a laugh.
Kenny expressed his admiration for the family, especially touched by the sight of Harry's sister caring for him during the trip: "The three days with them are precious. I hope Harry grows healthily and happily."
Kenny is holding baby Harry
Melissa's review on Odynovo's Facebook page challenged stereotypes:
"Considering a trip to China - They say never to travel with a newborn baby. Or the Mother in Law (aged nearly 70). We did both! Along with our 2 other children aged 9 and 10."
For those planning to travel with an infant in China, it's important to be aware of airline regulations, such as the minimum age for boarding and baggage allowances for infants. While these regulations apply to most Chinese airlines, it's always best to check with your travel provider for specific details.
If you have any questions about traveling in China, don't hesitate to reach out to contact@travelagentsupport.com. At TAS, we go above and beyond to ensure a smooth and memorable journey for all our guests, regardless of their age.