Photo by BARBARA RIBEIRO
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended trip, traveling with kids can present a unique challenge. But, amidst preparation, packing, booking flights, car rides, and hotel stays, it’s easy to overlook the most important thing: safety. Whether your family enjoys exploring natural wonders like national parks or city landmarks like hotels and restaurants, there are several essential things to consider before traveling with kids somewhere new. Here are five tips to keep your kids safe on trips so that you won’t have to worry about anything other than having fun!
Discuss Behavior and Expectations With Your Kids
Kids may have their hearts set on visiting a specific place, but you might not know what to expect if you’ve never been there before. Before booking a vacation, sit down with your kids and discuss what behavior is expected of them while you’re in a new location. Ask your kids to keep an open mind about what they might see or experience in a new place. Remember that cultures and traditions may be different from what they’re used to, so give them a heads up that they may see or hear things they don’t understand. As a parent, you can help your kids feel more comfortable by explaining that they may encounter different customs and practices in a new place. For example, if you’re visiting a country with a foreign language, help your kids learn a few basic phrases to say “please” and “thank you”.
Plan Ahead
Planning is essential to make sure your trip is as smooth as possible. You can do many things in advance to make your journey easier, including booking hotels and tours, researching how to get from one place to another, and packing the night before. Having a rough itinerary can also help your children follow along, so they know where you’re going next.
Planning and booking in advance also means you can check that your hotel or activities are appropriate for children. This is especially important if you or your children have any disabilities, allergies, or other health concerns. In that case, you want to check in advance that any accommodation or museums can host your family safely. You can even get your kids involved in deciding what to do to ensure everyone’s having fun.
However, you know how quickly plans can change if you have kids. From last-minute cancellations to unexpected turbulence, it’s important to keep your expectations flexible when traveling with young children.
Bring an Emergency Kit
Bringing an emergency kit is always a smart idea, no matter where you’re going. The most important detail may be including a travel first aid kit, and one that’s customized to your family’s needs and illnesses. Some basics to include are pain relievers, allergy medicine, antihistamines, insect repellent, and sunscreen. You also want to be equipped for a medical emergency, including items like gauze, antibacterial wipes, tweezers, and plasters.
An emergency kit doesn’t just mean medicinal items; however, it can also be clothing for various weather if it starts to rain or is too windy, a backup tire for your car, or even extra phone chargers. Another good thing to include is food, particularly if you or your kids have dietary restrictions.
Equip Each Child with a Card with Essential Information
After sitting down with your kids to discuss good behavior and bringing an emergency kit, you may want to consider giving each child a card with essential information. This card should include your child’s name, an emergency contact number, allergies (if any), dietary restrictions, and any medical concerns, like heart or asthma conditions. Then, if something happens and they get separated from you, they can hand the card to a trustworthy adult who will know how to contact you.
Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can be a helpful way to protect you and your family if something goes wrong. For example, if your child is sick and can’t travel with you as planned, travel insurance can help you receive a refund or postpone your trip. In addition, travel insurance can protect you and your family in various situations, including weather-related cancellations, emergency medical expenses, lost or stolen luggage, missed connections, and more.
Travel insurance can put your mind at ease, so you’re not stressed about traveling and can prioritize safety. If you have non-refundable flights or hotel bookings, traveling can be tempting even if your family is not feeling well. With the right travel insurance plan, you can make sure you can change the schedule without repercussions if you feel uneasy.