The world we live in is filled with so much wonder that exploring it becomes an irresistible prospect for many. There’re always new sights to see, sensations to feel, and cultures to experience; and the true adventurer wants to bask in them all. However, if that adventurer happens to have kids in tow, the probability of the experience becoming a stressful one for all parties involved is quite high. For many, the mere thought of being responsible for a child’s safety in an unfamiliar region is enough to kill off any wanderlust. If you’re one of such people, this article is hopefully going to revive your travel spirits. We’ll be showing you how to keep your kids safe while traveling.
Also, you’ll find tips for preparing well for the trip and handling the kids while you’re on vacation. There’s also information on safety on the plane or in the car and at the hotel – or wherever you’ll be lodging. Knowing all these will help you be prepared, efficient, and able to enjoy your travel and vacation experience – whether you’re a parent with your children or a teacher overseeing a field trip or excursion. Now, let’s get into the details, shall we?
Research Your Destination
Before embarking on a trip, the sensible thing to do is to find out as much as possible about your destination. There’s a lot to gain by doing this as you not only have an idea of what to expect but you’re also able to adequately prepare. Imagine, for instance, that you’re planning a safari trip to South Africa for the summer. According to your plan, there’ll be lots of sunshine since it’s summer. What you may have forgotten to consider is the fact that South Africa is on the other side of the planet; and so when it’s summer in the US, it’s actually winter in Nelson Mandela’s South Africa. The danger here is that you could end up packing summer-appropriate clothing for yourself and the kids; only to end up hurriedly rearranging everything at the last minute.
Some of the things you can research include:
- Local laws, security, and safety warnings: The US Department of State-managed travel advisory is a good place to start looking for such information. It’s also a good idea to compare your findings with information from bloggers sharing their own travel experiences. It’s best to change your destination if there’re reports of constant violence, political unrest, and terrorist activity.
- Special health recommendations: If you’ve already decided on a destination. The next thing is to find what special vaccines or immunizations you and your kids may need. Talk to your doctor about your vacation plans. We also recommend you see a travel health specialist as they’re in the best position to recommend shots that’ll work best for your travel plan.
NB: some of these shots are administered over a period of weeks so early planning is important.
- Availability of western food: Now, if it you were traveling alone, this wouldn’t have been much of a problem. Kids, however, have a general reputation for being fussy about their food. Having edibles that they’re familiar with will make the transition easier for kids with less adventurous palates. Find out how easy it’ll be to get foods like cookies, bread, cake, chocolate, soft drinks, pizza, etc.
- Your reason for the trip: What will you be doing on your trip? If it’s for a festive season, e.g. Christmas, you might want to know how crowded the place gets. It’ll also save you from some rude shock if you and the kids wanted a quieter or slower-paced environment. You should also check for the kind of lodgings or accommodation that’ll be available. Check for their nearness to medical facilities.
Plan the whole thing in advance
The information you got from your research is going to be handy when you’re planning the trip and your stay. One thing, you’ll need to have at the back of your mind is that this is one scenario where convenience and functionality trump everything else. Pick only items that are relevant to the trip and your destination. As much as possible avoid overpacking; ask yourself whether the extra pack of diapers or jar of lotion is necessary. For example, if it’s going to be hot where you’re going, chances are high that you can easily find wide-brimmed hats there so you don’t have to pack any.
Here’s a sample checklist to get you started:
- Bank cards linked to a well-funded account or credit card with a high credit limit
- Medication – bring along any medicines for allergies or ongoing treatment
- Prepare a safety kit for each child (it’ll contain information like your child’s full name, date of birth, eye and hair color, blood type, fingerprints, weight, height, and any distinguishing feature – like a birthmark). This will make locating your child easier if they ever get lost.
NB: it’s important we mention that the likelihood of ever having to use these safety kits is low but it’s best to be on the safe side.
- Car seats for younger children. These are not only important for keeping kids safe in a car but they’re also recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for all children. Its use is also approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Check to make sure the seat is FAA-approved before using it.
- Another safety device you should consider is a car seat travel belt that can convert your luggage into a baby stroller for convenience. If you’re headed to a beach, consider packing inflatable floaties as some locations may not have kid-sized floaties.
Have a safety protocol to keep your kids safe on the trip
This involves teaching your child what to do if they get separated from you. As often as possible point out staff of a place you’re visiting or staying to your child – even if it’s at the airport, mall, or on the streets. They’re often easy to identify because of their uniforms. Have him memorize his name, your name, and your phone number. He is to meet any uniformed person and ask them for help. If he’s unable to find any, he’s to walk up to a parent with kids and ask them for help. This is really important if you’re looking for how to keep your kids safe while traveling.
You can also adopt Amanda’s family lost protocol. She has taught her children to “Stop, do not move. Look and turn. Ask for help.” This helped her daughter act calmly when she thought she was lost on one of their trips. This is especially great with young children as they’re more likely to put themselves in more danger – like going in the wrong direction – if they don’t see mom or dad. However, having a safety protocol alone is not enough; practice it repeatedly with your kids until it comes naturally.
Don’t forget about Insurance
Travel insurance covers unforeseen emergencies. Check with your insurance company to know what they offer. Some of the benefits of travel insurance are medical care in emergencies and the replacement of lost items. Some companies even offer to handle your minors traveling arrangements if you’re ever hospitalized.
Before you even leave your house, it’s important you accept that you’re not going to rush this experience. Allot enough time for each phase of the trip. Kids will always be kids and they’ll dawdle, take off in any direction, point at things, and ask questions. Factor all these in as you plan each day of the vacation, especially on the days of your flight. Traveling and experiencing all the world’s beauty is indeed something that parents should share with their children. This is why we’re encouraging you by putting this “how to keep your kids safe while traveling” post here. There’s also a post on how to childproof your home; you may find it useful for knowing what to look for when you’re choosing lodgings.