Tips for Safe Travels With Kids
With March Break just around the corner, many parents are excitedly preparing to head off on vacation with the kids. But travelling with tots and teens can sometimes be tricky – especially if you haven’t talked about your family’s safety rules in specific scenarios.
Read on for tips on keeping the kids happy, healthy and safe during your upcoming family adventure.
Leaving on a jet plane?
- Find out if your destination requires or recommends travel vaccinations – then book an appointment with your family doctor to learn more.
- If your little one is still little enough to use a car seat, bring it! It’s a great way to keep them safe (and seated) on a plane.
- Learn the numbers for 9-1-1 in the country you’re visiting and teach it to older siblings. Luckily, it’s only 3 numbers so it’s easy to memorize.
- Purchase travel insurance to avoid paying an exorbitant medical bill in the event of an illness or injury. (Not-so-fun fact: Visiting a hospital, uninsured, in the US could mean going into debt. Get an idea of healthcare costs here.)
- Visiting a beach destination? Make sure to pack or rent safety gear like life jackets, goggles, and even water shoes if you’re worried about sharp objects cutting little feet.
Taking a road trip?
- It’s always a good idea to pack extra blankets, flashlights, and extra food in case you are halted mid trip due to a snowstorm or white-out conditions.
- Speaking of bad weather, be sure to pack warm boots, hats, and mitts for the whole family – even if you leave on a day that feels like spring. (In like a lamb, out like a lion… remember?)
- If you’re going to a tourist attraction with lots of people – and if you’ve got yourself a runner – consider purchasing a backpack (with walking harness) to keep your toddler close by.
- While no parent likes to think about it, it never hurts to remind children of all ages about “stranger danger” – and what to do in the event they are approached by a grown-up while away from mom or dad.
- Going to a hotel with a pool? Be sure to review pool rules, and bring life jackets and water wings for littler swimmers.
Staycationing?
You know what they say, accidents happen closest to home. Maybe because it’s hard to believe anything bad could happen in our safe space… so we let our guards down. But still, it’s always a good idea to review safety protocols (e.g., fire escape plan, bath time safety, and staying safe on the internet), and talk to your kids about door-to-door scams and the effects of too much screen time – especially if they’re stuck inside due to unpredictable March weather.
Whether it’s your first time braving an airport with baby, exploring a big city with little ones, or letting the kids take the lead at home, these tips should leave you feeling a little more prepared to make some awesome March Break memories. Bon voyage!
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