10 things parents can do to keep their kids’ safe while traveling.
Photo by Gustavo Fring
Whether it’s your first time going on a long-distance trip with your kids or you have been regularly going on vacations for years, keeping your kids safe while traveling can be very challenging. From navigating crowded airports and public transportation to finding child-friendly attractions and entertainment, here are 10 things parents can do to keep their kids safe while traveling:
Keep your children under constant control
Setting ground rules even before you pack your bags is the best way to ensure that your children stay under constant control while traveling. This means that you should tell your children in advance of the trip exactly what they can and cannot do. This includes telling them they should never talk to strangers, obey your directions at all times, and avoid wandering on their own.
Keep their hands clean
The threat of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases cannot be overstated. That’s why you should always keep your kids’ hands clean and properly sanitized when traveling. Take sanitizers, alcohol, and cleaning wipes with you in your carry-on luggage, but be aware of the TSA’s requirements for liquid items.
Take with you snacks and water
When traveling, chances are, most of your dining options are fast food places. Most of the time, finding healthy food can be very difficult and expensive. If you want to keep your kids’ healthy while on the road, make sure that you take healthy snacks and plenty of water with you when you travel.
Make sure your wallet has an RFID protection
This tip is actually for parents who easily get distracted because they are traveling with their kids. Investing in a secure wallet designed to protect your personal information from identity thieves by blocking the RFID tags from your credit cards and IDs, making it impossible for someone to steal your sensitive information.
Take with you a car seat
Investing in a top-quality child car seat is a must if your family is going on a road trip. You need to make sure that you buy a car seat that is suitable for your kid’s size and weight to ensure your child’s safety and comfort.
Traveling by car
When you are driving with your children, make sure that the little ones are always buckled up for safety. Never, ever leave your child in a car alone, even if you are just going for a quick toilet break. Speaking of breaks, you should also plan your trips well and have a few stops and breaks during long journeys. It
International travel
International travels are a different kind of monster. There are tons of things to consider – from getting your kids vaccinated for certain diseases and finding a child-friendly destination to hotel safety and public transportation. Do a lot of research in advance and avail your family of comprehensive travel insurance for your added peace of mind.
Take with you a medical kit
Bringing a small medical kit while traveling is not an option. It’s a must. This is especially true if your kids are prone to illnesses or allergies. You should always bring antihistamines, band-aids, ointments, pain relievers, and a small digital thermometer wherever you go so that your child can get first aid at any time.
Check your medical insurance
Check your health insurance if it covers international travel. If not, make sure to get one that includes international coverage. If you fail to do so, you will have to pay exorbitant medical bills on your own in the unfortunate event of a medical emergency.
Keep your children occupied
Bringing your kids’ favorite toys, board games, books, or portable gaming consoles can be the best distraction and prevent them from getting restless during long flights. Also, keeping them busy with these items will make them happy and entertained all throughout your trip.
Conclusion
Remember that traveling is not all fun and games. You must be prepared for a myriad of different situations that can put you and your children at risk. The best thing that you can do is to pack properly and be ready for anything. Whether you travel by air, land, or sea, you will need to prepare in advance so that you are well-equipped for your journey and enjoy it to the fullest.
Author BIO
Mariam Simmons is a fashion trendsetter and Content Manager of Alpine Swiss. She loves traveling to the world’s top stylish destinations and gets inspired to create helpful fashion and lifestyle guides.