How to Make Your Trip Fun and Safe for Your Children
Traveling, whether within the United States or internationally, can be a really fun adventure. But traveling can also be tiring and taxing on the body and mind. When you have kids in tow, the challenge of travel becomes even greater.
Children are certainly much needier than adults, and they must always be entertained. When traveling long distances, there are lots of important things to keep in mind in order to ensure that both your kids and you have a pleasant and enjoyable vacation.
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The Safety of Your Family Comes First
Of course, safety is the most important factor whether traveling alone or with children. If you’re traveling by car, make sure everyone is properly seated with the right child seats or seat belts secured.
Make sure your car is in good working condition with tires that are in good shape. If you’re flying, be sure to talk with your children about flight safety tips and what to expect during the flight before you get on the plane.
Always pack medications that your children will need, and bring along water bottles and snacks. Make sure everyone stays close together while traveling, and never let your children out of your sight.
Airplane Travel and Children
Traveling by air is much different from traveling by car, particularly because you are at the mercy of security and the airlines.
Ensure everyone is wearing slip-on shoes to expedite the checkpoint process at the airport. Have either you or your spouse go through security first, and have them carry all the main items, such as electronics.
This way, the process has begun, and everyone else’s check should be processed more quickly. Bring gum for the kids so they can chew on it if their ears pop while flying.
Give them something to keep them busy, such as puzzles or a small gaming device, but ensure they use their headphones to avoid disturbing the other passengers.
Entertaining Your Kids During a Trip
If you’re on a long road trip, kids will probably tend to get bored very quickly. If you have a DVD player in your car, be sure to bring along plenty of movies that the kids can enjoy watching.
Handheld games and books are also great for long trips, whether in the car, on a plane, or on a train. As for your destination, ensure you’ve chosen a family-friendly place where everyone can have a great time together.
Live shows, amusement parks, zoos, and other attractions will make the trip one that you will all remember, and these activities will help the children have a great time while creating fond vacation memories for everyone.
Family Hotels Fit for a Kid
If you plan to stay in a hotel, check if it offers amenities such as a pool or playground. Use your best judgment when choosing a hotel.
A swanky, upscale hotel will probably not be as kid-friendly as a larger chain hotel designed for traveling families.
If the hotel has a balcony, ensure that all sliding doors are locked to prevent the kids from roaming out and potentially falling.
Check for popular hotels in your destination’s area and read reviews to find out which ones are most accommodating to families with children.
Keeping Kids Well-Fed on the Road
Of course, food is half the fun of travel. But picky kids might be a different issue altogether. Ensure you have access to restaurants that serve food your children will enjoy eating.
If there is nothing feasible nearby, you can at least try to locate a sandwich shop or a smaller restaurant where you can pick up something that everyone will eat.
Some hotels are located in areas near grocery stores, which is perfect if you plan to pack lunches during family adventures.
If traveling by car, be sure to bring healthy snacks and plenty of water, as well as other drinks, so no one gets hungry while you’re driving.
Travel Insurance Plans for Families
Finally, ensure you have a quality international travel insurance plan in place before embarking on your adventure.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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