When vacationing abroad with children it always pays to be prepared. Before you travel, consider taking the following tips into consideration to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
#1 Research your desired destination and confirm any vaccines that you may need to get before traveling. For a list of vaccines by country you can check out the CDC’s website wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.
#2 Ensure the safety of the location and accommodations where you will be staying. Take the time to look at crime rates in the area as well as security measures in place.
#3 Check in with your insurance provider and read your policy carefully to see if you are covered overseas; if not, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy or supplemental medical insurance. Of course we don’t expect emergencies to happen but better to be prepared and safe, just in case!
#4 Childproof your hotel room or Airbnb by adding child safety locks on cabinets with harmful substances, using a child gate to block off areas that can be dangerous, covering up outlets and making sure pool areas are securely locked. Always make sure that wires, lamp cords and drape cords are out of reach of children to prevent choking hazards. Ask your hotel beforehand what they can offer to ensure child safety in the room.
#5 Sleeping accommodations for children are of utmost safety. Never sleep in the same bed as an infant, instead ask for a crib or playpen to be set up. Important: Never put a child in a closet to sleep with the closet doors closed.
#6 Prepare your child for safety scenarios including what to do if they get lost. Teach them to find a “safe person” such as a police officer, security guard, store clerk or person in charge. If they can't find any of the above they can approach a mother with children and ask for help finding their family. Dress your child in bright clothes and take a photo so you have a recent photo on hand. Consider using a tracking device or apple watch that can let you know your child’s location at all times.
#7 Water safety is very important. Always ensure that an adult accompanies children to any pool or ocean activities. Children should wear floaties if they cannot swim on their own but an adult should always be in the water with them. In a busy area create a buddy system and have your children find their buddies, hold hands and raise them up to be counted when you call out. Teach children to respect water safety. It is important to note that most times drowning is not wild with splashing, rather it is silent and scary. Look for the children whose heads and chins are barely bobbing above the water and are very still. Notify the lifeguard immediately.
#8 Pack a medical kit that includes all current prescriptions, bandaids, antiseptic wipes and pain relievers. Consider the JetSet Meds travel pack to cover you for all eventualities. A worry free trip is worth its weight in gold! Travel Well!