10 Tips for Stress Free Travel With Kids

11 May 2017 by Olga Brighton

Travel Information

Some of our most treasured memories are our family holidays as children. Travelling with children can be very rewarding, but many parents don’t look forward to it and even avoid traveling with younger children. The mountain of preparation and fear of the unknown can be overwhelming.

One of the surest ways to secure peace of mind when planning a holiday is to purchase Single Trip travel insurance. This will provide the reassurance that your family is financially protected and that 24 hour assistance is available in case of emergencies.

Make an informed choice about where to travel by knowing the latest official travel advice and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website is a great place to start.

To help guarantee that you have a safe, enjoyable and worry-free holiday, take a look at these 10 stress-free ways of travelling with kids:

1. Get organised in advance

Family vacation

This is essential when travelling with kids as it will help keep stress levels down for you and your children. Have all bags packed with easy access to essential items that you will need on your journey. The kids can help gather the items they wish to take. Being organized will do wonders to help you keep calm and feel in control when the day comes to travel, so you can sit back and enjoy the trip. Carry a couple of small surprise treats for the kids that you can reveal during the journey if you need to!

2. Prepare for the flight

While it is exciting for children to travel by plane, it can also be unnerving for younger children. The best way to deal with this is to prepare them for the experience. What to expect, what they might see, and what to do in certain situations. Make sure you have prepared plenty to keep them entertained. Ensure your tablet is fully charged and has new or favourite movies and games downloaded, or have a new book, game or toy to hand. You may use some of these 7 tips for those afraid of flying.

3.Teach them to stay close at all times

Every parent that we encounter has a fear of losing their children while in the airport or at a busy tourist attraction. Teach your children to stay close and keep hold of your hand, especially in crowded areas.

4. Check your holiday accommodation is childproof

Holiday with kids

Even though a lot of tourist accommodation is alert to child safety factors, you should always scan the room for anything risky, such as sharp, protruding objects, exposed electrical cords, window locks, balcony and pool access etc.

5. Carry an up to date travel medical kit and Medical Portfolio for the family

If you are a savvy traveller you will already have Travel Insurance to help with medical emergencies, but when travelling with kids, make sure you carry a stock of basic medicines that you might need. This should include pain relief, something for a high temperature, allergy medication, plasters, thermometer, etc. Also create a travel medical portfolio for the entire family which includes vital medical information which might be needed in case of medical emergencies while travelling.

Read also: 11 Questions & Answers on Family Holiday Insurance

6. Be flexible with your travel schedule

Adults adapt quickly to a busy site-seeing schedule, however, children may take longer when confronted with a different pace and environment. As a rule of thumb, one or two sites a day will be plenty and you should be prepared to take frequent breaks and even to change your itinerary altogether if your children aren’t up to the planned trip.

7. Dress your kids in the brightest colours!

kids-on-vacation

Dress you kids in bright, distinctive clothing. This will help you spot them easily if they inadvertently drift off.

8. Be prepared and practice emergency scenarios

Make sure your kids have your emergency contact and hotel details on them. Also practice ‘what if we get separated’ so you are prepared when visiting busy locations such as beach or theme park. Another critical rule is to ensure they know what to do if approached by a stranger. They should shout “your not my mummy/daddy”. “Help. This isn’t my mummy/daddy”. This will more effective than just shouting “mum” or “dad” which won’t alert passers-by to any possible danger.

9. Be aware of safety standards in some countries

Some countries may lack the Health & Safety Standards that you are familiar with. For instance, child car seats may not be compulsory for children in some countries. Many pool or beach areas in other countries do not have lifeguards.Make sure that your child is safe and protected at all times.

10. Water safety

Kids travel tips

Kids of all ages love playing in water and it’s usually the top activity on family holidays. However, when your children are playing in or near water they should be watched at all times. Check pool depths, lifeguard arrangements, pool access, 'safe play zones' and always maintain responsibility for watching your own children.

Mitigate risks while you’re traveling with kids and choose travel insurance that gives comprehensive protection for you and your family. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

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