Traveling with Kids? Top Safety Tips Every Parent Needs to Know

I 100% believe that travel anxiety is a real thing. Traveling is on rewarding and incredible, but also can be a little terrifying. Traveling to new countries with different laws, where everyone speaks a different language, and you don’t know anyone; these things are stressful. Now add kids to the mix and good luck handling all of that stress. Well I am here to tell you it is possible to travel with kids, with minimal stress, and tons of fun.

To have an enjoyable stress free, or lets be for real, less stressful travel experience; there are several things you should be doing. Proper planning, research, packing lists, travel apps, meal prep, and the list goes on and on. No worries though I got your back and am here to help walk you through these steps, but this particular article is going to be about one specific and very important topic to help with stress relief while traveling with kids; safety!

If you do not feel safe while you travel, you will not want to do it again let alone bring your kids on trips. The thought of you not traveling and not traveling with your kids actually cripples my soul! Traveling is such an incredible experience. The feeling of walking through ancient ruins, or kayaking down a rushing river, relaxing on a sandy beach, or the feeling of accomplishment and wonder when you reach the top of a mountain are indescribable. The only thing better than experiencing these things yourself is watching your kids experience it as well.

To sum that up, you can not NOT travel or you will miss so much in life. Don’t let this fear of safety keep you and your family from experiencing the wonder of travel. Follow these tips to ensure that you are prepared for as many unsafe scenarios as possible to make your families travels that much less stressful.

Before You Go

Research Your Destination

A huge part of safety is simply knowledge. Knowledge of potential health risks, knowledge of local law, local wildlife, common weather, and understanding local customs. Knowledge is key to a safe and stress free vacation. So its time to put those 12 years of schooling to good use and practice the skill of doing homework. These are things you should know before you go on a trip:

1. What are the local heath risks? Does your destination require certain vaccines to be there? Some more common travel vaccines that are required are Yellow Fever, Rabies, Hepatitis A and B, and even Typhoid.
2. What diseases are prevalent where you are going? I know a while back everyone was terrified to go on a cruise with the outbreak of Zika in the Caribbean. Knowing what Zika is and how to prevent it, is what will keep you safe.
3. Where are the nearest medical facilities where you are going? Being that I live in the desert where rattlesnakes are very prevalent, I make sure before I take my kids out on hikes that I know where the nearest hospital is and how long it would take to get there. Always research where you would go in case of an emergency.
4. Is the food in the area you are going safe to eat? My sister traveled to Brazil and while she was there she got parasites in her stomach from local food. Research the food and water safety of the area before you go, so you can take the necessary precautions before it is too late.
5. What are the local laws? Did you know it is illegal to buy gum in Singapore? Did you know that there is a certain town in Canada that it is illegal to climb trees? In Venice it is illegal to feed Pigeons! Learn the local law before you go, cause that would suck to get a ticket for climbing a tree!
6. How is the political movement in the place you are visiting? My sister was sent to Peru on her way to Bolivia, because of a political unrest with Americans. Be sure wherever you are headed isn’t a warzone!
7. What is the weather going to be like when you go? If you are traveling to Florida in September just be aware that that is tsunami season. A destination can be perfect one time of year, but dangerous another. It is important to watch the weather so you know if it is safe to be there in that season.
8. What are the local plants and animals that you should be aware of? Hiking in West Texas I know I need to be aware of rattlesnakes and cactus, whereas when I am hiking in the mountains of Colorado I know I need to be aware of mountain lions, bears, and moose. Humans aren’t the only threats out there, animals are dangerous too. Know what to keep an eye out for an what you need to do if you encounter a dangerous creature.

Packing Smart

Fun fact about me, I LOVE lists! I get such a rush from checking an item off of my list and realizing I accomplished something. So of course I had to create a list of essential items to pack for your families safety while you travel.

Safety Travel Packing List:

Comfort and Familiarity

An important factor to consider when traveling with kids is not just basic safety, but also creating a safe environment. An easy way to create a safe feeling environment for your kids no matter where you travel is to pack familiar items that comfort them.

I don’t know a single child that doesn’t have some form of a comfort item. For my daughter it is her stuffed flamingo, for one son it is his pacifier, for another his blanket, and the other just needed his toy dinosaur. Packing your kids comfort items is essential for creating a safe feeling environment for them while they are away from home.

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On the Road

Car Safety

Traveling with kids by car can be an adventure in itself, but it also comes with its own set of safety challenges. Ensuring your children’s safety and comfort during long drives requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some key safety tips for when you’re on the road:

Proper Car Seats

Before leaving on a road trip, check car seats. I know you probably use them on a daily basis, but how often to you double check them to make sure they are still safe. You should check:

1. If the car seat is still installed properly and tight.
2. Make sure that the back strap is strapped on the seat.
3. Check to see if the seat belts need to be adjusted at all for the size of your child.

Car Organization

Strangely enough having a clean and organized car is a way to travel safely. When I travel I always put the things that I know I will need in the most accessible places. For instances, I go ahead and plug all the charging cords into the outlets, games and movies are located in my center console, waters are behind my seat with snacks right next to them, toys are right by the center console, and my wallet is right next to me.

With this organization, instead of having to stretch my arms to grab a toy for my kid or turn around to point grab a snack, I know exactly where everything is and I don’t have to drive reckless in order to help my kids.

Maintaining A Positive Environment

Kids tend to pick up on how their parents are feeling. If you are happy, most of the time they are too. If you are frustrated they will be too, scared they will be too, or even mad and yelling at your kids, they will get mad and yell too.

Yelling, crying, throwing a fit are all ways to create a unsafe driving situation. Nothing wears on your sanity like crying kids! So if you can keep an upbeat and positive attitude, your kids will be more likely to feel that way too. Thus creating a safer and less tense driving situation.

Seat Belts

Getting your kids to wear their seatbelts and to wear them properly (not tucked behind them and car seat buckle on chest) is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to keep your family safe on road trips. I tell my kids if they do not wear their seat belts they do not get to ride in my car. So unless they want to walk to Grandma’s house or walk to the playgrounds they better buckle up.

Regular Breaks

A great way to keep up with a non-stressful, therefore happier and safer road trip, is to take regular breaks. Obviously depending on the distance of your road trip, but I try to stop every 4-5 hours. I know it is recommended to stop every 2-3, but in my opinion too many breaks is just as stressful as not enough breaks.

In those 4-5 hours we don’t just stop for bathroom breaks, but we stop to do a little activity that will wear out our kids and put them in a better mood. Whether this is stopping at a playground, a hike, or even a restaurant; these breaks boost your mental health so that you are capable of keeping it together in a vehicle full of kids for as long as you need.

Hydration and Snacks

Believe it or not, snacks are a way to keep you safe while on the road. It all kind of ties back to keeping everyone happy and minimizing the stress in your trip. Healthy, non-messy snacks such as fruit slices, cheese sticks, crackers, and granola bars keeps the hunger at bay. I don’t know about you, but when I am hungry I am grumpy and don’t make as many wise decisions. Taking care of you and your families comfort keeps you safe from making dumb driving decisions.

Car Sickness

Now if you fear road trips due to the member of your family that always gets car sick then Dramamine is the answer. This medicine is one we will have stashed in our car from now on. My daughter gets so cars sick, which can make long car rides miserable for her, once we started packing Dramamine it made such a difference.

Instead of her constantly throwing up and having filled barf bags in the back of our van, Dramamine eases her stomach as well as helps her to sleep on the car ride. Now car rides are less dreaded and less stressful.

Roadside Emergencies

Emergency Car Kit

Supplies: Carry a well-stocked emergency kit in your car that includes items like a first-aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, basic tools, a tire repair kit, and reflective warning triangles.

Essential Contacts: Have a list of emergency contacts, including roadside assistance and your insurance company’s hotline.

Breakdowns and Accidents

Stay Calm: If you experience a breakdown or accident, stay calm and ensure the safety of all passengers. Move the vehicle to a safe location if possible.

Emergency Services: Call for roadside assistance or emergency services as needed. Use reflective triangles or hazard lights to alert other drivers.

At the Airport

Ensuring your family’s safety at the airport involves careful planning, vigilance, and knowing how to navigate various airport procedures smoothly. Here are some key safety tips for when you’re at the airport:

Staying Safe In The Airport

1. Stay together! When we are in crowded places I make sure that my wandering little kids are strapped down as much as possible. By this I mean they are sitting on the luggage, in a stroller, in a carrier, or simply I am just holding them or their hand. My older kids are assigned a buddy that they have to keep track of the whole time.
2. Point out safe adults. Point out who to talk to if your kids do get separated from you (airport staff, police officers). Help them recognize that those with badges and uniforms will help them.
3. Dress in a color that stands out and all match. Again a trick I have learned when we travel is to match. Okay I love matching simply because it is cute, but it is also for safety reasons. As a mom of 4 kids it is a lot easier to keep track of them if they are all wearing yellow then if they are all dressed in different colors. Make it easier to spot them in a crowd.

At Your Destination

Arriving at your destination marks the start of your family adventure, but maintaining safety remains a top priority. Here are essential tips to ensure your family stays safe and enjoys a worry-free experience:

Accommodation Safety

1. Room Security: Upon arrival, check the locks on the doors and if windows are functioning properly. You can use door wedges or portable door locks for extra safety.
2. Familiarize with Exits: Know where the Exits are and explain to your kids where to go in case of an emergency.
3. Childproof where necessary: I am not a huge child proofer, but there are certain circumstances that I do believe extra safety is needed. For instances, if you have a toddler that has figured out how to open doors, having a portable door lock is a comfort. Also most resorts and Airbnb’s come with fully equipped kitchens, so be sure to move sharp objects out of reach.
4. Research the reviews: I love Google reviews. If you read reviews on apps or websites they seemed to be not posting as much of the bad. Google reviews about hotels are very honest and will tell you if hotels are in scary areas, what crimes or problems were seen, and what to be aware of before your stay.

Local Transportation

1. Know the Routes: Familiarize yourself with the local public transportation system. Plan your routes in advance and know the stops and schedules.
2. Safety First: Teach your children to stay close, hold hands, and be aware of their surroundings. Avoid overcrowded buses or trains, and sit near the driver or exit when possible.
3. Licensed Services: Use only licensed and reputable taxi or ride-sharing services. Verify the driver and vehicle details before getting in.
4. Car Seats: If traveling with young children, request a car seat in advance or bring your own to ensure safety during rides.
5. Pedestrian Safety: Always use crosswalks and pedestrian signals. Teach your children to look both ways before crossing streets and to hold hands in busy areas.
6. Bike Safety: If renting bikes, ensure everyone has a properly fitting helmet. Stick to designated bike paths and follow local traffic laws.

Outdoor and Adventure Safety

Engaging in outdoor and adventure activities is a fantastic way to explore new destinations and create unforgettable memories with your family. However, these activities also come with certain risks. Here are essential safety tips to ensure your family stays safe while enjoying the great outdoors:

Hiking

1. Stay on the trails while hiking to avoid getting lost.
2. Stay together on trails to avoid getting lost or being attacked by wildlife.
3. Be sure to bring proper hiking gear. (Plenty of water, hiking shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.)
4. Always have a first aid kit at hand.
5. Wear weather appropriate clothing.
6. Take regular breaks.
7. Hydrate. One of the most common hiking problems is dehydration from not packing enough water.
8. Respect wildlife. Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Educate kids on the local wildlife and what to do in dangerous situations.
9. After hiking, check for ticks.
10. Carry a physical map and navigate your trail with AllTrails.com to keep from getting lost.
11. Research the weather before starting your hike.

Camping

1. Walk around your individual campsite to show your kids the boundaries they can play to avoid them wandering.
2. Keep kids away from fire and teach them fire safety.
3. Have everyone use the restroom before bed to lower the chances of needing to go out in the middle of the night.
4. Instant tents! I love instant tents! It takes 5 minutes to set up and about 10 minutes to take down. Less time distracted and more time to watch your kids.
5. Research the weather before you go and pack accordingly.
6. Arrive to campsite and pitch tent before dark so that you can be aware of surroundings.

Beach and Water Safety

1. Supervised Areas: Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards whenever possible. Always keep a close eye on your children and never leave them unattended near water.
2. Life Jackets: Everyone should wear a properly fitted life jacket when participating in boating or water sports. This is especially important for young children and non-swimmers.
3. Know the water conditions before arriving.

Health and Hygiene

By adhering to these health and hygiene tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of illness and discomfort during your travels. Proper preparation, good hygiene practices, and being vigilant about food and water safety will help ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip for your family. Germs are just as dangerous on trips as people can be. Anyways, getting sick while traveling is the worst! Follow these tips to ensure you have a healthy tip:

Food and Water Safety

1. Reputable Establishments: Choose reputable restaurants and food vendors. Avoid street food unless you’re certain of its safety and cleanliness.
2. Hot and Cooked: Prefer hot, freshly cooked meals over raw or undercooked foods, which are more likely to carry bacteria and parasites.
3. Bottled Water: Drink bottled or purified water. Avoid tap water, ice, and drinks made with tap water, unless you are sure it’s safe.
4. Hydration: Keep everyone hydrated, especially in hot climates. Dehydration can be a serious risk, particularly for young children.

Accommodation Hygiene

1. Clean Surfaces: Use disinfectant wipes to clean high-touch surfaces in your accommodation, such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and bathroom fixtures.
2. Check for bugs. Before settling in a hotel or room be sure to check for bed bugs in the beds and fleas.
3. Wear shoes or sandals in the showers. Illness is commonly spread through feet, protect your feet from the bacteria in showers.

Preventing Illness

1. Hand Washing: Carry hand sanitizers and wipes with you where ever you go. Use them after leaving playgrounds, after using public transport, after museums, and especially before eating. This practice will significantly decrease your chances of getting sick on a trip. Washing your hands is also an important practice that will prevent the spread of germs.
2. Repellents: Use insect repellents to protect against mosquito bites, especially in areas where mosquito-borne illnesses are common. Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
3. Netting: Use mosquito nets where necessary, particularly in tropical regions or areas with a high prevalence of malaria or dengue fever.
4. Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
5. Protective Clothing: Wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to shield skin from the sun.

Dealing with Emergencies

By following these guidelines and being prepared, you can handle emergencies effectively and ensure the safety of your family while traveling. Preparedness, vigilance, and quick action are key to managing any unexpected situations that may arise during your travels.

Lost Child Protocol

1. ID Cards: Have your children carry identification cards with their name, your contact information, and any medical needs.
2. Memorized Information: Teach your children to memorize essential information, such as your phone number and the hotel name.
3. Practice Drills: Conduct simple emergency drills with your children so they know what to do in case of separation or other emergencies.
4. Recognize Safe Adults: Teach your kids who to look for when lost. Police officers, security guards, front desk workers, etc.

Medical Emergencies

1. Basic Training: Take a basic first aid and CPR course before your trip. Knowing how to handle common medical emergencies can be crucial.
2. First Aid Kit: Carry a well-stocked first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.
3. Local Healthcare Facilities: Research the nearest hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies at your destination. Note their locations and contact information.

Conclusion

I know after reading this article you probably feel like traveling is a death trap, but that is not what I am trying to imply with writing this article. Preparation and education are key in having a safe and enjoyable trip. In all of the trips I have done throughout my life, I have never had to go to the emergency room. I have never been attacked or injured.

Traveling has the reputation for being dangerous, but in reality as long as you exercise safe habits you will be safe. And in emergency situations you will be prepared. The benefits of traveling far outweigh the risks. Traveling has given my family so many incredible memories. We have bonded on road trips, overcome fears together, supported each other in new experiences, and laughed together.

Don’t let fear keep you from living life to the absolute fullest. Prepare and educate yourself of safety procedures and then go have the grandest adventure with the ones you love. I promise it will be worth it!

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