You know the feeling of an upcoming trip and all the planning that comes with it? When you travel with your kids the planning stage is little different. First comes, just deciding where to take the kids that is kid-friendly and is SAFE!!
With al the excitement, curiosity, and bonding moments also comes lot of preparation for the trip. Either going with a remote destination or a major metropolitan city, you have to be prepared for anything unexpected.
At one of my earlier trips with my 6 month old daughter in Singapore, she had severe diahrea. Being first time parents and in a new country, i hadnt prepared in adavnce with all the necessary medicine. We took her to the ER when her temperature shot to 102. Sinapore healthcare has been the smoothest i have expereinced so far, we were in and out within 20 minutes. The doctor prescibed us Oral rehydrating soltion and a probitic. After that incident, i always over prepare myself and over pack!
Hi, I am Dimple, mom of two small girls (2 yr and 5 yr at this time), and write all things related to travel with kids- guides, itineraries, tips, and hacks so you don’t have to. This post is dedicated to traveling safely with kids.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to purchase something, I may earn a commission. Thanks
Make travel easier- 10 essential travel safety tips with kids
There could be many instances when prepare in advance can solve most of the situation. I have travelled to developed and developing countries with different terrains and food choices and have tried a few tricks myself to ensure we are all safe. Ofcourse, there are your usual avoiding flashy items, expensive cameras, travel locks etc. but this post is specifc to travel safety with kids.
Here are 10 essential travel safety tips that i always adhere to. I hope this helps you and your family be safe and have a stress- free trip.
1. Watch your drink
By that i mean Drink as adults yes, but more so, water! Water is one the most common carriers of diseases carrying many contaminents. In some countries like Colombia, India, Brazil etc. tap water can be unsafe to drink, causing stomach ache, diahorea and other nasty illnesses. Be aware which places you can/cannot drink the tap water. Google would be your best friend to learn about this and ofcourse my fav Tripadvisor
Always purchase bottled water in those countries. In some, avoid even brushing your teeth with tap water if you're unsure about its quality. A simple thing like hydration can keep everyone healthy and ready for the next adventure!
Travel tip: If you are hiking or camping and want to ensure you have safe drinking water, definifitly try Water filteration squeeze pouches
2. Be Aware of Unsafe Areas
I am always extra cautious on the places we are exploring when we travel with kids. For example, There are areas in Italy that are known for pickpocketing (Even non-travelers know this!), so ensure you cautious in those areas.
So, Before your trip, take a little time to research the local scams and the areas you should avoid—especially after dark. Ask the hotel staff or locals for advice on safe neighborhoods and what streets to steer clear of.
3. AirTag for whereabouts
A simple but effective safety measure is to attach an AirTag to your kids' backpacks or diapers or even their shoes. This way, if you ever get separated in a busy crowd, you can quickly track them using your phone.
Call me crazy, but when you visit a crowded place like Disney, i'd rather attach a tracker on my child that be worried every single minute
4. Up- to-date Vaccinations
Always check the CDC or countries official website to make sure your kids and you are up-to-date with vaccinations.
Ensure you check vaccination for particular regions in the country as well.
For example, when we traveled to Ecuador, yellow fever vaccine was mandated if visiting Cotopaxi, Los Ríos areas, but wasn't recommended if visiting Quito.
Get schedule appointments in advance with your primary physician or the local vaccination center.
Travel Tip: Always carry the vaccination record (or digital) of your child with you at all times. You never know when you would need them.
5. Travel Medical Kit
No one wants a sick kid, especially when you are traveling. A travel medical kit is one of the first things I pack in my bag for a trip. With kids expect anything from minor bruises to unexpected bug bites to severe stomaches.
See smart travel medical kit guide that includes daily medications, pain relievers, and first-aid essentials. I always carry bandaids, nebulizer, demoplast, Tylenol, gripe water, nose frida, aloe vera, neosporin in my bag. Having these on hand means you’re prepared for minor illness without the need to find a pharmacy in an unfamiliar place.
6. Talk to your kids
if you have slightly older kids 4yrs and above, teach them about safety and responsibility. Ensure they can memorize your phone number and home address, knows parents full name- this can help a lot in any unforeseen situations.
When visiting any crowded space, always tell them a safe spot they can reach to if they ever get lost. So, instead of looking for them everywhere, you both can reach that safe spot.
Travel tip: For younger kids, clip a contact information paper on thier diaper or in thier pockets. You can even use a name tag holder and add your information on it,
7. Purchase eSim
Instead of needing to order a new SIM everytime you visit a new country, you can easily purchase an eSim prior and easily switch to a different network online. This will ensure you have your data any place you go to, allowing internet access for GPS, emergency calls, uber or even to search for the nearest hospital. I love Airalo e-Sim for the very same reason- making traveling easier.
insurance - travel health
Travel Tip: Before heading out, make sure to add emergency contacts into your phone, including local emergency numbers and the nearest embassy or consulate. It's also a good idea to keep a written copy of these numbers just in case you lose your phone.
Travel Tip: Carry a portable charger or a power bank to ensure you always have access to maps, contacts, and emergency numbers if needed.
8. Choose safe transportation
If you plan on using public transportation, take the time to research safe and reliable routes to reach your destination.
Have local train maps available to you (Google maps work best)
Ask your hotel for airport shuttle for pick up and drop offs. Most hotels/resorts provide the service for an additional charge.
Use reliable apps like Uber or Lyft instead of hailing a cab.
Use Tripadvisor and Reddit forus for realible private drivers contact infromation for local tours with kids.
9. Be Smart About Your Money
When you’re traveling with kids, losing your wallet or having your money stolen can turn into a nightmare. Keep things simple by using a fanny pack (now in fashion) to store your cash. Better yet, split your money into different pockets or bags so that if something gets lost or stolen, you won’t lose it all.
Teach your kids not to pull out large amounts of cash in public, and make sure to keep emergency credit cards or travel money cards in a separate place.
Travel Tip: Keep emergency money squished under your phone case
Travel health insurance
I remember traveling in my last trimester to New York and my insurance policy was very different if i went into labor during that time. Its always best to talk to your health insurance provider for your travel insurance policy and discover about your international coverage.
You can also purchase medical insurance like SafetyWing.
If this post helped you, share this with a parent so thier travel journeys are less stressful. Drop in the comments and tell what has been your umber 1 safety tip during your travels with kids?
HAPPY TRAVELING!!!
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