Are you planning a family vacation? If so, take some safety precautions before you go!
Many parents worry about their children when they’re traveling—and with good reason. There are many things that can happen when you’re away from home, but with a bit of preparation, you can rest assured that your family will be safe.
To keep your kids out of harm’s way while traveling and plan a successful family getaway, follow these tips. Then, you can relax and enjoy your trip!
- Research the Area
Before you book your vacation, take some time to research the area you’ll be visiting. This includes finding out about the local culture, customs, and laws. It’s also important to research the safety of your destination.
Make sure to read travel advisories from your country’s government, as well as local news reports. This will give you a good idea of any areas you should avoid and any safety concerns you should be aware of.
- Find Kid-Friendly Hotels
One of the best ways to keep your kids safe while traveling is to book accommodations that are geared towards families. These often have cool features like childproofing, babysitting services, and kids’ menus.
Family-friendly accommodations tend to be located in safe areas, away from any dangerous parts of town. If you’re vacationing in Las Vegas, for example, you can feel secure in a family-friendly hotel in a nice area near the strip.
- Child Proof Your Room
If possible, choose a hotel room that doesn’t have a balcony, as these can be dangerous for small children. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, it’s time to childproof the room, putting any cleaning products and chemicals out of reach.
If you are bringing a pistol or other firearm to keep your family safe, be sure to bring a holster that can accommodate your compensator or other accessories so you can keep it tucked securely on your person. Then, store it in a portable fingerprint or RFID-controlled safe while you sleep.
- Get CPR Certified
If you’re not already CPR certified, now is a good time to get trained. This life-saving skill could come in handy if your child has an accident while you’re away from home.
There are many ways to get certified, including taking an online course or attending a class in person. Once you’re certified, make sure to keep your certification up to date.
- Pack a First Aid Kit
Another way to keep your kids safe while traveling is to pack a first aid kit. This should include items like bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, and antihistamines.
You should also pack any prescription medications your child takes on a regular basis, as well as extra doses in case you get delayed while traveling.
- Teach Safety Tactics
It’s also important to teach your kids some basic safety tactics before you go on vacation. This includes things like not talking to strangers, not accepting gifts from people they don’t know, and not wandering off in public places.
If your child is old enough, you may also want to teach them how to use a basic self-defense move like kneeing an attacker in the groin.
- Get Travel Insurance
Before you leave on your trip, be sure to get travel insurance. This will help cover any medical expenses if your child gets sick or injured while you’re away from home.
It’s an especially good idea to get travel insurance if your destination is in a country with volatile political conditions. That way, if there’s an evacuation, you’ll be covered.
- Track Your Children
If you have young children, it’s important to keep track of their whereabouts at all times. This includes when they’re in the hotel room, at the pool, or out exploring the local area.
One way to do this is to invest in a GPS tracker that you can put on your child’s wrist or shoe. That way, if they wander off, you’ll be able to find them quickly.
- Carry Information Cards
Finally, make sure to carry information cards with you when you travel. These should include your name, your contact information, and your child’s medical information.
If your child does somehow get lost or taken, these cards will be invaluable in helping to find them.
So there you have it—tips to help keep your kids safe while you travel! Be sure to pack, plan, and prepare properly, and you can rest assured that your family will have a safe and enjoyable vacation.