How to travel safely with young children

Traveling alone requires self-preservation, but traveling with young children demands more time and attention to detail. Children experience different emotions about places and people. This is particularly true if they have never visited anywhere outside of their normal environment. Depending on where you are traveling, you might want to research the area and gather important data before exposing your children to the new locale.

Research the area’s utility and food services

Some countries have a limited water supply, so you might be wise to carry bottled water wherever you go. Since young children are more susceptible to food-borne illnesses, try to avoid eating raw vegetables, unwashed fruits and unpasteurized dairy products. Bring along wet wipes, hand sanitizer and disposable bags and be sure to incorporate regular hand-washing before and after meals.

When eating at restaurants, bring plastic utensils or request them. Most stainless steel silverware might contain residue contaminants if they have not been properly immersed in extremely hot water.

Get your child immunized

If you are traveling on an airplane, boat or another vehicle, be sure to have your children immunized. Shots should be up to date and your travel card should reflect this information. Children are susceptible to illnesses, viruses, and other childhood diseases if they have not been properly immunized. Some diseases and illnesses can be fatal. However, vaccinations can protect your children from long-term illnesses.

Talk to your children about the dangers of approaching strangers

Teach your children not to talk to or trust strangers. Instill the importance of staying within sight at all times and ensure your children never tell strangers their names, where they live, or where they are headed. Also teach your children to never accept food from strangers, even if they are hungry. Pay attention to your surroundings and never leave your child with strangers. If you need to go to the restroom, take them with you. As a precaution, work out a plan for reunification in the event your children get separated from you. Teach them to call 911 or yell for help if in trouble.

Follow the above tips and your first trip abroad with young ones should go off without a hitch. Of course, if you are leaving the country, make sure you sort out a passport for each child in plenty of time.

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