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Planning Vacations with Children
Tips for travelling with children
These are some things you can do to make travelling with children safe and enjoyable:
- Discuss your children's well being and safety on your trip with your paediatrician.
- Book early to ensure that you always get seats together while travelling.
- Always arrive at the railway stations, airports, early so that you have some extra time on hand before boarding.
- Train your children beforehand on what to do in case they get separated. Rehearse the plan at home.
- Always carry a medical kit with common paediatric medicines and first aid.
- Have small bags which your children can carry. You can pack their goodies inside and it will make them feel grown-up and responsible.
- Always keep a strict eye on your children when in busy streets, shops, train stations, airports, beaches, etc.
- Never let your child play alone in water, even if he is a good swimmer.
- Ensure that the food and drink your children consume are hygienic and safe.
- Beware of food allergies your child may have, before trying out new dishes.
- Anticipate digestive troubles with new foods, even if they are generally safe.
- Ensure that the children drink adequate water to avoid dehydration.
- Encourage your children to confide in you if they are not feeling well.
- Vacations may at times be stressful for you. However, take care to remain cheerful so that you do not end up spoiling your children's fun.
Air
- If your children are new to air travel, accustom them to the idea of security screening in advance.
- If possible, arrange for pre-boarding passes to allow you to board the plane first.
- Determine the duration of a non-stop flight to your destination. Breaking a long journey will make it less stressful for children, but will involve the added hassle of switching flights.
- Try booking bulkhead seats that will allow your children more room to play on the floor.
Rail
- Book seats at the either end of the compartment. This will allow for more privacy and extra room for your children.
- Keep your children under strict supervision on the platforms.
- Always accompany your child to the restroom.
- Allow your children to alight, accompanied by you, during long stops on the journey.
- Ensure that your children do not toy with door handles, window stoppers, and the emergency brake chain.
Car
- If your children are young, ensure that you use car seats.
- Use sunshades to protect your children from direct sunlight.
- Try to maintain normal time schedules for eating, napping, etc. that your children are used to at home.
- Schedule halts for when your children awaken from their nap. This way they spend more travelling time sleeping.
- Play with your children during halts. This will keep them in good spirits and the exertion may cause them to nap while in the car again.
- Play music that your children enjoy.
Do you go on vacation with your kids? How do you decide the destination, and plan the trip? To share your views and experiences about travelling with your kids, click here.
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