There’s nothing better than having the opportunity to closely monitor your children’s growth. The hectic routine with various daily tasks (both for the little ones and the adults) can make it difficult to enjoy moments of leisure and interaction. A great alternative for enjoying such an important phase is to take time off to travel with children.
As well as being a source of leisure and relaxation for adults, travel contributes to the development of children. Discovering new places, smells and tastes provides learning opportunities, stimulates creative processes and, of course, guarantees a lot of fun. It’s a perfect program, as long as a few precautions are taken.
Here are some tips to help ensure children’s leisure and safety when traveling. Have a good read!
Plan to travel with children
Remember that fun times should be shared. So choose destinations and routes that appeal to the whole family. Also, preference should be given to places that have playful and interactive spaces for children – the activities should be compatible with their age groups.
If you’re going on an adult-oriented tour, make sure there are facilities that meet the needs of the little ones. Some options combine children’s areas with other attractions. As well as places to have fun, it’s important to check whether there are toilets, baby changing facilities (if applicable), eating areas and the like.
Choosing the right rest area is also important. Take into account your budget and the particularities of each location. Vacation rentals, for example, save money and increase the family’s interaction with the place. Hotels, on the other hand, offer services, facilities for children, and, in some cases, even babysitters.
Take care of comfort, safety, and health
Keep the children fed and hydrated without depriving them of anything new, and pay attention to exposure to the sun and weather variations. Even in public places, do your best to create a cozy environment.
The same goes for travel: make sure it is as comfortable and safe as possible. Whatever means of transport you choose, make sure you use the right devices (baby carrier, car seat, booster seat, etc.). And don’t forget to monitor your child on the go with a GPS tracker. A GPS tracker can be a valuable helper in many situations. Imagine being able to monitor their whereabouts in real-time whenever you want. Thus you significantly reduce the chances of them getting lost, or worst of all being kidnapped!
Travel is new for many children, and the journey can be stressful. Therefore, offer entertainment options (toys, tablets and the like) to minimize anxiety. Make sure you have the essential accessories for maintaining the health and well-being of the little ones and check their vaccination cards in advance.
Take out travel insurance
Ensuring safety and comfort in the event of unforeseen circumstances is essential. Traveling with children requires attention and having someone to count on in an emergency makes all the difference. What’s more, if you’re traveling to an international destination, some countries require you to take out travel insurance.
Don’t forget your documents
Don’t leave checking your documents to the last minute, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Check the validity of passports, visas and other documents and take into account the rules of each country. It may be necessary, for example, to include a travel authorization (in the passport) for children and teenagers to travel with only one of their parents or guardians. Be aware!
Talk to the little ones
Dialogue is the key: talk to children before, during and after trips. Listen to their experiences. As well as ensuring contact with the emotional dimension, it will be easier to organize for the next trips. Respect the level of understanding and limits of children and adults. Involve and include the children in the stages of the trip, clarifying the necessary information and keeping calm to deal with any stresses and anxieties.
Finally, make a checklist before organizing the suitcase to avoid forgetfulness. Remember that the fun is also for the parents, but maintaining vigilance is essential when traveling with children. If necessary, create strategies to look after the little ones and take turns with other adults.