How to Travel with Kids: Children are always very active, it is impossible to keep them when they are activated. These issues have only been exacerbated by the pandemic, which explains why many parents are postponing their family vacation plans until things clear up. But if you are determined to take a trip in 2022, you can still do it. Even with small children. You just need to know a few tips.
How to Travel with Kids
- Make COVID-19 security look cool and fun
Schoolchildren or children over the age of nine can be explained what to expect at each stage of the trip and why masks are an act of responsibility. Calmly tell them that vulnerability to COVID-19 in airplanes, airports, and other public places is real and that everyone has a responsibility to keep others safe and alive. You might say, “We should all wear face masks and disinfect regularly to stop germs. This is necessary to stay healthy and protect others from disease.” Children will feel more relaxed when they know what awaits them and what are the reasons for this situation.
For children under nine, who may not realize the severity of the pandemic, making masks look fun can go a long way. Instead of giving them a mask on H day, it’s better to let them choose their favorite color, shape, and style, or even let them decorate their own masks with markers or stickers.
You can even sew masks yourself, and invite your child to participate in it. While you are creating their masks, consider their opinion. So you can make a mask that your child will like, and he will not mind wearing it.
- Plan outdoor adventures.
Be sure to get off the beaten track to avoid crowds. You can, for example, book a separate campsite instead of staying at a hotel. If your children are too young to sleep in a tent, you can find a bungalow or cottage with a functional kitchen.
There is no better family vacation experience than telling stories around a campfire under the stars as you cook and enjoy family dinner in a makeshift kitchen.
In more remote areas, your children can enjoy outdoor exploration, fishing, cycling, etc. Older children enjoy diving, kayaking, canoeing, and snowboarding. We advise you to buy or rent child-friendly outdoor equipment.
Another way to avoid crowds is to rent a car instead of using public transport. It’s nearly impossible to get young children to follow COVID safety protocols on a public bus or subway, as children will always be children!
Once you have rented a car, you need to rent and place a suitable car seat for your child. Also, don’t forget to bring some electronics with you to keep the kids entertained during the trip. You can bring headphones, a portable DVD player, toys or game consoles to keep them busy.
It is also recommended to bring healthy snacks, water, and non-perishable food with you because the restaurants where you can dine are not entirely safe.
If you need to stop for gas, be sure to put on disposable gloves and get rid of them before touching the car or anything in it. Pay for gas with a credit card to avoid close contact with strangers. And if you need to use the toilet at the station, don’t forget to wash and sanitize your hands.
Please note that you must have an international driving license to drive in a foreign country. Non-resident drivers in most countries risk significant fines if caught driving without these licenses. The document is also required by most car rental agencies before they can trust foreigners with their cars.
Permission information has been translated into more than 10 languages, making it easier to communicate with non-English speakers.
- Go to parks, but…
Parks are great outdoor areas where kids have hours of fun. But read ahead of time for any restrictions, visitor limits, or caveats to avoid last-minute disappointments. The main thing is to avoid crowded parks, arrive early, maintain a safe social distance and always wear masks.
- Boost baby’s immune system
A healthy and strong immune system will protect your children from the coronavirus as evidence shows they are in the low-risk category. “Most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says.
That’s why you should avoid processed foods like cakes, cookies, and fruit juices, even when you’re traveling with kids. Feed them fresh fruits like berries, whole grains, and lots of green leafy vegetables – they are very rich in immune-boosting nutrients.
If your child hates vegetables, make smoothies with kale, banana, mango, and spinach. Add a few tablespoons of maple syrup to add sweetness. If you don’t have the time or space to eat healthily, many recommend giving your kids zinc, probiotics, and vitamin D supplements.
- Take basic first aid items for children with you.
On a typical day, first aid kits stock burn creams, nasal congestion products, sunscreen, wound care products, and mosquito repellants. However, in a pandemic, it is better to stock up on medicines that alleviate the course of the coronavirus.
If any of your children are showing flu-like symptoms or have a high fever, it’s best to postpone your trip. Traveling with a sick child puts the whole family and everyone in contact with you at risk. A simple cold can also cause your family to be forced to quarantine in a foreign country. Become a responsible traveler and parent!
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