Holidays abroad are something to be cherished; they’re a time for the whole family to relax and reconnect. For parents travelling with young children, there are additional risks and responsibilities to be aware of. Follow our handy travel tips to ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch.
Carefully pick accommodation
While some operators use the term ‘family-friendly’ to describe certain hotels and resorts, this doesn’t necessarily mean they have undergone the proper checks. Age-appropriate activities, pool safety barriers and childminding facilities are all essential features to look out for. Visit sites such as Tots to Travel and I-escape.com, as both of these family-oriented companies provide detailed accounts of the facilities on offer at each lodging.
Be sun safe
Warmer climates and seaside destinations inherently mean higher exposure to UV rays. Young, sensitive skin should be protected with a waterproof sunscreen that contains SPF 30 or over—be sure to consistently reapply. Children should also wear sunglasses that meet the British Standard (BSEN 1836:2005) and carry the CE mark. Supply your infant with a wide-brimmed hat and baggy cotton clothing for extra protection.
Always supervise
Your child should never be left unattended, especially in a foreign country. Be sure to supervise them while on the beach and in the pool. Depending on their age, consider investing in a harness or wrist strap for sightseeing.
Be prepared
A first aid kit is an essential piece of holiday equipment. Preempting accidents and illness, it should include bandages, antiseptic, calpol, electrolyte solution and diarrhoea and constipation medication.
Ward off mosquitos
Mosquitos are commonplace in most foreign countries. Protect your child by spraying them with a body repellent. Environmental factors should be considered when selecting a deet—the active ingredient in most insect repellents—level; for example, jungle areas usually require a more potent formula. Also, make use of bed nets and spatial repellents.
Be mindful of allergies
Parents whose children have allergies should be particularly careful abroad.
Check the local cuisine and consider buying your child a medical ID wristband for clarity.
Toy story
Long flights and car journeys can be a source of anxiety for young children. Keep them entertained with a new toy or pastime; colouring books work well, as do interactive games. Not only will this method quash their boredom but it will also act as a behavioural sweetener.
Get wise
Many parents aren’t clued up on how to identify a good sun lotion. Along with selecting a high factor, parents should also be mindful of the star rating. Five-star products are the most reliable forms of protection. Also, choose a product that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are associated with premature skin ageing; they penetrate the skin deep into the dermis. UVB rays burn the superficial layers of the skin. Both play a key role in the development of skin cancer
See Also:
Is Holiday Planning Becoming Too Stressful To Handle?
