Traveling Abroad With Family: Tips For Safety And Preparedness
Traveling with the whole family is a challenge all on its own. Traveling with the whole family across borders into another country presents its own set of unique challenges.
Prepare yourself and your family for the adventure of a lifetime, and do it right the first time. Here is a brief overview of a few of the most important tips to remember for keeping you and your family safe and ready for whatever may cross your paths.
Make sure everyone is properly vaccinated
You can’t just walk into a clinic and walk out with the proper travel vaccinations. You have to plan ahead of time for this step of the trip.
Visit a travel clinic (or your family doctor) at least three months in advance to make certain that you and your family are properly protected against any foreign pathogens.
It is best that you get the required and the recommended vaccines. Have peace of mind, knowing that your kids are protected.
Get your passports and visas in order
If you’re going out of the country, everyone in your family needs to have an up-to-date passport to present. It can take some time to complete the process of obtaining a passport, so make sure you start early.
It’s also important to understand the process of replacing your passport. If you lose your documentation while you’re overseas, it will be pertinent that you obtain a replacement passport as soon as possible.
Prepare the troops for long flights
Pack for an extended stay on a long flight, depending on where you and your family choose to travel. It’s similar to packing for a long road trip, except you can’t take the cooler.
Pack some of your child’s favorite toys, and don’t forget the security blanket. Bring something from home that smells good. Your kids will cling to their home’s scent when they’re tired or stressed.
Prioritize sleep and food
Traveling can be super tough on kids and parents because it can be challenging to get proper sleep. Prioritize sleeping, especially for your children, to avoid (or minimize) meltdowns.
Food is also a very important aspect of a peaceful trip. If your kids are hungry, they’re more likely to get upset and argue or cry. Make sure to pack plenty of quick snacks.
Practice patience and radical acceptance
Ultimately, you can’t control every piece of your environment when you travel. The best thing you can do is practice patience and radical acceptance.
The situation may change on a moment’s notice, and you have to be able to adjust on the fly. Make sure to get a good night’s rest before you depart on your journey, and extend the favor to the rest of the family too.