Traveling internationally and discovering new cultures with your kids is a rewarding experience. However, keeping them safe in an unfamiliar environment can be stressful. It requires preparation and attentiveness.
Even in countries with a reputation for being safe, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the common risks kids may face traveling abroad. Proactive planning can help keep your family safe.
Preparing Kids for Travel Safety
As a parent who's been there and traveled with young kids, I certainly worried about their safety or getting lost.
Here’s how to take the stress out of family travel by giving them the tools they need to be protected.
Teach basic safety rules
Family travel is a time to reiterate the basic safety rules your kids are probably already familiar with. Remind children to stay close to you or other family members.
Meeting new people abroad can be an enriching experience, but how do you balance this with the fear of stranger danger? One way is to have rules like only talking to people they don’t know if there’s a guardian with them.
Help your kids orientate themselves to a new environment by pointing out recognizable landmarks close by. A bridge, prominent building, or park can be a meeting place.
If kids do get separated or lost, have them look for an adult in uniform or, failing that, another family with children and ask for help.
Equip kids with emergency tools
Consider purchasing ID bracelets for the whole family before you go.
There's an array available — look for one that’s waterproof, colorful, and will incorporate your contact details and child’s medical information, especially if they have allergies or some other medical condition.
Role-play common scenarios
Reinforce safety rules by practicing what to do before boarding the plane.
You could play the role of a stranger asking your child to go with them or offer them a gift or food. Let kids practice saying “no” or “I have to ask my parents first.”
You can also role-play what kids should do if they get lost.
Managing Safety On Route
Here’s how to make getting to and from your destination as stress-free as the rest of your family vacation.
Ensure kid-friendly transportation
Remind kids to keep their seatbelts fastened on your flight. If you have young children, you may want to invest in a safety harness specifically designed for air travel.
If you plan to bring your car seat on the plane to strap your children in, check with the airline first to make sure your make and model of car seat is compliant with the airline. Generally, booster seats are not approved on an aircraft.
Road travel can be more challenging in developing countries. If you’re traveling by car, make sure there’s a working seat belt for each passenger, and request the driver isn’t on their cellphone or driving faster than the speed limit.
If your child is still in a car seat, either bring one with you or rent a car with a car seat. You should also inquire whether your airline will allow you to check a car seat for no additional charge.
Pack essentials for safe travel
It’s wise to travel with a first-aid kid. You can either put one together yourself or purchase a pre-made kit.
I’ve found that on long-haul flights, it’s a good idea to pack children’s Tylenol or similar medication, a digital thermometer, and at least one change of clothes in case kids have an accident or are sick.
If you are flying without your child’s other parent, make sure you have the appropriate consent from the other guardian to show to officials or airline staff.
Stay vigilant in busy areas
Traveling can be exciting but also overwhelming for some kids. Reiterate that kids need to stay close to you at the airport, including during check-in and security.
Prepare your kids for what to expect, including walking through a security device on their own. Some airports have play areas where kids can blow off some steam. Take advantage of these spaces!
Getting on a train in another country can be a great adventure, but stations or bus terminals are hurried spaces. If you plan to get around on, say, the London Tube, explain that it’s likely to be crowded and busy.
Hold younger children’s hands as you navigate public transit, prepare kids for the possibility of standing on a train, and make sure they hold on tight.
Managing Safety at Your Destination
Congratulations, you’ve arrived at your dream destination! Here’s how to keep your kids safe as you explore the world:
Research local health and safety conditions
Research your destination’s safety ahead of time, including local crime rates, areas you should avoid, or any common travel scams.
Learn the emergency contact number for where you are traveling — not every country uses 911. Teach it to your kids as well.
Beyond personal safety, be aware of any common health risks, such as heat stroke, or more serious conditions like malaria or hepatitis. The CDC has a list of travel health notices.
Use technology to track kids
Air Tags aren’t just for luggage! If you’ve got smaller children, attach an Air Tag to their clothing or put it in their backpack. If your family travels frequently, you may want to buy a GPS tracker.
If you’re traveling with teens and they have a mobile phone, ask them to turn on location sharing. You can do the same to help your older kids track you in case they get separated or lost.
Establish family safety protocols
Agree on a meeting point in case anyone gets separated — if you’re at an amusement park, that could be the roller coaster, or it could be the entrance of an aquarium.
Teach your kids to stay put and ask for help, rather than wandering off and potentially getting even more lost. If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, make sure the kids know the name of it.
Establish a check-in time, especially if you’re traveling with teens who may want more autonomy. To help them remember, ask them to set an alarm on their phone.
Mitigate basic travel risks
Depending on where you go, the sun may be stronger than you’re used to. Pack sunscreen with high SPF protection and encourage kids to wear a hat and a swimsuit with sleeves for added protection.
If you’re going somewhere with mosquitos, bring insect repellent that is safe for children, as well as insect bite cream.
Avoid drinking tap water in countries where it may be contaminated. Stick to bottled water and even use it to wash raw fruits and vegetables, as well as for brushing teeth.
Choose reputable restaurants (if you’re unsure, ask your hotel for recommendations), or select places that are busy and popular with local people.
Kids should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before eating. To help avoid getting sick, choose foods that are hot and have been well cooked, and avoid foods that have been left out in the sun.
READ MORE: Keeping Your Family Healthy While Traveling Abroad
Manage large crowds and events
You may be surprised to know how many festivals are family-friendly — even Glastonbury in England has a kids’ zone. Before making plans, check if a festival is suitable for children and has activities to keep them entertained.
Prepare kids for attending a busy attraction and give them the job of making sure they can see you and stay close. Help kids identify employees, so they know who to turn to for help, should they need it. Establish a landmark wherever you are in case anyone gets separated.
READ MORE: Travel Insurance and Safety Tips for Family Vacations
FAQs About Kids' Safety Abroad
What precautions should I take for kids with allergies?
Alert the airline to any allergies ahead of time, request an allergy-free meal for your child, and bring cleaning wipes to wipe down your child’s seat and tray table. Pack healthy snacks you know are safe for your child to eat as a backup.
If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, contact them ahead and ask about their policy regarding food allergies. Staying at a place with a kitchenette gives you more control over what your child is eating.
If you’re eating out, ask the restaurant about any foods that cause food allergies. Have a note explaining the situation translated into the local language to show when ordering.
Not all countries are required to label food with a list of ingredients, so when in doubt, steer clear of any packaged foods that may contain food allergens. If ingredients are listed in another language, use Google Translate or a similar app to decipher the ingredients.
If your child requires medication, such as an EpiPen, keep them on you and pack extras in case of travel delays or loss.
Are there specific vaccinations required for kids traveling abroad?
Depending on where you travel to, your kids (and you) may require specific vaccinations. The CDC has a list of required or recommended vaccines. Some countries may require proof of vaccination as a requirement for entry.
Give yourself four to six weeks to organize vaccinations before leaving. Make an appointment with your family doctor or a travel clinic that can provide advice on destination-specific vaccines and medication.
You should also bring copies of official immunization records for each family member.
TL;DR: How To Keep Kids Safe Abroad
Keeping kids safe abroad involves preparation. Pack wisely with ID bracelets, first-aid kids, and Air Tags or GPS trackers.
Before you go, make sure your kids know the common risks for your destination and what to do if they get separated. Role-play scenarios so they can practice their skills.
By teaching children safety awareness while giving them tools to handle unexpected situations, you're not just protecting them but also helping them develop valuable skills for future adventures!
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