Holidays and vacations are excellent times for the family and are often some of the only times of the year when everyone gets to be together. And, let’s be honest, the adults may get more excited about the downtime than the kids. However, even though a holiday is meant to be a fun time and an opportunity to recharge your batteries, it doesn’t mean you can switch off completely.
Traveling to an unfamiliar country or state, or enjoying fun in the snow, can present all sorts of safety challenges. The good news is that if you follow some common sense practices, then everyone should come home with nothing but fun stories to tell. So please read on for our top five safety tips during holidays and vacations.
Sun Safety
It doesn’t matter what time of the year you plan to go on an adventure; you will always need to make sure that you have a ready supply of sunscreen for you and your little ones. Even in the winter, fun days playing in the snow can put your little one’s skin at risk from sunburn.
Therefore, if you know that the kids will be spending a lot of time outdoors, apply a layer of sunscreen before they go out and reapply during the day, especially if they have been swimming.
Keep Hydrated
Just like the application of sunscreen, you should also make sure that all members of the family remain well-hydrated. This is true whether you are in the mountains or at the beach. If it is too hot or too sunny, make sure you find some shade or head back to the room.
Know the Local Area
Make sure you research the area you are going to before you head out. This will let you know if there are any hazards that should be avoided. For example, some coastal areas may have strong tides or be home to jellyfish, both of which are less than ideal for small kids.
Also, if you visit tropical areas, you should be aware of whether or not you need to take any extra precautions to avoid insect bites.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Make sure you pack a first aid kit and have enough medicine for if you or your children suffer from any illnesses or allergies. In the case of allergies, it is a great idea to inform the staff of your accommodation so that they are aware and can help in the event of an emergency.
If you are going to a new area, it is always a good idea to pack some medicine to protect against upset stomachs, as you will probably be eating food that you are unfamiliar with.
Be Prepared for Kids Being Kids
We all know that kids like exploring, especially in new, exciting places. However, it is easy for kids to get lost if they are not familiar with their surroundings. Provide all the members of your family with your contact details, as well as the name and address of your hotel.
Organizing a meeting place and/or a clear plan of action may also be a good idea in case anyone gets lost. This will help everyone know what needs to be done should someone get lost.