6 Tips on How to Travel Safely with Children during Covid

Traveling can be one of the most wonderful adventures you can have with your children. 

Whether it’s just a quick visit to the local park or a week-long trip abroad, some of the best memories in your life happen when you travel.

But every parent who has traveled with their kids understands that it can also be challenging at the same time. 

Having little children means more luggage, frequent trips to the washroom, and food every two hours. Add those little tantrums from boredom, and you’ve had one of the most tiring trips, ever!

 

 

The challenge doesn’t end there.

The Coronavirus pandemic has made family travel a lot more difficult these days. 

Now you have to constantly make sure your little ones wear their masks and not suck on them! 

The anxiety over the possibility of catching the virus is real and that just makes traveling less fun for many parents.

But here’s the thing – you can explore the outside world and make wonderful memories with your children even during the pandemic.

Here’s how you can keep our children safe and healthy during family trips:

 

    1. Stay up-to-date On Travel Warnings 

Before choosing a destination, check the travel warnings and advisories from the CDC and other reliable resources to see which countries or places are safe to visit. 

It’s good to know that in many countries, COVID-19 cases are slowly dropping.

If you have already booked a trip to a high-risk destination, check with your travel agent or airline of choice if you can cancel or reschedule the trip. Note that your family’s health is your number one priority.

 

    2. Let Your Kids Understand the Pandemic Situation

It can be difficult for young children to understand what’s going on – why they have to wear masks, avoid touching their faces, keep their hands clean, not talk with other people, or distant from other tourists.

Before your scheduled trip, talk to your children and help them understand why they have to do all these.

Tell them the virus can make them sick. Offer comfort and honesty. You have to make them feel safe. Show them age-appropriate content that helps them prepare for traveling during the pandemic.

Explain to them the importance of hygiene and the things they need to do to avoid the virus.

 

    3. Give Them a Covid Prevention (Travel Safety) Kit 

Whether you’re just going to the mall or a local park or hopping on a plane for an international trip, make sure your kids are fully protected.

Each of your children should have their own prevention kit.

This should include face masks, travel hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, tissue, and clean towels. Whenever possible, have them carry these things in their own bags for easy access.

You should also pack a separate travel kit for the whole family, which should include a thermometer, vitamins, medications (if any), first-aid essentials, antibacterial soap, alcohol, etc.

 

 

    4. Pack Travel Food from Home to Avoid outside Contact

Since we’re dealing with a pandemic, you want to be extra careful with everything. 

Even though getting COVID-19 through food is less likely, you and your kids can still catch the virus from touching surfaces inside restaurants.

Plus, you never know if these restaurants offer kid-friendly menus. Or, you might have a picky eater or a child who’s allergic to some food. 

Packing food for the first time?

Check out these tips:

• Use ziplock bags for snacks like nuts, granola bars, cereals, or dried fruits. They can save you so much space.
• Consider foods your children enjoy eating. However, choose shelf-stable foods that are easy to pack and transport.
• For one-day travels, it’s best to prepare bento-style lunch boxes for each family member. 
• If traveling abroad, choose a hotel room with basic kitchen amenities for easy meal prep.
• Pack healthy food whenever possible. You want to keep your kids’ immune systems in top shape. Great options are fruits like apples and oranges, celery, carrots, and easy-to-eat veggies. 

    5. Plan Way Ahead your Family Trip during the Pandemic

Traveling with kids during a pandemic is super challenging.

The only way to make it easier is to plan your trip ahead.

Be doubly sure of your travel plans. Research the places you’re visiting and check whether they are categorized as “low-risk areas”. 

If possible, book your trip during the low season when there are fewer tourists. Make the necessary travel arrangements several months ahead and verify the vendor’s cancellation policies in case travel warnings have changed.

Find a hotel or accommodation that implements strict health protocols and policies. 

Start preparing for your trip weeks ahead. Make a packing list, gather important documents, and make sure your kids are up-to-date with their immunizations.

 

    6. Make Your Child Sit on the Appropriate Place During Commute

Whether you’re traveling by plane, bus, or train – keep your child seated near the window. That’s where your child will be at a maximum distance from other people.

Take necessary precautions when traveling by plane, such as wiping down tray tables and armrests with disinfecting wipes before letting your kids sit. 

Once you’ve landed, have everyone wash and sanitize their hands.

Always, always have them wear masks in public settings. You and your kids should be 6 feet (or two-arm length) from other people. Ask them to use hand sanitizers frequently throughout the commute.

 

 

Conclusion: What Should You Do When You Return Home after a Trip abroad during the Pandemic?

With enough planning and preparation, traveling with kids is a lot easier and more fun, amidst the pandemic.

Make sure to observe health and safety practices from day one until you return to your home.

Follow the recommendations or requirements from your national or local authorities. In many states, families who just came from travel are required to self-quarantine. 

Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. If anyone in your family starts to develop symptoms, seek medical help immediately. 

According to the CDC travel guidelines, people who have been fully vaccinated or have recovered from the infection for the past three months are not required to self-quarantine.

It may take a few more years before things completely go back to normal, including travel. 

However, by prioritizing your family’s health, equipping yourself with knowledge and information, and observing health mandates from authorities, you can protect your children from different infections and illnesses and make the most of your trip.