Traveling with kids can be a great way to explore a whole host of experiences as a family, to help them grow into more roundly developed people, and to have a lot of fun together.

However, just as you should ensure that you’re always careful when you travel, you have to be extra vigilant when it comes to your children, as well.

Here, we’re going to look at a few ways you can make sure you keep your kids safe as you enjoy all sorts of destinations together.

Keep them safe from the climate

Differences in the climate, whether it’s a lot hotter, a lot colder, or a lot drier, can be a much bigger risk to your children than you might think. You don’t want to leave them at any risk of heatstroke or frostbite, of course. As such, make sure that you always have weather-appropriate clothes on hand for them, as well as any sunscreen they might require.

Similarly, make sure that you’re always carrying enough water to keep everyone hydrated, especially if you’re moving around a lot during the day, seeing the sights, and going on adventures. Don’t forget any of the necessities that can help to keep your kids happy and healthy on the trip.

Ensure everyone has contact details

Although it might feel like a nightmare when it happens, being separated from your child can happen, so you had better prepare for the possibility, as much as you want to prevent it. To that end, you should ensure that every member of the family has the pertinent details on them. This includes the address of your accommodation, the number to call you directly, and the hotel number.

Make sure that every child keeps them in a zip pocket. This way, if they do end up getting separated, they can use the first opportunity to share those details and hopefully get returned to you or get in touch with you in no time. Take a look here for child ID bracelets that can carry all of those pertinent details for them.

Dealing with separation

Of course, if you are separated from your child, then a course of action is necessary. For instance, if a child is separated from you in a stationary location, then it’s best for them to stay put and for them to wait for you to find them.

Similarly, if you get separated on transport, such as a bus or a train, it’s better for them to wait at a stop or station, rather than to keep going. You should also talk to your child about trustworthy adults vs. tricky adults, and ensure they know to listen to their gut, and that they’re allowed to disobey adults that they don’t trust.

Know where they are at all times

If you’re ever going out, you should try to keep your kids with you. That said, older children, such as adolescents and teenagers, will strive for any opportunity to enjoy some independence. However, whether they need time to rest in the hotel, are with another adult (like their other parent), or are just walking around the resort, you should always have the option to check in on them.

Don’t be afraid to give them a call at any time, or go to this blog article to see how you can track their movements through their digital devices. When it comes to making sure that your kids aren’t in danger, don’t be afraid to get a little more thorough abroad.

Bring a medical kit with you

Aside from making sure that everyone has any travel immunizations that they might need, you should secure a bag of medical supplies that you can bring with you. A basic medical kit will include things like over-the-counter painkillers, band-aids, bandages, bug sprays, sunscreen, and more that can help you make sure that you’re protecting your kids from the health threats they might be most likely to encounter when out and about.

Of course, if you can, you should make an appointment with a travel doctor to get a better idea of what health risks might be specific to the area that you’re visiting so that you can acquire everything that you might need.

Secure the place you’re staying

When you arrive at your accommodation, then you should take a look at how secure it is, to begin with. For instance, make sure that your windows and doors can be locked and are also child-friendly. If you have an outdoor gate to an area where your children are likely to be lounging, check on that, as well.

If you find that your room is not as secure as you would like, whether due to a broken latch or anything else, don’t be afraid to make a fuss about it. They may be able to offer a solution, or even move you to a room that better meets your needs, to avoid any trouble with you.

Get familiar with the area

You might not be able to scout out the location alone ahead of time, but you should take the time to do your research. Make sure that you print out some maps of your location that can help you get your bearings, and find the key points, such as landmarks that you can use to teach your kids where to gather up or stay if you get separated.

Know how to get in touch with relevant authorities, such as the police and transport operators to help you reunite with your child if you get separated from them. Be ready and plan around the possibility that you might need some help finding your child if you are parted from them during your trip.

You might start to feel like you’re helicopter parenting a little when keeping a tight leash on your kids overseas but, even if they are teenagers, it’s way better than the alternative. Follow the tips above to achieve real peace of mind.