Taking a safe and healthy vacation not only involves packing but also involves double checking safety measures. Safe and healthy travel takes some time and preparation beforehand. Simple steps and guidelines will ensure a good time to be had by all. My top 10 concerns involve health and safety precautions.
Water– Make sure to carry several bottles of water for each person traveling, especially kids. They will become dehydrated much quicker than adults.
Sunscreen– Protection from the harmful rays will not only benefit the kids in the long run but it will also prevent you from having to treat sunburn and irritability later in the evening.
Vaccinations– Always double check that the kids are up to date on all vaccinations. Also be sure to discuss with your doctor the need for additional vaccinations for your choice of destinations. “Diarrhea and associated gastrointestinal illness are among the most common travel-related problems affecting children.”(1)
Safe Food Practices– When traveling abroad be wary of foods served in the open as well as the manner in which they are being served. Practice safe food consumption through visual, scent and appearance factors. When in doubt, skip the offerings.
Travel Health Kit– Prepare your health kit from home and with the recommendation of your doctor’s. Be sure to include sterile items such as bandages, swabs of alcohol, antibacterial creams and solvents, as well as medications for diarrhea, motion sickness, nausea medication and pain medication such as ibuprofen.
Diarrhea- When this strikes, it can be an early indicator of not only of the need to hydrate but also of common issues such as food borne illness, and “food poisoning” involves the ingestion of preformed toxins in food.” If lasting more than 12-24 hours seek medical attention.
Stress– reduce and or eliminate travel stress by ensuring that children are given the opportunity to rest and relax. Time and location differences can play havoc on the young travelers. Encourage short day naps so as not to disturb the overnight sleep that is necessary.
Overseas Medical Recommendations– When traveling abroad, always look into and be aware of the location of clinics and other medically necessary establishments within your area of travel. In the event of an emergency, you already know the location and services rendered.
Motion Sickness– most often experienced when travel long distances in cars or any distance on boats and planes. Encourage children to look out windows and enjoy the scenery rather than looking down in the car at books and or video movies and games.
Ear Pain– a common aliment in travel at high altitudes. It is often one of the first health factors that children will experience. Encourage bottle feed in babies and chewing of gum or such in children.
Travel prepared and you will see a difference in the quality of not only your vacation but also in the memories that kids will have of vacation times.
International Travel Travel Tips
