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Tips on Traveling With Children
American Society of Travel Agents
ASTA, short for the American Society of Travel Agents, is the world's largest association of travel professionals. Our 24,000 members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc. We are the leading advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public. For the "official word" on what ASTA does, please see our Mission Statement below. http://www.astanet.com/travel
Family vacations are always a nice idea.
It's great to bring the kids along and treat them to some ong-lasting memories and fun learning experiences. But traveling with children can sometimes be a test of your preparedness -- and of your patience. And if you don't take certain steps in advance of your departure, your trip could turn out to be more of a nightmare than a vacation. Here is a list of suggestions on how to make the family trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Before you leave, create anticipation for the trip by starting a countdown calendar. For kids, waiting can be fun! Also, let your kids pack bags of their own. You decide on what type of clothing (preferably loose and comfortable), but allow them to choose their favorites and to pack a special toy. In your own carry bag, pack some hard candies
and gum, hand wipes, tissues, and perhaps a surprise toy for each child.
Allow plenty of time for check-in and also between connecting flights. Arriving early to board together prevents last minute delays and confusion. Be sure to have a safety plan in case anyone gets separated at the airport. Discuss where to meet and what to do. Do this for each place you go on your trip. Also have a daily schedule planned out with some flexible, free time for each family member. Give a copy
to everyone in your family with phone numbers and addresses of hotels where you're staying, transportation information and emergency contact information. If possible, each member of your family should have a cell phone or walkie talkie to keep in touch at all times.
One must is to make sure your children are up-to-date on immunizations. If you plan to travel abroad, check with public health authorities for advisable additional vaccines. Depending on your destination and duration of stay, the following immunizations may be recommended (although some cannot be given to infants and young children):
» Hepatitis B vaccine
» Typhoid vaccine
» Hepatitis A vaccine
» Immune globulin
» Yellow Fever vaccine
» Japanese B Encephalitis vaccine
» Meningococcal vaccine
» Rabies vaccine
When flying with small children, the best seats to have are the first row in economy class. There's a lot of legroom, and you'll be removed from most of the plane when the kids get cranky from the long flight and other passengers inevitably get annoyed. Get up, stretch and walk around with your children often during the flight to save everyone's sanity.
You'll also want to have bottled water and lotion on hand to rehydrate during the dry flight. Bring gum to chew on (pacifiers and bottles for the little ones) so the air pressure doesn't affect the children's ears as much. You may also bring along a liquid children's decongestant an hour before the flight and use a nasal spray an hour before landing, both of which may help if your child has a cold or allergies. Pack a variety of toys in your carry-on and bring them out one by one
to keep your child's interest from waning (and your child from getting cranky). Also, keep easy and familiar snacks on hand.
If you're renting a car, call your rental company to make sure they offer car seats and installation. If not, you'll have to bring your own in addition to a collapsible stroller. If nothing else,
a simple call to the rental car company may save you the hassle of bringing along one extra piece of equipment.
If you're traveling by car, bring pillows to make children more comfortable in the back seat. Stop frequently at rest stops to stretch and make use of restrooms. Play games like "I Spy". Make sure
the car is stocked with paper and pencil, plenty of creative, engaging toys and cassette tapes of their favorite songs or books. Most important, keep your children involved in the vacation process. Save everything you come across - brochures, napkins, ticket stubs - and have your children paste them into a scrapbook.
Once at your hotel, there are myriad possible accidents waiting to happen. Bring outlet protectors and make a sweep of balconies and bathrooms for any potential dangers. Hide away small objects, accessible medications and cleaners children could get their hands on.
If your vacation includes a trip to a pool, ocean, water park or any other place involving water, the number one rule to follow is to never let your children venture off alone. Even if they know how to swim, children should wear a life jacket at all times. Also, it is important that you know what is in the water: chemicals, jellyfish, very cold temperatures, currents, sudden drop-offs and the like are all things
you and your child will want to avoid.
Always bring a hat with a wide brim and sunscreen of at least 30 SPF to shield your child from the sun's harmful rays. Sun poisoning can ruin any vacation.
Since, as a parent, you already know your children are easily prone to illness when away from home, it is important to take precautions by bringing along medications your child may need. Diarrhea treatments (although these should not be given to very young children), pain relievers, insect repellants, antihistamines and band-aids are good staples to have.
And a doctor's number, even if you are traveling to a foreign country, is a good idea, as well.
To prevent diseases spread by drinking contaminated water, use only bottled or boiled water to mix formula and juices, or simply go with pre-mixed liquid formula whenever possible.
In the end, remember that problems do arise and accidents do happen. Keep ASTA's Travel Tips in mind to avoid hassles and undue stress, keep a good sense of humor, and, most important, give your children a vacation to remember in spite of any unforeseen obstacles.
For additional information, visit these Web sites:
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