November 26, 2024

Health and Safety Tips for Holiday Family Travel


As the holiday season approaches, many families look forward to traveling to visit loved ones or explore new destinations. But whether you're heading across town or across the country, traveling with children requires careful planning to ensure a safe and healthy trip. Here are some essential tips for managing routines, packing the right snacks and keeping everyone safe and comfortable during your journey.

1. Stick to Simple Routines as Much as Possible

Keeping a familiar routine can make a big difference for children while traveling, even in new environments. Try to:

  • Plan Travel Around Sleep Schedules: If possible, time your travel during naps or quieter times to keep kids well-rested. Adjusting your travel time to fit in with kids' normal routines helps minimize stress.
  • Bring Comfort Items: Bring along favorite toys, blankets or stuffed animals. These can provide comfort and consistency and ease the transition into a new space.
  • Plan games and activities to keep kids occupied on the road. Coloring books and crayons, mad libs, I Spy, license plates, cards, tic-tac-toe and trivia games can be fun on the road.
  • Keep Meals and Bedtime Consistent: Stick to similar mealtime and bedtime routines as you would at home, which can help children feel more settled.
  • Discuss the trip before you leave so kids know what to expect. Let them help with the planning and packing.

2. Healthy and Portable Travel Snacks

Snacking on the go is essential, but packing nutritious options can be tricky. Here are some healthy, mess-free options:

  • Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, bananas, carrot sticks and cucumber slices are easy to pack and won’t cause a mess.
  • Whole-Grain Crackers and Cheese: Pack some whole-grain crackers with slices of cheese for a protein-rich snack.
  • Nuts and Trail Mix (for Older Kids): These snacks are filling and nutrient-dense, though they aren’t recommended for younger kids due to choking hazards.
  • Yogurt Pouches and Nut Butter Packets: Individual pouches are easy to eat on the go and provide healthy protein and fats.
  • Avoid Sugary Snacks: Too much sugar can cause hyperactivity and may lead to energy crashes, which are harder to manage when you're on the move.

3. Car Seat and Vehicle Safety

Safety on the road is a top priority, especially during busy holiday seasons. Follow these guidelines to keep everyone safe:

  • Car Seat Installation: Ensure car seats are properly installed before starting your journey. Consult your car seat manual or a certified child passenger safety technician if you’re unsure.
  • Rear-Facing Seats for Younger Kids: For infants and toddlers, use rear-facing car seats, as recommended by safety guidelines, until they outgrow the weight and height limits.
  • Regular Breaks: Schedule breaks every couple of hours to let kids stretch their legs, go to the restroom and give everyone a chance to reset.
  • Avoid Loose Items: Any loose objects can become projectiles during sudden stops. Secure luggage and toys and store larger bags in the trunk.

4. Packing a Family Travel Health Kit

A well-stocked health kit can keep you prepared for minor medical issues and reduce the risk of illness while traveling. Here’s a list of essentials:

  • Hand Sanitizer and Disinfecting Wipes: Clean hands before and after eating and wipe down high-touch surfaces, like airplane trays and door handles.
  • First Aid Kit: Pack bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers and a small pair of scissors. You might also want to include an anti-itch cream and aloe vera gel for cuts and scrapes.
  • Medications: Bring any prescription medications, as well as basic over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, fever reducers, antihistamines and motion sickness pills. Don’t forget an accurate measuring device for liquid medicines if you’re traveling with younger children.
  • Thermometer: A compact thermometer can be invaluable if anyone feels feverish.
  • Extra Masks: Consider masks for high-traffic or enclosed spaces if you’ll be in crowded areas.
  • Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Even in cooler climates, sunscreen is essential and insect repellent is useful if you’re traveling to warmer or forested areas.

5. Tips for Staying Healthy on the Road

Holiday travel often means exposure to new environments, which can sometimes lead to illness. Here are some tips for keeping everyone healthy:

  • Stay Hydrated: Encourage kids to drink water regularly, especially when flying, as airplane cabins tend to be dry.
  • Get Moving: When you take breaks, try a few simple stretches to improve circulation. Walking around during layovers or stops keeps energy levels up and can help reduce stiffness.
  • Rest When Needed: Avoid overscheduling activities and let kids get plenty of rest. Fatigue can lower immunity and make everyone more susceptible to illness.

By keeping health and safety a priority, families can enjoy smoother, safer and more enjoyable travel experiences. Taking the time to plan and pack for your family’s needs ensures that everyone can relax and make the most of their holiday adventures. Safe travels and happy holidays!

Sources:
healthychildren.org
JCFS
Forbes




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