Foreign Holiday Safety Tips

I have yet to take my two boys abroad on holiday. We have only just had our first ever one as a family in the UK, so I think it will be a little while until we venture off to another country! To be honest the thought of travelling abroad with two little ones does actually fill me with dread and I admire anyone who takes it all in their stride, and go away with their family on holiday to another country. There are so many things to think about, and knowing what to pack and what precautions are required, it can be a bit mind boggling. 

Here are some useful tips on how to make the most of your time away as a family.

Holiday Safety Tips

We've all been there, it's the classic holiday conundrum: you want to give your kids a trip of a lifetime, but you don't want all the excitement to be at the expense of the little ones' safety. Luckily, the two elements are not mutually exclusive. With some simple planning you can have a great family holiday and ensure that everyone comes home in one piece.

Insurance

No one goes away on a family holiday expecting for the worst to happen. However, no matter which precautions you might take, there is always the chance that something could go wrong. This doesn't just apply to family getaways either; crossing the street in your hometown presents several possible dangers. However, at home there are safety nets in place that ensure that we get the correct treatment and help should we need it.

To ensure these same measures are in place abroad, it's vital that you get holiday insurance. Not only will this cover you in the event that you need to make any holiday claims, it will give you peace of mind too. If you're unsure as to which holiday cover you require, you should seek advice from solicitors.

Do your research

Before you leave to go away on holiday with your family, it’s vital that you find out about where you’re going to be going. Make sure you investigate whether there are any dangerous neighbourhoods in the area, and try to get an idea of what the roads are like too. It’s also vital to find out whether you and your family will need to get any vaccinations, such as rabies or yellow fever, before leaving. It’s important to do this well in advance of your departure date because some courses of inoculations can take up to six months to complete.

Plan activities

While you don't want to run your children ragged, you should still make sure that they are occupied for at least some of the time that you're away. As well as giving them structure to their day, it will also make sure that they sleep well at night, giving you some time to relax. If you plan any adventure activities with your children, make sure that the kids have the correct equipment. If they are running around in unsuitable footwear, for instance, it could be a recipe for disaster.

Although you want a fun holiday, don't fall into the trap of over doing the activities. Over packing your holiday schedule can make it difficult to keep too, which can be disappointing and stressful for you.

Maintain hygiene

When you’re away, it’s more important to maintain basic hygiene. In unfamiliar environments there are often new bugs and germs around that you and your family are not accustomed to, so it’s vital to ensure your children keep their hands clean, especially before eating. Carrying around a small bottle of antiseptic hand rub is a good idea, just in case you can’t find any running water and soap.

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