Traveling is one of the best ways to spend your vacation or long weekends with your family. It’s a time to rest, refresh and relax while catching up and bonding with them. You know how nowadays, it’s not easy to fix and adjust individual schedules, responsibilities and all the things you want to do all at the same time. That’s why whenever there’s time to travel with your family, do so.
It will surely be fun, but of course, there could be some challenges too. One of their causes is having playful little kids traveling with you. They can be really naughty, hyper and curious about many things they see, so you might have a hard time running after them and controlling them. It’s unfavorable if, as a result, they get hurt or cause damage.
It could be a bit stressful, but that should not be a reason for you to leave them at home or to just give up traveling. You can lessen the possible travel worries and troubles by making sure that you and your kids are safe while traveling. Here are six tips for you to keep that:
[1] BEWARE OF AREAS NOT FOR KIDS
There are a lot of things you do not know when you visit a specific country, for instance. That’s why doing your research, inquiring and asking those who are knowledgeable about the place are among the most important things to do as a traveler.
Rules, regulations and restrictions must be observed well. While playful little kids might not be wholly aware or able to understand the weight of those commands, you, the parent, must be the one to keep them away from violating them. Those directions are given for order and safety. If your kids go beyond them, they can get harmed–that’s one meaning.
Be informed, and see to it that your children won’t go to and in areas not safe for kids or for visitors in general. Those places may include the ones under construction, those with deteriorations and those that might be detrimental to the health.
[2] KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
There are tourist activities which are not suitable for kids. Keep in mind that you should always take that into consideration. Additionally, if your playful kids have certain health conditions that might get affected by engaging in such activities, you should be cautious. Don’t let your kids try those which aren’t recommended for kids at their age even if they insist.
When visiting amusement parks and other tourist spots, allow them only on kid-friendly rides and activities. Also, know what they can handle enough. Even the kid-friendly rides can be scary for them even if they are usually playful and active, so look at their capability and confidence in attempting them too.
Moreover, if they are up for the challenge of tourist activities, remind them what to do so they can stay safe.
[3] BRIEF THEM WELL
Playful little kids are most often hard to control, especially when they enjoy moving while they feel really active and enthusiastic. Some kids feel uncomfortable when they land their feet on a new and unfamiliar place, but if your kids get even more energetic and lively when that happens, you should brief them well before traveling.
What should you let them know? Remind them that they should behave well and that they should listen to you, so they know what to do and what to avoid. Tell them the consequences that they will face if they ignore your words and disobey. It’s impossible that they will not be playful, especially if that’s really who they are, but briefing them before traveling is helpful because they will have something to remember when needed.
Aside from telling them not to be too naughty so they won’t get lost, teach them what to do in different situations tourists experience. What should they do when they get lost? What should they do when a stranger asks them a question? How should they use the things you brought and also the stuff found in the hotel room you booked?
Also, make sure that you tell them to be very careful not to break anything in places you visit and especially in your hotel room! They might get hurt. Besides that, not only will you get mad; your wallet can also get really sad.
Although your little kids might be smart enough to know what to do according to how you trained them, a quick briefing and reminder won’t hurt but can actually save your kid from harm and from causing problems.
[4] KEEP AN EYE ON THEM
When you travel, both locally and internationally, you encounter many different people with whom you are strangers. Do not let your guard down even if you meet approachable, hospitable and friendly people and even locals. Never leave your things unattended, but most of all, keep an eye on your kids. Especially when your kids easily trust people, don’t trust them with that.
If your kids want to play at the nearby park, you must not just allow them, but you should go with them. If they want to stay somewhere near your spot in the restaurant, make sure you supervise them. Just because they are near doesn’t mean you should be complacent.
When you are in a foreign country, there are a lot of things you aren’t aware of, so you should be careful always and secure your kids. Especially if you are visiting tourist spots, you encounter tons of strangers, both locals and tourists just like you. Don’t be too immersed in the fun and in the nice views around. Don’t just let your kids run and play wherever without someone you know. Be alert and mindful of your surroundings and the people around.
You might not know, but there could be bad guys lurking around the place where you are, not just waiting for their chance to rob but also to take kids. It’s not an exaggeration. You might think that it can’t be possible because the place you’re visiting has a sound security system, but do not be very careless because no one knows what can happen when, especially nowadays when cases like that aren’t new anymore.
[5] HOLD THEM
Most especially when you go to crowded places, particularly famous tourist spots, you must always make sure that your playful kids are beside you, or you must be behind them so you can look after them. It will be best that you hold them when walking in the middle of lots of people, so you won’t lose them, and they won’t lose you. Probably, it’s the best way for you to be sure that your child is literally near you.
[6] LET YOUR TRUSTED COMPANIONS HELP
If you cannot watch your kids yourself while they are at the play area due to something else you have to manage for a while, make sure you assign your trusted companion, who’s also traveling with you, to do it for you. In that way, even if you do not have your own eyes on them, you have someone trustworthy to lend their eyes for you.
Especially if he or she is your family member too, you will be rest assured. Your friends and other relatives traveling with you can be counted on as your proxy. Just be vocal in asking them. Of course, they care for your kids as well, but if you want them to take charge of supervising your kids while you are away for a while, you have to tell them.
KIDS SAFE TRAVEL
Traveling with your playful little kids comes with great responsibility. You do not want them to be put in danger and to cause harm, so as a parent, be mindful. Think ahead of situations, so you can keep your kids safe. Especially if they are too bubbly and friendly even if to people they don’t know, make sure you do your best to secure them. A worthwhile travel is not just about having fun. You can’t enjoy without safety, so it’s a big thing to be watchful. Traveling with your playful kids involves safety as an essential element to forget not!