| 
Family vacations can create long-lasting memories and
fun learning experiences for parents and children alike. But traveling
with children can sometimes be a test of preparedness -- and of
patience. The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has created
a list of suggestions to help make the sometimes daunting task of
preparing for a trip with the kids manageable and fun for the entire
family.
BEFORE LEAVING
Create anticipation for the family trip by starting
a countdown calendar with perhaps a photo or illustration of the
destination. Let kids pack their own bags. Decide what type of clothing
(preferably loose and comfortable), but allow them to choose their
favorites and to pack a special toy. In a carry-on bag, pack some
hard candies and gum, hand wipes, tissues, books, paper, markers
in a small, tightly sealed plastic bag and perhaps a surprise toy
for each child.
Update immunizations for the entire family. If
traveling abroad, check with public health authorities for advisable
additional vaccines. Depending on the 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 |
AT
THE AIRPORT
Allow plenty of time for check-in and also between
connecting flights. Arriving early to board together prevents last
minute delays and confusion, especially with the new security regulations.
Be sure to have a safety plan in case anyone gets separated at the
airport. Discuss where to meet and what to do.
| |
TOP VACATION DESTINATIONS FOR KIDS
(8-13) |
| |
1. Disney* - 100%
2. Cruises - 41%
3. Orlando - 28.2%
4. Hawaii - 23.7%
5. Cancun - 18.1%
* includes all Disney parks and Disney Cruises
Source: 2003 Survey of ASTA-member travel agents |
Review screening procedures with
children before entering security checkpoints so they will not be
frightened by the process. Every person, including children and
babies, must undergo screening at security checkpoints. Also, all
child-related equipment must go through the X-ray machine. To speed
the process along, remove children from their strollers/infant carriers
and collapse/fold the equipment so it may be examined or put through
the machine. When going through metal detectors, with an infant,
have one parent hold the baby and walk through the machine. Do not
hand off the baby under the detector, or hand the baby to the screener
to hold. Children who can walk should go through the metal detector
independently. For older children, it is important to stress that
the process should be taken seriously and that threats made even
as a joke could result in law enforcement being summoned.
ON
THE FLIGHT
Bring a child/infant seat on board that meets current
safety standards and is not more than 16 inches wide. The Federal
Aviation Administration recommends that children weighing less than
40 pounds be placed in child/infant seats.
The best coach seats to have
when flying with small children 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. If the front
row seats are not available, place children away from the aisle,
preferably between responsible adults. Also, remember to get up,
stretch and walk around with kids often during the flight, but do
not allow children to walk around unsupervised.
| |
TOP
VACATION DESTINATIONS FOR TEENAGERS (13+) |
| |
1. Disney* - 57.4%
2. Cruises - 48%
3. Cancun - 36.7%
4. Hawaii - 27.2%
5. Orlando - 22.9%
* includes all Disney parks and Disney Cruises
Source: 2003 Survey of ASTA-member travel agents |
Getting your seat assignment in
advance can help ensure families are seated together and that children
and adults will be seated next to each other. If a flight is full
and obtaining seat assignments in advance is not a possibility,
advise the airline personnel at the airport. The airline may need
to ask other passengers to change seats so children are not seated
apart from parents.
Bring bottled water to drink
and lotion to apply to skin to rehydrate during the dry flight;
gum, pacifiers and bottles to reduce air pressure on the children's
ears; and a variety of toys in carry-on bags to keep the child's
interest from waning.
IF
TRAVELING BY CAR
Make it comfortable by bringing pillows and blankets.
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, pencils, plenty of engaging toys and tapes or CDs of
their favorite songs or books. Most importantly, keep children involved
in the vacation process. Save everything collected on vacation -
brochures, napkins, ticket stubs - and have children paste them
into a scrapbook.
Plan ahead with the 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.
ONCE
THERE
Have a daily schedule planned with some flexible,
free time for each family member. Provide friends or relatives with
phone numbers and addresses of hotels where the family will stay,
transportation information and emergency contact information. If
possible, each member of the family should have a cell phone or
walkie-talkie to keep in touch at all times. Coming up with an emergency
plan or meeting point is also a good idea in case family members
become separated.
AT
THE HOTEL
Put safety first by avoiding a myriad of possible
accidents. 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. Familiarize yourself with the hotel’s fire and emergency
evacuation routes and procedures.
SOME
EXTRA PRECAUTIONS
If your vacation includes a trip to a pool, ocean, water park or
any other place involving water, the number one rule is to never
let children venture off alone. Even if they know how to swim, children
should wear a life jacket at all times. Also, it is important to
know what is in the water, such as chemicals or jellyfish. Very
cold temperatures, currents, and sudden drop-offs are all things
to avoid, especially with children.
Always bring a hat with a wide brim and sunscreen
of at least 30 SPF to shield children’s skin from the sun's
harmful rays. Sun poisoning can ruin any vacation.
It is important to bring along needed medications.
Diarrhea treatments (although these should not be given to very
young children), pain relievers, insect repellants, antihistamines
and adhesive bandages are good staples. Consult your doctor about
“over the counter” remedies before using them. Bringing
a doctor's number, even if 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, if
an infant is not being nursed.
MOST
IMPORTANTLY...
Maintain a good sense of humor while traveling to give your children
a vacation to remember in spite of any unforeseen obstacles. Remember
that problems do arise and accidents do happen, but being prepared
and keeping ASTA's Travel Tips in mind may help avoid hassles and
undue stress.
For additional information,
visit these Web sites:
Traveling
With Children (Transportation Security
Administration)
First-Aid
Kit for Familty Travel (BlueCross
Blue Shield of Minnesota)
Traveling
With School-Age Kids
Traveling
With Children (U.S. Centers for
Disease Control)
|
