| 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.
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 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: ASTA-member travel agents survey |
| |
|
| |
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 makesure
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:
|
