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Family Travel
Safety Guide

Everything you need to know to travel safely with children — from health preparation to emergency planning, we've got you covered.

Safety Categories

Travel safe, worry less

Six essential safety areas every family traveller needs to address before and during travel.

Health & Medical

  • Visit your GP 6–8 weeks before travel for vaccinations and prescription medications
  • Pack a comprehensive family first aid kit including antihistamines, rehydration sachets, and antiseptic
  • Research the nearest hospital and clinic to your accommodation before arrival
  • Carry medical information cards for all family members, especially those with allergies or conditions
  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover

Transportation Safety

  • Always use age-appropriate child car seats — check local laws on car seat requirements
  • Research road safety standards and driving customs before self-driving abroad
  • Use reputable, licensed taxi services or ride-share apps — never accept rides from unlicensed drivers
  • Teach children road crossing rules — traffic direction varies by country
  • Book seats together on flights and confirm this at check-in

Accommodation Safety

  • Request rooms away from ground level for security — not too high for fire escape safety
  • Check for balcony railings, pool fences, and window locks when travelling with young children
  • Note fire exits and evacuation routes on arrival — show older children too
  • Use the room safe for passports, travel insurance documents, and excess cash
  • Research accommodation reviews specifically mentioning families with young children

Emergency Planning

  • Save local emergency numbers (police, ambulance, fire) in your phone before arrival
  • Register your trip with your country's foreign affairs department
  • Keep a physical copy of all passports, insurance, and booking confirmations in a separate bag
  • Establish a meeting point with children for crowded places like airports and theme parks
  • Teach children your phone number, hotel name, and destination country

Sun & Water Safety

  • Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours
  • Use Coast Guard-approved life vests for non-swimmers and young children near water
  • Never leave children unattended near water — even in shallow pools and paddling areas
  • Swim only at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags
  • Stay hydrated — children dehydrate faster than adults, especially in hot climates

Food & Water Safety

  • Research tap water safety at your destination — use bottled or filtered water if in doubt
  • Avoid raw shellfish, undercooked meat, and foods from street vendors with poor hygiene
  • Carry antihistamines and an EpiPen if any family member has food allergies
  • Wash hands frequently, especially before eating — carry alcohol hand gel at all times
  • Introduce children to local foods gradually to avoid digestive upsets
Family travel safety
Emergency Preparedness

Be prepared, not scared

The vast majority of family trips go without any serious incident. But preparation eliminates the anxiety of "what if" — and means if something does happen, you can respond calmly and effectively.

Important: Always purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. Medical evacuation alone can cost $50,000–$300,000 USD without insurance coverage.

  • Save the local emergency number in your phone (not all countries use 911/999)
  • Know the address of your nearest embassy or consulate
  • Keep a 48-hour emergency fund in local currency separate from your main wallet
  • All adults in the group should know how to use an EpiPen if any member has severe allergies
  • Take a photograph of your children each morning in case they get lost

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