Elizabeth Johnson Travel with kids isn’t easy, but it has become more challenging than ever. As parents, we try to keep our children safe from everything. That includes coronavirus.
When we travel, it increases our exposure to more people, and in turn, increases our risk of contracting COVID or other viruses. But the holidays are coming, and some of us will have to make the hard decision to see family or not.
I took the time to collect some travel with kids tips that would help my family, and yours, travel safely. Some of these tips may not surprise you, but we all need a reminder. I especially love number 4.
Traveling with kids can be much less stressful, but I can’t guarantee it will be stress free.
I mean, they’re kids after all.
Keep reading for my top 5 travel with kids tips to keep them safe during coronavirus.
Travel With Kids Tips
Travel with kids during these unprecedented times might be different from what they are used to, but the following tips can keep your kids safe.
Traveling On an Airplane
1) Ask to be seated away from others.
Airlines are doing what they can to disinfect and maintain social distancing since the CoVid-19 began. Try using these precautions for added safety. Wait as long as possible to take your seat when all the passengers have boarded the flight. This will avoid numerous people walking by you.
Also, you can ask the airline representatives to book your tickets to the flight with fewest passengers. If your child is old enough, ask him to keep his hands off various objects. You may carry up to a 12 oz. container of hand sanitizer, but it will require additional screening through TSA.
If you are traveling with an infant, cover your little one with a breathable blanket.
2) Wipe everything down when traveling with kids.
When you travel with kids, don’t forget to disinfectant everything with wet wipes that contain antibacterial properties. Kids are prone to catching viruses by putting fingers in their mouth, eye, and nose. Once you are seated, wipe everything down, including armrests, LED, front and backside of seat tray, sound control, seat buckle, and hardware.
If you have forgotten wet wipes, ask the flight attendant for disinfectant spray and wipe down your seat area by yourself.
3) Invest in face masks and sanitizer.
The next travel with kids tip is to invest in facemask and sanitizers. The face masks that your airline will give you may not be the right size for your kids. So, bring some medical-grade face masks along to the airport.
I recommend practicing wearing a facemask with you little one as often as possible before traveling. I know it can be challenging, but we have our 2-year-old wearing a mask out in public. She has her moments but does well overall.
Frequent use, making it a game, and the ever-useful bribe of something they want is useful in getting your toddler to wear a mask.
Masks are a helpful tool to remind children not to touch their face or pick their nose.
If your baby touches any surface in a public place, sanitize his hands afterward. Kids have a very weak immune system, and you should protect them from any virus droplets that might cause coronavirus disease.
Hotel Travel Tips
When you travel with kids, it is important to not only follow the precautionary measures at the airport and on the airplane, but at the hotel as well. Don’t frequent the high traffic areas during your stay at the hotel with kids such as dining areas and hotel lobbies.
4) Ask for a room that is fully sanitized and hasn’t been occupied for three days.
One of the best hotel travel for traveling with kids during Covid-19 is to ask for a room that has not been occupied for a few days. Moreover, the room should be sanitized.
According to a recent study, coronavirus can live on plastic and other surfaces for up to 72 hours. This means that the risk of Coronavirus disease will be higher if a family stayed in the room right before you check in with your kids.
So, politely ask for a room that has been vacant for almost 72 hours to maximize your safety. If the room is properly sanitized by hotel management, then the risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus from the previous guest is very low. Don’t be afraid to ask what precautions the hotel is taking to keep you safe.
5) Practice social distancing.
When you travel with kids, practice social distancing by wearing face masks too. Be conscious to keep a safe distance from others, whether you are at the airport or at the hotel.
Keep an eye on your children at all the times, and don’t let them invade other’s space. To avoid feeling like you are nagging your children try giving compliments when they do it well. And encourage them to practice social distancing by offering rewards for following your instructions.
Final Thoughts on Traveling with Kids
I’m sure there may be mixed views on traveling with children during this time. If you’re here, you are at least considering it.
I think we need to be as safe as possible, but I also don’t want to be a prisoner in my home and worried mind. Hopefully, these travel with kids tips helps ease your mind.
As a bonus tip, I do recommend that you travel to warm places where you can have outdoor experiences. Being outdoors is the best way to limit your exposure. Honestly, some of the best family trips include outdoor activities.
If you liked this post you may be interested in my post on flu prevention.
