7 Family Travel Safety Tips for hassle-free travel

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Most people love to travel, explore somewhere new, whether that means lying in the beach and soaking up the sun rays or getting off the beaten track or being more action-packed by hitting the slopes or hiking up mountains, either way, there is something we all have in common and that is wanted to stay safe while on the road.

Before having kids I backpacked around Europe for around 2yrs and I had a blast but there was the odd occasion I felt unwell or caught a virus and needed to see a doctor and it can be tricky when you're in a foreign country. Another time my Airbnb or Couchsurfing host cancelled on me last minute and I needed to find somewhere to stay or simply getting lost on local transport systems - all of these experiences where learning curves and I feel have provided good groundwork for safe travels with kids. So I thought I would share with you 5 things you need to do before setting off as they can save you time, money and hassle and even though some of them are not the most exciting thing to do they are equally important and ensure you will stay safe as possible.

1. Research your destination

Before going anywhere new you should always do at least some basic research beforehand. It's good to know things like the political situation or if there are any travel warnings before leaving. Also, be aware of any area's you shouldn't visit and know what the situation is when it comes to exploring in the evening as some cities it's best to stay indoors after the sun goes down. Being aware of local customs is also important as not to offend anyone or cause a possibly tense situation.

2. Be up to date with Travel Vaccines and Health Advice before any trip

It's not only exotic destinations you need to check but also many countries across Europe, South America and Africa require certain vaccinations prior to travel, along with appropriate health advice on the region you are going to. It's really important to do your research and also schedule an appointment with your GP as one cannot presume you and your families immunity will match that of a local foreign environment. You can also get a lot of advice from The Travel Doctor.

3. Have Travel and Life Insurance

I cannot say this enough but if your only going to do one thing, make sure you have travel insurance because you never know when your going to need it and a small amount can literally save you hundreds and thousands of pounds. Everyone should have health insurance while travelling, it really is essential and gives you peace of mind. Another important thing everyone should have, especially if you are a parent is life insurance - in fact, this was the first thing I did after becoming a mother, because no one knows the future and whether at home or on the road I want to know my kids will be looked after and it adds an extra level of reassurance and peace of mind.

4. Protect your money

Keeping your money safe while your on your travels is very important as many travellers can be targets of pickpocketing regardless if your travelling as a family or on your own. Firstly you want to inform your bank of where you are travelling too because if you don't they may see your transactions as suspicious and lock all your cards - this has happened to me and it can be really inconvenient trying to sort it out from overseas. While your travelling it's best to use a mixture of cash and card and never keep it all in one place and make big purchases using a card as these can be traced. When using an ATM always do some basic checks, if it looks like it's been tampered with then use a different one of go into the bank. Keeping a secret backup stash is also always a good idea should you find you have been the victim of pickpocketing and using an anti-theft bag such as Nayo Smart.


5. Make copies of travel documents

It's always worth having a copy of your essential travel documents and can save a lot of time and hassle should you lose one of these or have one stolen. Important documents to make copies of are, your passport, visa, travel insurance, hotel reservations along with any other pre-paid reservations and also your driver's license should you want to hire a car. Some countries may also need copies of your Vaccine information so be aware of this before travelling.

6. Write down emergency numbers

Not only should you have the numbers and address of your hotels (and preferably share this with family so they know where you are staying) but making note of local emergency numbers such as local police, ambulance, hospital and your nearest embassy, can be lifesaving. 


7. Pack a first aid kit

Don't rely on the possibility that your destination will have the similar medication you are used to or just being suck in a hotel with a child who has spiked a fever at 11pm when everything is shut, is not ideal. So having a basic first aid kit can really come in handy and it's something I always pack. Mine contains anti-septic wipes and anti-bacterial gel, plasters, a pack of paracetamol, a small bottle of Capol, a few re-hydrating sachets, a small tube of suncream and anti-histamine tablets.


These are just a few ways to stay safe when your travelling as a family and can not only save you lots of time and hassle but also loads of money too.