How to Make Traveling with Kids So Much Easier

Traveling with children can be exciting but requires careful planning, especially regarding health and wellness! Here's a guide to help you prepare for a easier, safer and more enjoyable trip with your little ones.

Before You Go

Research medical facilities:

• Locate pediatric urgent care centers and hospitals near your destination.
• Save their contact information in your phone.

Consult your pediatrician:

• Schedule a pre-travel check-up if necessary. 
• Discuss any specific health concerns or required vaccinations.

Prepare a medical information sheet for each family member:

• List current medications, dosages, and allergies.
• Include blood type and any chronic conditions.
• Add emergency contact numbers, including your pediatrician's.

Review your health insurance coverage:

• Understand what's covered out-of-network or out-of-state. No one likes a surprise bill! 
• Consider travel insurance if traveling internationally.

Packing Essentials

First-aid kit:

• Pack a thermometer, band-aids, and antibiotic ointment.
• Include over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen in children's formulations.
• Remember appropriate measuring devices for liquid medications.
• Consider diphenhydramine if you have a concern for allergic reactions. 
• Consider children's cetirizine or loratadine if you are concerned about seasonal or environmental allergies. 
• Remember to follow age and weight recommendations on over-the-counter medication labels! 

Medications:

• Bring any prescription medications in their original containers.
• Pack extra doses in case of travel delays.
• Remember any emergency medications your family members might need, such as prescribed Epipens®. 

Health documents:

• Carry copies of vaccination records, especially for international travel.
• Bring your medical information sheets.
• Include insurance cards and policy information.
• If your health provider uses an online record-keeping portal, ensure you know your passwords. 

Comfort items:

• Pack a favorite stuffy or toy to help children feel assured.
• Consider bringing a nightlight if your child uses one at home.

Snacks and hydration:

• Pack plenty of water and healthy, non-perishable snacks.
• Try to avoid sugary treats that might lead to energy crashes. A sugar crash on a plane or stuck in a car is pretty awful! 

Miscellaneous items: 

• For warm and sunny travel, remember sunscreen and sun protection (hats, sunglasses, UV-blocking clothing)
• For cold weather travel, remember hats, gloves, warm coats, extra socks, and extra blankets for car travel in case of road hazards. 

During Travel

Stay hydrated:

• Encourage regular water intake, especially during air travel.

Plan for breaks:

• Schedule regular stops during road trips for stretching and bathroom breaks.
• Encourage movement when it's safe to do so on planes or trains. This is good for both kids and adults! 

Maintain cleanliness:

• Pack hand sanitizer and wet wipes for quick clean-ups.
• Remind children to wash hands frequently, especially before eating. Only thorough hand washing with soap and water will help prevent a GI bug like norovirus. 

Tips for Specific Travel Methods

Car travel:

• Ensure car seats are correctly installed and appropriate for your child's age and size.
• Plan routes with rest stops or parks for children to run around.

Air travel:

• Bring a change of clothes for each family member in your carry-on.
• Consider packing a small backpack with activities and snacks for each child.
• Ensure essential or life-saving medications (Epipen®, insulin, etc.) are stored in your personal carry-on bag for easy access.

Train travel:

• Be vigilant around platforms and when moving between cars.
• Use stops at stations for quick stretches and fresh air.

Additional Wellness Considerations

Maintain routines:

• Being flexible while traveling is key, but do your best to stick to regular naps and bedtimes. 
• Try to eat at your family's regular times and have emergency snacks on board. No one likes a hangry kid! 

Manage stress:

• Plan for downtime and avoid over-scheduling. Busy kids are good kids, but overstimulated kids can quickly fall apart. 
• Be flexible and patient. Travel can be overwhelming for children.

Encourage physical activity:

• Find ways to stay active, like exploring a city park or going for a family swim.

At Your Destination

Examine your environment for safety risks: 

• When you get to your hotel room or vacation house, closely examine the area for hazards. 
  • Is there water on the property? Is the location secure from curious toddlers? 
  • Did prior occupants leave anything dangerous on the floor or in the drawers, such as medication? Crawl around and look! 
  • Do the doors securely lock? Are there multiple escape avenues in case of fire or other emergency?
  • Do smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors work? 
• Review a plan with your kids on what to do if they get lost or separated from you. 
• Have fun! 

This article has been reviewed by Andrea Morrissey, PharmD, Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist, and Chief Content Officer of Kids Med Guide. The content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical guidance, and call 911 in an emergency.

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