Family vacations are a great way to build relationships and make lasting memories. In a recent survey, Diono and OnePoll found that 69% of parents said traveling wouldn’t be the same without their little ones because they keep the vacation fun! Safety, however, never takes a vacation. That’s why we’ve rounded up some top tips for a safe, and fun, family vacation. Let’s get this show on the road!
Check your car seat
We recommend giving your car seat or all-in-one travel system a thorough check before heading away on vacation. Check the installation to make sure it’s still tight and doesn’t move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back when checked at the belt path. Now is also a good time to check your child’s height and weight to determine if the harness straps need to be adjusted or if other fitments need to be adjusted. Your car seat height and weight limits should also be noted to make sure your child can still ride rear-facing, forward-facing, or if they’re ready for a booster seat. If you’re renting a vehicle, we recommend reading the vehicle manual before installing your car seat as each vehicle is different.
Get travel insurance
If you’ve already got insurance, check to see if your policy covers your vacation plans. You might choose to add some extras for the trip or extend the coverage a little further, such as supplementary medical insurance. While nobody likes to expect the worst, it’s always best to prepare just in case.
Pack a first-aid kit
The last thing you want is to come up short in a time of need. We recommend packing a first-aid kit for the vehicle and another one for out-and-about that you can keep in a backpack or stroller system. Your vehicle kit should contain things like blankets, bottled water, snacks, and other things you might need if you’re stranded roadside. For your on-the-go kit you can add things like band-aids, disinfectant wipes, sunscreen, any necessary medications, burn cream, pain medication, allergy medication, epi pens, and tissues, which always come in handy. Depending on your travels you can customize your kit to suit your needs.
Plan ahead
It might seem obvious, but sometimes it’s the most obvious things that often get forgotten when planning a trip. Plan ahead for your entire trip, from start to finish. If you have a long road ahead of you before your destination, be sure to mark out the rest stops along the way for bathroom breaks, fuel stops, or refreshments. It’s also worth updating your little ones on the journey so they know what to expect and have all their questions answered. At least until you get there, and then they have a whole bunch more!
Pack a portable cellphone charger
Your cellphone is the most reliable device you’ll have if you find yourself in an undesirable circumstance or emergency situation. Be sure to charge it fully before your journey and pack an additional portable charger if possible. That way, you’ll have access to it at all times.
Back-up Documents
Even if you’ve printed everything you need and have it stored securely in a travel wallet, it’s a great idea to have additional copies of things like your insurance, tickets, passports, debit or credit cards, etc., and upload them digitally to your phone. Leave any original copies in your room, especially if there’s a safe. If you’re traveling outside your home country, make sure and let your bank or credit card companies know where you’ll be traveling so they don’t flag or suspend any purchases you make.
