Summer Travel with Kids: Tips for Happy Journeys
By Dr Namitha Deshmukh, Consultant
Paediatrician,
Ankura Hospital for Women and Children
While summer brings with it the promise of sunshine, warmth, and outdoor
adventures, it also presents its own set of challenges, especially when it
comes to travelling with kids. The scorching heat can be relentless, posing
risks of dehydration, sunburns, and heat-related illnesses if precautions
aren't taken. Moreover, crowded attractions, long queues, and heightened travel
demands can test the patience of even the most seasoned travellers, let alone
children who may find it harder to cope with the heat and disruptions to their
routines.
However, with careful planning, foresight, and the right strategies in
place, summer travel with kids can still be a rewarding and memorable
experience for the whole family. It's all about being prepared, staying
vigilant, and ensuring the safety and comfort of your little ones amidst the
summer's sweltering embrace. Ankura Hospital likely offers some valuable tips
for parents travelling with kids during the summer. Here are some general tips
that may be helpful:
Stay Hydrated: Ensure
your children drink plenty of water, especially during hot weather. Dehydration
can happen quickly, so carry water bottles and encourage regular hydration
breaks.
Sun Protection:
Shield your kids from the sun's harmful rays by applying sunscreen with a high
SPF, dressing them in lightweight, protective clothing, and providing
wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
Plan Rest Stops:
Long journeys can be exhausting for children. Plan regular breaks to let them
stretch their legs, use the restroom, and have a snack.
Pack Healthy Snacks:
Avoid relying on fast food during travel. Pack nutritious snacks like fruits,
nuts, and granola bars to keep hunger at bay and energy levels up.
Entertainment: Bring
along books, toys, games, or devices loaded with kid-friendly apps or movies to
keep them entertained during the trip.
Safety First: Ensure
car seats and seat belts are properly installed and used at all times. If
flying, review safety procedures with your kids and keep important documents
handy.
Prepare for Motion Sickness: If your child is prone to motion sickness, pack medications or
remedies recommended by your paediatrician. Avoid heavy meals before travel.
Research Medical Facilities: Before travelling, identify hospitals or medical facilities along your
route or at your destination in case of emergencies.
Maintain Routine:
While travel disrupts routines, try to maintain some consistency, especially
with sleep schedules, to help children adjust more easily.
Bug Protection:
If travelling to areas with mosquitoes or other insects, use insect repellent
and clothing that covers exposed skin to prevent insect bites and potential
illnesses.
Be Flexible: Traveling with kids can be unpredictable. Stay flexible and patient, and be prepared to adapt plans as needed to ensure everyone's comfort and safety.
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