7 Tips to Stay Healthy while Traveling with Kids
If you ever get worried about getting sick while traveling, then you’re not alone! Your family’s health will
always be a top priority when planning your travels, especially when you bring your kids along for the
ride. With their unlimited energy to touch everything with their little hands and put it in their mouths,
your worry is not unfounded.
Getting sick on their vacation can spoil anyone’s mood, especially when you put your time and money
into your family trip. As the kids’ immune system is still developing, they are more vulnerable to illnesses
such as diarrhea and infections than adults. These risks often increase when the kids are in a new
environment away from home.
But don’t worry! Here, we listed seven tips that can help you keep your family healthy while traveling.Wash Your Hands Regularly – You have probably heard this advice a thousand times now, but there’s a reason why this is important. Washing hands regularly is an effective way to remove germs while preventing them from spreading to other people. Kids being kids, they’re not that cautious with their hand hygiene as they often touch
things and put their hands in their mouths. Whatever they put in their mouths can cause them to get
sick later. Washing hands regularly will help minimize the risk of getting any illnesses from the things
they touch.
- Pack Hand Sanitizers and Antibacterial Wipes – Any parent with young kids will need these in their bags. As effective as hand washing is, there are times when you may need more time to find a restroom to wash your hands up, especially in crowded places. That is when packing hand sanitizers and antibacterial wipes come in handy, as sanitizing hands is an excellent alternative to hand washing. Aside from this, you can use antibacterial wipes to wipe down smooth surfaces such as a table or a seat to minimize the risk of your kids getting in contact with germs.
- Apply Sunscreen – If you plan on traveling outdoors, bringing sunscreen is a must. Yes, even if you don’t plan on going to the beach. Sun rays are harsh on the skin, especially kids’ skin. And the last thing you need is to get a
bad sunburn on your vacation. Applying sunscreen on any exposed skin will help protect yourself and
your kids’ skin from the sun’s rays. So, be sure to pack your sunscreen in your bag. If you don’t have time
to buy one at a pharmacy, you can simply purchase sunscreen online at your fingertips! - Make Smart Food Choices – Consuming healthy food is greatly encouraged everywhere, including traveling. While trying out new foods is one of the highlights of traveling, it’s also essential to maintain a balanced diet to avoid stomach complications. Eat some fruit and vegetables as well as plenty of proteins for energy. That doesn’t mean
that you shouldn’t have fatty and sugary snacks at all, but it’s best to consume them in moderation. You
can also pack healthy snacks like apples or granola bars for the kids. Aside from this, it would be best to
practice food safety to avoid contracting food-borne illnesses when trying out local food. - Take Vitamins and Supplements – A balanced diet will give your kids all the necessary vitamins to help boost their immune systems. However, traveling can be time-consuming, and a balanced diet is not guaranteed every time. In that case, you can consider packing some vitamin supplements in a travel-sized pill case. Before giving your
kids vitamins, it is best to consult your pediatrician first. Beyond that, vitamin supplements can be
helpful in your travels, and you can purchase various vitamins online. - Drink Water Regularly to Stay Hydrated – Staying hydrated is essential to maintaining good health, especially if you and your kids are involved in physical activities. Drinking water is necessary for children, who tend to dehydrate more quickly than adults. If you want to be environmentally friendly, try bringing reusable water bottles as they save more money, and you can fill them up whenever you can. However, in cases where you find yourself doubting
the local drinking water, it’s best to stick to bottled water and other hydrating drinks such as coconut
water. - Get Necessary Vaccinations Before Traveling – When traveling abroad, there are certain countries that may require specific vaccinations due to the risks of diseases. Many doctors recommend that you and your kids get vaccinated for at least a month before traveling. So, try to book a doctor’s appointment about 4-6 weeks or more in advance. As every country requires different vaccines, you should visit the CDC’s website, which has a list of recommended
or required vaccinations that you can look at in preparation.
And there you go! The seven tips that you can look into to keep yourself and your kids healthy while
traveling. Though there are many precautions for you to take, all the effort is worth it as a means to
ensure your family’s health. We hope these tips are helpful!
