Children Need Different Preparation
Traveling abroad with children introduces safety considerations that adult travelers do not face. Children are more vulnerable to dehydration, heat illness, and foodborne diseases. They cannot advocate for themselves in an emergency. They need different medications, different documentation, and different supervision levels. The good news is that millions of families travel internationally every year without incident. The key is thorough preparation.
Documentation and Legal Requirements
Every child needs their own passport for international travel, regardless of age. Some countries have additional requirements for children traveling with only one parent or with someone who is not their legal guardian. Brazil, for example, requires a notarized authorization letter from the absent parent. Several other countries have similar rules designed to prevent child abduction.
- Ensure every child has a valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
- Carry birth certificates as proof of your relationship to the child
- If traveling without both parents, carry a notarized consent letter from the absent parent
- Research specific entry requirements for children at your destination
- Carry copies of custody documents if applicable
Health Preparation for Kids
Visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before departure. Children may need different vaccinations than adults, and some vaccines require multiple doses over time. Pack a comprehensive first aid kit with child appropriate medications, including fever reducers, antihistamines, rehydration salts, and any prescription medications your child takes. Carry a letter from your pediatrician listing your child's medical history, allergies, and current medications.
Children are more susceptible to dehydration than adults. In hot climates or at altitude, ensure they drink water frequently. In countries where tap water is unsafe, be extra cautious. Children are more likely to put their hands in their mouths or drink water while bathing, which increases exposure to waterborne illness.
Safety in Transit
Airports and train stations are the most common places for families to get separated. Dress children in bright, distinctive clothing that is easy to spot in a crowd. Write your contact information (phone number and hotel) on a card in the child's pocket. Teach children to approach uniformed staff (police, airport workers) if they get lost, not other travelers.
For younger children, consider ID bracelets with your phone number. For older children, a GPS enabled watch provides location tracking and two way communication. These are especially useful in crowded tourist destinations and theme parks.
Accommodation Safety
When booking family accommodation, check for childproofing, especially for younger children. Hotel balconies, swimming pools without barriers, and accessible windows are hazards. In Spain, Italy, and Greece, many hotels have rooftop or balcony pools that may not meet the childproofing standards you are accustomed to at home. Request rooms on lower floors and away from pools if your children are young.
Food Safety for Children
Children's digestive systems are more sensitive than adults'. In countries where food safety standards differ from home, be conservative about what your children eat. Stick to well cooked foods, peeled fruits, and bottled drinks. Avoid street food for young children until you have assessed local hygiene standards. Carry snacks from home or from trusted shops so you always have a safe food option available.
Teaching Children About Safety Abroad
Before traveling, have age appropriate conversations with your children about safety. Teach them to memorize (or carry written) your phone number and hotel name. Establish rules about staying close in crowds. Discuss what to do if separated. For older children, teach them the local emergency number and basic phrases in the local language.
- Have your child memorize your phone number
- Teach them to approach uniformed officials if lost
- Establish a meeting point at each destination
- Practice saying "help" and "I am lost" in the local language
- Set clear rules about staying together in crowds
How wayGard Helps
wayGard provides emergency numbers, health risks, and safety information for every country, all available offline. When traveling with children, fast access to emergency numbers is even more critical. The Home Screen widget displays emergency numbers at a glance, which means you can call for help instantly if your child has a medical emergency or gets lost. Review the health and safety sections for your destination before traveling with your family.
