Hey there! Louisa from Kooshy Kids here, just back from an unforgettable adventure in Bali. Picture this: I'm sipping a coconut on a serene Balinese beach, and my kids are building what they claim to be the world's best sandcastle nearby. It's moments like these that make all the travel prep worth it! But let's be real – as magical as these moments are, I always have a little flutter of anxiety about keeping them safe on our journeys.

Every trip, including our latest Balinese escapade, teaches me something new about family travel safety, either from my own experiences or tales from other parents. So, I'm excited to share my top safety tips with you, hoping to ease any travel worries you might have too. Let’s dive into the world of smart and safe travel with kids!

Do Your Research

Start by delving into the specifics your destination. Look at government travel advisory websites (e.g. Smart Traveller), hop onto forums, and read up on experiences from other travelling families. Knowing the local customs, dos and don'ts, and places to steer clear of is a game-changer.

Prep for Medical Emergencies

Alright, first things first – never leave home without a good old first aid kit. It's your mini medical center while on the go.

Here’s what I pack in mine:

• Band-Aids in various sizes.
• Antiseptic Wipes.
• Adhesive Tape and Bandages.
• Betadine: A hero for preventing infections.
• Hydrocortisone Cream: For those pesky bug bites and rashes.
• Tweezers: Because splinters happen!
• Scissors.
• Thermometer: To keep an eye on fevers.
• Pain Relievers like Panadol and Nurofen: For fevers and aches.
• Antihistamine: In case of allergic reactions. (I used Phenergan liquid up until they were 8 and now it’s Claratyne for kids).
• Anti-nausea tablets.
• Ice Pack.
• Hydrate Sachets: Great for dehydration.
• Motion Sickness Medication :Plane, Car, Train....handy just in case. My daughter gets terrible headaches from long car trips so she wears the bracelets which work some of the time. (I give her Panadol about 15 minutes prior to a road trip of 30 mins or more).
• Sunscreen, and Aloe Vera Gel.
• Insect Repellent.
• Imodium: For those just-in-case moments.
• Lip Balm: Because chapped lips are no fun.
• Aqua Ear: For blocked ears post-swimming.
• Hand Sanitiser: A travel staple.
• Safety Pins: Handy for securing bandages.
• Strepsils: A saviour for sore throats, especially in air-conditioned rooms.
• Hot Water Bottle: My personal must-have for cramps.

But remember, this kit isn't a substitute for a doctor. Always seek medical attention when needed and tailor the kit to your family’s health needs and destination, I am certainly not a medical professional.

Pro tip 1: For kids with allergies or medical conditions, have a document explaining everything in the local language. Super handy in restaurants and for medical emergencies.

Pro tip 2: Get a doctor's letter explaining any medications in the local language to avoid issues at customs.

Also, know where the nearest reputable hospital or clinic is at your destination – it can be a real lifesaver.

Secure Accommodation

Choose your stay wisely. Look for places that are family-friendly, secure, and have great reviews from other families. Check TripAdvisor, verified reviews on the hotel's website, and booking platforms like Booking.com.

Here are some extra safety measures I take (might seem a bit much, but better safe than sorry!):

• Always use the deadbolt and security chain.
• Place a mug on the door handle as a makeshift alarm.
• Consider a portable door lock for extra security.
• Door wedge alarms can be a good alternative.
• Install window alarms.
• Ensure the peephole is unobstructed.
• Pick a room above ground level – yes, it can be a hassle with elevators and prams, but it feels safer.
• Keep curtains closed.
• Use a secondary lock for balcony sliding doors.
• Do a quick sweep for hidden cameras or suspicious devices.
• Know your emergency exits.

Trackers & Tattoos

As my kids have gotten older, Apple Watches have been a godsend – I can track them, and they can reach me or emergency services if needed.

No smartwatch? Try Airtags or MyFind Tags (Kooshy Kids stocks them) that can clip to their backpacks or pockets. Track them with the FindMy App.

Before this tech, I used to write my phone number on their arms with a sharpie when we were at theme parks or crowded places.

Food and Water Safety

The allure of street food can be tempting, but the last thing you want is a child sick from food poisoning. Stick to recommended eateries, and if in doubt, always opt for fully cooked foods.

Educate your kids about not accepting treats from strangers, and ensure they understand the importance of drinking bottled water and avoid ice in certain destinations.

Maintain Routine

While exploring is fun, keeping some routine is key for kids. Stick to regular meal times, schedule rest periods, and ensure they get enough sleep. A rested child is alert and happier – important in unfamiliar places.

Consider bringing a familiar item from home (like a small toy or a bedtime book) to help your kids feel comfortable and maintain routines in a new environment.

Dress Brightly and Identically

When exploring crowded places, dress your kids in bright, identical outfits. It makes it easier to spot them in a crowd and if they wander off, you can describe exactly what they're wearing.

Ensure their clothing is comfortable and appropriate for the local weather and activities.

Safe Transportation

Use reputable transportation services. Research the safest modes of transport in your destination, and if possible, book them in advance. I always arrange an airport transfer over a Taxi in foreign countries, I feel safer knowing Ill be met at the airport by my driver and escorted to their car and taken to the correct hotel. It will be more expensive than an Uber or equivalent, but it's something I do if I'm not familiar with the location and transport services. 

Don't forget to double-check the vehicle's safety features (like child seats) when booking transportation.

Cultural Awareness

Educate your kids about the local culture and customs. It's a great learning experience and helps them respect the places you visit. Learning a few key phrases in the local language with your kids, as a fun and respectful way to engage with the culture. 

Sometimes kids do not have a filter and they may unintentionally offend the locals with comments or behaviours, so I always try to teach them acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and inappropriate words for the location. 

Travel Insurance

I always opt for Covermore and purchase the annual global family policy every year. 

Travelling with kids internationally can be an amazing experience. With these tips, I hope that you can relax a bit more, knowing you're doing your best to keep your family safe.

Happy travels, families!

Louisa x