Based on a 2019 AAA travel survey, around 40 percent of families plan on going on vacation every year. 45 percent prefer to go on vacation trips during spring, while 68 percent prefer to go on vacation during summer.
Vacation travels are different if it is just you and your partner. But, once you have kids, you have a lot more to add to your travel checklist. One of which is to ensure your children stay in good shape and healthy during the whole trip. After all, who would want a good vacation ruined by flu or, worse, a hospital trip?
Especially now that the world is little by little recovering from this deadly COVID-19 pandemic, we would want to keep our families safe while trying to enjoy a bit of normalcy after a year of lockdown.
So, to ensure your kids stay healthy, especially during vacation trips, we have listed 10 useful tips you need to consider.
1. Sanitize Hands
The most efficient way to curtail the spread of germs and viruses is by washing hands. But when you are busy minding your belongings while trying not to get lost in the city or town, this little step tends to be forgotten.
The best way to keep you and your family reminded to sanitize your hands is to hang a bottle of antibacterial gel or alcohol on your purse or day bag. So, after going on theme park rides and before partaking in any quick snack, you can easily use it.
Nonetheless, washing hands with water and soap is always the best and easiest way to keep you and your family healthy while away on vacation.
2. Use Antibacterial Wipes
When traveling with kids, parents can agree that antibacterial wipes are a parent’s best friend. It is very convenient and easy to use while on the go. For instance, when you need to wipe ice cream stains off your kid’s face or clean off table surfaces or armrests, you could easily grab one.
Nonetheless, opt to choose environmentally-friendly options when buying antibacterial wipes. While you care for your family, do not forget to care as well for the environment.
3. Choose Healthy Foods
Whether you are at home or on the go, it is important to make sure you are eating healthy.
While it is part and parcel of traveling that you try exciting food, it is necessary to emphasize the value of having a balanced diet. This helps ensure you have enough energy for all the strolls while helping avoid any tummy troubles.
This means eating many foods rich in fiber, such as leafy greens, legumes, and fruits. Included in your diet as well are lean protein and a reasonable amount of fat and sugar. The key is about balance.
To prevent overeating, it is advisable to pack healthy travel snacks such as pretzels, fruit, cheese sticks, and yogurt.
4. Take Vitamins and Supplements
It cannot be avoided that even when you make deliberate efforts to change your eating habit to something healthier, it can be tedious to get all the nutrition you need. This is especially true when you are in the midst of your vacation.
Thus, it is advisable to pack vitamins for your families, such as chewable iron tablets, Vitamin C, or any multivitamin capsules or tablets. Make sure everyone remembers to take their vitamins while on the trip using a travel-sized pill case.
Before and during the trip, consider taking essential oil capsules and probiotic drinks. This helps keep any digestive-related problems in check while on the road.
5. Follow Good Sleep Habits
Regardless of your age, feeling well-rested ensures you have a strong immune system. Getting enough sleep is the key to stay healthy while traveling.
When you are traveling with smaller kids who still take naps, try to maintain your child’s sleep schedule as best as you can. Though it is tempting to skip naps as there are many sights to see and activities to do, your child needs rest. Otherwise, you are likely to deal with a meltdown.
6. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential whether you are traveling or not. Nonetheless, it is important to emphasize the value of taking enough fluids when flying or traveling to a higher altitude, leading to dehydration.
Keep in mind that alcohol could also lead to dehydration. So, try to skip cocktails, especially during the first two days of your trip.
Do research as well of how safe the local drinking water is of your destination. When having doubts, stick to bottled water or bring along with you your water purifier. The latter option is more eco-friendly and sustainable, saving the planet from tons of plastic waste.
Hopefully, these tips will make traveling with your kids much easier.
