10 Tips For Traveling with Kids During the Pandemic

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Last year, my kids and I traveled abroad to be with my husband who was working there. I was quite anxious about it and just the thought of the strict pre-departure screening process and the 12-hour flight with my two kids, aged 13 and 8, was enough to rattle my nerves.  I had so many questions at that time and a lot of what-ifs. With the help of my family, friends and some research (thanks to the official airline website and  stories shared online), we finally managed to reach our destination safe and sound.

 

So here are some things I want to share with travelers, especially to the parents or guardians who will be traveling with children. I know traveling with kids could be overwhelming and exhausting as it is, and this pandemic has made it more challenging, but do not fret! Here are 10 tips I wanna share with you: 

 

1.ASK FOR MEDICAL ADVICE. A month before the flight, I asked for medical advice for my kids and myself. Since we have a health crisis, it is very important that we are as fit as a fiddle before our flight. We took our daily dose of fruits, veggies and vitamin supplement, did regular exercises and took enough sleep and rest to boost our immune system. Also, know your children’s current medical condition, too. My youngest son, has allergic rhinitis so to avoid him sneezing and getting a runny nose during the travel, with the doctor’s advice, I gave him his dose of antihistamine syrup before the flight.

2.CHECK UPDATED HEALTH PROTOCOL AND BRING NECESSARY DOCUMENTS. This is very important as we have a global health crisis. Each airline/place of destination has a different set of health requirements. So aside from your family’s passports, IDs, and tickets, there may be other documents you need to bring. Check updated health protocols and what necessary documents to bring. For instance, some airlines and countries (of destination) require swab test result/medical certificate and health/travel insurance, others do not require at all. Also, for some airlines and countries, passengers are required to wear PPE upon entry (personal protective equipment) and others only require face mask. Be ALERT and be UPDATED.  Do your own RESEARCH. Check the airline website or call your travel agency. Watch the news. Always remember, health protocol and policies tend to change, so get yourself updated.

 

Image Source: Rappler

 https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/explainer-mandatory-testing-quarantine-overseas-filipinos-foreigners-arriving-philippines
 

3.AVOID WEARING BELTS, JEWELRY AND OTHER UNNECESSARY ACCESSORIES. Traveling with children is difficult enough so I avoided wearing unnecessary accessories.  Aside from being a hassle in airport check-points, it would be much hygienic as studies also show that  the virus tends to stay on metal and jewelry for quite some time. I also reminded my kids to check their pockets for coins or other objects that may be reason for delay. 

4.BRING YOUR OWN PEN. There will be a lot of forms to be accomplished in the airport prior to the departure and upon arrival to the place of destination. Studies also show that the virus can be easily transmitted through pens, so be cautious and bring your own pen.

5.BRING YOUR OWN SANITATION KIT. Although there are hand sanitizers around the airport and some airlines give some sanitation kits, it is still for the best for you and your kids to bring your own sanitation kit. My own sanitation kit included hand sanitizer (no more than 12 ounces as per policy), baby wipes, lip balm (for cold weather), extra face masks, and tissue. Put the kit in your handbag/body bag for easier retrieval. Bring lots of extra face mask/ face shield. For some reasons, your kid’s face mask or face shield can get torn, wet or lost, so do not forget to bring some extra with you. 

6.WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY. Before the flight and after the flight, see to it that you and your kids wash your hands with soap and water as frequently as possible.  

 

Image Source: Pinterest via https://tr.pinterest.com/pin/307933693275421564/
 

7.BRING YOUR CHILDREN’S FAVE FOOD AND SNACKS. It will be a long flight and hungry children are difficult to handle. My 8-year-old kid requested for chicken nuggets and rice so I cooked some before we left. The plane does not serve rice so I had to bring a little extra for my two kids. Ask your kids about their favorite food and snacks. Put them inside your carry-on bags and remember to declare them in the airport.

8.PREPARE YOUR KIDS. Weeks before the flight, I prepared my kids not only physically but  emotionally and mentally. I had to orient them and explain to them about the travel -- what would be expected of us in the airport, inside the airplane and upon arrival to the country of our destination. I had to orient them and explain the Dos and DON'Ts. I also asked them what they expect of the travel as well and how they feel about it and what we could bring to make them more comfortable. Communication is very important.

9.BRING EXTRAS. Bring extra shirts or pants for the kids because they might spill some juice or something. Bring extra plastic because they might get sick and vomit during the flight. Bring extra diapers, scarf, essential oils, or things which could help you and your kids during your travel.

10.EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. Do not worry too much but expect the unexpected. Things may not go as you planned and it would be far from perfect. Kids are kids. They get hungry, cranky, impatient, curious, and would even take their face mask/face shield from time to time. Do not go frantic over spilled juice or torn face mask. Ask for help if you need to. Apologize if your kid accidentally stepped on someone else’s shoe and remind your kid to be more careful. Do not shout. Remind them and scold them if you need to, but do not hurt nor embarrass your kids. Yes, it takes a lot of patience. Just take a deep breath and smile.

 

For a safer and smoother travel, preparation counts a lot, dear parents. And remember this travel will not take forever and soon you will be sitting comfortably at home or in a hotel sipping warm cocoa or taking a warm bubble bath!