The following is a guest post written by Daniel from DadSolo.com.
Traveling with kids is both a pleasure and a challenge, and it has become more of the latter in the pandemic. Despite loosening restrictions, traveling these days is still risky and requires a good deal of preparation. But The Modern Mindful Mom is always trying to make your life just a tad easier, and we’ve put together the following tips to get you and your family back on the road.
Different countries, states, and even cities have different travel regulations. Keeping yourself informed of the government’s travel advisory is always a safe bet. The CDC regularly issues guidelines and recommendations on how you can minimize the chances of infection for your family, so it’s best to heed its advice. This includes ‘new normal’ measures like frequent handwashing, mask-wearing, and social distancing.
It’s a must to be apprised of your destination’s situation, as well. There may be additional quarantine requirements and/or mandatory testing upon arrival, which is definitely something you need to take into consideration when you have kids in tow. Local restrictions can change rapidly, too, so as a rule, keep checking for updates up until the last minute.
While it’s necessary to take personal precautions when traveling in a pandemic, you can only do so much for you and your family. It’s important, therefore, to also choose wisely when it comes to hotels, activities, restaurants, etc. Most states and countries have official programs that businesses need to comply with to be able to operate, so do keep an eye out for certifications and any proof that they’re following protocol.
It’s also a good idea to look up visitor information like business hours. Many customer-facing establishments have regulated foot traffic as a way to reduce transmission risks, so find out in advance if you need reservations and the like. Needless to say, this is a great way to ensure that your itinerary is a family-friendly one and, by extension, keep your trip drama-free.
In the pandemic, outdoor activities are still safest. Thankfully, there’s plenty to do for the whole family in nature. Nature walks, for instance, are great for kids of all ages—and yes, even the little ones!
Despite claims that it’s safe to fly during COVID-19, there’s little question that air travel is still risky. This is because close contact with other people is unavoidable in airport terminals and security checks, as well as in the plane itself. It’s certainly a less than ideal situation for anyone, especially with children, which is why it’s still best to opt for other modes of travel when possible.
For a safe vacation with kids, a road trip by private car or RV may be your best option. However, long hours on the road also mean boredom, so be prepared with activities on the road that your kids will enjoy, such as coloring or games for the little ones or books and journals for teens.
Much of travel stress comes from discomfort. A great way to avoid this is by simply dressing comfortably. When you travel with kids, make sure to plan your wardrobe. Packing for the weather is always a good idea. Your comfort is just as important, too, so don’t leave out your own staples. For instance, if you’re traveling with an infant, you definitely need an appropriate top.
If you’re going to be on the road for a prolonged period, you can also look at other ways to keep your family comfortable. This will include healthy snacks, stuffed animals and blankets, or even a Nugget Comfort. You can’t go wrong with regular stops, as well, but don’t forget to exercise safety when you do.
Yes, the pandemic makes family travel trickier. However, there’s nothing that planning and adequate precautions can’t overcome. Ultimately, a safe yet fun trip may be exactly what your family needs to ease into the new normal.
Turn to The Modern Mindful Mom for tips and ideas that will help you make the most of your parenting journey!