Travel Safe
What to consider and what to avoid when traveling with kids
travel safe with kids
Our children are the most precious thing in the world to us.
In our daily lives, we go above and beyond to make sure they are safe, healthy, and well.
When we travel with our kids, that same sense of responsibility and care comes with us—we want to make sure, first and foremost, that our children are protected and that we travel safe with our kids every step of the way.
So how do we do that?
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to consider, check, and be aware of—both before the trip and while you’re on the road.
You’ll also find plenty of helpful tips, advice, and practical solutions along the way on how to travel safe as a family with kids.
Plan for Smooth Travels
Travel Safe, Kids in Mind: How to Choose the Right Destination
Security Situation
Security SituationStart by checking that your destination is politically and socially stable. Make sure the country isn’t hostile toward your home country and that diplomatic relations exist. Stay up to date with current events and review official travel advisories before you go.
Crime
Look for a country or region with low crime rates. Unfortunately, theft, street violence, and other crimes are not uncommon in certain destinations — and they’re definitely best avoided, especially when traveling with kids. When you’re with children, you’re more likely to be seen as an easy target. And honestly, this probably isn’t the time to introduce your kids to the harsher sides of the world.
Health, Hygiene & Everything in Between
We all want our kids to stay healthy and happy—and that’s just as important, if not more, when we’re traveling. So when choosing a destination, keep a few key things in mind:
Sanitation & Disease
Some destinations—especially in developing countries—have a higher risk of certain illnesses, like tropical diseases such as dengue fever or malaria. Read up on your destination, especially the specific region you plan to visit, and consult a travel doctor. They may recommend vaccines for you and your kids. If you’re traveling with very young children who might struggle with multiple shots, it might be worth postponing that destination and choosing a safer, more suitable one for now.
Many of these diseases are mosquito-borne, so if you do go ahead with your plans, make sure to pack plenty of mosquito repellent (ideally a natural kind that’s gentle on kids’ sensitive skin).
In the case of malaria, preventative medication is often recommended. Again, a travel doctor can guide you—just know that extreme jungle trips might be best saved for when the kids are older.
Healthcare System
Developed countries typically have high-quality healthcare, but that’s not always the case elsewhere. Check in advance where the best hospitals are in your destination, and avoid staying in remote areas with no easy access to medical care.
Health Insurance
Make sure you have travel health insurance that covers kids. Keep the emergency contact info handy, and if your insurance has an app—download and test it before you travel.
First Aid Kit
This is a must for any destination. Kids get bumps, scrapes, splinters and fevers, even at home—so be ready for anything on the road. We always pack basic first aid supplies like band-aids, gauze, medical tape, disinfectant, tweezers, and a soothing diaper cream (which is also great for burns, irritated skin, and more).
For more tips on what to pack when traveling with kids, click here.
Transportation
Transportation is often a big part of the travel experience—and for many kids, long rides can already be challenging, even under the best conditions. So try to keep things as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Choose a destination with solid infrastructure and well-maintained roads. Also, check whether the country has a relatively low rate of road accidents, and look into the different transportation options available and how safe and reliable they are. Trains, for example, are often safer and more reliable than driving yourself.
If you’re planning to rent a car, take time to learn about the local driving culture, road conditions, and which side of the road they drive on. If it sounds like driving will be stressful or unsafe, consider other transportation options. And if you’re used to driving automatic cars, don’t challenge yourself with a manual one on vacation.
Child car seats are a must—especially on vacation.
If you plan to rent a car, choose a rental company that also provides certified child safety seats. Make sure the seats are appropriate for your child’s weight and meet local safety standards. If this sounds too complicated, bringing your own seat from home is always an option.
Pro tip:
Pro tip:Inflatable car seats or compact travel vests can also be great space-saving solutions for families on the go. We’ve found a few kid-friendly options that work well—
Inflatable safety car seat
Get ready for this: An inflatable car safety seat that folds compactly and inflates to full size, meeting European standards! Perfect if you plan to rent several cars, take taxis, or haven’t found a reliable and affordable rental company that provides car seats.
From our experience, most taxi drivers in Thailand are very patient and will wait patiently for the seat to be inflated and installed, and may even be enthusiastic. But of course, if you can inflate the seat in advance and not make the drivers wait – it’s better.
Travel Vests
Another brilliant invention —foldable safety travel vests designed to seat older children in the car (instead of boosters). Very light and compact, excellent for traveling in taxis and rental cars (again, if there are no safety seats).
For more tips on road safety and transportation with kids, click here
Food & Water
Kids need to eat regularly, healthily, and enough—especially while traveling. Hungry kids can quickly turn into cranky kids (we’ve all been there), so it’s important to plan around their mealtimes.
When choosing your destination, consider how easy it will be to find kid-friendly, nutritious food. Make sure you’ll be able to pack or pick up enough food for the day, and build in time for proper meals—not just snacks on the go.
Also, keep in mind that in many developing countries, water and food hygiene may be very different from what your kids are used to.
Some key tips:
Wash fruits and vegetables well—with clean water and soap. Cook all vegetables thoroughly. Buy only fruits that can be peeled. When in doubt, opt for imported goods. It’s important to check the destination country, including pollution levels and guidelines. If it sounds like too much hassle for you – it’s recommended to choose a different destination.
Water safety is just as important. In many places, tap water isn’t safe to drink. Always check in advance and stick to bottled water if needed. Be cautious with ice cubes, fresh juices, and anything made with water that might not be filtered.
Pro tip:
If buying bottled water throughout the trip feels like a hassle, and you’ve got the space—traveling with a portable water filter can be a great solution. We tried this on one of our trips and it worked perfectly! (link)
Weather & Natural Disasters
Unless you live in a place with extreme weather, chances are your kids aren’t used to harsh conditions—so it’s best to avoid them while traveling.
Before you book a trip, check the seasonal weather patterns at your destination. A little rain is fine, but intense heat, freezing temperatures, or stormy seasons can make things uncomfortable—or even unsafe—for little ones.
A good resource for checking typical weather far in advance is AccuWeather, where you can see average forecasts by month.
When traveling with young kids, try to avoid climates with extreme heat or cold, and don’t take chances with natural disaster risks.
If a country is in the middle of storm season, or there are warnings about volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, or other dangerous events—don’t take the risk. There will always be another time to visit.
Air Quality
Air pollution is another important factor—especially in some densely populated or developing areas. If the air quality is considered unhealthy for adults, it’s definitely not safe for young kids with small, sensitive lungs. Check real-time pollution levels before and during your trip, and if they’re consistently high, it might be best to choose a different destination.
Here are a few extra tips to help you plan for safe travel with kids and enjoy a smoother trip
Crowded Places
A common weak spot when traveling with kids—found in almost every country and region, even the safest ones. These areas have a higher chance of unpleasant situations, like pickpockets, or worse, getting separated from your child. That’s why it’s so important to stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, and always, always hold your child’s hand.
Exploring Nature Safely
When exploring nature with kids, hiking and outdoor adventures are fantastic—but safety is key:
Check the difficulty and length of trails before setting out. Remember, a short walk for adults can take much longer with little legs, and carrying toddlers adds to the challenge. What gear should you bring for the trip?
Good walking shoes or water shoes? How much water? Any extra equipment? Play it safe and pack accordingly. And don’t forget to bring a basic first-aid kit—band-aids, gauze, disinfectant.
It’s definitely a good idea to bring comfortable bags, and if your little one isn’t walking yet, a good baby carrier is a must. This is the carrier we use and highly recommend.
For lots more tips and advice on what to pack when traveling with kids, click here.
Know the emergency contact numbers for the park or area you’re visiting, keep your phone fully charged, and consider carrying a sturdy rope or other simple rescue tools if you’re going off the beaten path.
Being prepared lets you enjoy nature’s wonders while keeping the whole family safe and stress-free.
Safe Accommodation
It’s important to make sure that the place where you stay is safe and child-friendly — no stairs without railings, pools that haven’t been properly checked, cleaning products stored within reach, and in general — all the safety measures we are so careful about at home should also be present in the apartments or hotel rooms where we stay.
Here you can find plenty more tips on choosing family-friendly accommodation.
Keep It Smooth on the Go
Stay Updated on Real-Time Weather Forecasts
Sometimes we plan trips weeks or even months in advance, hoping for ideal weather. But weather can change unexpectedly. Keep an eye on the forecast during your trip and adjust your plans accordingly—if there’s a chance of storms, lightning, or extreme heat, modify activities as needed to stay safe.
Stay Flexible
Even if you’ve already planned, booked, or paid in advance, it’s crucial to remain flexible and open to changes. If at the last minute you feel something might put your kids at risk—whether it’s poorly maintained facilities, unfavourable weather, overcrowded places, or unsafe accommodations—sometimes it’s best to cancel or change plans. Paying a cancellation fee or missing out on a paid activity is worth the peace of mind and safety of your children. Often, these adjustments are the smartest way to keep your trip safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Emergency Situations
No matter how much we prepare and take safety precautions, surprises can happen. It’s important to be ready and know what to do in emergencies.
Who to contact in case of an emergency? Your country’s embassy or consulate Tourist police Local police — here’s a helpful list of emergency phone numbers by country, including medical and fire services:
To travel safe with kids, staying flexible, prepared, and informed is key—these simple steps will help ensure your family enjoys a fun and worry-free adventure. Have a safe trip!
You could also be interested in
First guide of how to find the best destination for your family and kids
Our Kid-Friendly Flight Survival Guide
Making the most of your family trip
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