Travelling with the whole family is not new, but big family holidays have been surging these past few years. Brits were willing to spend £83.6 billion on holidays in 2022, and 77% of them were aiming to spend more time with their families by going on these trips. While jetting off on a family adventure is an exciting prospect, ensuring the well-being of your loved ones should always be a top priority. In this article, we’ll provide you with a checklist of essential health and safety items to guarantee a worry-free and memorable family trip no matter where you are in the world.
5 essentials you’ll need for a family trip
Sun protection
Protecting your skin from the sun greatly reduces your risk of developing skin cancer, sunburn, and premature skin ageing. Whether your family is going on a winter trip or a summer holiday, sun protection is a packing essential because snow, sand, and water all magnify the sun’s intensity.
To shield your family’s eyes, you’ll need high-quality sunglasses, either XXS or dedicated kid’s models for your children, that come with polarised frames, eliminating glare and giving 100% UV protection. Grab a pair from an established brand, such as Oakley or Ray-Ban, to guarantee you get the protection you and your children need. As for sunscreen, dermatologists recommend one with broad spectrum coverage and a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. For this, check out Alba Botanica’s SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum Baby Clear Mineral Sunscreen. It’s hypoallergenic and paediatrician-tested, so the entire family can use it.
Portable fan
This item is something to never leave home without, especially during summer months or for trips to tropical destinations like Bali. A child’s body temperature rises faster than an adult’s, and they can be affected quickly by the heat. They are also more at risk than adults of becoming overheated and developing a heat-related illness. The JYPS Portable Handheld Fan is great for older kids who no longer need to be in a pram. The cute design also allows it to transform from a handheld fan into a desk fan that can be placed on a table or other surface.
Water bottles
Dehydration is a frequent problem among travellers and can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. This can be easily prevented by bringing a reusable water bottle with you at all times. Plus, it’s great for practising sustainable travel. If your family is going to Rome, for instance, there are drinking fountains scattered everywhere, so it’s actually more practical to carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water. The Nomader Collapsible water bottle has great reviews and rolls up into a small pouch for convenience.
First aid kit
Young children are particularly prone to fits of excitement that sometimes lead to minor injuries. As such, having a first aid kit is indispensable. More so if you have kids who have allergies or easily get motion sickness. Make sure to keep your medical kit simple with basic allergy and nausea medications, a variety of plasters, pain relievers, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and antibacterial creams.
Travel insurance
No matter how carefully you plan your family holiday, unforeseen circumstances can come up, so it’s crucial to be prepared with travel insurance. It can provide both financial protection and peace of mind. One survey found that 21% of Brits have never taken out travel insurance when travelling, putting them at risk of losing a lot of money for medical expenses, lost luggage, or travel delays.
Take protective measures by purchasing travel insurance from companies like Travelex, whose flexible and comprehensive travel coverage comes with emergency medical protection, travel cancellations, 24/7 travel assistance, and affordable options for families.
Remember that a little preparation goes a long way in keeping everyone safe and healthy. So, follow these tips not only to protect your family but also to enhance the joy and relaxation that travel can bring. Safe travels!
