Travel, whether by air, water or ground, can be an exciting way for kids to explore new places. Unfortunately, the stress of travel, the unfamiliar food and water in new places and their immature immune systems can make kids more likely than normal to become sick. A bit of extra planning and preparation before leaving on your trip can keep your family healthy---making your vacation more enjoyable for everybody.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Make sure your family gets plenty of sleep during your trip---try bringing pillows and eye masks onto the plane, bus or train so everyone can rest better while in transit. Bring along any of your children's necessary sleep props, such as favorite stuffed animals or blankets, to make it easier for them to relax and sleep.
Kids Health from Nemours states that you can avoid jet lag, a condition caused by changes to your internal body clock, by adjusting your family's schedule a few days before the trip and by encouraging your children to go outside and play during the daylight hours in the new location. The website also recommends following local time once you get to your destination.
Eat Right
Healthy eating habits and good hygiene can help your children avoid diarrhea, upset stomachs and other digestive maladies. Avoid binge eating on unhealthy---or unfamiliar foods---and eat small, well-balanced meals. Drink plenty of water to guard against dehydration from dry, re-circulated air on the airplane. If you will be traveling abroad in a developing country, you might consider only giving your children bottled water to drink, since the water might contain parasites or bacteria that can make your family sick. Don't skip hand-washing on vacation---due to the wide array of germs you will be exposed to when traveling, hand-washing is even more critical than at home. Bring your own healthy snacks, such as nuts and dried fruit, so you can avoid purchasing expensive junk food snacks.
Prepare for Medical Situations or Emergencies
Medications and other necessary medical supplies, such as contact solution and asthma inhalers, might be hard to find in other countries, so make sure you pack anything your children might need while on your trip. The American Academy of Family Physicians advises placing these items in your carry-on luggage so that you can easily reach them if you need them. Be sure to declare any medications you are carrying and provide them for inspection at any security checkpoints you go through. Pack the name and telephone number of your doctor so you can reach him in case of an emergency. Ask the staff at your hotel for doctor recommendations in the area, and make sure you know the location of the nearest hospital.
Kids Health from Nemours also suggests bringing along a full medical history on all of your kids that includes their blood types, vaccination records, lists of allergies, ongoing health problems and medications, and their contact lenses or glasses prescriptions.
