April 15, 2024
Traveling abroad as a family is an exciting opportunity to create memorable experiences while exploring foreign landscapes and cultures. At once, these international family vacations are meaningful, educational, and adventurous. As a parent, your instinctive priority is the safety of your children, and rightfully so. However, with sufficient preparation and smart travel practices, you can make traveling abroad enjoyable and secure for the entire family.
Research the current safety status.
Hearsay and stereotypes are unreliable metrics when gauging the safety profile of a destination. The most accurate understanding of the security landscape involves looking at crime rates, health advisories, and political stability. The U.S. Department of State is a reliable source of accurate reporting regarding a country’s safety. Additionally, speaking with travel agents familiar with your destination can provide real-time information.
Understand local norms and customs.
Every country adheres to unique customs and laws. Some of these norms are more obvious while others are completely unspoken. Regardless, understanding these local idiosyncrasies can prevent avoidable misunderstandings or unfortunate offenses that could compromise your family’s safety. This preparation not only helps in avoiding potential hazards but also enriches your travel experience, allowing your family to immerse in the richness of the local culture.
Ensure all vaccinations are up to date.
When traveling abroad, there’s an increased chance that your family will be exposed to diseases and viruses that aren’t an issue at home. Vaccinations are the most effective line of defense against these various illnesses. Consulting a travel doctor can illuminate the destination-specific immunizations required for minimizing risk based on your specific itinerary. Plus, most countries have specific vaccination requirements for entry.
Use reputable transportation services.
Navigating a new city or country is confusing enough when traveling solo, let alone with an entire family. You can get around more easily while minimizing the accompanying risk by sticking with reputable transportation services. Official taxi providers, experienced private drivers, and recognized rideshare companies are usually safe bets. Speaking with a knowledgeable travel agent can ensure your family is matched with the safest and most reliable forms of transportation wherever you’re visiting.
Know local emergency services.
Unfortunately, 911 isn’t a universal emergency number. Whenever you enter a new country, make sure to familiarize yourself and your family with the emergency services in the area. It’s also beneficial to locate the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. Knowing where to turn for help in the rare case of an emergency offers a welcomed peace of mind and ensures you get the assistance you need quickly. A travel agent can provide an additional safety net for your family by being a reliable and knowledgeable point of contact wherever you visit.
Get sufficient travel insurance.
Travel insurance isn’t just a formality. It’s a health and financial safeguard ensuring you get the treatment and medical attention needed in the event of an accident or ailment. Make sure you get a travel insurance policy that covers your entire family, the places you’ll visit, and the activities you’ll be doing. This protection is especially important in countries where healthcare costs are prohibitive or where the quality of care may not meet your home country’s standards.
Keep digital copies of important documents.
Digitizing important documents such as passports, visas, driver’s licenses, and vaccination papers is crucial when traveling abroad. You and your family should carry these copies while keeping the actual documents in a safe at the hotel or another secure location. This way, if you accidentally misplace your belongings or fall victim to petty theft, you have these crucial documents accessible. Keeping additional copies also makes it easier to get replacements at consulates if you lose the originals.
Work with a travel agent.
One of the most effective ways to keep your family safe when traveling abroad is by working with an experienced travel agent. These experts are well-versed in the ins and outs of destinations around the globe. This expertise results in personalized travel advice, accurate information about safety concerns, practical itineraries for enjoyable family vacations, and ongoing support throughout your journey. They’ll make sure your family vacation abroad is as exciting and safe as possible.
If you’re ready to plan a family vacation but not sure where to visit, check out our 2 Minute Travel Planner. After answering a few simple questions, you’ll get a personalized itinerary based on your specific goals.