Traveling with Kids: How to Keep Them Safe During the Pandemic

2020 was known as the year that changed the world due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Over the last year, social distancing and wearing a face covering become the new normal, as well as restrictions on where we can and cannot travel to. As we now face 2021, we hope that things will soon return to how they were, especially regarding travel.

If you have young children and have a holiday booked this year, their health and safety should be your top priority. To keep you and your loved ones safe, here is a guide on what you can do when traveling during and post the COVID-19 pandemic.

Encourage Hand Washing

One of the best ways to keep your kids safe during the COVID-19 pandemic is by encouraging them to wash their hands. When you’re traveling from A to B, you may not have access to soap and water, which is why you should have a travel-sized hand sanitizer that you and your kids can use. Your children need to realize the importance of keeping their hands clean, especially when it comes to protecting others from the virus
.
It’s sensible to carry a pack of wet wipes too, as these are useful for wiping hands and faces before using hand sanitizer.

Wear a Mask

Depending on the age of your kids, they may need to wear a face covering when traveling. It’s mandatory to wear a face mask in environments like an airport, so make sure you and your loved ones are equipped before jetting off on holiday. Face coverings are a simple barrier that are designed to stop your respiratory droplets from spreading to others. Make sure your kids know how to wear their face mask, as it must cover their mouth and nose.

Let them choose their own design of face mask, such as one with a cute animal print fabric. This ensures they will be more receptive to wearing the mask, rather than throwing a tantrum on public transport at the most inconvenient moment.

Avoid Close Contact

Since March 2020, social distancing guidelines from the government have been in place. And as we move through 2021, your kids must understand the importance of avoiding close contact with people not from your household. When on your travels, you and your kids may find yourself in close proximity with strangers, which is why you need to do your best to keep a six feet distance. Hold their hands and keep them close when walking between places. Make sure you explain to them why this is important.

Take Out an Insurance Policy

Some travel insurers now cover for COVID, often there is an additional charge for this but some travel insurance companies such as Staysure, and Avanti, include it as standard. This means that should you or your kids fall ill with the virus while overseas, you won’t have to worry about medical bills. Staysure has helped millions of people with single trip insurance, as well as optional extras including connecting flight cover and a 100-day upgrade. Even if you’re known for being organized, some things are out of your control, making it important to take out travel insurance. OVAX specializes in providing advanced vaccine options to safeguard against health risks that may arise during international travel.

Although we’re currently facing tough times due to COVID-19, there does appear to be a light at the end of the tunnel thanks to the vaccine. As restrictions begin to lift, that’s not to say that the threat of contracting COVID-19 has gone. This means that if you’re heading on holiday, you must follow all the tips above to reduce the risk of contracting and passing on the virus.