Let’s be real, traveling with children is full of challenges! It often means juggling flights, snacks, meltdowns, and having to wonder if our Airbnb is in a safe neighborhood. So, preparing for Kids’ safety away from your familiar places can be overwhelming. In reality, it’s all about limiting the risks by being prepared and aware. Here are some down-to-earth kids safety tips from real traveling families (that have been there, done that!).
Research your destination efficiently before departure. Look for safe areas to stay, and check reviews from other families. One GoWhee member says, “I use the GoWhee App to vet my hotel or rental and head over to Google Maps street view to check the address before every trip.”
Two things parents recommend: Check for pediatric hospitals, and how to get to them, and write down the local emergency number. You should also learn simple phrases like “help” or “call the police” in the local language.
Here are some basic safety rules kids should know before they leave home, no matter where they are. What to do if they get lost, how to recognize safe adults (think staff in uniform or other parents), and memorize at least one of the parents’ phone numbers.
Don’t forget to scan and copy important documents like passports and travel insurance info before departure. One mom said, “I put a copy on my phone, one in our luggage, and gave one to my sister before we flew.” It might sound excessive, but if your things get stolen, it’s a lifesaver!
One of the most-used items? A compact first aid kit. We’re talking Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, baby thermometer, thick removal kit, and those miracle-working butterfly stitches. “One time, I had to spend hours in a remote area looking for butterfly stitches, after my son’s fall,” one mom shared. “Now, I never leave without them.”
Don’t forget to pack essentials like children’s medications, allergy lists, and even sun safety gear like hats and SPF (They do small travel sizes). These little things can help prevent big issues and prevent having to run around on the first day of your trip.
Make sure each young child has emergency information and allergy alerts in their bag or pocket. We recommend tagging your stroller with contact details too. “If anything fails, you can always write your phone number on your kid’s arm. I have used that trick many times at theme parks!” recommends a GoWhee parent.
Snacks and hydration are often forgotten, and trust us, hangry kids don’t mix with safe kids! So always have a high-energy bar and an electrolyte packet on you, even during travel time.
Parents also recommend setting a meetup point during tours or on busy days. Even infants and toddlers can learn simple habits that limit their risk of running away and getting lost in public places. Some families use GPS devices to be at peace, but these should only be a last resort.
Let’s talk transportation. When in doubt, go for verified apps or services that perform background checks. Always check that seatbelts are working before starting the ride, confirm the driver’s information before getting inside the vehicle, and never hesitate to cancel if something feels off. “I never let my child be alone in the taxi to go to the other side of the car or put luggage in the trunk. Either one of the adults stays in the car until all kids are out, or if traveling solo with my kids, I hold their hand going in and going out, through the same door,” a GoWhee parent noted. That little step matters when you’re in an unfamiliar city.
For babies and infants, travel with a portable car seat or booster seat. Before you use the same child car seat safety you use at home, make sure to check the local regulations. In airplanes, we always recommend getting infants their own seats if you can. In case of turbulence, the infant harness provided may not be sufficient.
Avoid night travel in remote areas, especially with children and teens. When booking hotels in countries or cities reputed for crimes, look for ones with secure entrances, good lighting, and round-the-clock reception.
Communication is everything. Before you go, share your itinerary with someone back home. Print it, email it, or even drop a pin on Google Maps. Apps that share location in real time can also help you feel less isolated during your trip. “I usually turn on the share my trip option from my ride-sharing app and send it to one of the grandparents,” says a GoWhee member.
Teach your kids how to use a smartphone for emergencies. One easy way to help younger kids is to set the emergency page on your phone with the local emergency contact. They will only have to slide to call or show the phone to an adult to contact your emergency contact on file.
Don’t forget daily check-ins. Before dinner, take 5 minutes to regroup with the kids. Talk about tomorrow’s plans, review rules (like no sharing personal information with strangers), and celebrate smart choices made that day.
Last tip? Avoid oversharing travel plans on social media while still away. A post from your beach day might also tell people your home is empty.
Playground safety: Just like choosing where to stay, make sure the playground is in a safe neighborhood. The GoWhee App has playgrounds already verified by parents, so you can rely on that to filter your choice. Always do a sweep and check the area for sharp objects or broken equipment before they play. “One time my son played in a playground that was not maintained and had a wasp nest… he got stung 4 times!” shares a GoWhee parent.
Drowning prevention: Water safety should be one of your priorities with young children. At the beach, near a pool, or lake, always designate a “water watcher.” Drowning accidents are silent and fast. For this reason, make sure you don’t plan on staying on your phone if kids are in the pool without a lifeguard. Going for a boat ride or some water fun? Life jackets are non-negotiable for children who can’t swim.
Vacation Home Safety Tips: Some hotels for families offer babyproofed rooms. But most vacation homes will require you to make sure you keep dangerous chemicals or medication out of reach for children.
If staying in a rental, shared home, or with relatives, in a country that allows guns, you may need to worry about gun safety. The best is to ask directly if there are guns and how they are stored. It might feel awkward, but it’s all about prevention.
Bike safety: Helmets, bright clothing, and designated lanes will limit the risk of injuries. But don’t assume every country enforces the same biking rules (for instance, some countries will not automatically include a helmet with a bike rental).
Emergency drills: Practice what your child should do if they get lost or get an injury. Role-playing helps make the plan stick; that is why schools do them!
All these kids’ safety tips help you build confidence in traveling with your children with peace of mind. But never forget to trust your gut! If it doesn’t feel right, it often isn’t. Teaching your kids to take these safety measures is not as complicated as it looks. If you keep training consistently, stay calm, and stay aware. You’re doing it right!
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