Traveling with children during a pandemic

It is a good idea to pack everything you need to avoid making any stopovers along the way. [Gideon Maundu, Standard]

Now more than ever, families want to soak in some sun, have some R&R and make up for all the time we couldn’t move around.

As the holiday season starts, families are starting to make travel plans.

Not an easy decision, however, factoring in the variants that continue popping up out of nowhere, the more you know the more prepared you will be and make better choices for your family.

Whether you choose to travel locally or internationally, you need to be aware of the restrictions and recommendations of where you will be going to avoid delays and disappointments.

Before you start making plans, do a background search of where you want to travel to. Find out what the infection rates are, what guidelines have been put in place and the restrictions.

This will help you decide whether or not you still want to travel there. If you decide to go ahead, you can find out what safety measures have been put in place, especially if you shall be staying in a hotel.

The next thing is to limit contact. Easier said than done, I know, but if you can drive, do so. As much as airlines are doing their best to adhere to safety guidelines, there is little social distancing on a plane, bus or train.

Children will also not be comfortable wearing a mask for an eight-hour trip and you cannot stop them from touching seats and going to the washroom time to time.

To minimise risk of contracting the virus while on holiday, stay away from indoor facilities as much as you can. Have lunch in outdoor settings and participate in activities that don’t involve interacting or mixing with many people.

Beach trips for instance are much safer than going to crowded places like museums where you cannot keep as much distance as you can. Airbnb’s are also a great option compared to hotels which may be packed with holidaymakers.

Also ensure you never run out of sanitisers and clean everything your children may touch or come into contact with as much as possible.

And finally, pack what you need.

If you’ll be driving to your destination, it is a good idea to pack everything you need to avoid making any stopovers along the way.

Have your children pick their own snacks and pack enough to sustain each family member during the trip so you don’t have to buy any food or make many stops.

The children also need to be entertained so keep them busy with activity books and toys.