It can be an amazing experience to embark on an adventurous holiday as a family, and there’s no reason why you should hold back from visiting exciting new places when you have little ones. However, children do require a little extra forethought in order to be kept happy, and it pays to be prepared for all eventualities. When traveling with kids, your first priority will, of course, be their safety – but what does that look like in practice?
Here, we explore how to keep your kids safe on an adventurous family holiday.
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Be realistic and fair
Traveling with children doesn’t mean you need to stop doing the adventurous things you love to do, it’s about finding adventures you can all enjoy together that fit within the capabilities of the group. For example, whilst your toddler may not be suited to climb a mountain, you could certainly enjoy a mountainous hike over lower peaks and gain the same sense of fulfillment.
From hiking through lush forests to snorkeling in tropical waters, ensuring the safety of your little ones is paramount. Be realistic about how much energy your children have to embark on your chosen adventure, and be fair when it comes to them needing to rest and refuel regularly – and be sure to stop frequently for toilet trips. Avoid pushing them too far – they’ll need to feel a sense of accomplishment and achievement in order to be keen for more adventures.
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Pack wisely
Wherever you go, be sure to always carry a surplus of supplies such as water, snacks, spare clothes and toiletries such as bug spray and hand sanitizer. A first aid kit is also a must-have when exploring with children, as scraped knees or elbows can all too quickly devastate a day out if you don’t have a magic plaster to hand.
Encourage regular hydration and healthy snacking to keep up their energy levels, and avoid sugary drinks where possible. Nutritious snacks such as trail mix, fruit and granola bars are good choices. Even if you aren’t headed somewhere known for its lack of cell reception, it’s always good to have a backup means of communication in case of emergency, such as a satellite phone or radio. A compass and a good paper map are another great way to prevent getting lost and stuck with unhappy children in tow.
Teach them to respect wildlife and stay safe
To keep safe when exploring new areas, your children need to know how to interact with the natural world. From a young age, you can begin to explain to them how they mustn’t touch or approach wildlife, pick wildflowers or fungi, or disturb habitats. Always research ahead of time to see if there are any dangerous animals where you’re headed, as even in the most remote and desolate places, poisonous insects and reptiles can survive.
You should also teach your children basic survival skills such as recognizing dangerous plants and animals, as well as the signs of dehydration or exhaustion and water safety guidelines. Always keep a close eye on your kids, especially in unfamiliar or high-risk environments. Never let them hike out of sight or swim unsupervised, and consider using a child carrier for very young children over difficult or rugged terrain.
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With careful planning and vigilant supervision, you can enjoy a safe and memorable family holiday with your little adventurers. Exploring the natural world is a great way to foster a love of nature and conservation in young people, and it’s a great way to bond as a family, too.