Vacations are great. They provide some time for folks to recharge and refresh after long periods of time spent at work, they make some great family memories that everyone will remember for years to come, and they make for a little adventure that everyone needs now and again. But vacations can also be stressful – you and your family are in a new place, away from home, and some safety concerns can arise. So what is a vacationing family to do? Read through these five travel tips for a safe vacation for both you, and your family!
#1. Communicate! Communication is key for a safe family vacation. Make sure that each member of your family knows the day’s agenda before you leave your hotel for the morning, and establish a check in point and time. Be sure each family member has a cell phone to communicate with one another. Let everyone know in advance if there has been a change of plans such as time or meeting place.
#2. Stay hydrated! No matter what time of the year you take your vacation, it is extremely important to drink plenty of water. Make sure each of your family members has a sturdy, reusable water bottle (remember to be green!) that they can fill up at any available water fountains. It is especially important to keep little ones hydrated – be sure to take a drink break every hour or so.
#3. Make sure your little ones stay close! It’s important to keep young children within close reach, to make sure they stay out of harm’s reach, and to keep them from being picked up by someone else. Teach your little ones to look for a police officer, or an employee at an attraction (the people dressed in old fashioned clothes at Silver Dollar City). Always be sure that your child has a bracelet, ticket, etc. on their person that has their name, your name, and your phone number on it in case they get separated from you and go for help.
#4. Pay attention! Many vacation accidents happen because folks get too excited or become unobservant to their surroundings. No matter how much fun you’re having, be observant to potential hazards that could cause harm. Is it raining? Is there heavy traffic? Are there large crowds? Observing the situation BEFORE you put you and your loved ones in it can go a long way towards keeping everyone safe.
#5. Know your emergency numbers! Everyone knows to call 911 in case of an emergency, but it is also beneficial to know the numbers for the county sheriff where you are vacationing, the front desk number of your hotel, and the local hospital phone number.
Vacations are a ton of fun, and by using these travel tips and doing a little planning ahead, your next trip can be both memorable AND safe!
Branson Missouri Blog
