Children love to travel. And they like to travel in style. Whether your children are just two or if they are twenty, they will want to appear to be seasoned travelers just like you.
However, you will want to make sure that you pay attention to some travel tips if you have children traveling alone. To start off with, the children’s travel bags should carry bright luggage tags that have their names and addresses on them. Each travel bag that your child carries should have his or her name, address and phone number along with a destination address and phone number. You also need to ensure children traveling alone carry baggage that is compliant with airline rules. Keep in mind that although they are kids, they are still subject to travel rules, just like adults. This is especially true in the wake of terror threats following the 11September 2001 attacks.
So, planning ahead makes sense when you have children traveling alone. Instruct your kids, particularly young ones, to strap themselves in lap belts if they plan on taking a flight. It is important to take along all the important documents, i.e. passport, immunization papers, etc. And make sure it is ok to take snacks along in their carry-on luggage. You might want to give your kids some gum to chew so that their ears remain free from pressure during takeoff and landing.
It is also a good idea to take activities along when you have children traveling alone. In case they get bored, they can always stay in a hotel room and play their games. It is also good to remind your kids that they should not be exhausted from their outdoor activities. It is also important to get some rest while traveling and this is especially true for children.
Advise your children when traveling alone not to travel if they are sick. Instead, they should go to the nearest hospital if they feel that meds in their travel kit will not do the job. They can also carry a cell phone in case they need to consult you while they travel, and have some questions for you.
Be sure to discuss appropriate behavior with your children, before they travel alone. Other things you can do if you have children traveling alone is request appropriate seating on a flight, review the airline’s policies, take extra precautions for connecting flights, and spend extra time at the airport to ensure a safe departure.