Safety Tips for Traveling with Young Children

Travelling with young children can be one of life’s greatest adventures, but it also comes with unique challenges. Whether you’re navigating bustling airports, hopping on ferries, or exploring local markets, it’s essential to stay one step ahead when it comes to safety.

To help you feel more confident and prepared, we have put together a practical guide full of safety tips for travelling with young children.

1. Identification & Contact Information

Even the most attentive parent can experience a moment of separation in a crowded place. Here’s how to ensure your child can find their way back to you:

• Attach hidden ID tags to your child’s clothing with their name, your contact number, and accommodation details.
• Give older children a copy of your hotel’s business card and ensure they know your mobile number with the international dialling code.
• Equip children with a phone (if age-appropriate) preloaded with important contacts.

2. Set Clear Meeting Points

Designate a meeting spot at each new location, whether it’s a train station, amusement park or museum. If you get separated, everyone knows exactly where to go. Practice this routine as a family so it becomes second nature.

For additional strategies, check out our guide on Navigating Crowded Tourist Areas Safely.

3. Transport Safety Essentials

At Airports

• Keep children in sight at all times and do regular head counts.
• Use a buddy system – older siblings can hold younger ones’ hands while walking.
• Visit toilets together, ideally using a large cubicle.

On Planes

• Book seats together where possible. If separated, choose a seat that allows you to supervise easily – aisle or rear rows are ideal.
• Always keep your child buckled in when seated.
• Avoid letting children walk the aisles – flight attendants often carry hot drinks.

Taxis, Tuk-Tuks & Hired Cars

• Bring your own car seat. Most local taxis and tuk-tuks do not have them.
• For very young children, use a baby sling and hold them tightly during short rides.
• Consider using ride-sharing apps or local services that enable safer booking.

4. Safety on Boats & Ferries

• Only book with reputable tour companies.
• Always ask about safety gear when booking.
• Sit near the back of speedboats for a smoother, shaded ride.
• Hold onto children at all times and keep them away from railings.

5. Snorkelling & Water Activities

• Skip snorkelling unless your child is already a confident swimmer.
• Start at the beach where the water is shallow and calm.
• Use well-fitted life jackets and flotation devices.
• Avoid strong currents and always follow red flag warnings at beaches.

6. Health & Hygiene Precautions

• Keep kids well hydrated—especially in tropical or hot destinations.
• Apply sunscreen regularly, even on cloudy days.
• Pack and use insect repellent to prevent bites.
• Give children probiotics before travel to help their gut adjust to new foods.
• Avoid tap water—use bottled water for drinking and even brushing teeth.

For more detailed beach advice, don’t miss our Beach Safety Hacks: Smart Tips for a Safe Day by the Sea, a must-read before any seaside outing.

7. Food & Mealtime Safety

• Stick reputable restaurants and avoid warm buffet items.
• Use hand sanitiser or wipes before meals.
• Don’t accept food or drink from strangers – even if they seem friendly.

8. Public Transport & Street Safety

• Sit opposite each other on subways so everyone stays within sight.
• Teach children to hold hands and stay close in crowded areas.
• Instruct kids never to touch public surfaces like walls, bins or discarded items.
• Avoid crossing busy streets without traffic lights, as many drivers do not give way to pedestrians.

9. Luggage & Valuables

• Carry a backpack instead of a handbag, and never place valuables in easy-to-reach outer pockets.
• Encourage older children to carry non-valuable items like maps or snacks in a shared backpack you can access.
• When seated, keep a hand or foot on your bags, and loop straps around your arm or leg.

10. Stranger Awareness & Confidence

• Teach children to ignore unwanted attention and never engage with strangers.
• If someone tries to separate them from you, instruct them to scream or call for help loudly.
• Instruct them to seek help from a shopkeeper, security staff or someone who appears trustworthy and calm.

11. Bonus Tip: Keep It Fun

Staying safe doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to keep kids happy and entertained on the go, explore our list of the Best Summer Activities for Kids to plan memorable moments between travel checkpoints.

Stay Calm, Stay Aware

While there’s no need to become overly anxious, staying aware and prepared makes all the difference. Most trips go smoothly, and locals around the world often go out of their way to help families with young children. By following these safety tips for young children, you’ll give yourself peace of mind, and your children the freedom to enjoy the journey.

Happy travels!