Tips to travel safely during Covid with kids

Travelling Safely with Kids during Covid-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an environment that’s totally different and has led many parents to wonder how to travel safely for holidays and otherwise with their children.

It is important to note that the more well versed you are about travel protocols, the better you can prepare your own kids ahead of time as to how to deal with situations at airports, hotels, theme parks, road trips or even travel to the mall.

The pandemic has ensured that most of us have been grounded for months on end and has made most of us shaky and over the edge. This is not at all conducive to our overall wellness and a bit of travel can serve well to lift those sagging spirits. But yes, with the necessary precautions of course.

Wearing a mask is absolutely mandatory outdoors, especially since social distancing becomes impossible with the kind of monstrous population we have. But avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people is still feasible now. The three C’s of Covid, mainly crowds, closed spaces and close contact have to be avoided especially while travelling with kids. This has also to be taught to the children religiously.  

The outdoors can be a great option. Nature can be your only friend if you are travelling with kids. Even going to the beach which is not crowded is a safe activity. Maintain at least 6 feet to 10 feet of space between your family and other beachgoers. It’s great to connect with any other aspect of nature, mountains and jungle safaris for example. Bonding with Nature and visiting the outdoors is a must for the good health of all individuals. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy with your kids!

Visiting the jungles is a great idea because kids love animals and also because it will be educational for them. The timing is good as there will be fewer visitors and fresher air now to make it a Covid safe trip. The forest departments of most jungles in India are adhering strictly to Covid protocols and it’s safe for the entire family.

Visiting the hills and valleys is a fantastic idea for kids to bond with Nature and because of the low human contact, fresh air and lovely weather. The hills also offer treks which are great for all of you to get some much needed exercise and get back into shape after being couch potatoes for months.

The road trip is the safest option actually if you have your own car which can take you to the countryside (the perfect weekend getaway) and away from the city pollution, smog and smoke where the chances of contracting any disease are high. Where road trips score over other modes of travel is that they offer reduced contact with other travellers, which is essential if you have kids travelling with you.

But wherever you are headed, it is advisable to do some basic research first, like:

• How much has the spread of COVID-19 been in the area you are going to? Study the data before going to any destination to minimise the risk even further.
• Will it be possible to maintain social distancing where you are headed?
• Are the sanitation features satisfactory at the place where you will be staying?
• In the event that you are flying, it is safer not to take a long flight to a destination that’s really far off. With children, it is better to minimise the risk and to select destinations that can be reached by a 1 or 2 hour flight.
• Travel restrictions might be imposed by certain state and local governments. So, good to do a proper check about local conditions before you travel.

Although you have heard this countless times, one has to mention this, especially when children are concerned. Carry hand sanitizers and wipes but ensure that hands are washed with soap and water for 20 seconds whenever the opportunity presents itself during road travel. Wherever you are staying, a hotel or a homestay, sanitize hands after touching objects like light switches, door handles and other areas to reduce risks.

Was this article helpful for you? Do write to us with your tips for travelling with kids during Covid. We’d love to hear from you!

Q&A

You ask and we answer!

How has the coronavirus pandemic affected the children's well-being?

Gopika Lal, Noida.

The situation is aggravated by children’s lack of access to school friends, teachers, social workers and the safe space and services that schools provide. The most vulnerable children including refugees, migrants, and children who are internally displaced, deprived of liberty, living without parental care, living on the street and in urban slums, with disabilities, and living in conflict-affected areas are a particular concern. For many, growing economic vulnerability will increase the threat of child labour, child marriage and child trafficking.

Are children at lower risk of COVID-19 than adults?

Neetu Chaman, Mumbai

So far, data suggests that children under the age of 18 years represent about 8.5% of reported cases, with relatively few deaths compared to other age groups and usually mild disease. However, cases of critical illness have been reported. As with adults, pre-existing medical conditions have been suggested as a risk factor for severe disease and intensive care admission in children. Further studies are underway to assess the risk of infection in children and to better understand transmission in this age group.

What are the foods to avoid during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Preeti Pandit, Jammu.

Reduce foods such as red and fatty meats, butter and full-fat dairy products, palm oil, coconut oil, solid shortening and lard. Avoid trans-fats as much as possible. Read nutrition labels to ensure that partially hydrogenated oils are not listed in the ingredients. If food labels are unavailable, avoid foods which commonly contain trans-fats such as processed and fried foods, like doughnuts and baked goods, including biscuits, pie crusts, frozen pizzas, cookies, crackers and margarines that include partially hydrogenated fat.