Traveling with children can be a long and tedious experience. The boredom is often amplified for children who have never traveled alone before. For children traveling alone, safety becomes even more of a concern. While we would prefer not to send our children off on their own, it is sometimes unavoidable; in these cases, a few tips should be considered to make the experience as manageable, fun, and safe as possible.
To begin, luggage tags should be placed on the children’s travel bags. Your child’s name, address, and phone number should be written on each travel bag he or she carries, as well as the destination address and phone number. You must also ensure that children traveling alone have luggage that complies with airline regulations. Keep in mind that, even though they are children, they are still bound by the same travel rules as adults.
If you plan to travel by plane, teach your children, especially the younger ones, to buckle up in their lap belts. Although a flight attendant will most likely be assigned to keep an extra eye on your child, it is critical that they focus on this requirement as well. You should also provide your child with necessary documentation, such as tickets, passports, and immunization records. If they get hungry, it’s a good idea to pack some snacks in their carry-on luggage. You might also want to give your kids some chewing gum or candy to chew or suck on during takeoff and landing to help them deal with the air pressure.
When traveling alone with children, it’s also a good idea to bring some toys and books. They can always play with their toys, color a coloring book, or read a book if they get bored while traveling. When they are feeling slightly overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of travel, bringing their favorite comfort item, such as a blanket, stuffed animal, or doll, can help give them a sense of security.
When your children are sick, don’t send them on a trip by themselves. If this is unavoidable, make sure to bring the necessary medications and supplies, such as tissues. Providing them with a cell phone for emergencies, if possible, can be extremely beneficial.
Finally, because you won’t be able to coach them along the way, you should talk to your children about appropriate behavior before sending them off. Appropriate behavior, both in terms of respect and safety, will be advantageous. You can also 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 if you have children traveling alone.