Expedia travel tips for families

Health and General advice

• Plan ahead; it’s worth checking with your GP a couple of months before you travel for any vaccinations you and/or your baby will require. Some vaccinations take time to become active and effective, and if you or your baby require more than one vaccination, you may not be able to have them all at once.
• Keep records; if you do require vaccinations before travelling, ask your GP for an International Health Certificate. You might not need it to travel, but some countries can request your immunisation records when you land or when you travel within the country. In any case, it will also serve as a useful record of you and your child’s vaccinations.
• Travel with confidence; be sure to organize comprehensive family travel insurance before you leave. And read the small print – many insurance companies offer family travel policies that do not include essential items, such as health cover or compensation for lost luggage.
• Prepare your child; if your travels will disrupt your child’s routines in obvious ways, try to counter those alterations in advance. For example, if your child will be sleeping in a bed and not a cot, make the transition at home, while all of their toys and surroundings are still familiar. Equally, if the toilet situation is going to be different where you’re staying abroad, prepare your child for the differences while you’re still at home.
• Adults might like change, children often don’t; travel can present exotic changes that thrill an adult, but for a small child or baby, those differences can be bewildering. To help with the transition, bring as many small, cosy, comforting items as you can manage. A familiar night-light, toy, blanket or bottle will make the hotel feel a little more like home.
• Shop in advance; try to find out as much as possible about the local shops before you go. It might not be possible to buy even basic items such as whole milk, formula milk, nappies and baby food where you’re going, which will mean bringing supplies from home.
• Cuts can happen; if you can fit it in, take a portable first-aid kit. Plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages and children’s aspirin are all a good idea.
• Wrap up; if you’re travelling to a cold country, be sure that both you and your child are dressed appropriately. Children’s skin can be particularly prone to windburn and frostbite, so plenty of layers, mittens, a warm hat and even sun cream are essential.
• Keep covered; if you’re travelling to a warm country, apply sun cream consistently and frequently, even if the day seems cloudy. Keep your child even better protected with hats, long sleeves, sunglasses and all-in-one UV-protected swimwear.
• Don’t get stung; if you’re travelling to somewhere with mosquitoes or other insects, keep your child protected. For prevention, long sleeves, mosquito nets and children’s insect repellents are all a good idea and, if they don’t work, you can also buy child-friendly sting/bite relief creams.
• Keep clean; while you cannot guarantee that restaurant food has been prepared hygienically, either abroad or at home, you can reduce you and your child’s chances of an upset stomach by ensuring your own hygiene. Wash your hands, and your child’s, as regularly as possible, and take plenty of wet wipes in case the running water is not clean.
• Keep drinking; in both hot and cold temperatures, it’s best for you and your child to drink plenty of water. It will help stave off dehydration and constipation, and cleanse your insides. Just make sure the water’s clean, and take mineral water or boiled water in a thermos if you’re in any doubt.