Travel Safety and Kids

Before You Go: Paperwork and Planning

Travelling with children takes more preparation than travelling alone, but getting the basics sorted early will save you trouble later. Start with passports. Every child needs their own passport, regardless of age. If your child was issued a passport as a baby, check the expiry date carefully. Child passports are valid for five years, not ten like adult ones, so they need renewing more often than you might expect.

Passport renewals can take several weeks, and longer during busy periods. The GOV.UK website has current processing times and allows you to apply online. Do this well before your travel date rather than leaving it until the last few weeks.

If you are travelling abroad with a child and the other parent is not coming with you, it is worth carrying a letter of consent from that parent. This is not a legal requirement for leaving the UK, but border officials in other countries may ask for it. Some destinations are stricter than others. A simple signed letter stating that the other parent gives permission for the trip, along with their contact details, will usually be enough. For longer trips or travel to certain countries, you may want to have the letter notarised.

Single parents, grandparents, or other family members travelling with children who are not their own should consider carrying similar documentation. This might feel like unnecessary paperwork, but it can speed things up if questions are asked at border control.

Health Preparations

Check whether your destination requires any vaccinations. Some countries need proof of certain immunisations for entry, while others simply have recommended vaccines for travellers. Your GP surgery or a travel health clinic can advise on what is needed for your specific trip. Book these appointments early, as some vaccines need to be given several weeks before travel to be effective.

If anyone in the family takes regular medication, make sure you have enough to last the entire trip plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry medicines in their original packaging with the pharmacy label attached. For controlled medications, you may need a letter from your doctor confirming the prescription. The Home Office has guidance on travelling with controlled drugs if this applies to you.

It is sensible to bring copies of any prescriptions, particularly if you are travelling for an extended period or to somewhere remote. If medication is lost or runs out, having the prescription details makes it easier to get replacements.

A basic first aid kit is useful for any trip with children. Pain relief suitable for your child's age, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen in child formulations, covers most minor complaints. Add plasters, antiseptic wipes, and any allergy medication your child might need. Rehydration sachets are worth packing if you are going somewhere hot or where stomach upsets are more common.

Sun protection matters more than many parents realise. Children's skin burns more easily than adult skin. Pack high factor sunscreen and reapply it regularly, especially after swimming. A sun hat with a wide brim and lightweight clothing that covers arms and legs can reduce the amount of sunscreen battles you need to have.

Insect repellent is another essential for many destinations. Products containing DEET are effective but check the concentration is suitable for children. Alternatives are available if you prefer not to use DEET. In areas where mosquitoes carry diseases, bed nets treated with insecticide add another layer of protection at night.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Safety at Your Destination

Hotels and holiday rentals are not always set up with small children in mind. A quick check of your accommodation when you arrive can prevent problems. Look at balconies, windows, and any drops or edges that a curious child might investigate. Swimming pools are an obvious hazard and should never be accessible to young children without adult supervision, even if there is a lifeguard on duty.

If you are staying somewhere with potential hazards that you cannot remove, travel childproofing equipment can help. Portable safety gates, cupboard locks, and corner protectors are all available in compact travel versions. Whether you need these depends on your child's age and how mobile they are. A crawling baby or newly walking toddler will need more precautions than an older child.

Road safety standards vary widely between countries. Pedestrian crossings may not work the way you expect, and drivers may not stop for them reliably. Keep hold of younger children near roads and be more cautious than you would be at home until you understand local traffic patterns.

Beaches and swimming areas need particular attention. Currents, tides, and sudden drop offs can catch people out. Stick to areas with lifeguards where possible, and pay attention to flag systems and warning signs even if you need to translate them. Children should wear appropriate flotation devices if they are not confident swimmers, and even strong swimmers should be watched constantly in unfamiliar water.

Keeping Track of Children

Busy airports, tourist attractions, and unfamiliar streets all increase the risk of getting separated from your child. Younger children can wear a wristband with your mobile number written on it in waterproof ink. Some parents use child safety wristbands that have a space for contact information.

Teach older children what to do if they get lost. Agreeing on a meeting point when you arrive somewhere busy gives everyone a backup plan. Children should know to approach someone in uniform, such as a police officer or security guard, or a staff member at the venue if they cannot find you.

Taking a photo of your child each morning in that day's clothes means you have a current image to show if needed. This sounds pessimistic but takes only a moment and can make a real difference in a crowded place.

For very busy environments like theme parks or festivals, some families use tracking devices or apps on a child's watch or phone. These work best with older children who can be trusted to keep the device with them and charged.

Travelling with children requires more thought and more luggage, but the preparation is mostly common sense applied to a new setting. Sort the paperwork early, pack the medical essentials, check your accommodation for hazards, and have a plan for staying together in crowds. After that, you can focus on enjoying the trip.