Protecting Your Family Overseas – Travel Vaccinations and Other Helpful Hints

If you’ve back-packed through Europe between high school and college, or spent spring break in Cancun, you know how awesome it is to travel. Vaccinations have their place in any trip to a high risk area and this is especially true if you are traveling with your family. Family vacations can be stressful, yet will create memories that will last a lifetime for both you and the kids.

Planning for a trip with the entire family is very different than planning a trip for a couple of drunk college buddies. Again, travel vaccinations should be high on your list of to-dos for this type of trip. After all, you want to do your best to protect your family from any dangerous disease that may lurk overseas.

Family travel plans may be different but they are not difficult in the least. In fact, it may be easier than one imagines. Obviously, deciding on a destination is your first choice. What does the family enjoy doing? Or what is it you hope to instill in your child? Is it history? Do you want them to experience the grandeur of nature? Or what about a nice long leisurely cruise to a few white sand beaches? These are the questions that must be asked.

What to bring?

If you are traveling with toddlers, resist the urge to over pack. Remember to bring their favorite stuffed animal. It may seem like an unimportant extra when thinking about it at home, but if it gives your child a bit of comfort it is well worth it.

If you are travelling with preteens or teens why not purchase a travel log and urge them to write down any interesting thing they see or any fun event they partake in. They may fight with you at the time, but the book will be with them forever and they will thank you for it when they are a bit older.

Protection

On any trip overseas it is important to visit a certified travel clinic to discuss your itinerary. The doctor there will recommend all necessary travel vaccinations for you and the kids. Some countries will not even allow entry unless vaccinations are up to date. Don’t be afraid of spending a few extra dollars to speak to a travel specialist-especially in regards to vaccinations.

A money belt and travelers checks are the way to go, especially with kids in tow. Taking care of the children usually frazzles our nerves and distracts us from looking after our bags and wallets. Knowing that the family’s cash is stashed inside your belt goes a long way in relieving stress as you run after the kids.

Many children suffer from allergies, and if you have a family member who does, it is important to remember that you will probably be eating new foods abroad. Discuss ingredients with waiters and waitresses and always travel with power bars or other quick ready-to eat-foods so that your child can have something healthy to eat if there is nothing available for them on the menu.

A prescription for allergy-or any other sort of medicine-can be had a certified travel clinic, in addition to the protection they can afford in the vaccinations department. The health and safety of your family comes first-then the photographs and the good times.