Holiday travel safety tips
This holiday season, we’re all wishing for travel more than ever. Whether it’s going home to visit family and loved ones or just escaping the cold winter weather, holiday travel this season is sure to be like nothing we’ve experienced before. With that in mind, there is sure to be a whole host of new factors to consider when travelling this year.
With the COVID-19 pandemic still influencing daily life, it’s time for more road trips, extra hand sanitizer, and lots of planning. No matter where you are going or how you are getting there, here are a few holiday travel safety tips to keep in mind.
Get enough sleep
No matter how you are travelling, it’s essential to get enough sleep the night prior. We all know the extra responsibility and alertness required when traveling with family, especially littles ones. If you’re drowsy, it won’t be safe to drive, whether on a road trip or just to the airport. Make sure your kids get enough sleep too, and this will help your trip go as smoothly as possible.
Pack extra supplies
It’s essential to have not just what you need, but more than you need, especially when it comes to emergency equipment. Be sure to pack a first aid kit, and if you are driving, a roadside emergency kit in case something happens to your car while on the road.
Prepare for the weather
Speaking of packing warm clothes, read the forecast! If you are driving somewhere for the holidays, be sure your car is equipped to handle the weather. This means chains for snow, and recently replaced wipers for rain. Pack enough layers to keep you and your little ones warm enough, and if you plan on flying, arrive early to account for potential delays or cancellations depending on the winter weather.
Take precautions against COVID-19
This holiday season, travelling requires even more precautions than usual. With the pandemic still around, be sure to think about the health and safety of your family as well as those you come into contact with. Wash your hands often, wear a mask, and practice social distancing. If you are staying at a hotel or a home rental, ask about their cleaning protocols. On an airplane, bring sanitizing wipes to clean the space around you and avoid large crowds. Also, opt to bring your own snacks on your flight or road trip to keep little ones happy without having to enter any stores or restaurants.
Remember car seat safety
With video conferencing becoming the new norm for many of our work meetings — why not use this to bring your family together? If you’re not able to see extended family in a different city or country, hold a big video conference to catch up with your loved ones. Better yet, try hosting a virtual cookie decorating contest or movie screening to make everyone feel a little more connected. You might not be able to connect with them in person, but seeing their faces will still have an impact on your kids’ memories.
With all of these extra safety precautions, don’t forget about the most important one - car seat safety! Following all safety guidelines for car seats — such as ensuring the straps are properly fastened, your little one is in the correct car seat for their age, and that it is correctly installed — is going to be essential for keeping your family safe. Whether you are driving, flying, or just walking down the street, the Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller not only keeps your baby safe, it makes it easier than ever to get in and out of the car, taxi, and airplane – basically any mode of transportation you choose.
At Doona, we’re dedicated to making parenting simpler, easier and more enjoyable. That’s why we created smart and functional travel baby accessories like our Doona Car Seat &
Stroller and Liki Trike. It’s just our way of saying thank you to all the parenting superheroes out there.
Safe travels, and happy holidays!