Family Travel Security: 10 Ways to Help Keep Your Family Prepared
Family holidays should be about enjoying time together, discovering new places and creating good memories.
Security preparation does not need to take away from that enjoyment. A few simple conversations and plans before travelling can help the whole family know what to do if something unexpected happens.
Here are 10 practical considerations for families.
1. Talk about the journey before leaving home
Children should understand, at an age-appropriate level, where the family is going and what the journey will involve. Explain airports, transfers and accommodation before travelling.
2. Have a family separation plan
Busy airports, stations and attractions can become crowded very quickly. Agree in advance what family members should do if someone becomes separated from the group.
3. Teach children who they can approach for help
Children should know that if they become separated, they can seek assistance from appropriate uniformed staff, security personnel or other clearly identifiable officials.
4. Keep important information accessible
Parents and responsible adults should have accommodation details, emergency contacts, travel documents and other important information available. Consider what you would do if your main phone became lost, stolen or unavailable.
5. Be careful with passports, money and valuables
Avoid keeping every important item in one place where possible. Think beforehand about how passports, cards, cash and electronic devices will be managed throughout the journey.
6. Stay organised in airports and stations
Security awareness can drop when adults are dealing with luggage, tickets, passports and children simultaneously. Slow down when necessary and keep track of both family members and belongings.
7. Check your accommodation when you arrive
Familiarise the family with the accommodation and immediate surroundings. Parents should consider doors, windows, balconies and appropriate emergency exits.
8. Agree what older children can and cannot do
Where children or teenagers are given some independence during a holiday, establish clear boundaries, meeting places, contact arrangements and return times appropriate to their age and circumstances.
9. Think before sharing your location online
Consider how much information the family shares publicly about where you are staying, your room or accommodation, your movements and how long your home will be unoccupied.
10. Make security part of travelling — not something to fear
The purpose of preparation is not to make children frightened of travelling. It is to give the family simple routines and plans so everyone is better prepared and can concentrate on enjoying the journey.
Prepared Families Can Travel With Greater Confidence
You cannot predict everything that might happen during a trip. What you can do is prepare your family, understand your surroundings and make sensible decisions throughout the journey.
Know Before You Go.
For more preparation guidance, read our pre-travel security checklist. When you arrive, our hotel and accommodation guidance in the Secure World Travel Guide explains what to consider before settling in.
Know Before You Go
Secure World Travel has created a FREE “10 Security Checks Before You Travel” checklist to help you prepare before leaving home.
Want more comprehensive travel-security guidance?
The Secure World Travel Guide provides practical travel-security guidance covering the journey from preparation before departure through to returning home.
Discover the Secure World Travel Guide