Traveling can be an incredibly enriching and eye-opening experience for young children, as they see new places, meet new people, and learn about different cultures and ways of life. But anyone who has ever traveled with the little ones knows that it’s no easy feat – long packing lists, unpredictable schedules, and endless crying are only scratching the surface! The worst part? This scenario is pre-COVID-19!
While scores of families may have shelved their travel plans for now, because the novel coronavirus is still in the picture, others are keen to unleash their inner wanderlust as soon as it’s reasonably safe to do so. If you’re one of those families traveling with children during COVID-19, this Pacific Prime China article is for you, as it’ll give you some holiday tips to follow.
1. Remain on top of the latest travel guidelines and restrictions
Many attractions are currently open in China, but you can expect changes relating to COVID-19, which can quite reasonably change again at any point. This is because as long as vaccination programs aren’t fully rolled out everywhere, things are likely to remain unpredictable and uncertain. Given this, you need to stay abreast with the latest travel guidelines and restrictions, including the policies of any attractions or venues you’ll be visiting.
2. Keep your child in the loop about COVID-19 (and make safety measures look fun!)
Imagine the look of disappointment on your child’s face when they find out their trip to Disneyland (or any other eagerly awaited holiday) is canceled. To minimize this, keep them in the loop of what’s going on. For instance, you could say that there’s a new germ that’s scarier than other germs, but if we all follow the rules, we can beat the germ. Of course, you’ll need to tailor what you say based on your child’s maturity and personality.
Bonus points: For all children, but especially the little ones who might not grasp the seriousness of the situation, you could make following safety measures look fun! Instead of giving them a mask to wear, why not get them involved in choosing a mask that’s their favorite color, pattern, or style? That being said, if your child still gets overwhelmed at any point due to COVID-19 measures, ensure you take it seriously and look after your child’s mental health.
3. Opt for outdoor, nature-filled activities
If you’re wondering ‘what precautions to take while traveling during coronavirus’, the golden rule to live by is: avoiding crowds. Head outdoors to places that are less likely to be crowded. For instance, you could go camping at an isolated site, as opposed to a hotel. If your kids are too young for this, you could instead opt for a cabin. What’s more, take this opportunity to engage in nature-filled activities like biking, rollerblading, fishing, kayaking, etc.
4. Wherever possible, avoid public transport (and crowds in general)
In addition to heading outdoors, stay away from the crowds by not using public transport. What’s more, busses, trains, and airlines have their own COVID-19 safety protocols, and it’s going to be a hassle trying to get your kids to adhere to them all. Why not just rent a car and go on a road trip? Bring along things to keep your kids entertained like toys, gaming consoles, headphones, tablet computers, etc.
Bonus points: Pack some healthy snacks and non-perishable food items. This way, you won’t be forced to stop at crowded restaurants along the way. Your car should also be stocked with plenty of hand sanitizer, and you should remind your kids that disinfecting hands frequently is a proper hygiene measure to protect against COVID-19. Similarly, if you need to stop for petrol or to buy anything, pay for it using a contactless paying method, as using cash is unsafe.
5. Boost your child’s immune system
Leo A. Heitlinger, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics section on gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition, says: “We know what you eat has a clear impact on your immunity”. As such, to ensure your kids have a healthy and strong immune system, which will make them less prone to falling sick, you should pay close attention to their diet. Limit processed foods like ready meals, white bread, potato chips, etc. Instead, opt for immunity-boosting foods like:
- Lean meats, as they are protein-packed. This is important for keeping up strength. Moreover, they also contain zinc, which can help white blood cells fight infections.
- Fruits and veggies that are high in vitamin C, as they play an important role in maintaining proper immune function.
- Walnuts have omega-3 fatty acids, which can help the body fight illnesses. You could also go for other nuts as a healthy snack alternative.
- Kefir and yogurt are rich in probiotics or live bacteria that are good for you, especially for your digestive system.
- And more.
Note: The aforementioned list is to be used as a rough guide only. If you’re unsure about what constitutes a proper diet for your child, it may be worth speaking to your GP or even a dietician for more personalized advice.
6. Have a first-aid kit and medical supplies on hand
Kids love outdoor exploration! But their curiosity may get the better of them. Ensure you’ve got a first-aid kit on hand to deal with any cuts or wounds. Go a step further and stock up on essential medicine as well, just in case you need them. What medicine you end up bringing with you will depend on your child’s age, health condition, and the environment of where you’re heading to. Don’t forget to pack a thermometer in case they catch a cold or the flu.
7. Secure adequate health insurance for the entire family
While it’s important to take safety precautions when traveling with kids, it’s equally important to be prepared for all eventualities, including if your kids (or your partner and yourself) fall ill and require medical attention. Therefore, consider securing a health insurance plan that covers your family, as this will enable you to get the best care in China, without having to pay out of pocket. Out of all the COVID-19 holiday tips, this one should definitely not be overlooked.
Looking to secure family health insurance?
Luckily, Pacific Prime China makes it easy for your family to secure family health insurance, travel and short-term insurance, or any other health insurance in China. Not sure what the difference is between the types of insurance? Confused as to which plan is the best for your family? Worry not, that’s what our advisors are here for. Get in touch for impartial consultation, and we’ll help you get an appropriate plan that suits your family’s needs and budget.
Contact us today!
Disclaimer: Pacific Prime China solely represents, operates and manages locally regulated insurance products and services in the territory of PR China. Any references to Pacific Prime Global Company or Group, the international services, insurance products or otherwise stated written or verbally, is for introduction purposes about our overseas network only as each entity is fully independent.