By: Natasha Archary
It’s the holidays and you’re looking forward to a calm break before we rinse and repeat and head into 2021. With all the uncertainty around the COVID-19 second wave, many families are considering postponing their annual holidays.
But if this is not an option for you and you want to make the most of your leave days enjoying the summer, prepare for a safe holiday mid-pandemic and aim for a stress-free break with the kids in tow.
Plan ahead
Plan your trip well in advance. This will ensure that everyone has enough time to prepare mentally for all that’s on the itinerary. Expect things to change daily and don’t be too hell-bent on sticking to every scheduled activity. The idea is to have a skeleton of how each day could pan out but to be flexible enough to accommodate any fussiness and overcrowding.
With beaches closed on most public holidays, it’s bound to send holiday-makers into a frenzy and you should keep your family’s safety top of mind always.
Snacks
Take every family member’s needs into consideration when packing food, snacks and drinks for the trip. With older kids it may be a good idea to get them involved in the decisions. Avoid giving kids sweets on long trips. They don’t need all that extra sugar!
Pack enough for the trip with extra water bottles, so you avoid too many stops at public watering-holes along the way. It’s always a good idea to freeze water bottles the night before and keep a thermal flask if you need your coffee on the go.
Provide entertainment
What is it about kids and confined spaces? The wrath of a bored toddler will be felt and heard for hours on end if you don’t provide them with some entertainment or engage them in a game. Pack their favourite cuddle toy, puzzles and books.
If you plan on making multiple stops along your road-trip then allow your kids a chance to get out, stretch their legs and run about for 20 minutes or so. Pack a ball or frisbee which will be a good way for them to use up that pent-up energy during stops. Remember the sanitiser, wipes and masks – #NewNormal.
Travel tips during COVID-19
- Remember to pack extra disposable masks, sanitiser and alcohol-based wet-wipes.
- Keep a thermometer in your first aid kit to check temperatures on the go and when you’re back at the hotel.
- Track your family’s eating patterns throughout the trip and if there are any abnormalities or they are visibly showing symptoms of COVID-19, take the necessary precautions.
- Ensure your first aid kit consists of medication for pain and fever for both the kids and adults.
- Have emergency numbers saved to your devices. This includes EMS, towing or breakdown services, insurance information and medical aid details.
We wish you a safe Christmas and New Year.
