Travel with kids: 11 ways to avoid losing your child when you’re on holiday
- From setting the ground rules to establishing a meeting place, experts advise parents on steps to take before you begin exploring your holiday destination
- Take a photo of what your child is wearing (bright colours are a good idea), invest in tracking technology, and if the worst does happen, don’t panic
We were visiting Thailand when I encountered my worst parenting nightmare – my five-year-old daughter disappeared. She was with us in the courtyard of the guest house, until she wasn’t.
My husband and I spent 35 terrifying minutes trying to locate her. She eventually returned safely on her own from what she thought was a harmless adventure, but this remains the longest half-hour of my life.
My family of four had been travelling for seven months, and when we began our trip, my husband and I were vigilant about our safety practices. But after many months of touring without incident, coupled with the fact that we were staying on a relaxed and quiet island – we loosened our protocols. We learned the hard way that maintaining good safety practices can prevent harrowing travel scenarios.
“There is always some risk that your child will become separated from you in public, and more so when in unfamiliar places or at attractions you may visit while travelling,” said Karen Chymy, the director of operations at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, who also works closely with the US National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. “Taking steps to prevent children from getting lost cannot be overemphasised.”
Whether you are a novice at family travel or a veteran, whether your kids are fearless or prone to anxiety, there are many precautions parents can take to avoid being separated from their children.