Summer Travel Safety Tips

By Dr. Larry Nickens, Goldsboro Pediatrics

Summer is the time for family trips and vacations. Whether it’s a day trip to a local water park or a week long vacation to the beach, getting there can be half of the battle. Whether driving, flying or taking a train, getting to the destination can sometimes be tough for families. By planning ahead, the family trip to the zoo or week long trip to the mountains can be a little easier for both parents and children. Here are a few tips to get you through those summer trips.

Planning Ahead: A great way to keep the chaos of planning for a trip to a minimum is to make a list of everything you will need for the trip one week ahead of time. This way you can be sure you have time to get the store for items you may need such as sun block, beach towers, picnic baskets, etc. If your children are able to read, let them pack their suitcases. Give them a list of all the clothing items they will need. Make it into a game to see who can pack the quickest with no mistakes.

Be sure to pack any event specific items you may need for your trip. Don’t forget life jackets for boating, sun block for outdoor activities, helmets for bike riding and water bottles to keep hydrated

Healthy Snacks: While it might be easier and require less planning to stop at a fast food restaurant, it’s much better to bring healthy snacks. Preparing your own food can save money and also helps to prevent drowsiness from too much sugar, found in fast food meals and drinks.

Fruits and vegetables are a great for a quick and healthy snack. Trail mix, cereals, and granola bars are also great ideas. If you’re looking for something more filling, why not bring a jar of peanut butter, a squeezable container of jelly, and loaf of bread? Lunch is now inexpensive, quick and healthier than fast food. While eating healthy is essential, it’s very important to drink plenty of fluids. Natural juices, or low sugar drinks are ok, but milk and water are best.

Fun Travel Games: Keeping your kids satisfied with food is sometimes easier than keeping them entertained in the car. If you don’t want to pack anything extra, playing games like “eye spy,” counting games, and other visual games, might be a good strategy for keeping smiles on your children’s faces. If bringing a few extra things isn’t a hassle, try printing out tic-tac-toe or other games online. A deck of regular playing cards, or fun themed cards, like Old Maid are a good idea as well. Some children like to color, read or write. However, this might cause some children to get carsick. If not, encouraging these activities prove to be entertaining, and quiet.

Preventing Sickness: Getting sick in the car, boat, train or airplane is never fun. If reading, writing or coloring in the car makes you feel sick, don’t do it. Instead, sit in the most middle part of the car, and stare straight ahead. Sometimes, getting out of the car for a breather about every 90 minutes or so, helps as well. Some doctor’s recommend taking Dramamine, or Benadryl about a half an hour before the car trip. Be cautious because this may cause drowsiness. If your trip is on the shorter end, taking medication is not a good option. Additional tips include eating gingersnap cookies, peppermints, plain crackers and drinking plenty of water. In addition, some marketed “carsick” remedies that have been helpful include eating “Queasy Pops” which can be found in most grocery stores, and using “Sea Bands” which can be found in most drug stores. Breathing slowly through your mouth can also help the feelings of nausea.

Miscellaneous Information: A few things to keep in mind when traveling is that most families return with more things than they left with. Be sure to either leave extra space in your bags for extra items or bring along an empty duffle bag to house any souvenirs you have picked up.

Don’t forget to pack any medication you will need during the trip. It is always a good idea to bring extra band-aids, sun block, sunglasses, aloe Vera for sunburns, pain relievers and bug spray.

By following the above suggestions, you can be sure that your trip will not only be fun, but you will be prepared and less stressed. This will allow for more fun with your family!

About Goldsboro Pediatrics
Goldsboro Pediatrics’ goal is to optimize the growth and development of children to ensure their success as healthy, happy and productive adults in tomorrow’s society. Physician offices are located in Goldsboro, Mt. Olive, Princeton and LaGrange.