Staying Healthy when Traveling Abroad with a Baby

family travel

When you have children and become a parent, you definitely don’t have to stop doing things that you did before. One of those things in particular is travel. There can be a bit of an idea that your wanderlust and travels has to stop when you’ve got a baby. But travel with children can be a really rewarding thing to do, as there are some amazing memories that you can make, as well as fun experiences that you can all do together. It isn’t always easy, and will be different to what you are used to, but it can most certainly be done.

One of the biggest stressors when traveling with a baby is that you want your baby to be healthy when you are away. The thought of having to visit a doctor or a hospital when you’re in a place that you don’t know, or where you don’t speak the language, can be stressful and not something that you want to do. So making sure that you are able to keep your baby well on your trip is such a good idea, to make sure that you can have the best trip possible. With all of that in mind, here are a few ideas and tips to help you be prepared and keep baby healthy and well when you travel.

See a Doctor Before You Go

 

If you are unsure about anything before you travel, then speaking to your doctor or pediatrician is a really good idea. It could be a good idea to talk about your travel plans, as well as checking on things like vaccinations, especially if your baby is young. Sites like this one could also help if you’re looking for information about vaccinations and travel with young children: https://www.fitfortravel.com/general-travel-health-advice/child-travellers. Your doctor might even give you some suggestions to keep your baby healthy as you go and travel.

 

Choose Flights Wisely

 

In order to keep your baby as healthy as possible, it is a really good idea to get flights that will fit in with their regular schedule and routine as much as possible. The logic behind this is that when your baby hasn’t had enough sleep, they can feel more run down and susceptible to germs, as well as just making them more unhappy. One day of sleep deprivation can impact their immune system, so it can be a small thing to do to make sure that you can reduce their risk of illness.

 

Take Your Own Products and Food

 

Depending on where you are going for your trip, it can be a good idea to take your own products, as well as food. If your baby is eating food, then having them keep eating foods that they are familiar with is a good idea. That can reduce the chance of them getting sickness, as well as something like being constipated. As for products, taking the usual things that you use for your baby, like wipes, shampoo, and any other medication is a really good idea. You don’t want to start using something that your baby isn’t used to as it could lead to something that you don’t want to deal with when away, like cradle cap. This site could be a good place to look if you need some advice on cradle cap, though: https://www.mustelausa.com/tips-for-preventing-and-treating-cradle-cap. Stick to what you (and the baby know) and then it can help to reduce your risk of getting sick.

 

Sun Safe

 

Staying safe in the sun is normal at home, but when you’re away, especially in a warm country abroad, then it can be something that is much more heightened. The sun can be much more intense and harmful when you’re in a hotter country. So as well as sunscreen, you need to think about keeping baby in the shade, keeping them cool, and avoiding things like blankets over a stroller that can make them overheat. Be sensible in a hot country and it will keep things much safer and healthier for you all.

 

Food Safety

 

Like packing your own food, there will be some things that you need to get from a store where you are. It could be fruit, vegetables, or somewhere that you choose to eat out at. But make sure that you are keeping food safe and only serving foods that you’re happy with. You should also check if you can drink the local tap water or if you need bottled water instead, and so on. Then you can reduce your risk of sickness.

5 Different Ways to Travel

There are so many ways to travel these days. It can be hard to choose which one is the right one for you. If you want to avoid busy airports and crowded buses, then travel by car or bicycle. If you want to get to your destination on time, then traveling by airplane or train may make more sense.
By Car

This is probably one of the most common ways to travel. Most of the major highways connect to all the major cities and states in the United States. It’s impossible to travel by car if your destination is halfway around the world. However, you can rent a car once you get there.
Car travel can be done by taxi, hired limousine service, or your own vehicle. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have also become a popular form of transportation. Hired service drivers can be affordable to use get to certain locations.
Traveling by car is extremely affordable and convenient. You can choose a time to go on vacation when it benefits you. You can even pack as much luggage as you want and you don’t have to pay for public transportation. Renting a vehicle can be an affordable alternative since fuel prices can be costly. Whether you rent or drive your own vehicle, getting an SR22 insurance quote and then purchasing the insurance can ensure that you have the minimum liability coverage as required by your state.
By Bicycle
Traveling by bicycle has its share of advantages. You can travel at your own pace and avoid crowds. There’s no need to stand in line or deal with public transportation. You also don’t have to worry about the fuel costs for travel.
Since you’re traveling by bicycle, it’s important to pack light. Biking can keep you active and fit. You’re not actively sitting for several hours at a time. You’re doing something good for your body. Some countries and states are ideal for this mode of travel. Not everyone has the physical ability or the length of time to travel by bike, though.
By Local Bus
A local bus would be your next best option for traveling. Most city and local buses pack passengers in like sardines. The buses never arrive or leave on time, and are prone to breaking down for hours. While public transportation is not something to be enjoyed, you can still relax and travel at your own pace. Mingling with the locals will make you feel like a local, especially if you’re traveling by bus in a different country.
The various methods of bus travel include local bus services, coach services, coach tours, and sightseeing tours. The great thing about traveling by bus is that you can bring as much luggage as you want. You can stop wherever and whenever you want. Buses can carry large groups or caravans of people.
By Airplane
Traveling by airplane has become one of the most preferred methods. Most countries have access to both large international airports and smaller airports. There are two types of flights: scheduled flights and charter flights. Scheduled flights are operated by airlines while charter flights are used by tourism companies.
Flights can be cheap if they’re booked in advance. The time it takes to get to your destination may be shorter, as long as you’re on a non-stop flight with no cancellations or delays. There are a wide variety of classes available — business, economy, first-class — that fit every need and budget. If you plan to travel by airplane, you’ll need your driver’s license or state photo identity card, U.S. passport or passport card, or a DHS trusted traveler card.
By Train
Traveling by train is possible if you’re traveling with regional and national services. Most major towns and cities have access to train stations, along with some small towns and villages. The train has become a popular method of travel for people who want to avoid busy or crowded airports. Tickets are affordable if booked in advanced. Like airplanes, different classes are available to choose from.
Trains travel faster than car and buses since they don’t get stuck in traffic. They can get delayed due to inclement weather or engine problems. They may also get busy during peak vacation or holiday times, which makes for crowded trains. Regardless, they’re more environmentally friendly than traveling by vehicle. They offer plenty of room to stretch out and use your electronic devices.

As you can see, there are multiple ways to travel and you will be sure to find a method that suits your personality and budget.

Top 5 Cities to Take Your Children for Vacation

Deciding where to take your family on vacation can be an intimidating task. If you have young kids, you definitely want to make sure you take them to some wonderful places to continue building unforgettable childhood memories.

However, sometimes it can be difficult to know which places are the best cities to bring kids on vacation! To help you in your decision-making process, we’ve made a list of our top five cities to take your children for a vacation.

So, without further ado, here are our picks:

5. New York City

This may not seem like the first place you’d think to take your kids, but a trip to New York City can be truly life-changing for children. There is so much to do in this city that it will be difficult for you to see all you want to even with a few days all to yourself! In particular, your kids will surely enjoy the spectacle that is Times Square—take them to the M&M’S store, the Hershey Store, and even bring the whole family to a Broadway musical for a great evening activity! You’ll even be able to insert some educational moments by bringing your kids to the many historic spots in NYC!

4. The Village by the Sea

If you have a kid who is incredibly enthusiastic about Legos, you’ll love taking them to Carlsbad, California. This is the famous city that is host to Legoland California, something that is surely the world’s best Legoland park of its kind. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to relax at the beach due to Carlsbad’s beautiful scenery. Those staying in Carlsbad can also consider taking a day trip north to Los Angeles or south to San Diego; both major cities are roughly the same distance away.

3. Anaheim, California

One of the most historic places to go in the wonderful state of California, the main attraction here for the kiddos is undoubtedly Disneyland. What was essentially the first theme park ever built when it opened in 1955 has since become a cultural landmark and a symbol for America. Taking the entire family to Disneyland will surely be an enjoyable experience, as it’s incredibly difficult to be upset while there! With the addition of Disney California Adventure at the beginning of the millennium, there are plenty of options for the whole family.

2. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is a great tourist destination for those with kids, but the main attraction for people visiting is Walt Disney World (WDW). Building on the formula that Disneyland standardized, WDW helped turn theme parks into a true art form, turning the idea of a theme park into an entire resort property! Highly recommended for those who want to see something truly wonderful that exemplifies the art of the entertainment industry. Orlando also has plenty of amazing restaurants for when you want to take a break from the Disney action, including a lot of kid-friendly spots!

1. San Diego, California

At the top of our list is San Diego, a city that is undoubtedly the most lively destination on our list. This is because that (among many other things), San Diego has some of the most beautiful sights to see in all of California. Taking the kids to the parks will give you a good way to tell them about the history of the area—after you’ve given them some education, take them to museums in San Diego to show them some of the most engaging and enjoyable attractions you can find on the west coast.

Well there you have it – five great places to take your kids on vacation. So what are you waiting for?

Tips To Consider When Visiting China

Are you considering visiting China? Well, you should and it’s a great thing to do and an experience to have. Here are some top tips to do so.

 

  1. Eat Well

Outside of China’s borders, impressions of their food are often defined by the balanced, sweet flavors of Cantonese food. While dim sum and most Cantonese dishes are delightful, there are so many regional cuisines to be discovered like the sour funkiness and freshness of food from Yunnan and Guizhou and the fiery spice of Hunan and Sichuan cuisine.

 

And don’t forget the light, refined seafood, and dumplings from Shanghai and Hangzhou, and Xinjiang’s hand-pulled noodles and hearty quasi Turkish kebabs. While you could travel around to try some of these dishes, the great thing is that major Chinese cities host restaurants that offer cuisine from different parts of the country.

 

  1. Go online

 

Google Maps, Youtube, Facebook and a majority of Western email providers won’t be easy to access in China, so you might want to down a VPN or Virtual Private Network to help you get past China’s “Great Firewall.”

 

However, in China, you can still find some handy apps like WeChat, which can be considered to a Chinese WhatsApp but is, in reality, a combination of the app, Paypal, Facebook, a food delivery platform and so much more. Some of its features are hard to navigate even with limited Chinese; however, you will still need the app to make new friends and follow restaurants, museums, magazines and other establishments on the app to stay updated about exclusive deals and events. So, experience China by booking flights and getting your passport and visa ready to go – you can order here.

 

  1. Learn Some Chinese

 

While Chinese languages can be intimidating, attempting to learn some Mandarin, which is the most widely spoken language in China, will be useful. If you are in China for a short stay, consider signing up for a short language course to learn the basics of the language.

 

The most basic Mandarin will prove handy when it comes to moving around, and locals will be happy to see that you are making an effort. Printing out or writing down addresses in Chinese or using Chinese characters will certainly ease things for you.

 

  1. Take the Train

In most countries, this option would imply enjoying the romance of seeing the countryside roll by as you head to your destination. However, that is not the case in China. Their high speed rail network is renowned for its convenience. With railway stations much closer to cities than airports, a journey between two major cities is faster, more comfortable and much cheaper than domestic flights.

 

The five hours it takes to travel between Shanghai and Beijing compare quite favorably to flight times, but with lesser stress. Furthermore, the bustle in China’s modern stations will allow you to see the direction the nation is taking.

 

  1. Avoid the Coast

 

As tempting as it is, consider traveling away from major cities that sit near coastlines. Provinces and cities further inland have more distinct cuisines and cultures, and often have stronger ties with tradition.

 

In Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar and Laos, China takes a Southeast Asian flavor. On the other hand, Chengdu, which is in Sichuan province, has a relaxed pace and is a gateway to the wilderness that sits along the edge of the Himalayas. Chongqing, which is not that far off, is a surreal mega city with skyscrapers that hug hills on Yangtze River’s banks.

 

  1. Shop A Bit

 

Well, China is home to some of the best fake goods in the world. However, there is so much the country has to offer. So, when visiting, why not buy yourself some quality pu’er tea or oolong? In the alleys, known as hutongs, around Beijing’s Guloudongdajie, boutiques stock nostalgic socialist chic homeware and attire from local designers. Stores like Shanghai-based Closing Ceremony offer a variety of Chinese art magazines and photo books.

 

  1. Catch a Show

 

China’s contemporary art has firmly established itself internationally, so consider checking out some art exhibits right at the source. Some of the most prominent galleries in China include Shanghai’s Power Station of Art, Beijing’s Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, and Shenzhen’s OCT Contemporary Art Terminal.

 

If you love music, then Beijing bars like School carry on the city’s decades-long tradition of gritty rock. Furthermore, the electronic music scene in Shanghai is one of the best in Asia.

Digital Nomad Lifestyle: What to have in your Survival Kit?

When we hear the term digital nomad, the first thing that comes to mind is freedom, fun, and quick money! We believe it’s an easygoing lifestyle, working from the beaches of Bali today and traveling to Bangkok tomorrow. But to successfully live the digital nomad lifestyle, it takes a great amount of commitment, discipline, and most importantly, a resourceful set of tools to keep work flowing regularly.

Being productive with exotic beaches or historical landmarks nearby isn’t easy but technology has made remote work possible and so with some restraint from your side, you would be able to lead this lifestyle the best way possible.

What to have in your Survival Kit?   

This lifestyle isn’t all fun and games, in order to keep it in effect, you need to get work done and be productive so I put together a survival kit with all the essential tools you’ll need to happily live as a digital nomad and get work done.

Your Basic Tools:  

  • Your laptop/ tablet: This is the number one item you should never travel without. Whichever device you choose, all your work and tasks will get done through it so having a good operating laptop with you is key to this lifestyle.

 

  • Laptop Accessories:  These are the small items but necessities that come with your laptop like your portable mouse, touchpad, USB, or anything else that you might need while working in a café or workspace.

 

  • Chargers: The worst thing that could happen is having your phone battery or laptop battery die and forgetting your charger at home or losing it altogether. This will not only slow your progress but can possibly ruin your whole day. Keeping your charges nearby is very important, in fact, look into buying a portable charger for your phone so it’ll always be fully charged.

 

  • Internet Connection: It’s no surprise that having internet is the main core behind all your tools and apps working and since you are, after all, a “digital nomad” all your work is online so no internet can definitely be a problem.

 

  • Headphones: This may seem unimportant to you now but when you’re stuck in a noisy airport or jammed café, you’re going to wish you had your headphones! Listening to music, a radio station, or your favorite podcast will eliminate any distracting noises around you while working and will help you stay focused.

 

Essential Work Tools:  

 

  • Communication: When you start traveling internationally, staying connected isn’t easy, whether it’s with your team, clients, or friends and family. But thank God for the internet! You can use a popular app like Skype to do phone or video calls or something like Telegram for more secure messaging or sharing files with your team. And lastly, we have Google Hangouts, one of Google’s many cool apps to do phone and video calls or chat.

 

 

 

  • Project Management: Getting sidetracked when surrounded by the new culture and fun things to do is likely to happen. With a project management tool, you can easily keep track of your tasks, follow-up on pending tasks, delegate tasks to your team, and create separate projects. The most well-known app, Trello gets the job done. You can also check out a simpler app like Buckets where you can track tasks in color-coded boxes or Asana.

 

 

 

  • Scheduling: If you have an important meeting or an event to attend, you’re most likely need a reminder. Every nomad should have an organized calendar of upcoming tasks and events so nothing will slip through your busy days. This is where Google Calendar comes in handy; however, Google Calendar isn’t the nicest scheduling app out there. Calendly took things a step further and checks your availability and sets your meetings for you!

 

 

 

  • Virtual Mailbox: Being a digital nomad means you’re away from home for long periods but that doesn’t mean your postal mail will just disappear. You need to be sure all your postal mail is addressed and taken care of and that’s where PostScan Mail comes in! Offering an online mailbox, you’ll be able to view and control all your postal mail online. With just a few clicks you can scan, shred, forward, or archive any mail piece. It’ll be just like handling your email.

 

 

 

  • Data Sharing: For better collaboration with your team, you need to be able to share documents and sheets with them and nothing does this better and safer than Google Drive. However, for more storage space, 18 GB, you can look into Dropbox with a starter package at $12.50.

 

Conclusion:

The road to freedom isn’t too far away! By using the right tools and having a strong internet connection, achieving location independence and working according to your schedule is doable. Check out WorkHardAnywhere to find the best workspaces and cafes near you, in whichever country you’re in with great Wi-Fi speed, availability, and parking.

 

Photo by samer daboul from Pexels

What are the cheapest international holiday destinations from NZ

Beijing, China

Hall of Prayer by Fong Chen

Flights: From $720 each

Accommodation: $837 for seven nights for two people

Average meal cost for two: NZ$34

 

China is not the easiest country to travel in. There is a language barrier, the lack of Facebook and Google maps and a big cultural difference. Even the traffic alone can give the average Kiwi nightmares! But it’s an incredible place to visit. Visit the Great Wall, The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, The Summer Palace and explore the Hutongs in the city.

 

Eat classic Peking Duck, pancakes stuffed with crispy skin duck, spring onion and sweet tangy sauce. Or try a breakfast pancake ‘jianbing’, a wheat pancake filled with pickles, crispy fried crackers, herbs, spring onions and topped with hoisin or chilli sauce. Grab cheap noodles or dumplings street-side for a few dollars- eating cheaply is easy here.

Manila, Philippines

Manilla Bay

Flights: From $800 each

Accommodation: $397 for seven nights for two people

Average meal cost for two: NZ$24

 

Fly to Manila and then take a cheap internal flight to Palawan. From there, you can tour the Underground River, swim under Estrella Falls, scuba dive in El Nido or just spend time snorkelling and exploring the spectacular beaches. The food here is amazing and the hospitality and friendliness of the Filipino people second to none.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi at night by Greg Hayter

Flights: From $853 each

Accommodation: $411 for seven nights for two people

Average meal cost for two: NZ$28

Hanoi is an incredible city that would take easily a week to explore. It’s got history thousands of years old – the old quarter is a warren of wire-draped lanes lined with shops selling everything from sequins to welding.

The food in Vietnam is amazing, starting the day with a bowl of steaming Bo Pho, fragrant with herbs. Then fresh spring rolls or hand cut noodles for lunch, and then try a bunch of snacks for dinner. The local street-corner ‘bia hoi’ (pub) offer delicious draught beer for next to nothing, and platefuls of snacks. Point at what others are eating- fresh tofu stuffed with herbs and served with nuoc cham dipping sauce. Crispy sticky pork ribs. Make-your-own spring rolls. It’s all very, very good. The Vietnamese are incredibly friendly and love children- take your family and the kids will be spoiled and treated with much love.

Delhi, India

Akshardham Temple in Delhi, India

Flights: From $1052 each

Accommodation: $148 for seven nights for two people

Average meal cost for two: NZ$25

India has got a reputation that some would say it deserves. But it can be safe and the vibrancy and colourful chaos of Delhi makes it a truly memorable place. It’s a short drive/ train ride to Agra, where you can see the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri. In Delhi itself, there’s the impressive red fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qtub Minar and Lodi Gardens.

The food in Delhi is famous throughout India and the world. Head to he old city, Chandni Chowk. The food stalls seemingly stretch on forever, with everything from cheese stuffed kulcha breads and aromatic curries to snack foods. Indian food isn’t just about chilli, try the chaat. Pani puri is a mixture popped into a crisp shell, topped with a watery sauce- eat it in one go and feel the crunch of the shell followed by the taste explosion from the sauce. Vegetarians rejoice- India is heaven for those who don’t eat meat.

Bali, Indonesia

Besakih, Bali by Uwe Aranas

Flights: From $714 each

Accommodation: $358 for seven nights for two people

Average meal cost for two: NZ$22

Only a ten-ish hour flight from Auckland, Ubud in Bali has become one of the most loved destinations for Kiwis and Aussies. It has beautiful beaches with great surf, amazing inland volcanic peaks, a vibrant nightlife scene and loads to explore. It’s also relatively safe and cheap- it has been developed a destination for tourists with a huge range of food options and cheap beer!

As well as natural beauty, there are also plenty of historic attractions- Tanah Lot water temple, beautiful rice terraces and the Pura Ulun Danu Batur Temple are all highly recommended. Kids will love a tour of the monkey forest!

Get your skates on!

No matter what you want- relaxation on the beach, a buzzing city to get lost in or to explore history in ancient surroundings- there is a budget location for you. Get travel insurance from a company like State, then check if you need a visa, and escape the drudgery of real life.

* All prices calculated on Kayak.com for May 2019 ex Auckland

How to Make Your Trip to Australia a Real Adventure

Australia is big, beautiful, exciting and the perfect place for a real dose of adventure. With 10,685 beaches and 10 deserts, the land down under is the perfect destination for all sorts of fun and adventurous outdoor activities. The main difficulty is narrowing down your list of things to do, because when it comes to Australia, there’s no shortage of activities in which to partake for both visitors and those coming to start a new life.

Its rugged coastlines, laid-back people and striking flora and fauna all serve to make this fascinating country so appealing. In Australia, you can skydive, swim with sharks and scuba dive some of the most stunning reefs in the world. The weather is also very encouraging for outdoor activities, with plenty to do for adults and children alike.

Skydive at Mission Beach

Looking for a perfect adventure? What better way to get your adrenaline pumping than to skydive above the beautiful sea around Mission Beach? This is arguably one of the most daring and memorable things you can do in Australia. Picture being strapped to the back of a professional skydive instructor and taking photos from the GoPro in midair. The excitement is indescribable, even after the second and third times. Are you considering making an Ausmove? If so, this should be near the top of your budget list of things to do within the first three months of your arrival.

Camping

Camping is the ideal family outdoor activity; as this obviously isn’t as strenuous as skydiving, it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and still offers a significant sense of adventure. Furthermore, camping in Australia offers a unique dimension when compared to elsewhere. For instance, camping on Cockatoo Island around Sydney Harbour allows you to hike and check out the remains of the convict’s cells from way back when.

Kayak Katherine Gorge

While some people might describe watching sunset over dinner as an adventurous activity, Katherine Gorge allows you to do much more in a single outdoor trip. Kayaking or taking a canoe trip is a sure way to experience the true beauty of the Gorge. You can hire kayaks and canoes for a couple of hours or even a full day whilst exploring the entire gorge. In fact, you can rent for up to two days if you wish; this will allow you to watch both sunset and sunrise, whilst enjoying the tranquility from your kayak.

Drive the Great Ocean Road

This is a beautifully laid tarmac that stretches over a distance of 151 miles. It is arguably the most picturesque drive in the world – and definitely the best in Australia.  You can hire a car in Melbourne and let yourself loose to enjoy the breathtaking sights, like the incredible rock formation of the Twelve Apostles. There’s also the Angelsea Golf Course, surf spots at Torquay, many kangaroos, and much more.  All these spectacular sights await you on your trip along the Great Ocean Road.

Crocodile Cruise at Port Douglas

This could be the most thrilling adventure you’ll experience in Australia. Starting from Port Douglas, you can take a crocodile cruise along the Daintree River, watching these fearsome, humongous creatures brooding along the river banks and basking in the sunshine. However, the main treat is when guides throw meat in their direction to entice them out of the water. You’ll then watch the crocs in all their glory, jumping out of the the water to clasp their jaws around the food.

Surfing

Even if you’ve had your fair share of surfing during your time in the US, surfing in Australia is a whole new experience. Here, you’ll be shown the different surfing etiquettes, techniques and also get to learn about the various surf boards that are popularly used. After your first couple of efforts, you’ll be shown pictures of you surfing to demonstrate how you can improve next time around. The experience is both exciting and educative at the same time. More importantly, surfing in Australia is competitive, so you’ll get to learn from the best of the best.

Find the Pinnacle Desert

155 miles north of Perth is The Pinnacle Desert, which is home of hundreds of ancient limestone pillars that resemble tombs. It is a mysterious setting and part of the Nambung National Park, bordering the village of Cervantes in Western Australia.

It’s said that the limestones were formed over 30,000 years ago after the Indian Ocean coastal waves eroded the surrounding area, thereby exposing what is now The Pinnacle Desert. The impressive landscape is excellent for taking pictures and spending quality time with family.

Conclusion

Australia has something remarkable for everyone, and if you love adventure, then your prospective move to this country will prove to be a great decision.

4 Boating Tips For A Fun Family Water Adventure

Memories are created as children get older so spending quality time with them is one of the most important things that any parent can do. Spending time with the kiddos also helps you nurture a deeper relationship with them. But what summer fun family activities will get the whole family excited? Enter catamaran boating!

Boating with your family is an excellent way to create those forever memories. Kids that get out on the water will not only connect them with nature, but connect with everyone in the family as well.

To ensure your next family boating adventure is a memorable, safe success, we compiled a list of boating tips just for you and your family.

  1. Safety Is Your Number One Priority

Having the kiddos on the water means having plenty of safety measures in place. The Coast Guard recommends having whistles and bells, a fire extinguisher, and personal flotation devices aboard when boating.

When it comes to kids, it’s ideal to have life jackets that actually fit and appropriate for the person, or child, wearing them. Here’s a pro parent tip: Have life jackets that are comfortable or cool. If your kiddo has an uncomfortable lifejacket, he or she may want to take it off.

You can never be too careful when your kids are aboard, so make safety a priority. You can also have extra floatation devices, life jackets, and a complete first aid kit at the ready.

  1. Have An Exciting Schedule Of Boating Activities

To prevent your kids from getting bored while boating, plan activities that are fun. This will keep the kiddos engaged during the entire day. Here are some suggestions for the fun boating activities:

  •      Fishing gear for adults and kids
  •      Boat slides
  •      Cool flotation devices (think alligator blow up floaty)
  •      Water skiing, wakeboarding, or tubes
  •      Snorkling (depending on location)

You can even have a pirate theme day where you need to search for treasure. Just be sure to have treasure ready to find, otherwise it may be an upsetting end to the day.

  1. Remember Sun Protection And Motion Sickness

This is often an afterthought, but sun protection and motion sickness pills are very important, especially for the kiddos. Proper sun protection prevents your little ones from getting sunburned, which could ruin their day, and yours.

Be sure to put some sunscreen on the kids multiple times throughout the day, to keep them protected after swimming sessions. Try to also create a bit of shade, whether it be hats, sunglasses, or staying under a boat canopy. If you are going the boat rental route, ask for a boat with a canopy so you have a place to hide from the sun when needed.

Your kids may suffer from seasickness once the boat starts to head out to sea, or lake, and this is a normal occurrence. This is common especially for your first time boaters. There’s medication, like Dramamine to the rescue if seasickness strikes.

This usually works for adults too, but it’s best to talk to your doctor to ensure all medication is safe for your kiddos. There are alternative substitutes that are great for kids too, but always consult your doctor.

  1. Do You Have Newborns? Boating Safety For Newborns

Newborns are not really supposed to go boating. This is because there are normally no life jackets that would fit a newborn. Boats, kayaks, fishing boats, sailboats, canoes, and even row boats are off the list for new born babies.

A boat with an open deck is not seen as safe for a newborn, but it does happen. This goes back to the safety issue. If your little bundle of joy can’t be bundled up in a lifejacket, it’s best to skip boating. Life jackets will have size and weight guidelines on them, so be sure to check.

Have you ever seen a baby on a boat in a car seat? This actually happens, but shouldn’t. If a boat flips and a baby is in a car seat, they are essentially strapped to an anchor. If you absolutely must take your newborn or baby boating, keep them out of a car seat and in the arms of mom or dad instead. Never operate a boat and hold a baby at the same time.

It Begins With Parents . . .

Safe and legal boating changes, depending on different aspects, but ultimately, it all begins with parents. Get education on boating safety and get a boating license to ensure you have the knowledge to make your next family boating adventure safe and successful. Be a mentor to your kids while boating as well. Wear life jackets, teach your kiddos boating tips, and make the experience fun.