How to travel (safely) with your kids this holiday season

Last updated on 14th December, 2023 at 11:21 am

Family getaways mean trips packed with adventure, fun and relaxation. But safety is always an essential aspect of any holiday – especially with the kids in tow. Learn how to keep you and your loved ones safe on your trip with these practical tips.

Reading time: 3 minutes    

In this article, you’ll learn:

• How to prepare for an upcoming family holiday.
• Practical tips to keep you and your family safe while travelling.
• How to keep your kids entertained.

Preparing for your trip

Although frequent family holidays are one of the best things you can do with your children, they do need plenty of planning if you want to ensure a safe and successful vacation. Whether you’re travelling by air or road, keep these things in mind:

Plane

Book a direct flight, if you can, to avoid layovers and reserve your seats well in advance. As a Sanlam Reality member, you can save up to 30% off local flights with FlySafair.

Bus

Know the route your bus will take and share it with loved ones, so they know where you’re headed. Have enough data for the trip and keep your phone fully charged – consider bringing a battery bank. If you haven’t booked your trip yet, you get up to 50% off two Intercape Bus tickets annually as a Sanlam Reality Club member.

Uber

Schedule your Uber for your departure time and take note of the driver details. Opt for an Uber X or Black for a more secure ride. Don’t forget to bring your child’s car or booster seat for the trip.

Safety during your trip

You’ve planned everything to a tee, and now it’s time to put your preparations into action and enjoy a safe journey.

Plane

While there’s not much you can do while you’re up in the air, your friends and family on the ground can track your flight route to see when you land. During the flight, keep your seatbelts on when instructed and pay attention to the safety briefings.

Bus

Use geolocation tracking so your friends and family know where you are throughout your trip. Remind your children to stay seated and keep them away from open windows.

Uber

With a range of safety features available right on the app, you’re covered for all incidents with Uber. You can share your location with loved ones using the Share My Ride safety feature; use GPS tracking to see your route mapped out; and notify emergency services straight from the app. If you’re catching an Uber from the airport, you can save up to 30% as a Sanlam Reality member. Find out more here.

Protect your children (and keep them entertained)

Travelling with kids can be a hassle, between the temper tantrums, “Are we there yet?”s and boredom. Keeping them safe and entertained is no easy feat – here are some tricks that might help:

• Explain the safety guidelines to your children
• Always keep a first aid kit on hand
• Use tracking devices, such as family bracelets or AirTags, to keep track of your children
• Pack colouring books, play family car games, or bring books and handheld consoles to keep your kids busy

Looking to save on local accommodation these holidays? As a Sanlam Reality member, you can enjoy up to 30% off holiday bookings with Viya and LekkeSlaap.