Spring break isn’t just for college and high school students anymore. More and more families are embracing multi-generational travel, turning this “break from studies” getaway into a time for connection, adventure, and shared experiences. But travelling with both kids and grandparents comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to safety.
How do you keep track of energetic little ones in crowded places? What happens if someone in the family has a medical emergency far from home? The key to a smooth, stress-free vacation isn’t luck—it’s preparation. Here’s how to keep your family safe while making the most of your spring break adventure.
1. Choose a Safe and Family-Friendly Destination
The perfect trip starts with the right destination. A remote jungle escape might be exciting for thrill-seekers, but with young kids and older adults, safety and accessibility should come first. Look for places with good infrastructure, low crime rates, and reliable healthcare nearby.
Resorts and family-friendly hotels often have built-in safety measures, like on-site medical assistance, gated entrances, and kid-friendly activities. If you’re travelling abroad, take a moment to check out the Government of Canada travel advisories page and research how easy it is to access medical care in case of an emergency.
2. Get Travel Insurance for Peace of Mind
No one likes to think about things going wrong on vacation, but accidents and illnesses don’t take time off just because you’re on a trip. Travel insurance ensures that if something unexpected happens—whether it’s a medical emergency, lost luggage, or a trip cancellation and interruption—you won’t be stuck dealing with sky-high expenses.
Make sure you get travel insurance for everyone in your family, from toddlers to grandparents, which includes 24/7 emergency medical assistance—because the last thing you want is to navigate a foreign healthcare system on your own.
For families travelling together, TuGo’s Family & Friends plan offers savings when purchasing a Single Trip or Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical plan. That way, you can focus on making memories, not worrying about what-ifs.
3. Keep Health and Hygiene in Check
Between crowded airports, different climates, and unfamiliar foods, staying healthy while travelling takes a little extra effort. Packing a health kit with prescription meds, fever reducers, motion sickness pills, and hand sanitizer can go a long way in preventing unnecessary stress.
Be mindful of what you eat and drink—stick to bottled water in areas where tap water may not be safe, and be cautious with street food, especially in places where food handling regulations may be lax. And don’t forget to schedule downtime in between activities so both kids and grandparents can recharge.
If you’re concerned about food safety while travelling, check out this blog on avoiding food and drink spiking while away on vacation.
4. Set Clear Safety Rules for the Kids
Travelling with grandkids is an adventure in itself, and in unfamiliar places, it’s important to have some ground rules in place. Before you even leave, have a quick safety chat and go over a few basics:
- Always stay with a designated family member in crowded areas.
- Agree on a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.
- For younger kids, ID bracelets or a note with emergency contact info can be a lifesaver.
5. Be Cautious with Water Activities
Spring break and water adventures go hand in hand, but safety should always come first. Whether you’re at the beach, a lake, a pool, or a water park, keep these precautions in mind:
- Choose beaches with lifeguards on duty.
- Watch out for rip currents and follow local swimming advisories.
- If boating or doing water sports, confirm that safety measures are in place.
A fun day in the water can turn dangerous in seconds, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
6. Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Even with careful planning, things can go wrong. Make sure your family is ready for any situation by:
- Saving emergency contacts in your phone, including local authorities and hospitals.
- Teaching kids how to ask for help in the local language.
- Carrying a portable phone charger so you’re never caught without a way to call for help.
Spring break should be about fun and adventure, but safety should always come first. By planning ahead and taking a few extra precautions, you can focus on making beautiful memories with your grandkids while ensuring everyone stays safe.
For more general safety tips, check out our blog on ways to stay safe while travelling.
What’s your top tip for staying safe while travelling with family? Share it in the comments!
Happy travels,
Monique
