An informal survey of several dozen parents planning major family trips showed that about half of them did not know whether their children (or themselves) are fully covered for all medical expenses incurred away from home. Many confessed that they have never read their insurance policies, not even the large print. Many were not familiar with penalties […]
Children/Air Travel/Ear infections/Prevention/Treatment
April 12, 2014 by
Should children fly with ear infections and colds? 1. No studies exist to help you make the decision. While saying “no” is prudent, doing so ruins long planned family trips, often unnecessarily. Worse, sometimes it strands families on vacation. The scenario: An infant is cranky and has a fever or an older child complains of […]
Kids/travel/food allergies and sensitivities
May 15, 2013 by
No need to forgo family outings and vacations because your kid(s) are among the millions of children who have food allergies, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome or other food-related problems requiring special diets. While you can’t leave these problems at home, you can leave home with the knowhow to avoid most problems and […]
Cruise ships/Children/Intestinal diseases/Norovirus
April 25, 2012 by
Cruise ships/Children/Intestinal diseases/Norovirus Should the frequent outbreaks of intestinal illnesses aboard cruise ships deter you from taking your family on a vacation at sea? Our thoughts at the end of the article. (This is the second of a three-part series. Our previous posting: Children/Cruise ships/Health and safety. Our next posting: Intestinal diseases/Children/Treatment and preventing spread.) […]
Teenagers Going to Mexico for Spring Break
June 8, 2008 by
Tens of thousands of American teenagers travel to resorts throughout Mexico over Spring Break each year, says the U.S. State Department. While the vast majority enjoys their vacation without incident, several may die, hundreds will be arrested, and still more will make mistakes that could affect them for the rest of their lives. Here are […]
Waterfront Health and Safety
April 25, 2008 by
Forget the historic sites, colorful sunsets, and gourmet meals. Most children prefer swimming and water sports on family vacations. But the recreational water health and safety conditions you find at home don’t travel with you, especially overseas. You become the lifeguard for your children, and the person to evaluate health issues and the safety of […]
Safety and Avoiding Accidents
April 23, 2008 by
In a survey a few years ago, the Consumer Product Safety Commission found at least one safety problem with cribs, pools, and playgrounds in 82% of U.S. hotels randomly chosen for inspection. Overseas the risk of accidents for travelers is greater, especially in developing countries. 1. Think safety. Most accidents are preventable – but only […]
Planning Successful Family Vacations
April 22, 2008 by
Unreasonable parental expectations and poor planning spoil more family vacations than obstinate children. 1. Make your first goal getting away from daily routines. How many miles away or how elaborate your trip is secondary. Life at home is regimented and ruled by the clock. On family vacations, let your hair down. Give children choices. Participate […]
