Travel. That word that has been essentially off limits for months, is finally making a soft come back. People are getting more and more comfortable travelling with kids during the pandemic. People are tired of putting their plans on hold and are getting back out there in the safest way possible. Companies and businesses are helping people feel safe by providing the tools and procedures necessary while the vaccine helps us have our travelling armour.
Last month my family decided to take our first trip together. As avid travelers, we had trips booked starting at age 4 months with our son, Leo. But we had to cancel them all because traveling with kids during the pandemic was not something we wanted to do at that time. In all honesty, I was really nervous about travelling last month. But in hindsight I was so glad we went. If you decide to travel with kids during the pandemic, it is important to consider the “what ifs.” And to be prepared.
Firstly.
make sure to check the travel requirements for the country you are entering. We traveled to Mexico, which did not require a COVID-19 test to enter. However, some countries are asking travelers to have this test prior to entering.
Secondly.
Make sure to have a plan B in the case you do test positive for COVID 19. Every type of trip will have their own intricacies. We decided to stay at the Finest Resort in Mexico and were comforted by their website outlining what they offer to guests who test positive for COVID-19. One of the things that gave us comfort, but as a mother, scared me was that they allow you to stay for free in a room for the 10-day quarantine.
I needed to understand more.
So I searched on Facebook and joined the “Fans of Finest Playa Mujeres” Facebook page (Almost all established resorts have this) to find more first-hand information from guests. One guest who was staying in the resort and who tested positive, had posted, and did an update each day. It was difficult to read. I can only imagine the difficulty of staying with toddlers in a room for 10 days. This mother had two kids, and her husband and daughter tested negative. So, they had to make the difficult decision to separate. Reading that made my heart ache as no parent wants to be separated from their kids for 10 days.
But a situation like this called for hard decisions.
I shared this story with my husband and sent him the link to read it, so he went in with his eyes open. We came up with our own “what if” plan and forged ahead.
I am a “What if” person.
I am a what if person so I need to plan for as many foreseeable problems as I can. What if we get sick or if Leo gets pink eye? What if we are locked in our room for 10 days? These thoughts, mixed with travelling with kids during the pandemic made me pack with a different lens. I hope these tips for travelling with kids during the pandemic will be helpful for you too!
1) Pack your medical essentials
I kept an eye on the travel groups for the hotel and one thing that kept coming up was how expensive medication is. Of course, in an emergency, you will do your best to get your child any medication they need. However, the cost of sunscreen, medication and essentials was so high, that I literally opted out of buying sunscreen while I was away. It was $75.00 American just to buy a bottle of sunscreen. At Costco, it would be $10.00. In situations like this, it leads to you considering venturing off the resort – which I wasn’t comfortable doing. So, I packed all of the essentials for foreseeable problems.
A snap shot into my travels medication list is as follows: Gravol, Dayquil/Nyquil/, Polysporin, pink eye drops, swimmers ear drops, Advil, Tylenol (adult and baby), Imodium, Pepcid, Bug Spray and After Bite.
I know that list looks extensive, but honestly we are traveling during a pandemic and the pressure on moms to be prepared is even higher than normal. So, my approach was to be as ready as possible.
2) Rapid tests
Rapid test kits are available to business owners, and I was able to get a pack of ten rapid tests for our trip. I took these with me as a safety blanket. It is important to follow all instructions on how to use them and when to use them, but essentially, I wanted to test myself following our flights and when I returned. I did not want to meet clients without ensuring I had done my due diligence in not spreading COVID-19. It also gave my peace of mind.
3) Bring a shield for younger kids
My doctor said Leo would be open to wearing a mask because kids like to mimic adult behaviour. We have been unsuccessful in that regard. Leo refuses a mask. That made me very nervous to take him through the airport. However, I was able to find this hat with a shield that I bought for him. I saw another boy at Centre Island happily wearing it, so I fiured my son would too. However, he would only wear it while eating cookies. Small wins, picture below to give you an idea of how it works and where you can buy something similar:
4) Bring extra games
One thing that stopped me from getting super excited before we left, was the fear of testing positive and being stuck on the resort confined to a room. Even thinking about that now sends shivers through my body. But, after deciding to go, the only thing you can do, is be prepared for anything. So we brought lots of versatile games. Games that didn’t only serve one purpose but could be used in different ways. One of my favourite games I brought was “Seek a Boo”, available at Squirts Toys in Georgetown (Among a million other amazing toys). I was so grateful for the help the lady at the store gave to me. She clearly knew exactly what to suggest.
5) Bring loads of snacks
The delays you have been hearing about in airports are real. We were stuck on the tarmac leaving Mexico and coming home to Toronto. But we had listened to the news enough that we expected it. So, I bought water bottles, snacks and lunch, prior to getting on the plane. On the plane, I purchased snacks when given the option and hoarded it all in my carry on. My husband is not the biggest fan of plane food (Who is?) so he thought I was a bit crazy. But when we finished our 5-hour flight and then got stuck on the tarmac for 4 hours with an 18-month-old, I was everyone’s hero. Bring the snacks.
6) Pack the tablet with downloaded favorite shows
Last but definitely not least. Bring your own tablet with downloaded shows. On the way to Mexico, we flew Air Canada, and it has beautiful built in TVs. Loads of selection to keep an 18-month-old entertained. But, on the way home, we flew Air Canada Rouge, and it HAD NO TABLETS! We were thankful for our loaded tablet, especially with all the delays. Leo was amazing, but we came prepared, and it really helped.
Take the trip.
Overall, I was incredibly grateful I was able to travel this year. It was so special. We had a blast and Leo fell in love with the beach and ocean. We had time together. Not rushed minutes between work, but real time. I forgot how much I loved travelling. If you feel comfortable doing it, have a safe and overly prepared trip! Let us know if these tips on travelling with kids during the pandemic help you out!
If you aren’t quite ready to travel yet, stay local and check out Cassandra’s Favourite Niagara Wineries
