Travel Safety with Children
Practical tips for keeping children safe during travel, whether by car, public transport, or on holiday.
What is this?
Travelling with children requires extra planning to address safety risks that differ from the home environment. Whether travelling by car, train, or aeroplane, or staying in unfamiliar accommodation, a little preparation helps keep children safe and reduces stress for the whole family.
How it works
Unfamiliar environments mean children encounter hazards they may not recognise: different road layouts, unguarded water features, balconies, or unfamiliar wildlife. Tiredness and excitement during travel can also reduce a child's usual awareness and compliance with safety rules.
Warning signs
In your child's behaviour
- • Wandering in unfamiliar environments without checking with a parent
- • Ignoring safety rules they usually follow, often due to excitement or tiredness
- • Not knowing key information such as the hotel name or a parent's phone number
Prevention steps
Brief your child before each destination
Before arriving somewhere new, talk through what to expect and any specific safety rules — swimming pool boundaries, balcony rules, meeting points in airports.
Ensure your child carries contact information
Make sure your child knows the name and address of where you are staying, a parent's mobile number, and what to do if separated. A card in their pocket works well for younger children.
Check accommodation for hazards on arrival
When you arrive at any new accommodation, do a quick safety check: balcony locks, window restrictors, pool access, sharp edges, and hot water temperatures.
What to do if it happens
- 1If your child is lost while travelling, alert local staff, security, or police immediately. Having a recent photo on your phone speeds up the process.
- 2If an injury occurs, know the local emergency number and the location of the nearest hospital or medical facility.
- 3Keep all essential documents (passport copies, insurance details, medical information) accessible on your phone in case of emergency.
Related topics
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last reviewed: 2025-06-15