No matter what your family’s traditions are, the holidays are a time for coming together and celebrating. For many of us, this means travelling with our little ones. However, with the ever-changing travel restrictions due to pandemics, it’s important to take some precautions to ensure a safe and happy holiday season.

Here are a few precautions to pay attention to help make your holiday travel as smooth as possible.

Get familiar with the latest info

Check the latest travel advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local government before you book your trip. Make sure you are aware of any restrictions or recommendations in place for the areas you will be visiting.

Your destination’s website may also have information on local health and safety precautions. They can include things like where to find medical care if needed, what vaccinations are required or recommended, and any other important local health information.

Also, be sure to check with your airline about any travel restrictions they may have in place. This means checking not only the country you are travelling to but also any countries that your flight may stop in along the way.

Get vaccinated and tested

If you are travelling to a country that has a higher risk for certain diseases, not only the Covid-19 one, make sure you are up-to-date on all of your vaccinations. Some vaccines require more than one dose so be sure to check the schedule for the ones you will need.

On the other hand, if you’re travelling somewhere where you’ll need testing for viruses and antibodies, make sure to book the test on time. For example, the metro Denver Covid-19 testing clinic even offers drive-thru tests as a way to make this nuisance as easier and faster as possible. Depending on the test needed, it may take a few hours to get the results for the rapid test, and a few days for PCR.

This option may be the best for you as you don’t have to leave your car and can keep the kids calm and occupied in the backseat.

Purchase open tickets

If you can, purchase open tickets instead of ones that are specific to your travel dates. This will give you some flexibility in case there are any last-minute changes to your travel plans. This way, you won’t have to worry about losing money if something comes up, and you can’t make your flight.

Many travel agencies and airline companies offer this option, and you might not like the extra fee for this option, but it can be worth it in the long run. Imagine, if something comes up, and you have to cancel your trip, or the destination country closes its borders, you can usually get a refund for the tickets that are specific to your travel dates. However, if you don’t have open tickets, it’s much harder to get that money back.

On the other hand, you can also move the dates if that’s a better option for you.

Arrive at the Airport on Time

Make sure to arrive at the airport on time. Due to Covid restrictions, you even have to arrive earlier than recommended. This will help to avoid any last-minute stress and ensure a smooth travel experience, even in times like these. If something does happen, and you’re running late, call the airline as soon as possible. They may be able to work with you to get your boarding pass, but it’s always better to avoid this situation if possible.

Additionally, if you are checking a bag, make sure to do so well in advance of your flight. This will help to avoid any missed flights or long lines at the airport and will leave you enough time for the security checkpoint.

Prepare for the airport tests

Be prepared for the airport tests. Even though they are becoming more common, there is still a good chance that you and your children have not experienced them before. Make sure to go over the rules for these tests with your children in advance, so there are no surprises, and they know what to expect.

These PCR Covid tests are also done quickly, but, if this is the situation, you will have to wait for the results in quarantine, therefore, have this in mind, if you leave this testing for the airport. Of course, make sure to check if there is this option at the airport you’re going to be travelling from, just to avoid any unexpected situations.

Be prepared for potential quarantine

This may be something that you’re not thinking about, but it’s always a possibility, especially if you’re travelling to a high-risk country, or you’re coming from one. Make sure you have all of your necessary documents in order and know what to do if you or a family member does get put into quarantine.

Consider the finances, place, and length of the quarantine and have a plan in case this unfortunate event happens.

Pack snacks and entertainment

Make sure to pack snacks and entertainment for your children. This will help to keep them occupied during the wait at the airport through the potential testing, waiting, and to help to avoid any meltdowns. Children don’t like feeling like they’re in an unknown situation, and by having some of their favourite snacks and things to do with them, you can help to ease their minds.

This is also a good time to remind your children about airport security rules. Most times they’re able to handle this quite well, but it’s always a good idea to go over them again before your trip.

The holidays are a time for families to come together and celebrate, but, due to Covid-19, that may not be possible for everyone. If you can travel, make sure to take the necessary precautions and stay calm while doing so. It will help to set a good example for your children and will make the experience much less stressful for everyone involved.

And remember, staying calm is probably the most important thing that you can do as a mom during the ever-changing travel restrictions.