🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 77 (from laksa102)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa077.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/family-travel.html\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/family-travel.html\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/family-travel.html","crawl_time":1776276424,"first_indexed_time":1488977192,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,kidshealth!\/en\/parents\/family-travel.html s443","src_root_hash":"11780170919675751477","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Staying Healthy While You Travel | Nemours KidsHealth","meta_descriptions":["When you're traveling with your kids, there's a chance that someone might get sick. But early planning and smart packing can help ensure your family stays healthy and safe."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"It’s fun to travel. But being away from our usual eating and sleeping routines can make it more likely for someone to get sick. It takes time to adjust to the food, water, and air in a new environment. And kids can be at risk for travel-related problems like motion sickness, diarrhea, and infections.\nEarly planning and smart packing can help you keep your family healthy while traveling. Here are some things to keep in mind.\nWhat Should I Do Before Travel Abroad?\nFor travel abroad, prepare well in advance. For instance, it's important to find out what vaccines your kids (and even you) might need because:\nDifferent countries have different risks and rules that may require specific vaccines. For example, your family will need the yellow fever vaccine if you travel to sub-Saharan Africa or tropical South America, but not to Eastern Europe.\nSome vaccines are given in more than one dose over a period of days or even weeks.\nMost vaccines take time to become effective.\nMost vaccines should be given at least 1 month before travel. So try to schedule a doctor's visit 4–6 weeks before your trip. Even if you're leaving sooner than that, make an appointment, as kids might still benefit from shots or medicines.\nDoctors might recommend that travelers also be vaccinated against:\ntyphoid\nyellow fever\nJapanese B encephalitis\nmeningitis\nrabies\nAll kids get the\nmeasles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine\nat 12–15 months of age. But any who will travel outside the United States before that should get the vaccine as early as 6 months of age.\nAlso, kids of any age can get\nmalaria\n. So if you're traveling to a country with a malaria risk, talk to your doctor about antimalarial drugs. The doctor will decide the best medicine based on your destination and your child's health status.\nAsk your doctor or visit\nthe CDC's website\nfor a list of recommended or required vaccines. Take your child's vaccine records with you if you're traveling internationally. The CDC also has information about travel notices when there are outbreaks of infectious diseases in different parts of the world.\nCommon Travel Troubles\nNo matter how far you're traveling, there are some health issues that your family is likely to face, including jet lag, ear discomfort, travel (or motion) sickness, and\ndiarrhea\n.\nJet Lag\nIf you fly across time zones, it can take time for your internal body clock to catch up with the local time. For example, if your regular bedtime is 9 p.m. and you travel from New York to California, where the time is 3 hours earlier, you may be ready for bed when it is 6 p.m. in California because you've already been up for the usual amount of time and your body is ready to rest. Chances are you'll probably not go to sleep until the local time is 9 p.m., and then you'll be extra tired because your body has been awake for longer than usual.\nJet lag also can cause an upset stomach and even insomnia. Here are some tips for dealing with jet lag:\nTry to adjust your family's sleep schedules 2–3 days before you travel.\nGet plenty of rest before your trip. If possible, sleep on the flight.\nDehydration\ncontributes to the side effects of jet lag so make sure everyone drinks plenty of water during the flight. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages.\nOn a long flight, try to stretch regularly and even walk up and down the aisles when they're clear and it's OK to do so.\nAfter arrival, encourage kids to be active outside or in brightly lit areas during daylight hours.\nTry to follow local time at your destination (for example, try to keep kids awake until their usual bedtime).\nEar Pain\nIt's common for kids to experience\near discomfort\n during a plane's takeoff and landing caused by pressure in the middle ear as it tries to keep up with the quickly changing air pressure. Encourage kids to swallow, yawn, or, if they're old enough, chew gum. It may help infants to nurse or suck on a bottle.\nYou may also want to give your child a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, 30–60 minutes before takeoff or, if it's a long flight, before landing.\nMotion Sickness\nTravel (or motion) sickness is caused by a conflict between the eye and ear: The inner ears detect movement, but the eyes — focused within a car or other vehicle — do not. These mixed signals coming into the brain can cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, paleness, and cold sweats.\nMotion sickness often happens on ships and boats, but it also can affect kids when they travel in planes, buses, and cars. To help deal with travel sickness:\nBefore you leave, have kids eat a light meal or snack, as motion sickness seems worse on an empty stomach. Provide foods that are easily digested, such as complex carbohydrates, and avoid fatty foods.\nTry to avoid eating during short trips. For longer trips, sip drinks and eat light, small meals and snacks.\nIf your child is feeling sick, provide some blander foods, like crackers.\nEncourage kids to look outside the car, rather than inside. They should focus on still objects — not moving ones (like other cars) — or a distant point.\nKeep the window open a little to allow fresh air to circulate.\nUse a headrest to minimize head movement.\nMake frequent stops, if possible, at places like rest stops and parks. And if your child complains of feeling sick and it's safe to stop, a short walk for some fresh air might help.\nAsk your doctor about medicines to prevent travel sickness.\nDiarrhea\nDiarrhea\nand other stomach problems can be common during travel. Often, they're caused by bacteria or other germs entering the digestive tract, usually from contaminated food or water. Diarrhea is especially a problem for young kids and babies, who can become\ndehydrated\nmore quickly than adults.\nWater in many developing countries isn't treated in the same way as water supplies in developed nations and may contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites.\nTo make sure the water is safe:\nConsider drinking only bottled water when traveling.\nUse only purified water for drinking, making ice cubes, brushing teeth, and mixing infant formula and foods.\nIf you use tap water, boil it first or purify it with an iodine tablet.\nOther ways to prevent diarrhea and GI distress:\nIf you're breastfeeding your infant, continue to do so.\nRemind kids to\nwash their hands\nwell and often.\nKeep pacifiers, teething rings, and toys clean.\nKeep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy.\nMake sure all dairy products are pasteurized.\nFresh\nfruits and vegetables\nshould be cooked or washed well and peeled.\nMeats and fish should be well cooked and eaten just after preparation.\nAvoid food from street vendors.\nBe Prepared\nPack any medicines and other medical supplies you and your family use regularly. These could be hard to find at your destination. Don't forget inhalers, allergy medicine, and insulin, if needed.\nOther items you might want to pack:\nover-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever like acetaminophen\na small first-aid kit that includes antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, bandages, and other OTC medications your doctor may recommend\nsunscreen\ninsect repellent (the most effective ones contain DEET)\nwaterless alcohol-based hand rubs for when soap and clean water aren't available\nBefore your trip, find out where the closest hospital or medical care is at your destination, particularly if your child has a chronic health condition.\nIt's also wise to carry a written copy of your child's medical history. Having this available can help health care workers make decisions about care, if needed. And you won't have to worry about forgetting important information at a time when you're likely to be upset.\nA medical history should include:\nyour name, your child's name, your address and home phone number\nyour child's blood type\nvaccine records\nyour doctor's name, address, and office and emergency phone numbers\nthe name, address, and phone number of your health insurance carrier, including your policy number\na list of any ongoing health problems, such as diabetes or asthma\na list of any medicines your child takes and your pharmacy's name and phone number\na list of allergies to medications, food, insects, and animals\na prescription for glasses or contact lenses\nthe name, address, and phone number of a relative other than you\nAnd Don't Forget . . .\nWhile you're away, it's important to take the same health and safety precautions as you do at home:\nProtect yourselves from the spread of germs.\nWash your hands well and often. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Teach your kids to do the same. Avoid contact with people who are sick, and try to stay at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. Use wipes to clean surfaces and objects that people touch a lot.\nSun smarts.\nWatch kids'\nsun exposure\n. UV light is especially intense near the equator, at high altitudes, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and where light is reflected off water or snow. Apply a broad-spectrum\nsunscreen\nof at least SPF 15 every 2 hours, especially after sweating and water exposure. Bring a hat and sunglasses to keep the sun off your child's face. And consider sun-protective clothing.\nWater safety\n.\nIt's vital to watch kids at all times around any body of water. Because water safety devices — such as life jackets and goggles — may not be available at your destination, consider bringing these from home if you're planning to spend time on or near water.\nBuckle up.\nIf you'll rent a car, you might want to bring your child's\ncar seat\nwith you, as well-maintained and approved seats might not be available abroad. Kids weighing less than 40 pounds should be properly restrained in a car seat. Infants and toddlers should ride rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight and height limits recommended by the seat's manufacturer. Kids who have outgrown their forward-facing car seat (usually when they're between 4 and about 8 years old, but weight and height limits vary) should use a belt-positioning\nbooster seat\n.\nThis planning can help make sure that when the time comes, all you'll have left to do is relax and enjoy your vacation!","attrs_markdown":"[\\[Skip to Content\\]](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/family-travel.html#thelou)\n\nFind care at   [Nemours Children's Health](https:\/\/www.nemours.org\/?external_id=RE2350835010600)  [Doctors](https:\/\/www.nemours.org\/find-a-doctor.html?external_id=RE2350835010600)  [Locations](https:\/\/www.nemours.org\/locations.html?external_id=RE2350835010600)\n\n[![Nemours KidsHealth](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/content\/dam\/kh-reskin\/nemours-kidshealth-logo.svg)](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/)\n\n[Sign Up](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/milestones-newsletter.html)\n\n- For Parents\n- For Kids\n- For Teens\n- For Educators\n\nSearch\n\nMenu\n\n[![Nemours KidsHealth](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/content\/dam\/kh-reskin\/nemours-kidshealth-logo.svg)](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/)\n\nClose Menu\n\n- For Parents\n- For Kids\n- For Teens\n- For Educators\n- ##### MILESTONES NEWSLETTER\n  Subscribe for trustworthy health information delivered directly to your inbox\n  \n  [Sign Up](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/milestones-newsletter.html)\n\nBack\n\nFeatured Topics\n\nFor Parents\n\n- [Sitio para padres](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/es\/parents\/)\n- [Parents Home](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/)\n- [General Health](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/general\/)\n- [Growth & Development](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/growth\/)\n- [Infections](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/infections\/)\n- [Diseases & Conditions](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/medical\/)\n- [Pregnancy & Baby](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/pregnancy-newborn\/)\n- [Nutrition & Fitness](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/nutrition-center\/)\n- [Emotions & Behavior](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/emotions\/)\n- [School & Family Life](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/positive\/)\n- [First Aid & Safety](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/firstaid-safe\/)\n- [Doctors & Hospitals](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/system\/)\n- [Videos](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/videos\/)\n- [Expert Answers (Q\\&A)](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/question\/)\n- [All Categories](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/all-categories.html)\n- [All Wellness Centers](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/centers\/center.html)\n\n[![](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/content\/dam\/kh-reskin\/menu-promo-kid-30th.png) Nemours KidsHealth® Is Celebrating! We've been providing trusted health information for 30 years. Learn More](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/celebrating-30-years.html)\n\n- [Parents Home](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/)\n- [Sitio para padres](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/es\/parents\/)\n- [All Categories](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/all-categories.html)\n- [All Wellness Centers](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/centers\/center.html)\n\nBack\n\nFeatured Topics\n\nFor Kids\n\n- [Sitio para niños](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/es\/kids\/)\n- [Kids Home](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/)\n- [How the Body Works](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/center\/htbw-main-page.html)\n- [Puberty & Growing Up](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/grow\/)\n- [Staying Healthy](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/stay-healthy\/)\n- [Staying Safe](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/watch\/)\n- [Dictionary](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/word\/)\n- [Health Problems](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/health-problems\/)\n- [Illnesses & Injuries](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/ill-injure\/)\n- [Relax & Unwind](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/center\/relax-center.html)\n- [People, Places & Things That Help](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/feel-better\/)\n- [Feelings](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/feeling\/)\n- [Expert Answers (Q\\&A)](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/talk\/)\n- [Videos](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/videos\/)\n- [All Categories](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/all-categories.html)\n- [All Wellness Centers](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/centers\/center.html)\n\n[![](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/content\/dam\/kh-reskin\/menu-promo-kid-30th.png) Nemours KidsHealth® Is Celebrating! We've been providing trusted health information for 30 years. Learn More](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/celebrating-30-years.html)\n\n- [Kids Home](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/)\n- [Sitio para niños](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/es\/kids\/)\n- [All Categories](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/all-categories.html)\n- [All Wellness Centers](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/centers\/center.html)\n\nBack\n\nFeatured Topics\n\nFor Teens\n\n- [Sitio para adolescentes](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/es\/teens\/)\n- [Teens Home](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/)\n- [Body](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/your-body\/)\n- [Mind](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/your-mind\/)\n- [Sexual Health](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/sexual-health\/)\n- [Food & Fitness](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/food-fitness\/)\n- [Diseases & Conditions](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/diseases-conditions\/)\n- [Infections](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/infections\/)\n- [Drugs & Alcohol](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/drug-alcohol\/)\n- [School & Jobs](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/school-jobs\/)\n- [Sports](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/sports-center\/)\n- [Expert Answers (Q\\&A)](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/expert\/)\n- [Staying Safe](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/safety\/)\n- [Videos](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/videos\/)\n- [All Categories](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/all-categories.html)\n- [All Wellness Centers](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/centers\/center.html)\n\n[![](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/content\/dam\/kh-reskin\/menu-promo-kid-30th.png) Nemours KidsHealth® Is Celebrating! We've been providing trusted health information for 30 years. Learn More](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/celebrating-30-years.html)\n\n- [Teens Home](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/)\n- [Sitio para adolescentes](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/es\/teens\/)\n- [All Categories](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/all-categories.html)\n- [All Wellness Centers](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/centers\/center.html)\n\n- [KidsHealth](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/)\n- [Parents](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/)\n- Staying Healthy While You Travel\n# Staying Healthy While You Travel\nen español: [Mantenerse sanos mientras viajan en familia](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/es\/parents\/family-travel.html)\n\nMedically reviewed by: [KidsHealth Medical ExpertsThis link opens in a new tab](https:\/\/www.nemours.org\/about\/kidshealth-medical-editors.html)\n\n[Learn About Primary Care Pediatrics at Nemours Children's HealthThis link opens in a new tab](https:\/\/www.nemours.org\/locations\/primary-care.html)\n\n- [Listen](https:\/\/app-na.readspeaker.com\/cgi-bin\/rsent?customerid=5202&lang=en_us&readid=khcontent_article&url=kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/family-travel.html \"Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker\")\n  \n  Play\n  \n  Stop\n  \n  Volume\n  \n  [mp3](https:\/\/app-na.readspeaker.com\/cgi-bin\/rsent?customerid=5202&lang=en_us&readid=khcontent_article&url=kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/family-travel.html&audiofilename=KidsHealth_&save=1 \"mp3\")\n  \n  Settings\n  \n  Close Player\n- Larger text size\n  \n  Large text size\n  \n  Regular text size\n- [Print]()\n\nIt’s fun to travel. But being away from our usual eating and sleeping routines can make it more likely for someone to get sick. It takes time to adjust to the food, water, and air in a new environment. And kids can be at risk for travel-related problems like motion sickness, diarrhea, and infections.\n\nEarly planning and smart packing can help you keep your family healthy while traveling. Here are some things to keep in mind.\n\n### What Should I Do Before Travel Abroad?\nFor travel abroad, prepare well in advance. For instance, it's important to find out what vaccines your kids (and even you) might need because:\n\n- Different countries have different risks and rules that may require specific vaccines. For example, your family will need the yellow fever vaccine if you travel to sub-Saharan Africa or tropical South America, but not to Eastern Europe.\n- Some vaccines are given in more than one dose over a period of days or even weeks.\n- Most vaccines take time to become effective.\n\nMost vaccines should be given at least 1 month before travel. So try to schedule a doctor's visit 4–6 weeks before your trip. Even if you're leaving sooner than that, make an appointment, as kids might still benefit from shots or medicines.\n\nDoctors might recommend that travelers also be vaccinated against:\n\n- [typhoid](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/typhoid.html)\n- yellow fever\n- Japanese B encephalitis\n- [meningitis](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/meningitis.html)\n- [rabies](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/rabies.html)\n\nAll kids get the [measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/mmr-vaccine.html) at 12–15 months of age. But any who will travel outside the United States before that should get the vaccine as early as 6 months of age.\n\nAlso, kids of any age can get [malaria](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/malaria.html). So if you're traveling to a country with a malaria risk, talk to your doctor about antimalarial drugs. The doctor will decide the best medicine based on your destination and your child's health status.\n\nAsk your doctor or visit [the CDC's website](https:\/\/wwwnc.cdc.gov\/travel) for a list of recommended or required vaccines. Take your child's vaccine records with you if you're traveling internationally. The CDC also has information about travel notices when there are outbreaks of infectious diseases in different parts of the world.\n\n### Common Travel Troubles\nNo matter how far you're traveling, there are some health issues that your family is likely to face, including jet lag, ear discomfort, travel (or motion) sickness, and [diarrhea](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/diarrhea.html).\n\n### Jet Lag\nIf you fly across time zones, it can take time for your internal body clock to catch up with the local time. For example, if your regular bedtime is 9 p.m. and you travel from New York to California, where the time is 3 hours earlier, you may be ready for bed when it is 6 p.m. in California because you've already been up for the usual amount of time and your body is ready to rest. Chances are you'll probably not go to sleep until the local time is 9 p.m., and then you'll be extra tired because your body has been awake for longer than usual.\n\nJet lag also can cause an upset stomach and even insomnia. Here are some tips for dealing with jet lag:\n\n- Try to adjust your family's sleep schedules 2–3 days before you travel.\n- Get plenty of rest before your trip. If possible, sleep on the flight.\n- [Dehydration](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/dehydration.html) contributes to the side effects of jet lag so make sure everyone drinks plenty of water during the flight. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages.\n- On a long flight, try to stretch regularly and even walk up and down the aisles when they're clear and it's OK to do so.\n- After arrival, encourage kids to be active outside or in brightly lit areas during daylight hours.\n- Try to follow local time at your destination (for example, try to keep kids awake until their usual bedtime).\n### Ear Pain\nIt's common for kids to experience [ear discomfort](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/flying-ears.html) during a plane's takeoff and landing caused by pressure in the middle ear as it tries to keep up with the quickly changing air pressure. Encourage kids to swallow, yawn, or, if they're old enough, chew gum. It may help infants to nurse or suck on a bottle.\n\nYou may also want to give your child a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, 30–60 minutes before takeoff or, if it's a long flight, before landing.\n\n### Motion Sickness\nTravel (or motion) sickness is caused by a conflict between the eye and ear: The inner ears detect movement, but the eyes — focused within a car or other vehicle — do not. These mixed signals coming into the brain can cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, paleness, and cold sweats.\n\nMotion sickness often happens on ships and boats, but it also can affect kids when they travel in planes, buses, and cars. To help deal with travel sickness:\n\n- Before you leave, have kids eat a light meal or snack, as motion sickness seems worse on an empty stomach. Provide foods that are easily digested, such as complex carbohydrates, and avoid fatty foods.\n- Try to avoid eating during short trips. For longer trips, sip drinks and eat light, small meals and snacks.\n- If your child is feeling sick, provide some blander foods, like crackers.\n- Encourage kids to look outside the car, rather than inside. They should focus on still objects — not moving ones (like other cars) — or a distant point.\n- Keep the window open a little to allow fresh air to circulate.\n- Use a headrest to minimize head movement.\n- Make frequent stops, if possible, at places like rest stops and parks. And if your child complains of feeling sick and it's safe to stop, a short walk for some fresh air might help.\n- Ask your doctor about medicines to prevent travel sickness.\n### Diarrhea\n[Diarrhea](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/diarrhea.html) and other stomach problems can be common during travel. Often, they're caused by bacteria or other germs entering the digestive tract, usually from contaminated food or water. Diarrhea is especially a problem for young kids and babies, who can become [dehydrated](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/dehydration.html) more quickly than adults.\n\nWater in many developing countries isn't treated in the same way as water supplies in developed nations and may contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites.\n\nTo make sure the water is safe:\n\n- Consider drinking only bottled water when traveling.\n- Use only purified water for drinking, making ice cubes, brushing teeth, and mixing infant formula and foods.\n- If you use tap water, boil it first or purify it with an iodine tablet.\n\nOther ways to prevent diarrhea and GI distress:\n\n- If you're breastfeeding your infant, continue to do so.\n- Remind kids to [wash their hands](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/hand-washing.html) well and often.\n- Keep pacifiers, teething rings, and toys clean.\n- Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy.\n- Make sure all dairy products are pasteurized.\n- Fresh [fruits and vegetables](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/safe-veggies.html) should be cooked or washed well and peeled.\n- Meats and fish should be well cooked and eaten just after preparation.\n- Avoid food from street vendors.\n### Be Prepared\nPack any medicines and other medical supplies you and your family use regularly. These could be hard to find at your destination. Don't forget inhalers, allergy medicine, and insulin, if needed.\n\nOther items you might want to pack:\n\n- over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever like acetaminophen\n- a small first-aid kit that includes antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, bandages, and other OTC medications your doctor may recommend\n- sunscreen\n- insect repellent (the most effective ones contain DEET)\n- waterless alcohol-based hand rubs for when soap and clean water aren't available\n\nBefore your trip, find out where the closest hospital or medical care is at your destination, particularly if your child has a chronic health condition.\n\nIt's also wise to carry a written copy of your child's medical history. Having this available can help health care workers make decisions about care, if needed. And you won't have to worry about forgetting important information at a time when you're likely to be upset.\n\nA medical history should include:\n\n- your name, your child's name, your address and home phone number\n- your child's blood type\n- vaccine records\n- your doctor's name, address, and office and emergency phone numbers\n- the name, address, and phone number of your health insurance carrier, including your policy number\n- a list of any ongoing health problems, such as diabetes or asthma\n- a list of any medicines your child takes and your pharmacy's name and phone number\n- a list of allergies to medications, food, insects, and animals\n- a prescription for glasses or contact lenses\n- the name, address, and phone number of a relative other than you\n### And Don't Forget . . .\nWhile you're away, it's important to take the same health and safety precautions as you do at home:\n\n- **Protect yourselves from the spread of germs.** Wash your hands well and often. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Teach your kids to do the same. Avoid contact with people who are sick, and try to stay at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. Use wipes to clean surfaces and objects that people touch a lot.\n- **Sun smarts.** Watch kids' [sun exposure](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/sun-safety.html). UV light is especially intense near the equator, at high altitudes, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and where light is reflected off water or snow. Apply a broad-spectrum [sunscreen](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/sunscreen.html) of at least SPF 15 every 2 hours, especially after sweating and water exposure. Bring a hat and sunglasses to keep the sun off your child's face. And consider sun-protective clothing.\n- **[Water safety](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/water-safety.html).** It's vital to watch kids at all times around any body of water. Because water safety devices — such as life jackets and goggles — may not be available at your destination, consider bringing these from home if you're planning to spend time on or near water.\n- **Buckle up.** If you'll rent a car, you might want to bring your child's [car seat](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/auto-baby-toddler.html) with you, as well-maintained and approved seats might not be available abroad. Kids weighing less than 40 pounds should be properly restrained in a car seat. Infants and toddlers should ride rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight and height limits recommended by the seat's manufacturer. Kids who have outgrown their forward-facing car seat (usually when they're between 4 and about 8 years old, but weight and height limits vary) should use a belt-positioning [booster seat](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/auto-prek-bigkid.html).\n\nThis planning can help make sure that when the time comes, all you'll have left to do is relax and enjoy your vacation\\!\n\n**Medically reviewed by:** [KidsHealth Medical ExpertsThis link opens in a new tab](https:\/\/www.nemours.org\/about\/kidshealth-medical-editors.html)\n\nDate reviewed: January 2021\n\n## More on this topic for:\n- Parents\n- Kids\n- Teens\n\n## More on this topic For Parents\n- [Typhoid Fever](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/typhoid.html)\n- [Traveling With Asthma](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/travel-asthma.html)\n- [Cholera](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/cholera.html)\n- [Dengue Fever](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/dengue.html)\n- [Ebola](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/ebola.html)\n- [Do Kids Need Vaccines Before Traveling?](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/travel-vaccinations.html)\n- [Flying and Your Child's Ears](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/flying-ears.html)\n- [Road Trip Boredom Busters](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/road-trip.html)\n- [Hand Washing: Why It's So Important](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/hand-washing.html)\n\n## More on this topic For Kids\n- [What's Yellow Fever?](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/yellow-fever.html)\n- [Traveling and Asthma](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/travel-asthma.html)\n- [Road Trip Fun](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/road-trip.html)\n\n## More on this topic For Teens\n- [Traveling and Asthma](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/travel-asthma.html)\n- [Food Allergies and Travel](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/travel-allergies.html)\n- [Road Tripping](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/road-trip.html)\n\nView more\n\nShare:\n\n- Share to Facebook\n- Share to Twitter\n- Share to Pinterest\n\n## RELATED CATEGORIES\n- [Family Life](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/positive\/family.html)\n- [Safety Away From Home](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/firstaid-safe\/travel.html)\n\n\/content\/kidshealth\/misc\/medicalcodes\/parents\/articles\/family-travel\n\n##### Who We Are\n- [About Us](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/about.html)\n\n##### Working With Us\n- [Partners](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/partners.html)\n- [Editorial Policy](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/editorial-policy.html)\n- [Permissions Guidelines](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/permissions-guidelines.html)\n- [Media Requests This link opens in a new tab](https:\/\/nemours.mediaroom.com\/journalist-resources)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/general-information\/contact-us)\n\n##### Legal & Privacy\n- [Privacy Policy & Terms of Use](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/policy.html)\n- [Notice of Nondiscrimination](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/nondiscrimination.html)\n\n##### All Categories\n- [For Parents](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/all-categories.html)\n- [For Kids](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/all-categories.html)\n- [For Teens](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/all-categories.html)\n##### Wellness Centers\n- [For Parents](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/centers\/center.html)\n- [For Kids](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/centers\/center.html)\n- [For Teens](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/centers\/center.html)\n\n- [![Nemours KidsHealth on Facebook](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/content\/dam\/kh-reskin\/iconFacebookWhite.svg)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/nemourskidshealth\/)\n- [![Nemours KidsHealth on X](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/content\/dam\/kh-reskin\/iconTwitterWhite.svg)](https:\/\/x.com\/nemours)\n- [![Nemours KidsHealth on YouTube](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/content\/dam\/kh-reskin\/iconYoutubeWhite.svg)](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@NemoursKidsHealth)\n\n[![Nemours](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/content\/dam\/kidshealth\/logo-nemours_KidsHealth.svg)](https:\/\/www.nemours.org\/?external_id=RE2350803010600)\n\nNote: All information on Nemours KidsHealth® is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2026. The Nemours Foundation. Nemours Children's Health®, Nemours KidsHealth®, KidsHealth®, and Well Beyond Medicine® are registered trademarks of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved. Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.","attrs_readable_markdown":"It’s fun to travel. But being away from our usual eating and sleeping routines can make it more likely for someone to get sick. It takes time to adjust to the food, water, and air in a new environment. And kids can be at risk for travel-related problems like motion sickness, diarrhea, and infections.\n\nEarly planning and smart packing can help you keep your family healthy while traveling. Here are some things to keep in mind.\n\n### What Should I Do Before Travel Abroad?\nFor travel abroad, prepare well in advance. For instance, it's important to find out what vaccines your kids (and even you) might need because:\n\n- Different countries have different risks and rules that may require specific vaccines. For example, your family will need the yellow fever vaccine if you travel to sub-Saharan Africa or tropical South America, but not to Eastern Europe.\n- Some vaccines are given in more than one dose over a period of days or even weeks.\n- Most vaccines take time to become effective.\n\nMost vaccines should be given at least 1 month before travel. So try to schedule a doctor's visit 4–6 weeks before your trip. Even if you're leaving sooner than that, make an appointment, as kids might still benefit from shots or medicines.\n\nDoctors might recommend that travelers also be vaccinated against:\n\n- [typhoid](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/typhoid.html)\n- yellow fever\n- Japanese B encephalitis\n- [meningitis](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/meningitis.html)\n- [rabies](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/rabies.html)\n\nAll kids get the [measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/mmr-vaccine.html) at 12–15 months of age. But any who will travel outside the United States before that should get the vaccine as early as 6 months of age.\n\nAlso, kids of any age can get [malaria](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/malaria.html). So if you're traveling to a country with a malaria risk, talk to your doctor about antimalarial drugs. The doctor will decide the best medicine based on your destination and your child's health status.\n\nAsk your doctor or visit [the CDC's website](https:\/\/wwwnc.cdc.gov\/travel) for a list of recommended or required vaccines. Take your child's vaccine records with you if you're traveling internationally. The CDC also has information about travel notices when there are outbreaks of infectious diseases in different parts of the world.\n\n### Common Travel Troubles\nNo matter how far you're traveling, there are some health issues that your family is likely to face, including jet lag, ear discomfort, travel (or motion) sickness, and [diarrhea](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/diarrhea.html).\n\n### Jet Lag\nIf you fly across time zones, it can take time for your internal body clock to catch up with the local time. For example, if your regular bedtime is 9 p.m. and you travel from New York to California, where the time is 3 hours earlier, you may be ready for bed when it is 6 p.m. in California because you've already been up for the usual amount of time and your body is ready to rest. Chances are you'll probably not go to sleep until the local time is 9 p.m., and then you'll be extra tired because your body has been awake for longer than usual.\n\nJet lag also can cause an upset stomach and even insomnia. Here are some tips for dealing with jet lag:\n\n- Try to adjust your family's sleep schedules 2–3 days before you travel.\n- Get plenty of rest before your trip. If possible, sleep on the flight.\n- [Dehydration](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/dehydration.html) contributes to the side effects of jet lag so make sure everyone drinks plenty of water during the flight. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages.\n- On a long flight, try to stretch regularly and even walk up and down the aisles when they're clear and it's OK to do so.\n- After arrival, encourage kids to be active outside or in brightly lit areas during daylight hours.\n- Try to follow local time at your destination (for example, try to keep kids awake until their usual bedtime).\n### Ear Pain\nIt's common for kids to experience [ear discomfort](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/flying-ears.html) during a plane's takeoff and landing caused by pressure in the middle ear as it tries to keep up with the quickly changing air pressure. Encourage kids to swallow, yawn, or, if they're old enough, chew gum. It may help infants to nurse or suck on a bottle.\n\nYou may also want to give your child a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, 30–60 minutes before takeoff or, if it's a long flight, before landing.\n\n### Motion Sickness\nTravel (or motion) sickness is caused by a conflict between the eye and ear: The inner ears detect movement, but the eyes — focused within a car or other vehicle — do not. These mixed signals coming into the brain can cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, paleness, and cold sweats.\n\nMotion sickness often happens on ships and boats, but it also can affect kids when they travel in planes, buses, and cars. To help deal with travel sickness:\n\n- Before you leave, have kids eat a light meal or snack, as motion sickness seems worse on an empty stomach. Provide foods that are easily digested, such as complex carbohydrates, and avoid fatty foods.\n- Try to avoid eating during short trips. For longer trips, sip drinks and eat light, small meals and snacks.\n- If your child is feeling sick, provide some blander foods, like crackers.\n- Encourage kids to look outside the car, rather than inside. They should focus on still objects — not moving ones (like other cars) — or a distant point.\n- Keep the window open a little to allow fresh air to circulate.\n- Use a headrest to minimize head movement.\n- Make frequent stops, if possible, at places like rest stops and parks. And if your child complains of feeling sick and it's safe to stop, a short walk for some fresh air might help.\n- Ask your doctor about medicines to prevent travel sickness.\n### Diarrhea\n[Diarrhea](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/diarrhea.html) and other stomach problems can be common during travel. Often, they're caused by bacteria or other germs entering the digestive tract, usually from contaminated food or water. Diarrhea is especially a problem for young kids and babies, who can become [dehydrated](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/dehydration.html) more quickly than adults.\n\nWater in many developing countries isn't treated in the same way as water supplies in developed nations and may contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites.\n\nTo make sure the water is safe:\n\n- Consider drinking only bottled water when traveling.\n- Use only purified water for drinking, making ice cubes, brushing teeth, and mixing infant formula and foods.\n- If you use tap water, boil it first or purify it with an iodine tablet.\n\nOther ways to prevent diarrhea and GI distress:\n\n- If you're breastfeeding your infant, continue to do so.\n- Remind kids to [wash their hands](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/hand-washing.html) well and often.\n- Keep pacifiers, teething rings, and toys clean.\n- Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy.\n- Make sure all dairy products are pasteurized.\n- Fresh [fruits and vegetables](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/safe-veggies.html) should be cooked or washed well and peeled.\n- Meats and fish should be well cooked and eaten just after preparation.\n- Avoid food from street vendors.\n### Be Prepared\nPack any medicines and other medical supplies you and your family use regularly. These could be hard to find at your destination. Don't forget inhalers, allergy medicine, and insulin, if needed.\n\nOther items you might want to pack:\n\n- over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever like acetaminophen\n- a small first-aid kit that includes antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, bandages, and other OTC medications your doctor may recommend\n- sunscreen\n- insect repellent (the most effective ones contain DEET)\n- waterless alcohol-based hand rubs for when soap and clean water aren't available\n\nBefore your trip, find out where the closest hospital or medical care is at your destination, particularly if your child has a chronic health condition.\n\nIt's also wise to carry a written copy of your child's medical history. Having this available can help health care workers make decisions about care, if needed. And you won't have to worry about forgetting important information at a time when you're likely to be upset.\n\nA medical history should include:\n\n- your name, your child's name, your address and home phone number\n- your child's blood type\n- vaccine records\n- your doctor's name, address, and office and emergency phone numbers\n- the name, address, and phone number of your health insurance carrier, including your policy number\n- a list of any ongoing health problems, such as diabetes or asthma\n- a list of any medicines your child takes and your pharmacy's name and phone number\n- a list of allergies to medications, food, insects, and animals\n- a prescription for glasses or contact lenses\n- the name, address, and phone number of a relative other than you\n### And Don't Forget . . .\nWhile you're away, it's important to take the same health and safety precautions as you do at home:\n\n- **Protect yourselves from the spread of germs.** Wash your hands well and often. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Teach your kids to do the same. Avoid contact with people who are sick, and try to stay at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. Use wipes to clean surfaces and objects that people touch a lot.\n- **Sun smarts.** Watch kids' [sun exposure](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/sun-safety.html). UV light is especially intense near the equator, at high altitudes, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and where light is reflected off water or snow. Apply a broad-spectrum [sunscreen](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/sunscreen.html) of at least SPF 15 every 2 hours, especially after sweating and water exposure. Bring a hat and sunglasses to keep the sun off your child's face. And consider sun-protective clothing.\n- **[Water safety](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/water-safety.html).** It's vital to watch kids at all times around any body of water. Because water safety devices — such as life jackets and goggles — may not be available at your destination, consider bringing these from home if you're planning to spend time on or near water.\n- **Buckle up.** If you'll rent a car, you might want to bring your child's [car seat](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/auto-baby-toddler.html) with you, as well-maintained and approved seats might not be available abroad. Kids weighing less than 40 pounds should be properly restrained in a car seat. Infants and toddlers should ride rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight and height limits recommended by the seat's manufacturer. Kids who have outgrown their forward-facing car seat (usually when they're between 4 and about 8 years old, but weight and height limits vary) should use a belt-positioning [booster seat](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/auto-prek-bigkid.html).\n\nThis planning can help make sure that when the time comes, all you'll have left to do is relax and enjoy your vacation\\!","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	It’s fun to travel. But being away from our usual eating and sleeping routines can make it more likely for someone to get sick. It takes time to adjust to the food, water, and air in a new environment. And kids can be at risk for travel-related problems like motion sickness, diarrhea, and infections. Early planning and smart packing can help you keep your family healthy while traveling. Here are some things to keep in mind. What Should I Do Before Travel Abroad? For travel abroad, prepare well in advance. For instance, it's important to find out what vaccines your kids (and even you) might need because: Different countries have different risks and rules that may require specific vaccines. For example, your family will need the yellow fever vaccine if you travel to sub-Saharan Africa or tropical South America, but not to Eastern Europe. Some vaccines are given in more than one dose over a period of days or even weeks. Most vaccines take time to become effective. Most vaccines should be given at least 1 month before travel. So try to schedule a doctor's visit 4–6 weeks before your trip. Even if you're leaving sooner than that, make an appointment, as kids might still benefit from shots or medicines. Doctors might recommend that travelers also be vaccinated against: typhoid yellow fever Japanese B encephalitis meningitis rabies All kids get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12–15 months of age. But any who will travel outside the United States before that should get the vaccine as early as 6 months of age. Also, kids of any age can get malaria . So if you're traveling to a country with a malaria risk, talk to your doctor about antimalarial drugs. The doctor will decide the best medicine based on your destination and your child's health status. Ask your doctor or visit the CDC's website for a list of recommended or required vaccines. Take your child's vaccine records with you if you're traveling internationally. The CDC also has information about travel notices when there are outbreaks of infectious diseases in different parts of the world. Common Travel Troubles No matter how far you're traveling, there are some health issues that your family is likely to face, including jet lag, ear discomfort, travel (or motion) sickness, and diarrhea . Jet Lag If you fly across time zones, it can take time for your internal body clock to catch up with the local time. For example, if your regular bedtime is 9 p.m. and you travel from New York to California, where the time is 3 hours earlier, you may be ready for bed when it is 6 p.m. in California because you've already been up for the usual amount of time and your body is ready to rest. Chances are you'll probably not go to sleep until the local time is 9 p.m., and then you'll be extra tired because your body has been awake for longer than usual. Jet lag also can cause an upset stomach and even insomnia. Here are some tips for dealing with jet lag: Try to adjust your family's sleep schedules 2–3 days before you travel. Get plenty of rest before your trip. If possible, sleep on the flight. Dehydration contributes to the side effects of jet lag so make sure everyone drinks plenty of water during the flight. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages. On a long flight, try to stretch regularly and even walk up and down the aisles when they're clear and it's OK to do so. After arrival, encourage kids to be active outside or in brightly lit areas during daylight hours. Try to follow local time at your destination (for example, try to keep kids awake until their usual bedtime). Ear Pain It's common for kids to experience ear discomfort during a plane's takeoff and landing caused by pressure in the middle ear as it tries to keep up with the quickly changing air pressure. Encourage kids to swallow, yawn, or, if they're old enough, chew gum. It may help infants to nurse or suck on a bottle. You may also want to give your child a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, 30–60 minutes before takeoff or, if it's a long flight, before landing. Motion Sickness Travel (or motion) sickness is caused by a conflict between the eye and ear: The inner ears detect movement, but the eyes — focused within a car or other vehicle — do not. These mixed signals coming into the brain can cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, paleness, and cold sweats. Motion sickness often happens on ships and boats, but it also can affect kids when they travel in planes, buses, and cars. To help deal with travel sickness: Before you leave, have kids eat a light meal or snack, as motion sickness seems worse on an empty stomach. Provide foods that are easily digested, such as complex carbohydrates, and avoid fatty foods. Try to avoid eating during short trips. For longer trips, sip drinks and eat light, small meals and snacks. If your child is feeling sick, provide some blander foods, like crackers. Encourage kids to look outside the car, rather than inside. They should focus on still objects — not moving ones (like other cars) — or a distant point. Keep the window open a little to allow fresh air to circulate. Use a headrest to minimize head movement. Make frequent stops, if possible, at places like rest stops and parks. And if your child complains of feeling sick and it's safe to stop, a short walk for some fresh air might help. Ask your doctor about medicines to prevent travel sickness. Diarrhea Diarrhea and other stomach problems can be common during travel. Often, they're caused by bacteria or other germs entering the digestive tract, usually from contaminated food or water. Diarrhea is especially a problem for young kids and babies, who can become dehydrated more quickly than adults. Water in many developing countries isn't treated in the same way as water supplies in developed nations and may contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites. To make sure the water is safe: Consider drinking only bottled water when traveling. Use only purified water for drinking, making ice cubes, brushing teeth, and mixing infant formula and foods. If you use tap water, boil it first or purify it with an iodine tablet. Other ways to prevent diarrhea and GI distress: If you're breastfeeding your infant, continue to do so. Remind kids to wash their hands well and often. Keep pacifiers, teething rings, and toys clean. Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy. Make sure all dairy products are pasteurized. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be cooked or washed well and peeled. Meats and fish should be well cooked and eaten just after preparation. Avoid food from street vendors. Be Prepared Pack any medicines and other medical supplies you and your family use regularly. These could be hard to find at your destination. Don't forget inhalers, allergy medicine, and insulin, if needed. Other items you might want to pack: over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever like acetaminophen a small first-aid kit that includes antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, bandages, and other OTC medications your doctor may recommend sunscreen insect repellent (the most effective ones contain DEET) waterless alcohol-based hand rubs for when soap and clean water aren't available Before your trip, find out where the closest hospital or medical care is at your destination, particularly if your child has a chronic health condition. It's also wise to carry a written copy of your child's medical history. Having this available can help health care workers make decisions about care, if needed. And you won't have to worry about forgetting important information at a time when you're likely to be upset. A medical history should include: your name, your child's name, your address and home phone number your child's blood type vaccine records your doctor's name, address, and office and emergency phone numbers the name, address, and phone number of your health insurance carrier, including your policy number a list of any ongoing health problems, such as diabetes or asthma a list of any medicines your child takes and your pharmacy's name and phone number a list of allergies to medications, food, insects, and animals a prescription for glasses or contact lenses the name, address, and phone number of a relative other than you And Don't Forget . . . While you're away, it's important to take the same health and safety precautions as you do at home: Protect yourselves from the spread of germs. Wash your hands well and often. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Teach your kids to do the same. Avoid contact with people who are sick, and try to stay at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. Use wipes to clean surfaces and objects that people touch a lot. Sun smarts. Watch kids' sun exposure . UV light is especially intense near the equator, at high altitudes, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and where light is reflected off water or snow. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 every 2 hours, especially after sweating and water exposure. Bring a hat and sunglasses to keep the sun off your child's face. And consider sun-protective clothing. Water safety . It's vital to watch kids at all times around any body of water. Because water safety devices — such as life jackets and goggles — may not be available at your destination, consider bringing these from home if you're planning to spend time on or near water. Buckle up. If you'll rent a car, you might want to bring your child's car seat with you, as well-maintained and approved seats might not be available abroad. Kids weighing less than 40 pounds should be properly restrained in a car seat. Infants and toddlers should ride rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight and height limits recommended by the seat's manufacturer. Kids who have outgrown their forward-facing car seat (usually when they're between 4 and about 8 years old, but weight and height limits vary) should use a belt-positioning booster seat . This planning can help make sure that when the time comes, all you'll have left to do is relax and enjoy your vacation!
Markdown	[\[Skip to Content\]](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/family-travel.html#thelou) Find care at [Nemours Children's Health](https://www.nemours.org/?external_id=RE2350835010600) [Doctors](https://www.nemours.org/find-a-doctor.html?external_id=RE2350835010600) [Locations](https://www.nemours.org/locations.html?external_id=RE2350835010600) [![Nemours KidsHealth](https://kidshealth.org/content/dam/kh-reskin/nemours-kidshealth-logo.svg)](https://kidshealth.org/) [Sign Up](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/milestones-newsletter.html) - For Parents - For Kids - For Teens - For Educators Search Menu [![Nemours KidsHealth](https://kidshealth.org/content/dam/kh-reskin/nemours-kidshealth-logo.svg)](https://kidshealth.org/) Close Menu - For Parents - For Kids - For Teens - For Educators - ##### MILESTONES NEWSLETTER Subscribe for trustworthy health information delivered directly to your inbox [Sign Up](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/milestones-newsletter.html) Back Featured Topics For Parents - [Sitio para padres](https://kidshealth.org/es/parents/) - [Parents Home](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/) - [General Health](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/general/) - [Growth & Development](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/growth/) - [Infections](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/infections/) - [Diseases & Conditions](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/medical/) - [Pregnancy & Baby](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pregnancy-newborn/) - [Nutrition & Fitness](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nutrition-center/) - [Emotions & Behavior](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/emotions/) - [School & Family Life](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/positive/) - [First Aid & Safety](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/firstaid-safe/) - [Doctors & Hospitals](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/system/) - [Videos](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/videos/) - [Expert Answers (Q\&A)](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/question/) - [All Categories](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/all-categories.html) - [All Wellness Centers](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/centers/center.html) [![](https://kidshealth.org/content/dam/kh-reskin/menu-promo-kid-30th.png) Nemours KidsHealth® Is Celebrating! 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We've been providing trusted health information for 30 years. 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But being away from our usual eating and sleeping routines can make it more likely for someone to get sick. It takes time to adjust to the food, water, and air in a new environment. And kids can be at risk for travel-related problems like motion sickness, diarrhea, and infections. Early planning and smart packing can help you keep your family healthy while traveling. Here are some things to keep in mind. ### What Should I Do Before Travel Abroad? For travel abroad, prepare well in advance. For instance, it's important to find out what vaccines your kids (and even you) might need because: - Different countries have different risks and rules that may require specific vaccines. For example, your family will need the yellow fever vaccine if you travel to sub-Saharan Africa or tropical South America, but not to Eastern Europe. - Some vaccines are given in more than one dose over a period of days or even weeks. - Most vaccines take time to become effective. Most vaccines should be given at least 1 month before travel. So try to schedule a doctor's visit 4–6 weeks before your trip. Even if you're leaving sooner than that, make an appointment, as kids might still benefit from shots or medicines. Doctors might recommend that travelers also be vaccinated against: - [typhoid](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/typhoid.html) - yellow fever - Japanese B encephalitis - [meningitis](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/meningitis.html) - [rabies](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/rabies.html) All kids get the [measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/mmr-vaccine.html) at 12–15 months of age. But any who will travel outside the United States before that should get the vaccine as early as 6 months of age. Also, kids of any age can get [malaria](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/malaria.html). So if you're traveling to a country with a malaria risk, talk to your doctor about antimalarial drugs. The doctor will decide the best medicine based on your destination and your child's health status. Ask your doctor or visit [the CDC's website](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel) for a list of recommended or required vaccines. Take your child's vaccine records with you if you're traveling internationally. The CDC also has information about travel notices when there are outbreaks of infectious diseases in different parts of the world. ### Common Travel Troubles No matter how far you're traveling, there are some health issues that your family is likely to face, including jet lag, ear discomfort, travel (or motion) sickness, and [diarrhea](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diarrhea.html). ### Jet Lag If you fly across time zones, it can take time for your internal body clock to catch up with the local time. For example, if your regular bedtime is 9 p.m. and you travel from New York to California, where the time is 3 hours earlier, you may be ready for bed when it is 6 p.m. in California because you've already been up for the usual amount of time and your body is ready to rest. Chances are you'll probably not go to sleep until the local time is 9 p.m., and then you'll be extra tired because your body has been awake for longer than usual. Jet lag also can cause an upset stomach and even insomnia. Here are some tips for dealing with jet lag: - Try to adjust your family's sleep schedules 2–3 days before you travel. - Get plenty of rest before your trip. If possible, sleep on the flight. - [Dehydration](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dehydration.html) contributes to the side effects of jet lag so make sure everyone drinks plenty of water during the flight. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages. - On a long flight, try to stretch regularly and even walk up and down the aisles when they're clear and it's OK to do so. - After arrival, encourage kids to be active outside or in brightly lit areas during daylight hours. - Try to follow local time at your destination (for example, try to keep kids awake until their usual bedtime). ### Ear Pain It's common for kids to experience [ear discomfort](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flying-ears.html) during a plane's takeoff and landing caused by pressure in the middle ear as it tries to keep up with the quickly changing air pressure. Encourage kids to swallow, yawn, or, if they're old enough, chew gum. It may help infants to nurse or suck on a bottle. You may also want to give your child a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, 30–60 minutes before takeoff or, if it's a long flight, before landing. ### Motion Sickness Travel (or motion) sickness is caused by a conflict between the eye and ear: The inner ears detect movement, but the eyes — focused within a car or other vehicle — do not. These mixed signals coming into the brain can cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, paleness, and cold sweats. Motion sickness often happens on ships and boats, but it also can affect kids when they travel in planes, buses, and cars. To help deal with travel sickness: - Before you leave, have kids eat a light meal or snack, as motion sickness seems worse on an empty stomach. Provide foods that are easily digested, such as complex carbohydrates, and avoid fatty foods. - Try to avoid eating during short trips. For longer trips, sip drinks and eat light, small meals and snacks. - If your child is feeling sick, provide some blander foods, like crackers. - Encourage kids to look outside the car, rather than inside. They should focus on still objects — not moving ones (like other cars) — or a distant point. - Keep the window open a little to allow fresh air to circulate. - Use a headrest to minimize head movement. - Make frequent stops, if possible, at places like rest stops and parks. And if your child complains of feeling sick and it's safe to stop, a short walk for some fresh air might help. - Ask your doctor about medicines to prevent travel sickness. ### Diarrhea [Diarrhea](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diarrhea.html) and other stomach problems can be common during travel. Often, they're caused by bacteria or other germs entering the digestive tract, usually from contaminated food or water. Diarrhea is especially a problem for young kids and babies, who can become [dehydrated](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dehydration.html) more quickly than adults. Water in many developing countries isn't treated in the same way as water supplies in developed nations and may contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites. To make sure the water is safe: - Consider drinking only bottled water when traveling. - Use only purified water for drinking, making ice cubes, brushing teeth, and mixing infant formula and foods. - If you use tap water, boil it first or purify it with an iodine tablet. Other ways to prevent diarrhea and GI distress: - If you're breastfeeding your infant, continue to do so. - Remind kids to [wash their hands](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hand-washing.html) well and often. - Keep pacifiers, teething rings, and toys clean. - Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy. - Make sure all dairy products are pasteurized. - Fresh [fruits and vegetables](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/safe-veggies.html) should be cooked or washed well and peeled. - Meats and fish should be well cooked and eaten just after preparation. - Avoid food from street vendors. ### Be Prepared Pack any medicines and other medical supplies you and your family use regularly. These could be hard to find at your destination. Don't forget inhalers, allergy medicine, and insulin, if needed. Other items you might want to pack: - over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever like acetaminophen - a small first-aid kit that includes antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, bandages, and other OTC medications your doctor may recommend - sunscreen - insect repellent (the most effective ones contain DEET) - waterless alcohol-based hand rubs for when soap and clean water aren't available Before your trip, find out where the closest hospital or medical care is at your destination, particularly if your child has a chronic health condition. It's also wise to carry a written copy of your child's medical history. Having this available can help health care workers make decisions about care, if needed. And you won't have to worry about forgetting important information at a time when you're likely to be upset. A medical history should include: - your name, your child's name, your address and home phone number - your child's blood type - vaccine records - your doctor's name, address, and office and emergency phone numbers - the name, address, and phone number of your health insurance carrier, including your policy number - a list of any ongoing health problems, such as diabetes or asthma - a list of any medicines your child takes and your pharmacy's name and phone number - a list of allergies to medications, food, insects, and animals - a prescription for glasses or contact lenses - the name, address, and phone number of a relative other than you ### And Don't Forget . . . While you're away, it's important to take the same health and safety precautions as you do at home: - Protect yourselves from the spread of germs. Wash your hands well and often. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Teach your kids to do the same. Avoid contact with people who are sick, and try to stay at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. Use wipes to clean surfaces and objects that people touch a lot. - Sun smarts. Watch kids' [sun exposure](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sun-safety.html). UV light is especially intense near the equator, at high altitudes, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and where light is reflected off water or snow. Apply a broad-spectrum [sunscreen](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sunscreen.html) of at least SPF 15 every 2 hours, especially after sweating and water exposure. Bring a hat and sunglasses to keep the sun off your child's face. And consider sun-protective clothing. - [Water safety](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/water-safety.html). It's vital to watch kids at all times around any body of water. Because water safety devices — such as life jackets and goggles — may not be available at your destination, consider bringing these from home if you're planning to spend time on or near water. - Buckle up. If you'll rent a car, you might want to bring your child's [car seat](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/auto-baby-toddler.html) with you, as well-maintained and approved seats might not be available abroad. Kids weighing less than 40 pounds should be properly restrained in a car seat. Infants and toddlers should ride rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight and height limits recommended by the seat's manufacturer. Kids who have outgrown their forward-facing car seat (usually when they're between 4 and about 8 years old, but weight and height limits vary) should use a belt-positioning [booster seat](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/auto-prek-bigkid.html). This planning can help make sure that when the time comes, all you'll have left to do is relax and enjoy your vacation\! Medically reviewed by: [KidsHealth Medical ExpertsThis link opens in a new tab](https://www.nemours.org/about/kidshealth-medical-editors.html) Date reviewed: January 2021 ## More on this topic for: - Parents - Kids - Teens ## More on this topic For Parents - [Typhoid Fever](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/typhoid.html) - [Traveling With Asthma](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/travel-asthma.html) - [Cholera](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cholera.html) - [Dengue Fever](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dengue.html) - [Ebola](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/ebola.html) - [Do Kids Need Vaccines Before Traveling?](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/travel-vaccinations.html) - [Flying and Your Child's Ears](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flying-ears.html) - [Road Trip Boredom Busters](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/road-trip.html) - [Hand Washing: Why It's So Important](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hand-washing.html) ## More on this topic For Kids - [What's Yellow Fever?](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/yellow-fever.html) - [Traveling and Asthma](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/travel-asthma.html) - [Road Trip Fun](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/road-trip.html) ## More on this topic For Teens - [Traveling and Asthma](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/travel-asthma.html) - [Food Allergies and Travel](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/travel-allergies.html) - [Road Tripping](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/road-trip.html) View more Share: - Share to Facebook - Share to Twitter - Share to Pinterest ## RELATED CATEGORIES - [Family Life](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/positive/family.html) - [Safety Away From Home](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/firstaid-safe/travel.html) /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/parents/articles/family-travel ##### Who We Are - [About Us](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/about.html) ##### Working With Us - [Partners](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/partners.html) - [Editorial Policy](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/editorial-policy.html) - [Permissions Guidelines](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/permissions-guidelines.html) - [Media Requests This link opens in a new tab](https://nemours.mediaroom.com/journalist-resources) - [Contact Us](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/general-information/contact-us) ##### Legal & Privacy - [Privacy Policy & Terms of Use](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/policy.html) - [Notice of Nondiscrimination](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nondiscrimination.html) ##### All Categories - [For Parents](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/all-categories.html) - [For Kids](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/all-categories.html) - [For Teens](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/all-categories.html) ##### Wellness Centers - [For Parents](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/centers/center.html) - [For Kids](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/centers/center.html) - [For Teens](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/centers/center.html) - [![Nemours KidsHealth on Facebook](https://kidshealth.org/content/dam/kh-reskin/iconFacebookWhite.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/nemourskidshealth/) - [![Nemours KidsHealth on X](https://kidshealth.org/content/dam/kh-reskin/iconTwitterWhite.svg)](https://x.com/nemours) - [![Nemours KidsHealth on YouTube](https://kidshealth.org/content/dam/kh-reskin/iconYoutubeWhite.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/@NemoursKidsHealth) [![Nemours](https://kidshealth.org/content/dam/kidshealth/logo-nemours_KidsHealth.svg)](https://www.nemours.org/?external_id=RE2350803010600) Note: All information on Nemours KidsHealth® is for educational purposes only. 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Readable Markdown	It’s fun to travel. But being away from our usual eating and sleeping routines can make it more likely for someone to get sick. It takes time to adjust to the food, water, and air in a new environment. And kids can be at risk for travel-related problems like motion sickness, diarrhea, and infections. Early planning and smart packing can help you keep your family healthy while traveling. Here are some things to keep in mind. ### What Should I Do Before Travel Abroad? For travel abroad, prepare well in advance. For instance, it's important to find out what vaccines your kids (and even you) might need because: - Different countries have different risks and rules that may require specific vaccines. For example, your family will need the yellow fever vaccine if you travel to sub-Saharan Africa or tropical South America, but not to Eastern Europe. - Some vaccines are given in more than one dose over a period of days or even weeks. - Most vaccines take time to become effective. Most vaccines should be given at least 1 month before travel. So try to schedule a doctor's visit 4–6 weeks before your trip. Even if you're leaving sooner than that, make an appointment, as kids might still benefit from shots or medicines. Doctors might recommend that travelers also be vaccinated against: - [typhoid](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/typhoid.html) - yellow fever - Japanese B encephalitis - [meningitis](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/meningitis.html) - [rabies](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/rabies.html) All kids get the [measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/mmr-vaccine.html) at 12–15 months of age. But any who will travel outside the United States before that should get the vaccine as early as 6 months of age. Also, kids of any age can get [malaria](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/malaria.html). So if you're traveling to a country with a malaria risk, talk to your doctor about antimalarial drugs. The doctor will decide the best medicine based on your destination and your child's health status. Ask your doctor or visit [the CDC's website](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel) for a list of recommended or required vaccines. Take your child's vaccine records with you if you're traveling internationally. The CDC also has information about travel notices when there are outbreaks of infectious diseases in different parts of the world. ### Common Travel Troubles No matter how far you're traveling, there are some health issues that your family is likely to face, including jet lag, ear discomfort, travel (or motion) sickness, and [diarrhea](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diarrhea.html). ### Jet Lag If you fly across time zones, it can take time for your internal body clock to catch up with the local time. For example, if your regular bedtime is 9 p.m. and you travel from New York to California, where the time is 3 hours earlier, you may be ready for bed when it is 6 p.m. in California because you've already been up for the usual amount of time and your body is ready to rest. Chances are you'll probably not go to sleep until the local time is 9 p.m., and then you'll be extra tired because your body has been awake for longer than usual. Jet lag also can cause an upset stomach and even insomnia. Here are some tips for dealing with jet lag: - Try to adjust your family's sleep schedules 2–3 days before you travel. - Get plenty of rest before your trip. If possible, sleep on the flight. - [Dehydration](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dehydration.html) contributes to the side effects of jet lag so make sure everyone drinks plenty of water during the flight. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages. - On a long flight, try to stretch regularly and even walk up and down the aisles when they're clear and it's OK to do so. - After arrival, encourage kids to be active outside or in brightly lit areas during daylight hours. - Try to follow local time at your destination (for example, try to keep kids awake until their usual bedtime). ### Ear Pain It's common for kids to experience [ear discomfort](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flying-ears.html) during a plane's takeoff and landing caused by pressure in the middle ear as it tries to keep up with the quickly changing air pressure. Encourage kids to swallow, yawn, or, if they're old enough, chew gum. It may help infants to nurse or suck on a bottle. You may also want to give your child a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, 30–60 minutes before takeoff or, if it's a long flight, before landing. ### Motion Sickness Travel (or motion) sickness is caused by a conflict between the eye and ear: The inner ears detect movement, but the eyes — focused within a car or other vehicle — do not. These mixed signals coming into the brain can cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, paleness, and cold sweats. Motion sickness often happens on ships and boats, but it also can affect kids when they travel in planes, buses, and cars. To help deal with travel sickness: - Before you leave, have kids eat a light meal or snack, as motion sickness seems worse on an empty stomach. Provide foods that are easily digested, such as complex carbohydrates, and avoid fatty foods. - Try to avoid eating during short trips. For longer trips, sip drinks and eat light, small meals and snacks. - If your child is feeling sick, provide some blander foods, like crackers. - Encourage kids to look outside the car, rather than inside. They should focus on still objects — not moving ones (like other cars) — or a distant point. - Keep the window open a little to allow fresh air to circulate. - Use a headrest to minimize head movement. - Make frequent stops, if possible, at places like rest stops and parks. And if your child complains of feeling sick and it's safe to stop, a short walk for some fresh air might help. - Ask your doctor about medicines to prevent travel sickness. ### Diarrhea [Diarrhea](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diarrhea.html) and other stomach problems can be common during travel. Often, they're caused by bacteria or other germs entering the digestive tract, usually from contaminated food or water. Diarrhea is especially a problem for young kids and babies, who can become [dehydrated](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dehydration.html) more quickly than adults. Water in many developing countries isn't treated in the same way as water supplies in developed nations and may contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites. To make sure the water is safe: - Consider drinking only bottled water when traveling. - Use only purified water for drinking, making ice cubes, brushing teeth, and mixing infant formula and foods. - If you use tap water, boil it first or purify it with an iodine tablet. Other ways to prevent diarrhea and GI distress: - If you're breastfeeding your infant, continue to do so. - Remind kids to [wash their hands](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hand-washing.html) well and often. - Keep pacifiers, teething rings, and toys clean. - Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy. - Make sure all dairy products are pasteurized. - Fresh [fruits and vegetables](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/safe-veggies.html) should be cooked or washed well and peeled. - Meats and fish should be well cooked and eaten just after preparation. - Avoid food from street vendors. ### Be Prepared Pack any medicines and other medical supplies you and your family use regularly. These could be hard to find at your destination. Don't forget inhalers, allergy medicine, and insulin, if needed. Other items you might want to pack: - over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever like acetaminophen - a small first-aid kit that includes antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, bandages, and other OTC medications your doctor may recommend - sunscreen - insect repellent (the most effective ones contain DEET) - waterless alcohol-based hand rubs for when soap and clean water aren't available Before your trip, find out where the closest hospital or medical care is at your destination, particularly if your child has a chronic health condition. It's also wise to carry a written copy of your child's medical history. Having this available can help health care workers make decisions about care, if needed. And you won't have to worry about forgetting important information at a time when you're likely to be upset. A medical history should include: - your name, your child's name, your address and home phone number - your child's blood type - vaccine records - your doctor's name, address, and office and emergency phone numbers - the name, address, and phone number of your health insurance carrier, including your policy number - a list of any ongoing health problems, such as diabetes or asthma - a list of any medicines your child takes and your pharmacy's name and phone number - a list of allergies to medications, food, insects, and animals - a prescription for glasses or contact lenses - the name, address, and phone number of a relative other than you ### And Don't Forget . . . While you're away, it's important to take the same health and safety precautions as you do at home: - Protect yourselves from the spread of germs. Wash your hands well and often. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Teach your kids to do the same. Avoid contact with people who are sick, and try to stay at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. Use wipes to clean surfaces and objects that people touch a lot. - Sun smarts. Watch kids' [sun exposure](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sun-safety.html). UV light is especially intense near the equator, at high altitudes, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and where light is reflected off water or snow. Apply a broad-spectrum [sunscreen](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sunscreen.html) of at least SPF 15 every 2 hours, especially after sweating and water exposure. Bring a hat and sunglasses to keep the sun off your child's face. And consider sun-protective clothing. - [Water safety](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/water-safety.html). It's vital to watch kids at all times around any body of water. Because water safety devices — such as life jackets and goggles — may not be available at your destination, consider bringing these from home if you're planning to spend time on or near water. - Buckle up. If you'll rent a car, you might want to bring your child's [car seat](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/auto-baby-toddler.html) with you, as well-maintained and approved seats might not be available abroad. Kids weighing less than 40 pounds should be properly restrained in a car seat. Infants and toddlers should ride rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight and height limits recommended by the seat's manufacturer. Kids who have outgrown their forward-facing car seat (usually when they're between 4 and about 8 years old, but weight and height limits vary) should use a belt-positioning [booster seat](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/auto-prek-bigkid.html). This planning can help make sure that when the time comes, all you'll have left to do is relax and enjoy your vacation\!
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