Comprehensive guidance on keeping children safe while travelling — covering car journeys, flights, holidays abroad, accommodation, and emergency preparedness.
Travelling with children brings unique safety considerations that change depending on the mode of transport, the destination, and your child's age. Whether you are planning a road trip within the UK, a family holiday abroad, or simply navigating a busy airport with young children, advance preparation makes all the difference. This guide covers practical safety measures for every stage of the journey, from car seat selection and airport navigation to hotel safety checks and emergency planning in unfamiliar locations.
UK law requires children to use an appropriate car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first. Ensure your child's car seat is appropriate for their height and weight, correctly installed, and compliant with current regulations (look for the UN R129 or ECE R44 approval label). Rear-facing seats are recommended for as long as possible — ideally until at least age four. If hiring a car abroad, check the local car seat laws, which may differ from the UK, and consider bringing your own seat rather than relying on rental provision.
When flying with children, request seats together at the time of booking and confirm at check-in. For infants, book a bassinet seat on long-haul flights where available. Carry essential medication, a change of clothes, and comfort items in your hand luggage in case hold luggage is delayed. Explain the security process to older children in advance so it does not cause anxiety. For children with additional needs, most airlines offer assistance if you contact them before travel. Keep travel documents, including any consent letters if travelling without both parents, easily accessible.
When you arrive at any hotel, holiday rental, or self-catering accommodation, conduct a quick safety check before your children begin exploring. Check that windows have locks or restrictors (particularly on upper floors), identify any balcony hazards, locate fire exits and check that smoke alarms are present, and note the location of the nearest first aid kit. In holiday rentals, look for hazards such as unfenced pools, unsecured cleaning products, or unstable furniture. If the accommodation has a swimming pool, establish clear rules about supervision from the outset.
When visiting an unfamiliar town or city, research the area in advance and identify any locations to avoid. Keep young children within arm's reach in busy tourist areas where pickpockets may operate. Agree a meeting point each day in case anyone becomes separated. Ensure your child carries a card with the hotel name, address, and your phone number — written in the local language if you are abroad. Discuss basic personal safety rules: staying together, not wandering off, and what to do if approached by a stranger.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children, and the risk increases significantly on holiday when children are around unfamiliar water. Never leave children unsupervised near water — including hotel pools, the sea, lakes, and even baths. Understand that pool safety standards vary significantly between countries, and many holiday pools lack lifeguards. Teach children basic water safety rules before you travel, ensure non-swimmers wear appropriate flotation aids, and be aware that sea conditions abroad may be very different from UK beaches. Always observe local flag and warning systems.
Before travelling abroad, check whether any vaccinations are recommended or required for your destination via the NHS Fit for Travel service. Pack a travel first aid kit including any prescribed medication your child takes regularly, along with a copy of the prescription. Note the local emergency number for your destination (it is not always 999 or 112). If travelling within Europe, ensure you have a valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and consider comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment for children. Register with the FCDO's travel notification service for alerts about your destination.
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