Summer Travel With Teens – Keep it Safe and Real

Traveling overseas with your teenage children may be easier to do than with young children. However, teens have their own challenges. Granted, they may be more capable of taking care of themselves than younger siblings, yet they still may not consider the consequences of their actions.

Four suggestions listed below can prepare teens and parents for safe travel to international countries:

First, teach foreign travel hygiene.
Good sanitation may not exist in many countries. Teach the importance of drinking hygienic water or bottled drinks and eating safe foods. Looks can be deceiving. Emphasize the difference between a peeled fruit like a mango and one where you eat the peel like a pear. Take with you lots of sanitizing gels and wipes for cleaning up when hand washing isn't available - which can be often. Bring your own first aid kit, toilet paper and soap for emergencies. Solid shoes are also important safeguards.

Second, teach foreign travel security.
Safety and security is very different in developing countries from what your teens are used to. Men should never put wallets or passports in their back pocket. Anything on a long strap that simply hangs at your side, around your waste or on your back can easily be grabbed in crowded conditions, including backpacks. Keep important items where you can see them and keep a firm hand on it. If you are going to set down a suitcase or duffle bag, set it between your feet. Teens can do this just as well as adults if they are taught.

Third, bring along good snacks.
Teens, especially boys, are known for having large appetites. However, there may not be any safe food available when your teenager gets hungry. That's no excuse to stick to a safe Western (European) hotel. You can explore other countries with your teen as long as you plan ahead. Nuts, dried fruits and trail mixes can be nutritious, filling and delicious snacks. Apples and bananas will keep a while even in the heat.

Procure travel insurance that will cover your teen's activities.
Teens and young adults desire to explore exciting and sometimes extreme sports. Well-prepared parents allow exploration within reason. But please do check to make sure your travel insurance will cover the activities your teen will be doing. This includes exploring unmaintained caves (spelunking), scuba diving, and bungee jumping.

By teaching these safe international travel tips, you will prepare your teenage children to have fun not only for this summer, but for the remainder of their lives.

Jeff Gulleson is the President of Good Neighbor Insurance that represents 10 international health insurance companies and provides international health and travel insurance for every country in the world. Email us to get an international health or travel insurance quote.