We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Travel

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Should I Know About my Children Traveling Alone?

By Jacob Cherian
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,019
Share

For children, traveling can be a long and boring experience. That boredom is often only heightened for children who face the experience of solo traveling. Safety also becomes a larger concern for children traveling alone. While we may not want to send our kids off alone, it is sometimes unavoidable; and when this is the case, a few tips should be considered to make the experience as manageable, fun and safe as possible.

To start off with, the children’s travel bags should carry luggage tags. Each travel bag that your child carries should have his or her name, address and phone number along with a destination address and phone number. You also need to ensure children traveling alone carry baggage that is compliant with airline rules. Keep in mind that although they are kids, they are still subject to the same travel rules that adults are subject to.

Instruct your kids, particularly young ones, to strap themselves in lap belts if they plan on traveling via airplane. Although, there will likely be a flight attendant assigned to keep an extra eye on your child, it is important to have them focused on this necessity as well. You should also supply your child with necessary paperwork like tickets, passport, and even immunization papers. Packing some snacks in their carry-on luggage can prove wise should they get hungry. You also might want to give your kids some chewing gum or candy to chew or suck on to alleviate the air pressure they might experience during takeoff and landing.

It is also a good idea to pack some toys and books when you have children traveling alone. In case they get bored during travel, they can always play with their toys, color a coloring book, or read a book. Packing their favorite comfort item, like a blanket or stuffed animal or doll can help give them a sense of security when they might feel slightly overwhelmed from the hustle and bustle of traveling.

Avoid sending your children off to travel alone when they are sick. If this is unavoidable, be sure to pack appropriate medications and enough supplies like tissues. If possible, providing them with a cell phone for emergencies can prove quite helpful.

Finally, since you won't be there to coach them along the way, you should be sure to discuss appropriate behavior with your children before sending them off. Appropriate behavior both in terms of being respectful and being safe will prove beneficial. Other things you can do if you have children traveling alone is request appropriate seating on a flight, review the airline’s policies, take extra precautions for connecting flights, and spend extra time at the airport to ensure a safe departure.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By bestcity — On Jan 02, 2010

If at all possible an adult should be with the children. Too many things can go wrong and a child might not be prepared to deal with them.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-should-i-know-about-my-children-traveling-alone.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.