Do’s and Don’ts if you travel with children in India.

India is a physically vast and culturally diverse country. When you travel with children it becomes an exercise in adjustments. Physical environment, local hygiene, food habits and some typical Indian attitudes are the things you need to look at carefully in pre planning stage itself. India trip can become memorable if you plan the itinerary inclusive of delays and eventual emergencies. 870859_i_am_angry

Dos for the trip

  1. Health and security are the two most important issues if you travel with children in India. When you plan to visit India, standards of hygiene of the hotels you intend to stay need to properly checked. Look for Ministry of tourism, Government of India (www.Incredible India.org) certified tour guides and tour operators for “pleasurable and trouble free holiday’’ with children.
  2. Throughout your India journey with children make them drink ISI marked mineral water. Always eat hot boiled food. Make them stick to their preferred diet. It is better if you can carry ready to eat food from your place itself.
  3. Indian weather undergoes changes when you travel from north to south or west to east. Children are vulnerable to the changing temperatures and other atmospheric conditions. Do get your children vaccinated before arriving to India. Secondly, carry medicines and antibiotics to secure your children from diseases.Thirdly, carry telephone numbers and email addresses of your family doctors for any medical emergency.
  4. Physical security of your kids can be ensured by hiring ISO certified security outfits like Top security, SIS security etc.The security of the kids are especially important due to terror threats and other anti-social elements.
  5. Intersperse your travel plans with children friendly locations as well.
  6. As adults we tend to plan India visits formal and educational. Make it informal so if you’re visiting Mumbai make it a point to Visit Essel World or in State of Gujarat visit Science City, Ahmadabad. Or choose places which will interest both. For examples visit wild life sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh or Goa and Kerala beaches.
  7. When you are on vacations it may not be feasible to carry your children everywhere. There are hotels available in India where children are looked after and entertained for the whole day. However if you intend to carry your children you can get caretakers for as little as $10 dollar a day. Get a Nanny if they are below 5 years of age
  8. Stay in hotels which provide recreational facilities for children.

 

Don’ts for the trip

  1. If your child does get a cold or a mild fever don’t get worked up. ISO certified hospitals and clinics will take care of them. It is advised that don’t neglect or depend on easy medical shop remedies.
  2. Avoid taking children to crowded places such as cinema theaters, markets and bazaars.
  3. Avoid public transport such as crowded trains and buses.
  4. Keep children away from seashores. Don’t allow them to swim on river or sea fronts.
  5. Don’t allow them to eat delicious street food.