Cliquez ici pour lire cet article en français

With March break approaching many families will be traveling either by road or by plane. Here are some safety tips to keep your loved ones safe.

PREPARING FOR THE TRIP

• Create a travel checklist. This will speed up the process of packing and making sure that the whole family packed what they need for the trip.

• Print a few copies of your itinerary and give one to everyone in the family traveling with you. It is also a good idea to give a copy to a family member or friend who is not traveling with you in case of emergency.

• Make photocopies of all travel and identity documents. Leave one copy in a secure place at home and take one copy with you. This will speed up the process of replacing the documents should they be lost or stolen.

• Confirm hotel and flight reservations. Make sure that you know the cancellation policy and any applicable charges.

• Be aware of any health conditions in the country you will be visiting.

ROAD TRAVEL

• Have your vehicle inspected and check the weather conditions before heading out.

• Get plenty of rest and share the driving if possible. Plan a short stop every two hours. This is important especially when traveling with young children.

• Make sure everyone is wearing seat belts. If there are children in the vehicle, ensure that their car seat or booster seat has been installed properly.

• Drive according to road conditions and make sure to check for any road closures especially in snowy areas.

• Be prepared. Pack an emergency kit, have a cell phone handy and a road map especially when driving in an unfamiliar area.

No matter what your plans are for March break, make sure to have fun and be safe.

Sources:

http://www.tripwiser.com/select_article.do?articleId=12
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/life-vie/travel-voyage_e.html
http://www.chiff.com/a/spring-break-tips.htm