Guest post by Jane Garbutt.
More Americans are planning to travel this winter: a survey has revealed that two out of three people will be going on a getaway during the cold months. Moreover, 79% said that they plan to spend more on their winter vacation this year than they did last year, which means that families will be heading to popular winter destinations within or outside the country for some fun in the snow. If you and your loved ones are going on a winter holiday, it’s important to keep some basic safety tips in mind to avoid accidents or getting ill during your trip. From using the right equipment to effective ways to stay warm, here are some winter holiday safety tips for the whole family.
Don’t forget your medication
Before leaving for your trip, make sure to get your prescription refilled and stash your medicine in your carry on bag. It’s not unheard of for an airline to misplace a passenger’s luggage, so it’s best to keep medication where you can readily access it should you or your family ever need it. If your medicine comes in a big container, you can transfer some into small containers, then place them in a clear zip top bag before keeping everything in your carry on. Carrying medicine while on the go is particularly essential if you’re travelling with a child with allergies – make sure to have antihistamines and backup Epi-Pens on hand, as you’ll never know when an allergic reaction could take place.
Wear the right equipment
If you’re going skiing or snowboarding, then having the right equipment is essential for your family’s safety. Although you can certainly rent helmets and boots, it’s a lot safer to buy your own so you can get well-fitting and quality items. Helmets, in particular, should fit well and be the right size for the user, so plan on getting one for each member of the family who will be active on the slopes. Skiing and snowboarding helmets should also be certified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), so make sure to buy your helmets from reputable stores. During your holiday, make sure to check your child’s equipment every day to make sure that everything is in order, and apart from their helmet, remind them to always wear other safety equipment, such as goggles and wrist guards.
Protect against frostbite
Staying warm is essential to avoid getting sick during your winter vacation, so make sure to pack lots of extra hats and mitts, and wear layers of warm clothing while doing outdoor activities. One particular thing that you have to be on the lookout for is frostbite – it occurs when your skin is unprotected from the cold, and you’re at a higher risk of having frostbite if you’re at a higher altitude. If you or a family member experiences frostbite, soak the affected area in warm water for about 30 minutes, then take over-the-counter pain medication to relieve pain or discomfort.
Remind younger family members to stay focused
Winter sports require focus, and whether you’re an expert or a novice, it’s important to pay attention to your surroundings to avoid accidents and reduce the risks of injury. Remind younger family members to stay alert and to leave their earbuds or headphones at your accommodations. It may also be better to leave the phones in your room, but if you want to take pictures, you can designate one person to be the family photographer on the slopes.
Going on a winter holiday with your family can strengthen ties while you have fun in the snow. Keep these safety tips in mind to stay healthy and injury-free during your trip, and have the best time bonding with your loved ones.
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