Once on Vacation : have one with us .
1 . If your child is ill , adjust your itinerary . Make time for rest . Don ’ t keep going full strength dragging a sick and possibly contagious child with you . Embrace the downtime .
2 . Get supplies – water , ginger ale , tissues , sanitizing wipes , saltines , soup and quiet time activities can help make the experience more positive .
3 . Reach out – to a nurse advice line , the front desk or concierge at your hotel , your own pediatrician . If you are in an area where another language is spoken , request a translator . We were lucky enough to get a front desk hotel clerk that washed and dried my daughter ’ s favorite blanket after she was sick .
4 . Find comfort for your child - I have a child who loves silky ribbons . When she is sick when we travel , I find a fabric store and buy a piece of ribbon if we don ’ t
5 . Don ’ t share with the rest of the family – wash hands , throw tissues away , wipe down surfaces and ask housekeeping to change linens , particularly pillowcases . Keep well children away from sick children whenever possible .
6 . Divide and Conquer – if you have well and sick children and are traveling with a partner , let one person take the well children on adventures while the other enjoys time in the hotel cuddling with the sick child .
My final advice is to roll with it . Your child cannot help becoming ill and is probably as disappointed as you at the change of plans . Remember that this plan change is not the end of the world . Preparation will make it much easier . Vacation insurance can be financially beneficial in this situation . Make sure you know the requirements and documentation needed to get your refund .
MARCH 2022 | 23