Throughout the year, many children travel unaccompanied by bus, train, or plane to visit a parent, grandparents, or other family members. Appropriate planning with transport companies is the best way to prevent bad experiences and ensure your child’s safety throughout the journey.
Before the Trip
Contact Transport Companies
Find out about any age restrictions they may have, as well as their policies and regulations regarding unaccompanied minors.
During Booking
Prefer Daytime Travel
Book your child’s tickets so they travel during the day. It’s not recommended for children to travel alone in the evening or at night.
Inform the Staff
When purchasing your child’s ticket, inform the agent and notify the staff that they will be travelling unaccompanied. If possible, book a seat at the front of the bus, train, or plane. Avoid transfers, the more your child moves, the more complex it can become.
Preparing for the Trip
Visit Terminals in Advance
Try to visit the bus terminal, train station, or airport before your child’s trip. Take a tour of the place and review basic safety rules with them, including whom to contact in case of need.
Arrive Early
Always arrive early at the terminal, station, or airport. This gives you time to ensure everything is in order and that your child is comfortable. It’s also important to stay until the bus, train, or plane departs. If there’s a delay, your child will feel better if you’re waiting with them. The same applies if the departure is cancelled; you’ll be there to make other arrangements.
Choose Appropriate Luggage
Ensure your child has only one carry-on, ideally on wheels, or a backpack in which they can carry their clothes and other necessities, including ID and medications. Your child’s ID and medications should be placed in an easily accessible envelope inside their carry-on or backpack.
Review Safety Rules
Remind your child not to be overly familiar with other passengers and never to reveal personal information. As with all social situations, your child can be polite while remaining cautious.
During the Trip
Prepare the Reception at the Destination
Ensure your child knows who will be meeting them at the destination. Remind your child to leave only with this person and never with anyone else. Most companies will not allow your child to leave with anyone other than the person mentioned on the form completed before departure.
Ensure Communication
Ensure the person who is supposed to meet your child can contact you and the transport company if they are running late. Always be available to be contacted by the company or your child if needed. You can also provide your child with a cellphone for the trip. Remind your child of proper cellphone etiquette in public.
For an Enjoyable Trip
Provide Entertainment and Snacks
Finally, whether the trip is short or long, ensure your child has enough snacks and something to keep them occupied. A good book, a portable game console, or an activity book are excellent ways to entertain them throughout the journey.
Have a great trip!