Getting Unlost (3)

Getting (Un)lost (3)

  2. Carry ID. Laminate a card listing your child's vital information, such as his or her name, address and emergency phone numbers. Photocopy your child's passport and place it in a waterproof card holder or something you would use to carry a bus pass or gym id. Office supply or stationary stores should be able to help you with the lamination or finding a suitable card holder. Alternatively, think about buying a pet tag from a local veterinarian or from the Web, says Records, adding that the lightweight tags have enough space to engrave a few lines of personal data and phone numbers. Remind your kids, however, to hide their IDs; put it in their shoe, under their shirt or pinned to the inside of the jacket so people on the street can not read it.

3. Photocopy important documents. Bring a duplicate of your child's passport and lock it in your suitcase or in the hotel safe. Pack extra passport-sized photos as well; not only will you have them handy in case your family's passports are misplaced, lost or stolen, but you will have updated photos readily available in case you need to report any incidents to local authorities.

4. Share what you know. If you're like most travelers, chances are pretty good you'll look at a guidebook or map before you land. While you're on the plane or train, show your children a book or a map, and give them an idea of what neighborhood you'll be staying in. Quiz them on what monuments, notable sites or hotels are nearby. 

5. Map out the trip. Make copies of the city map before you go, or pick them up at the tourist information booth when you arrive. Locate your hotel, jot down its name and phone number and note the nearest train station. Don't include the room number - you don't want strangers to know exactly what room your family is staying in, notes Gilles-Weil. Add your name, cell phone or email address and emergency contact information of a relative back home. Stick the info in your son or daughter's pocket or in a knapsack he or she is likely to carry.

6. Collect business cards. Give your kids a hotel business card. If something goes wrong, your son or daughter can go to a trusted adult  and ask them to call the hotel and leave a message for you.

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