With the summer season upon us, Grandboomers will offer a number of tips on traveling with grandchildren. The first article, posted below, is Traveling by Air. In this article, we discuss tips for the hotel.
Recently, we stayed at a hotel that included recommendations for family safety. We thought it was good information and will pass it along to you. In addition to their advice, we've added some from our own observations.
* Small children should always be attended and supervised by an adult as they walk through the hotel. You should hold the hand of the child, especially while riding on escalators and walking stairways.
* Your grandchild should never be left alone in the hotel room.
* Be sure to monitor what a child is viewing on television. Some hotels may offer adult fare.
* If your room has a coffeemaker, microwave, iron, hair dryer or other electrical items, be sure to supervise their use and tell the child to stay away from them unless you are there.
* Keep the mini-bar locked and the key out of reach.
* Be cautious about rooms with sliding glass doors that exit onto hotel grounds or to a balcony. Keep the door locked and secured unless you are there to supervise the child. Remember, the child may open the door and step out, only to have the door lock behind them.
* At the pool, see if rules permit diving. If so, be sure to stay away from that area. For general safety, this is not the case at many hotels. Caution children not to run around the pool. Bring flipflops or other footwear for walking through the hotel after your swim. Note that lobby floors may be slick when you walk on them with wet footwear.
* Many hotels offer buffet breakfasts. Be sure to stay with your grandchild throughout the food selection process. Do-it-yourself wafflemakers and toasters can burn. As can hot coffee, and chafing dishes. These areas are often congested. It's easy for an adult with a tray not to see a small child and an accident could occur.
* Here's another observation that we feel strongly about. Take only what you will eat. With all the want in the world, it's disturbing to see small children (yes, and their grandparents) with plates overflowing with food...only to see everyone leave mostly full plates on the table as they exit. Waste not, want not, is a good lesson to teach your grandchildren.
Grandboomers encourages you to travel with your grandchildren and provides these tips to help you have the best vacations possible.
© 2012 Created by Myles Bristowe.
