BEFORE YOU GO

Here are a few things to remember before you begin your vacation.

* A single parent travelling with children should ensure that permission from other parent is readily available for authorities (this is to prevent one parent abductions). This is especially important for air/train or cross border travel.

* Always ensure one parent is in charge of keeping an eye on children and perhaps other parent can look after arrangements for travel.

* Be Prepared and know what to do in case of a Hotel Fire

* Dressing children in bright colours makes them readily visible. Try to remember what they are wearing.

* If you label children's clothing, make sure the label is inside so strangers are not able to learn child's name.

* Provide a relative or friend with your travel itinerary and the name and telephone number of any hotels or resorts where you will be staying, if available.

* Provide your children with the name, address and telephone number of a relative or friend to contact in an emergency.

* Remind children about road safety rules, hold the hand of children under nine at all times when crossing a road or at an intersection.

* Remind children about your family safety procedures for dealing with strangers, what to do if they get lost.

* Remind older children to always tell you where they are going