Executive Travel with Children: Why Planning is Everything

Many executives are choosing to bring their families along on business trips. While this can be a rewarding way to balance work and quality time, traveling with children introduces a unique set of challenges.

Preparation is key to a smooth and stress-free journey. At Lightman Protection, we support executive families with comprehensive travel risk and safety solutions — including practical guidance around health, nutrition, and family comfort while abroad.

Here are seven essential tips to help keep your family healthy, happy, and secure while traveling:

1. Research Your Destination

Before departure, do your homework on local foods, nearby supermarkets, and what’s available close to your accommodation.

Once you arrive, locate a nearby convenience store where you can pick up familiar staples like cereal, fruit, crackers, and bread. If you're headed to a region with unfamiliar cuisine, pack some simple, familiar items to ease the transition — think dried cereal, crackers, or pasta. Once you’re settled, you can explore local markets for fresh produce and basics.

2. Be Prepared for the Flight

Long flights can be tough on kids (and parents). A little prep goes a long way:

• Bring refillable water bottles and encourage frequent hydration

• Pack familiar snacks like fruit, sandwiches, or crackers

• If traveling with infants, feed them as you normally would

• Give kids something to drink or chew during landing to ease ear pressure

• Load up on entertainment — books, tablets, or activity kits work wonders

  
  

3. Choose Family-Friendly Accommodation

Opt for self-contained units or apartments with a kitchen or kitchenette. These setups offer flexibility to prepare easy meals and snacks, which is especially helpful when juggling meetings and family time. Always pack extra snacks and water for day trips.

4. Stick to a Routine

Jet lag and new environments can disrupt kids' routines — especially around food. Try to keep breakfast consistent and familiar. That small bit of normalcy goes a long way in helping children feel secure.

5. Stay Hydrated

Children dehydrate faster than adults, especially in warm or humid climates. A good indicator is their urine — dark or infrequent urination signals they need more fluids. Always carry water, and make regular hydration a habit.

6. Avoid Traveler's Diarrhea

Food-borne illness is one of the most common travel disruptions. Reduce the risk by:

• Washing hands regularly and using hand sanitizer

• Avoiding high-risk foods like undercooked meat or seafood

• Drinking only bottled or purified water

• Eating food that is cooked thoroughly and served hot

• Peeling fruit and washing produce in clean water

  
  

7. Travel Health Essentials for Kids

Before you go, visit your doctor to make sure all immunizations are up to date. Pack a compact first aid kit with:

• Paracetamol

• Band-aids

• Antiseptic cream

• Insect repellent

• Oral rehydration sachets

• Mild corticosteroid cream for bites or rashes

  

  
  

Travel With Confidence — Lightman Protection Has You Covered

When you’re balancing work, family, and international travel, peace of mind is priceless. At Lightman Protection, we go beyond traditional security — offering full-spectrum travel risk management tailored to executives and their families. From destination intel to secure transport and medical support coordination, we ensure you stay safe and supported at every step.

Travel smart. Travel safe. Travel with Lightman.

To learn more, contact our team today.