Top Safety Tips When Traveling to the Algarve With Children
Traveling to the Algarve is a great experience and you will love it, but here are 10 tips to help keep your family safe, and ensure everyone has a great time.
1. Fill out all emergency information on your passports. Make sure everybody in the party has their passport or at least a copy of their passport on them at all times. Children should carry the phone number and address of at least one trusted adult back home or at least the accommodation, in which they are staying in the Algarve
2. Generally the Algarve is as safe as it gets, but remember, there is always a bad apple in a bag, be vigilant at all times. Read the guide book in your accommodation and be careful after dark, unfortunately in Summer, the heat tends to make people misjudge the amount of alcohol they are drinking.
3 .Make a copy of the passport id page for all of your party and keep it in your possession at all times. In Portugal, it is law to show ID to the police if requested.
4. Always carry current photos of your children with you, should they wander off or disappear from your site, then it is always easier to find them quickly by showing photos to people around you. You will find the Portuguese particularly helpful in such an occasion, very family orientated and caring
5. Leave a copy of your travel plans with family or friends at home. Include hotel names and phone numbers. Have your children carry a copy of travel plans with them, as well.
6. Learn a little of the Portuguese language before you arrive. please ( por favor ), thank you (obrigado (to a male) obrigada (to a female). most Portuguese in the tourist areas love to speak English, but a little courtesy goes along way.
7. In airports, bus depots and train stations, never leave your luggage unattended. Instruct your children not to touch other people’s luggage, or pick anything up from the floor.
8. If you will be in a foreign country for more than two weeks, contact the embassy or consulate in that country. This will make it easier for officials to find you in case of emergency back home.
9. Do not wear expensive jewelry, or clothing that stands out. Don’t carry more money than you will need. Consider credit cards or travelers checks.
10. Make sure you exchange money at authorized places. If you have any questions or get in trouble, contact the closest embassy.
