Independent travel with children

Findmykids Service recently conducted a study, surveying more than 1500 families to uncover the most worrying questions about child safety. The study revealed that parents are troubled by scenarios where their kids might stray from friends, get lost in an unfamiliar place, or deal with strangers.

Why This Matters Now

Ready to turn worry into preparedness? Independence is a skill built step-by-step – whether your child is just starting to make quick independent trips to the grocery or preparing for the first solo travel adventure in high school. Start training your kids now, so that by high school you are confident in your kids' abilities to handle independent travel like pros. This Independent Travel Guide delivers actionable tips to help kids navigate the world safely – and parents breathe easier. 

Part 1: For parents

Before the teen years, let kids take an active part in travel planning

  • Allow children to choose parts of the itinerary (like a café, museum, or activity)

  • Travel isn’t just about seeing places - It’s about letting kids shape their own experience

  • Prepare your teen for independent travel in advance

  • Master the route & "What Ifs" scenarios (missing transport, losing things, or language barriers during the communication with locals) together with your child

  • Teach your teen to use maps, transport systems and translator apps

  • Set up a secret phrase for emergencies

  • Set up safety systems in advance

  • Install GPS-tracker (like Findmykids)

  • Make a secret helper card with home address, phone numbers, and step-by-step emergency instructions. It is “secret” in order to keep personal information secure from potential threats but can be shared with trusted helpers

  • Teach your child to recognize safe helpers: police officers, hotel staff, and uniformed transport personnel

  • Stay connected with your teen without controlling them \

    Example:  high schoolers preparing for college visits or study tours

  • Agree on regular communication (like morning/evenings updates)

  • Allow freedom to make independent decisions

  • Pack Child’s bag correctly

  • Must haves: ID, cash & cards, phone charger, medications, snacks, spare clothing

  • Train child’s independent packing skills by aiding in developing packing lists distinguishing essentials from non-essentials

  • Discuss how to keep things safe from theft

Part 2. For kids

You’re not lost: You’re on a misson

  • If you get separated, stop in one place and call or text parents

  • Remember your hotel’s address and how to find your way back 

Use maps

  • Maps are your friend - Download maps before exploring

  • Learn the language of streets - Study local road signs and symbols for hospitals/police stations

Money isn’t unlimited

  • Spend wisely & compare prices

  • Split your cash – Keep some in your wallet, some in a hidden pocket, and emergency funds separate

    Never show your credit card to strangers

    People can be different

    • Avoid boasting about solo travel.

    •. Only ask help from police, shop workers, or hotel staff

Take care of yourself

  • Drink water, wash your face, hands, and maintain hygiene

  • No ‘toughing it out’ – Headache? Sunburn? Speak up

Independence is not lonelieness

Independent travel isn’t abandonment - it's supported growth. It's about trust, preparation, and gradual skill-building in safe environments.

Findmykids is a family locator that helps parents ensure the safety of their children by accurately tracking their live location and movement on the map. It works even when GPS signals are weak. The app notifies parents when their children exhibit any atypical behavior.  

With Findmykids parents stay connected, kids gain confidence, everyone grows together.

Elisabeth Stitt