Protect a carefully-planned trip with coverage for delays, illness, lost luggage, and even natural disasters—the best travel insurance can soften the impact of unforeseen events.

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 By Jesse Clarke of Soulful Travel
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Craving some excitement and adventure for your family? Typically, you could satiate those cravings by planning a family vacation, but with travel restricted for the foreseeable future, that option is suddenly off the table. So how can you get your family out of the house and have fun safely? You could always plan an outdoor adventure! While trekking deep into the woods is not recommended right now, you can take a hike or even plan a safe camping trip for your family. Not sure where to start? You can include these essentials in your plans.
 
Lanterns and Headlamps 
 
One of the most important pieces of equipment you should carry in your pack is a quality source of light. You can use LED lanterns to keep your family safe if you do get stuck in the wilderness after dark, and carrying one of these bright and reliable lights is a great way to avoid having to start a fire. For added protection and so you can use your hands, you can also think about picking up a few headlamps for your family members, which can come in handy if anyone needs to venture out into the woods for a late night bathroom break or wants to read at night. 
 
Matches and Solar Blankets
 
Including a butane lighter or a book of matches in your outdoor essentials pack will ensure that you can keep your loved ones warm and protected from any wildlife that may be a threat in your area. Of course, you will also want to dress in layers in order to be prepared for the cooler nighttime temperatures, but for an added layer of warmth and protection for potential emergencies, also make sure you have some solar blankets. These reflective emergency blankets are designed to keep heat close to your body, which is essential for preventing hypothermia when temperatures drop or in colder wilderness climates.
 
Solar Phone Chargers and Maps
 
Worried about getting lost with your family while out in the woods? Well, the good news is that you can use mapping apps on your smartphone to plan and track your family’s outdoor adventures. Since you won’t have electrical outlets while hiking or camping (unless you camp in a cabin, of course), investing in solar chargers for your phones may be a smart solution in case of emergencies. While phones can be fairly reliable on your basic family wilderness trips, you should also include a map and reliable compass in your camping supply kit, in case you lose power or reception, and stick to trails only.
 
First Aid Kits and Emergency Supplies
 
Because injuries and accidents can and do happen while hiking, camping, and engaging in other outdoor activities, it’s also extremely important that you pack a fully stocked first-aid kit in with your family’s backpacks and gear. Your first-aid kit should include bandage, basic medications, and any prescription medications that may be needed by your loved ones during an emergency. In addition to a first-aid kit, you should also think about picking up other survival supplies, including a whistle, some sturdy rope, and water filters.
 
A Safe and Family-Friendly Adventure Plan
 
Once you have the right gear and equipment for your family excursion, you need a plan to keep things safe and stress-free for everyone. For example, hiking with kids can be fun for all involved, but little ones can also get bored or restless when they have been on the trail for a while. So you may need to plan a few hiking activities to keep things fun and interesting for your family. In addition to planning some family-friendly fun and activities while outside, you also need to have a plan for emergencies. Talk to your kids about wilderness safety before you all head out, and also share your plans with a loved one or friend who will be staying behind.
 
Getting out into nature is one of the only options you have for a family adventure right now. Just be sure to keep things safe by using the supplies and tips provided above, and always check in with local, state, and federal guidelines before planning a family outdoor adventure.
 
Photo Credits: Pexels