Introduction:
 Going
on holiday to The Gambia with small children & babies
can be difficult at the best of times. There are issues
involving air travel, hotel accommodation & that
you should consider prior to your departure, while en-route
& during your stay.
Airline Travel:
Flying with children to Gambia who are under 2 can be
really tough going on any parent, despite their reduced
air fares, especially when you consider that it's about
six hours of flight time from the UK, when they are
liable to throw a tantrum.
On & Pre-Flight Suggestions
• If you
are travelling with a baby, arrange a bassinette or
hanging cradle.
• Ask for seats near an exit
or bulkhead seats, to provide your child a safe space
to play on the floor.
• Arrange in advance
for kid's meals.
• If you are a lone travelling
parent, ask the airline if they can arrange airline
assistance for boarding and un-boarding at various stops,
and at Banjul Airport.
• Do pack their their
small toys, computer games, books etc. in your hand
luggage.
• After boarding the aircraft encourage
your child to drink lots of fluids to reduce the risk
of dehydration.
• Put brightly coloured clothes
on you kids so they can easily be seen in a crowded
airport.
• Your child's ears might hurt due
to cabin pressure changes during take-off and landing,
so get them to drink or eat something during those times.
Failing that give them a candy.
• Finally do
ask your travel agent or friends for advice on the most
child-friendly airlines flying to The Gambia.
Hotel Accommodation:
Child friendly hotels
are in the majority of establishments in Kololi, Kotu,
Bijilo, Cape Point, and  the
other beach hotels along the coastal strip. They very
often have kids' section swimming pools, playgrounds
and a few have babysitters. Quite often you can simply
ask for a small bed to be placed in one of the bedrooms
or the living room without extra charge.
Do keep a compact LED lamp near you, so if the electricity
cuts out, you can rapidly get light, so the sudden darkness
doesn't frighten them. A pram is useless here unless
you are staying within the vicinity of your hotel. Try
a baby sling or a baby backpack carrier.
Children's Travel Health:
Medications
 If
you are staying for two weeks in one of the coastal
resorts and don't intend to venture out far, then except
for malaria, you can allay your worries about your children
contracting tropical diseases in The Gambia. Some people
do suggest yellow fever vaccination for kids, though
this is optional. It is however advisable to take your
child for an early medical check-up and to follow your
doctors advice and instructions regarding any medications,
including anti-malaria drugs. Also make sure that your
child is up-to-date on all routine childhood vaccinations
and boosters such as the Td/IPV (UK).
If however you choose not to give them prophylactic
medications then remember that you are less likely to
contract malaria in the coastal areas than further
inland.
 But
do be vigilant and remember to spray or rub them with
mosquito repellent in the early evenings, or if they
are about to venture into bush area. Also ensure that
their bed comes with a mosquito net - the best way of
avoiding the disease. If they are staying here long-term,
then consult your GP in the UK or physician in the USA.
 Malaria
has an incubation period from a few days to several
weeks, so as a precaution be vigilant and be alert for
signs of lethargy, high temperature, headaches, flue-like
symptoms etc. exhibited by your child. Take them straight
to your doctor if you notice anything untoward.
Mosquito Nets etc.
Check that your accommodation provides mosquito nets
over beds or insect screens on windows. If in doubt
then pack at least one portable net. Also consider plug-in
mosquito repellent sprays and creams.
Heat & Sun
When going sightseeing or lazing about by the beach
or pool, when the sun is hot, then it's a good idea
to get your child to wear a hat of some sort, as well
as maybe UV sunglasses. Keep them hydrated by keeping
cool bottles of water nearby. In order to reduce the
chances of getting sunburn you should rub their skin
with a good sunblock cream.
Warm Clothing?
Along the coastal resorts, between December through
to February, it can get quite cold in the early mornings
and evenings, therefore you should consider packing
a couple of medium thickness jumpers or a jacket for
your children, as well as body moisturiser.
Excursion by Canoe
Most pirogue rides don't come with a lifejacket so it's
important that if they are non-swimmers you should not
allow them into any small boat.
Disclaimer
Always get the advice of your doctor before deciding
to take or not to take any medications or precautions
for yourself or any member of your family or friends. |
