Family holidays should be all about fun, but when traveling with kids safety has to remain a priority.

It doesn't matter how vigilant you are; in a busy unfamiliar place like an airport, beach or theme park, it's possible to lose sight of your child in a second. But there are easy steps you can take to minimize the risk, or - if the worst happens - make it far more likely that you'll be reunited quickly.

Teach younger children not only their name, but your full name too.

Make sure your child has your relevant contact details on them - e.g. your mobile number/flight number/where you're staying. Either write them down and stick them in a secure pocket; invest in the cheap safety ID bracelets now available or just resort to indelible pen and your child's arm.

You often hear parents say, "I thought you had him..." so don't take it for granted. If you've more than one child, arrange with your partner which child/children you're personally in charge of.

Tell children to "stay where I can see you AND you can see me". It makes establishing sight lines much easier for them to grasp.

Teach children what to do if they do get lost. With young kids tell them to "be a statue - stay still and we'll find you" - it's much easier for you to re-trace your steps and locate them that way. With older kids agree an easily visible, nearby landmark - for instance, the front of Cinderella's castle at Disney - as a rendez-vous point in case of separation.

Teach kids who to ask for help - police/security guards/airport officials/lady at the till - or, if they can't see any of them, a mummy with young children in a buggy.

Keep an up-to-date photo of your child on your camera/phone. If they do go missing you'll have an instant ID to show people.

If you're going somewhere crowded, dress young kids in easily visible, bright colours... not camouflage!

Abigail Flanagan
Travel Editor, mumsnet.com