“I lost my daughter in Vietnam”: An Indian traveller mum's advice and 5 essential travel tips for parents
ETimes | June 25, 2026 3:40 PM CST
“I lost my daughter on our Vietnam trip”, these are the opening words of a worried Indian mother whose daughter went missing. A video shared recently on Instagram has captured the attention of parents who love to travel with their kids for all the right reasons. Pooja Mehta Bothraa (@poojamehtabothraa), a traveller and a mother of a young daughter shared her horrifying incident and some handy tips for parents. Family vacations are supposed to be filled with happy memories and new experiences, and endless photos. But for this Indian mother, a trip to Vietnam turned into every parent’s worst nightmare.
The mother explained that although the incident ended safely, it reinforced the importance of preparing kids for unexpected situations before they happen. Her story has struck a chord with parents because even a few seconds of separation can feel like an eternity from young kids.
In the video, she said before this, she had already taught her daughter a few important things in case she goes missing:
“Remember, if you can’t see Mama, don’t panic.”
“Go to security.”
“Ask a woman for help.”
“And if you’re confused, find another mommy with children and tell her you’re lost.”
It’s a powerful message. Parenting while travelling isn’t only about holding a child’s hand but also preparing them for unforeseen incidents. This gives them the confidence and understanding to respond calmly if they ever become separated.
Why these conversations matter
For kids, a crowded destination such as famous attractions, airports or markets can be overwhelming, especially if they are travelling for the first time. Loud noises, unfamiliar languages, and crowds make kids uncomfortable and sometimes curious as well.
So it’s important to keep rehearsing safety rules with children before every trip instead of assuming they will remember when required. Repetition helps kids react automatically under stress rather than freeze in panic.
What parents should do if a child goes missing while travelling
The first few minutes are critical. But remember a few things:
Don’t panic and stay calm
Alert nearby authorities as soon as possible
Don’t go on a search spree all by yourself. Seek help. Inform security guards, police officers, or management people.
Keep a recent photograph ready
Give them a clear description of the child and share the picture. Make sure you have a current photo on your phone. This can speed up the search process.
Know exactly what they’re wearing
Describe what the kid is wearing. It is suggested to take a picture of the child before leaving the hotel each morning.
Teach children to stay in one place
Teach the kids to stay in one place instead of wandering in search of parents on their own. Kids should know to remain near a visible landmark or seek help from trusted adults like security personnel. Simple reminders such as “stay where you are if you can’t find us” or “look for security” are easy for children to remember.
Turn safety lessons into a game by asking questions like, “What would you do if you couldn’t see me at the airport?” Repeating responses helps build confidence rather than fear.
Keep an emergency contact plan ready
Older children should remember a parent’s phone number, their address and basic things. If your kid is young, put a note with your number and other emergency contact in their pockets. Younger children can carry an identification card or wristband with contact details.
GPS tracker
You’ll find GPS tracking watches and small devices which can be easily inserted into your kids shoes or bags. It is extremely helpful in such situations.
The mother’s experience in Vietnam ended with her daughter safe. Her daughter had gone back to the place where they had eaten before and she sought their help and was located within 30 minutes. But her story is a reminder that preparation often begins long before an emergency occurs.
For families planning holidays this season, packing passports and snacks is important but more important is being ready with a plan, so kids know exactly what to do if they ever lose sight of the parents.
The mother explained that although the incident ended safely, it reinforced the importance of preparing kids for unexpected situations before they happen. Her story has struck a chord with parents because even a few seconds of separation can feel like an eternity from young kids.
In the video, she said before this, she had already taught her daughter a few important things in case she goes missing:
“Remember, if you can’t see Mama, don’t panic.”
“Go to security.”
“Ask a woman for help.”
“And if you’re confused, find another mommy with children and tell her you’re lost.”
It’s a powerful message. Parenting while travelling isn’t only about holding a child’s hand but also preparing them for unforeseen incidents. This gives them the confidence and understanding to respond calmly if they ever become separated.
Why these conversations matter
For kids, a crowded destination such as famous attractions, airports or markets can be overwhelming, especially if they are travelling for the first time. Loud noises, unfamiliar languages, and crowds make kids uncomfortable and sometimes curious as well.
So it’s important to keep rehearsing safety rules with children before every trip instead of assuming they will remember when required. Repetition helps kids react automatically under stress rather than freeze in panic.
What parents should do if a child goes missing while travelling
The first few minutes are critical. But remember a few things:
Don’t panic and stay calm
Alert nearby authorities as soon as possible
Don’t go on a search spree all by yourself. Seek help. Inform security guards, police officers, or management people.
Keep a recent photograph ready
Give them a clear description of the child and share the picture. Make sure you have a current photo on your phone. This can speed up the search process.
Know exactly what they’re wearing
Describe what the kid is wearing. It is suggested to take a picture of the child before leaving the hotel each morning.
Teach children to stay in one place
Teach the kids to stay in one place instead of wandering in search of parents on their own. Kids should know to remain near a visible landmark or seek help from trusted adults like security personnel. Simple reminders such as “stay where you are if you can’t find us” or “look for security” are easy for children to remember.
Turn safety lessons into a game by asking questions like, “What would you do if you couldn’t see me at the airport?” Repeating responses helps build confidence rather than fear.
Keep an emergency contact plan ready
Older children should remember a parent’s phone number, their address and basic things. If your kid is young, put a note with your number and other emergency contact in their pockets. Younger children can carry an identification card or wristband with contact details.
GPS tracker
You’ll find GPS tracking watches and small devices which can be easily inserted into your kids shoes or bags. It is extremely helpful in such situations.
The mother’s experience in Vietnam ended with her daughter safe. Her daughter had gone back to the place where they had eaten before and she sought their help and was located within 30 minutes. But her story is a reminder that preparation often begins long before an emergency occurs.
For families planning holidays this season, packing passports and snacks is important but more important is being ready with a plan, so kids know exactly what to do if they ever lose sight of the parents.
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