12 Tips to Make Holiday Travel With Kids Better

Any links in this post to a merchant may contain an affiliate link, which means that if you click on that link and then buy something, I may earn a commission from it.  However, all opinions in this link are 100% mine and 100% honest.  If I didn't believe in a particular product, I wouldn't recommend it to you.

Holiday travel with kids can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. It is possible to travel during this busy season while maintaining your sanity. These 12 simple tips will make your holiday travel with kids better than you ever imagined!

Tip #1: Don’t Procrastinate

The biggest tip for holiday travel with kids is don’t procrastinate!

Start thinking about your trip a couple weeks before your departure. Make a list of things you need to do before leaving. Create a packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything.

Instead of waiting until the night before you leave to pack, start a couple days in advance.

By preparing for the trip early, you will be able to start your journey in a calm frame of mind. This will have a huge effect on the moods of your spouse and kids once your trip begins.

Tip #2: Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Whether you are making a cross-country trek or heading to a neighboring town, give yourself plenty of time to get there. Add in some extra time to account for any unforeseen delays or stops.

If flying, plan to arrive at the airport earlier than you think you should. If driving, leave home 30 minutes to an hour sooner than you ordinarily would. This way, if you hit traffic or run into long lines at the airport, you won’t feel rushed.

And, if you don’t encounter any delays, you will arrive with time to spare.

Tip #3: The Earlier, the Better

When it comes to traveling, the earlier you leave, the better. This is true not only in terms of giving yourself plenty of time, but also in terms of the time of day you leave.

The earlier in the day your flight is, the less likely it will be delayed. And if your early morning flight is delayed, it will usually be for less time than a late evening flight.

Similarly, leaving early in the day on your road trip can give you a jump on traffic.

When we make long road trips, we prefer to leave during the wee hours of the morning, so we can avoid traffic. Plus, it allows us to get in a couple hours of driving while our son is sleeping.

Tip #4: Plan Ahead

Another great tip to make your holiday travel with kids better is to plan ahead.

When packing for your trip, think through the entire journey. Will you be on the road at dinner time? If so, where will you be? What about at naptime? Plan ahead so you will be ready each step of the way.

If you will be midflight during your child’s normal bedtime, throw some pajamas in your carry-on so you can get them ready for bed before boarding the plane. This can help them fall asleep on the plane.

Pack some snacks if you will not be able to eat a meal when your child gets hungry. (Check out my best snacks for airplanes and road trips for what snacks to pack.)

Additionally, if you have a long layover, bring along some toys or books to keep your kids entertained. The more you plan ahead, the better prepared you will be to fend off crankiness.

Remember, a happy child leads to a calm mama.

Tip #5: Expect the Unexpected

Another way you can eliminate the stress of holiday travel with kids is to expect the unexpected.

Pack as if your flight will be delayed for several hours. Plan for traffic jams and flat tires. Expect meltdowns and fights from your children.

If you expect these things to happen, then you won’t be surprised when and if they do. Then you can deal with them appropriately without getting frazzled.

Expecting the unexpected also means packing things just in case. This includes a flashlight, more snacks than you think you need, an extra set of clothes, and a blanket.

Make sure you have a basic first-aid kit with you, or at least throw some band aids and pain reliever in your bag. Also, carry a small amount of cash with you in case you need it, such as at a tollbooth or vending machine.

Tip #6: Check the Weather

Let’s face it, in December, you never know what kind of weather Mother Nature is going to send your way.

Starting a week or so before your trip, check the weather on a regular basis. If they are predicting a storm in your path, adjust your plans. Consider leaving a day earlier or staying an extra night.

The sooner you know about bad weather, the more time you have to plan for it. And your trip will be much less stressful if you travel before or after the storm instead of during the middle of it.

Tip #7: Pack Comfort Items

We all know that sometimes all a child needs to calm down is their favorite lovey. So, make sure you have their favorite comfort items with you. This can make your entire trip more pleasant for everyone.

Not only is it important to have a comfort item for your child, but it is equally important to have one or two for yourself. Whether this is a cup of Starbucks coffee or your ipad, give yourself permission to enjoy a treat along the way.

This can go a long ways towards calming jangled nerves.

Tip #8: Pack Your Patience

This one should be obvious, but so many people forget to pack their patience when traveling at the holidays. Along the way, you are bound to encounter people who only travel during the holidays and aren’t good at it.

Go into your trip knowing that lines at the ticket gate will be long and there will be heavy traffic on the roads and you may find that you are less impatient when the going gets slow.

Try to remember too that everyone is just as tired and irritable as you are, and a little grace will help everyone get through it.

Tip #9: Don’t Fight Your Kids

Traveling during the Christmas season is stressful enough without creating problems for yourself. Know your kids, their personalities, and their limits.

Instead of fighting them, avoid their meltdowns by staying one step ahead of them.

For instance, my son gets very cranky when he is hungry. So, when we are traveling, I make sure we take a break, or at least have a snack on hand, when he gets hungry. It is much easier to feed him than it is to deal with his fussiness.

If your children have meltdowns when they get tired, coordinate your travel plans around their sleep schedules.

Think about how frustrating traveling during a busy time is for you. How much more is it for your kids? You can’t control everything, so control what you can. It will make it more pleasant for everyone in your family.

Tip #10: Make a Game of It

Kids are notoriously bad at waiting. Unfortunately, travel during busy times involves a lot of waiting. So, make a game out of it.

This can be something as simple as awarding points for each person wearing a red shirt that your kids spot. Or see who can count the most cars in a 2 minute period.

If you are clever enough, you can make a game out of anything. If your kids are entertained, then you will have one less problem to deal with. Plus, you will find that they are much more cooperative if they are having fun.

For more game ideas, see my tips for helping kids wait in line and screen-free activities for road trips and airplanes.

Tip #11: Carry Less With You

Instead of lugging all of your packages and other necessities with you, why not ship them in advance? 

Not only can you ship Christmas gifts, but you can also ship things like diapers, pack ‘n plays, and other things you need while away. This means less for you to carry.

Another option is to just wait until you arrive at your destination, and then buy what you need.

Tip #12: Enjoy Your Family

Finally, remember the reason for your travels is to spend time with your loved ones. Don’t let the frustrations that come with getting there get in the way of enjoying your family!

Take a deep breath, take a few minutes for yourself, and be present in the moment. The memories you make with those closest to you will last longer than the temporary stress of travel.

Conclusion

These tips for holiday travel with your kids will make your next holiday trip smoother and more pleasant.

And remember, the more you travel, the easier it gets for you and your kids. So, don’t wait until the holidays to have an adventure! Get out there early and often.

For more stress-free travel tips, see our comprehensive guide to happy travel with kids, stress-free travel with your spouse and what to do when things go wrong.

Happy travels!