Whether you’re driving less than an hour or flying for several hours, traveling during the holidays can be yet another source of stress this season. In fact, a recent survey found that 64% of parents said they felt anxious about keeping their kids entertained during holiday travel. We get it — and we’ve been there! While we can’t help you teleport from place to place, we’ve got 10 clever strategies to make your trips more manageable.
Set Expectations
We all do a little better when we’re prepared for what’s happening. A few days before you leave, try talking to your kids about the trip and what they can expect. This might include a kids’ video about taking an airplane or reading a book about your destination. Answer any questions they might pose about the travel, too.
Leave Early
If you’re flying with toddlers or young children, try to book the earliest departure possible. Data from the travel site KAYAK found that travelers departing before 10am for Thanksgiving or Christmas were 12% less likely to experience delays versus people whose departures were scheduled after 5pm. Why? Less air traffic and additional buffer time for flight scheduling.
Time It Right
If possible, try to break up your travel into more manageable chunks of time, and be sure to consider your children’s sleep schedules. Got a long drive? Aim to leave at nap time or bedtime then let the ride rock them to sleep. Have an early departure time (see above)? You might want to consider keeping them up a smidge later the night before so they’re extra tired and want to zonk out on the trip.
Pack Snacks
No one wants a hangry traveler, particularly a young one. Be sure to bring along some favorite portable eats. A 2024 survey commissioned by Welch’s Fruit Snacks and conducted by Talker Research found that a whopping 83% of parents said a yummy lineup of snacks was critical to successful travel with kids and 78% used snacks to prevent tantrums. Opt for better-for-you options like fruit (fresh or dried), crackers, pretzels or cereal bars.
Stay active when you can
Travel makes you antsy, right? Kids feel the same way. When you have the opportunity, try to move your body a bit. Got a layover? Do a stroll around the airport. Need to stop for gas? Consider filling up a station near a park and doing an outdoor activity to let the kids have a 20 minute break. Any chance to break up the travel will make getting to your destination more doable.
Practice Smart Suitcase Organization
Fight the urge to overpack, but do bring a few extras (such as diapers, wipes, underwear, etc) for any unexpected emergencies. Try creating a packing list, including items with asterisks that should be thrown in at the last minute (hello, your child’s blanket that he sleeps with). With a list, you’ll have something to consult before you leave lugging all your luggage.
Bring a kit for fun
Sure, screens are a savior. But remember: Sometimes low-tech boredom-busters such as puzzles, sticker books, coloring pads and fidget toys are way more engaging and entertaining.
Choose smart seating
Flying? Try to put kids in the window, which will prevent the temptation to wander that an aisle spot might offer. It will also prevent them from grabbing carts or passengers as they pass by, potentially protecting them from germs. Research shows that sitting in a window seat (and not moving around the cabin during the flight) might be your best bet for not getting sick from fellow passengers. It’s true! A study conducted by Emory University found that passengers in window seats averaged just 12 contacts with other passengers per flight, compared with 64 for aisle seaters (increasing their chances of getting sick).
Protect against germs
If you’re traveling by plane, bus or train, be sure to wipe everything from hands to tray tables with sanitizing wipes when you’re getting settled in your seats. Pack plenty of hand sanitizer, and don’t let your kids go to the bathroom without shoes on. The airplane bathroom floor is among the dirtiest surfaces on the plane.
Stay calm and travel on
It’s true that travel can be stressful, but try to take any hiccups in stride. Starting to feel stress coming on? Take a deep breath in. Practice any self-care rituals you rely on, and remind yourself that you can only control the controllables. There’s not much you can say to the person who complains about your child’s noise or seat-kicking. If you stay calm, those around you and more likely to stay calm, too. Want more tips for traveling with young kids? Check out more advice from Sittercity.
