Holiday Travel Tips — Making the Journey Part of the Fun
Holiday Travel Tips — Making the Journey Part of the Fun
It’s that time of year when holiday family gatherings often mean a trip by car or plane. Instead of just focusing on the destination, take advantage of the journey — and make getting there part of the fun!
When it’s the road trip to “Grandmother’s house we go,” think of it as a unique and special time together. How often do you have a captive audience? There are no TVs, no kids tucked away in their rooms — instead, everyone’s together in one place. With just a little planning (and some input from your kids or partner), it can become one of the most memorable parts of the holiday.
~ Ideas and Tips for the Car
Pack smart snacks.
If your trip is more than an hour, bring along snacks and drinks — but be careful not to spoil appetites or cause extra bathroom stops. Water is ideal since it’s calorie-free and hydrating. Low-calorie snacks, gum, or even a simple Lifesaver can help hold everyone over until the big meal. To make things easier, offer snacks in individual portions — either prefilled by you or pre-packaged — so there isn’t overindulgence from a sharable-size bag.
Avoid Car Sickness
Bring sunglasses for everyone and try to avoid activities that require looking down, like reading books or playing on electronic devices. This helps reduce motion sickness and keeps the trip more comfortable for all.
Play car-friendly games.
Choose games that don’t require looking down to avoid car sickness. One of my favorites with my kids was the alphabet game — finding each letter of the alphabet, in order, on signs or license plates. It works for all ages (except babies, of course!), and some letters can really stump you — like Q or Z. The Quakertown signs were always a welcome relief for the letter Q on our way home!
For me personally, the road trip to my sister’s house for Thanksgiving is one of my favorite parts of the holiday. I’m always thrilled when my young-adult kids come home, and once we’re in the car, it’s our time to talk, laugh, and — my favorite — sing. My son usually picks the playlist, and we sing along like no one’s listening. It always ends up being one of my favorite memories of the entire year.
~ Ideas and Tips for Air Travel
Consider a ride-on suitcase for toddlers.
A ride-on suitcase can help little legs make it through the airport. Look for one with a safety strap, footrests, and grab handles — they’re fun, practical, and a lifesaver during long connections. You can store what your child needs right in the suitcase and place it in the overhead compartment on the plane.
Help little ears adjust.
For babies and toddlers, have them drink from a bottle or sippy cup, or use a pacifier during takeoff and landing. You can bring filled baby bottles on a plane—just let the TSA officer know ahead of time so you don’t get flagged; they may need to do extra screening. You’ll often notice babies get fussy when the plane begins its descent—this little trick really helps. For older kids, chewing gum during takeoff and landing can help ease ear pressure, too.
A Plush Toy for Comfort (and Naps!)
Pack a small, snuggly toy to help your little one feel at ease and drift off to sleep. Just skip bringing their all-time favorite in case it gets misplaced during travel. This adorable plush from Target is perfect — it even comes with a cozy little blanket for extra comfort.
Bathroom break before boarding.
Always have everyone use the restroom (and change a diaper if needed) before boarding. It’s much easier than trying to squeeze past food carts mid-flight. To help you remember, set a phone alarm for about 15 to 20 minutes before your boarding time.
Take advantage of pre-boarding.
Families traveling with infants or young children can board early — it’s a great way to get settled before the aisles fill up. Just be sure to arrive at the gate early enough to take advantage of it.
And finally, pack a little patience and flexibility.
The holidays bring crowds and delays, but they also bring opportunities to make memories along the way. Whether you’re on the road or in the air, the journey can truly be one of the most special parts of the season.
Wishing you the best holidays and memories to last a lifetime!