The holiday season is upon us and I’m so excited! Whether we’re cozy at home or off on an exciting snow-filled adventure, it’s the perfect time of year to make some memories together. However, as a mom of seven I am well aware that traveling during the holidays can also be stressful. Juggling kids, luggage, itineraries… it’s a lot for anyone to keep track of. With some planning and the right mindset (and these holiday travel tips) your family vacation can be filled with joy, laughter, and at least a few stress-free moments.

8 holiday travel tips

1. Start Planning Early

I am a planner by nature. Our family vacations are often scheduled out over a year in advance. Whereas I don’t think you need to plan that early, we all know the holidays can be hectic, and with a little bit of early planning, you can avoid last-minute headaches. Once you’ve decided on your destination, start booking accommodations and transportation as soon as possible. This is especially important if you’re planning to travel to popular destinations or during peak holiday times like Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Accommodations:

If you’re staying at a hotel or vacation rental, book early to secure the best rates and availability. Many families prefer vacation rentals for the extra space, full kitchens, and homey feel, which is perfect for making holiday memories together. But remember that hotels will sometimes offer free breakfast or shuttles to local destinations.

Flights:

If flying, keep an eye out for deals and be flexible with your travel dates if possible. Flights tend to be cheaper on less popular travel days like the day before or after major holidays. Also, if you can, choose direct flights to minimize the chances of delays and missed connections—especially when traveling with kids. Thinking about a red-eye flight to save some cash? Weigh the savings against if you think your family will actually be able to sleep on the plane.

Packing:

Start planning your packing list well in advance. If you gather travel essentials early you’ll (hopefully) avoid rushing the night before. Keep the focus on what your family truly needs, and remember to leave room for any gifts or souvenirs! If you’re visiting family for the holidays, consider having a conversation about gifts. Gift cards, or shipping the gift before or after the holidays, might be a better option for your family.

| Read: Road Trip Packing Tips and a Free Printable |

2. Prepare for Crowds and Delays

We all know that holiday travel often comes with crowded airports, long lines, and delays. The key to managing this is setting realistic expectations. Travel can be unpredictable during peak season, but if you go in with a flexible attitude, you’ll find it easier to handle when things go wrong.

Timing is Everything:

If possible, try to fly or drive during non-peak times. Early morning or late-night flights may not be as fun with kids, but they do come with the benefit of fewer crowds and better on-time performance.

Entertainment:

Make sure you have plenty of entertainment on hand for your little ones. Think about things that are easy to hold and won’t be dropped all over the floor of the car or plane. A few new toys or books can go a long way in keeping kids entertained! We like to pack tablets with their favorite movies or shows as a last resort at the end of a long travel day.

Snacks, Snacks, Snacks:

Traveling with kids means you can never have too many snacks. Keep a variety of healthy, easy-to-pack options on hand to avoid meltdowns. Throw in a couple of sweet treats for “extra hard” travel moments. If you’re flying, make sure you pay attention to liquids you’re bringing through TSA.

3. Safety Holiday Travel Tips

Of all the holiday travel tips this one is the least exciting but most important. With the increased traffic, weather conditions, and hustle of the holidays, it’s important to put safety first. This is especially true when you’re traveling with kids.

Car Safety:

If you’re driving, make sure your car is winter-ready. Check the tires, pack an emergency kit, and have a backup plan in case of snow or ice. If you’re renting a car, double-check the car seat situation to ensure your kids are safe and secure. We always like to make sure we have extra water and blankets too.

Health Precautions:

Cold and flu season is at its peak during the holidays. Packing hand sanitizer can really come in handy, and encourage your kids to wash their hands frequently. We always travel with black elderberry gummies too, because germs seem to be especially prevalent while traveling!

| Read: Tips for Flying with Kids |

4. Pack Smart for Your Kids

Packing for kids can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You just need a strategy!

Outfits:

Pack versatile clothing that can be layered for different weather conditions. An extra shirt or change of clothes in your carry-on can come in handy for kids.

Travel-Friendly Toys:

Bring compact and mess-free toys to entertain your kids without adding bulk to your bags. Magnetic puzzles, coloring books, or small figurines are great for keeping them busy on flights or long car rides.

Baby Gear:

If you’re traveling with a baby, try to streamline the bulky gear. Many airports and hotels offer rental services for strollers and car seats.

5. Keep the Holiday Spirit Alive

One of the best things about traveling during the holiday season is the opportunity to experience new traditions and create your own. Whether you’re staying at home or traveling far, don’t forget to add some magic to your holiday travel with these tips.

Festive Activities:

Research local holiday events at your destination. From Christmas markets to light displays, there’s often plenty to see and do. If you’re visiting family, see if you can get the kids involved in helping with decorating or baking holiday treats.

Decorate on the Go:

Bring along a few small decorations to make your hotel or vacation rental feel festive. A mini Christmas tree, stockings, or even some string lights can go a long way in making your space feel cozy and fun. Holiday window clings can be great for some cheer on the go also!

Music & Movies:

Create a holiday playlist or download your family’s favorite Christmas movies to watch during downtime. Whether you’re driving or flying, holiday music can help set a festive mood, and it’s a great way to keep kids excited (and distracted!).

| Read: Simple Christmas Traditions to Start this Year |

6. Give Yourself Extra Time

Personally, I get really anxious when I feel rushed, especially when I’m running after my kids. One of the simplest ways to make holiday travel less stressful is to give yourself extra time. Rushing only increases the chance of meltdowns (for both kids and adults), so factor in more time than you think you’ll need.

At the Airport:

If you’re flying, arrive at the airport early, especially with kids in tow. Between getting through security, grabbing snacks, and dealing with bathroom breaks, you’ll want to avoid feeling rushed.

On the Road:

If you’re driving, plan for frequent stops. Rest breaks aren’t just for refueling. They’re also a chance for everyone to stretch their legs and reset before getting back on the road. Build extra time into your schedule for unexpected stops or detours. This way, you can relax and enjoy the ride instead of feeling pressured to meet a tight timeline.

7. Stay Flexible and Go with the Flow

Even with the best-laid plans, things don’t always go perfectly, and that’s okay! The most important part of traveling as a family during the holidays is to embrace the adventure and roll with the punches. Delays happen, kids get cranky, and sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate. But with a flexible mindset, you can make the best of every situation.

Backup Plans:

Always have a backup plan in case your original itinerary gets derailed. If a flight is delayed, have some family games or activities you can do while waiting at the gate. If a road trip gets extended due to weather, see if you can find a fun pit stop along the way to break things up.

Stay Positive:

Try to keep things in perspective. If your holiday travel isn’t going exactly as planned, focus on the fact that you’re spending time together as a family. A few years ago during spring break we got stuck on one side of the mountain because of a snowstorm–so close to home, yet so far. It was frustrating, but we were able to find a cozy hotel for the night and grab a yummy breakfast before heading home once the roads cleared. It all worked out and we made some fun memories.

| Read: Screen-free Road Trip Tips |

8. Capture the Moments

Holidays are all about making memories, right?! I love snapping hundreds of photos and coming up with a fun idea for a quick family trip recap video. I always joke that years from now all I’ll have are the photos to remind me of our family trips… but that’s a little depressing for a blog post about holiday travel tips so let’s move on.

Travel Journal:

Consider starting a travel journal with your family. Have the kids jot down their favorite moments from each trip, or draw pictures of the places you visit. It’s a great way to involve everyone and create something you can all look back on for years to come. Check out my travel journal on Amazon!

Photos:

Take lots of photos but don’t forget to put the phone away sometimes and just be in the moment. It’s easy to get caught up in capturing the perfect shot, but the best memories often happen when you’re fully present.

Will you be traveling this holiday season? What are some of your best holiday travel tips?

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