Have a Holly, Jolly Journey

Travel tips for the family

Everyone loves the opportunity to see far-flung friends and family during the most wonderful time of the year. What does everyone not love? The sheer mayhem of traveling during the busiest months! Fortunately, there are ways to avoid becoming a ball of stress tinsel during the travel season, even with your spouse and kids in tow for the road trip or flight. Here are a few of our favorite tips, guaranteed to keep the situation merry.

1. Ship all gifts to your destination

If you aren’t keen on the idea of having to pack (and maybe even wrap) a bunch of gifts for cousins and struggle to fit it all inside the car trunk or inside an airline-approved suitcase, just have everything shipped to your final destination instead. Shopping online is convenient and can prevent many holiday headaches — just make sure to tell family and friends not to open the boxes once they arrive!

2. Plan a packing list and stick closely to it

Don’t get caught trying to figure out last minute what to bring. Planning ahead is your best bet during the holidays, not only for yourself but the kids as well. Keep packing light, since you’ll likely be coming home with more stuff than you left with. And carry-on luggage should have the overnight essentials – underwear, toiletries, etc. – in case of those fun holiday delays.

3. Assemble an ‘emergency’ kit

Kids get cranky, hungry and bored. That’s a fact of life. Make sure you’re prepared with an “emergency kit” for long lines, periods of waiting, stretches between meals and scraped elbows or knees. Hearty, proteinrich snacks to keep everyone full (and not on a sugar high) are key, along with simple first aid supplies and small games or toys.

4. Don’t hurry

Everyone is happier when they’re not a hurry – and that’s even truer over the holiday season. Avoid the hectic bustle as much as possible and give your family plenty of time for bathroom breaks, meals, or just getting out of the car and stretching. If you’re flying, avoid arriving the day of the event. You and the kids will need time to recharge.

5. Carry cash

Yes, credit cards are whipped out more often than not over the holiday season. However, carrying cash is essential when you’re traveling. Whether you need a vending machine snack or money to tip a driver, we suggest having money in your wallet for smaller incidental purchases.

6. Consider a rental over a hotel or staying with relatives

No one wants to admit when a houseguest has outstayed the welcome, but it tends to happen over the holiday season. Instead of imposing on friends and relatives for days in a row, try seeking out a space for your own family. Vacation rentals and even Airbnb are great options – and less expensive than a hotel – and will ensure everyone enjoys the holiday visit.