Holiday Travel Survival Guide: 5 Tips to Survive Your Trips

By the chill in the air and the late afternoon sunsets, it’s clear that November is here. With the  excitement of back to school and Halloween behind us, many of us are now turning our attention to the upcoming holiday season, making plans to spend quality time with family near and far. Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, which means it’s time to finalize travel plans.

Avoid a Griswold family vacation! Whether you’re making a road trip, rolling on train, or flying by plane, our 5 holiday travel essentials will help you keep the kids entertained and parents happy so that everyone arrives safely—sanity in tact.

 

1. Stash Some Snacks

Don't get hangry. To avoid any unnecessary backseat quarreling (or front seat quarreling, for that matter), pack a range of snacks to keep energy levels up. Sandwiches, string cheese, carrot sticks, apples, and grapes typically do well on the road, helping quell hunger on the long trip ahead. Stay hydrated by bringing water in travel bottles with straws or other spill-proof features for the little ones—or tote the empty bottles in your carry-on and fill up after you’ve passed through airport security.

2. Layer Up

The temperature always seems to be in flux when traveling. Airplanes can often be chilly, and it can be tricky to agree on air conditioning or not when driving long distances in the car. You may leave a warm climate and arrive in a cold one, so dress yourself and your family in light layers. Cardigans and hoodies can be easily shed if too warm, or put back on if the air gets too cool. An infinity scarf is a great pick, too— wear it around your neck, or stretch it out to use as blanket for an mid-transit nap!

3. Bring a Good Read

A captivating book is one of the best ways to pass time while on the road. Stop the clock-watching and lose yourself in the pages of an exciting novel. When you’ve arrived at you destination, stash the book on your nightstand. Excuse yourself early from your in-laws’ dinner table and hide out in your room with your book—it’s the perfect way to unwind from a long day of family fun.

4. Activities for the Kids

Avoid the inevitable chant of “Are we there yet?” by bringing a few travel-friendly activities for the kids. Pre-pack a little satchel with goodies tucked inside and surprise them after you’ve gotten out of town or boarded the plane. From the backseat, they can color the Citizen of the World Map, spy the passing scenery with mini folding binoculars, and make sketches of their observations in a visual diary. A set of dominoes or playing cards on hand can keep them entertained while at grandma’s house, too. Insider The latest family-friendly interactive app from Seedling is here! Seedling Scavenger Bingo is perfect game to take on the road, so be sure to “hunt” it down to maximize your holiday travel fun.

5. Mom’s Emergency Kit

As moms, we aim to be prepared for anything that may go awry. To maintain smooth sailing, tote along some wet naps or baby wipes to wipe up messes and sticky hands. Pack a few band aids, children’s pain reliever, and motion sickness pills. Large ziplock bags are super handy for a multitude of uses— pack a few and use to gather trash, store unexpected wet clothes, or use if one of the kids gets sick. To keep yourself sane, tune out the noise—enjoy the silence with a pair of earplugs, or listen your favorite playlist with headphones.

Bonus Tip: Send goodies and activities to your destination ahead of time to eliminate the bulk from your carry-on bags, making your kids’ arrival even more exciting.

We’d love to hear your tried-and-true holiday travel tips. Share with us in the comments below!