Holiday Travel With Kids: Tips to Make the Season More Fun and Less Stressful

The holiday travel season is getting underway, and for parents, getting children from one place to another can sometimes feel like a trip of its own. Long lines, traffic jams, delays and restless kids can make the journey stressful, but a little creativity can turn travel time into family time.

One way to make the journey more exciting is to pack a special bag of toys that children only get to use while travelling. Parents can introduce a new activity every hour, bring snacks, download family-friendly podcasts or play games such as “Would You Rather.”

Travel can also become an opportunity for children to practise independence. They can help read a paper map, follow airport signs or listen for their boarding group. More than 3.13 million people passed through U.S. airport security checkpoints on the Sunday after Thanksgiving last year, highlighting just how busy the holiday rush can get.

Therapist Gabrielle Theobald-Anderson recommends discussing the itinerary ahead of time. “Talking through what’s going to happen can help alleviate any meltdowns,” she explains, especially when children know what to expect at each stage of the trip.

More Tips for Smooth Holiday Travel With Children

Preparation can make a major difference, whether your family is driving or flying. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends checking car seats before a road trip and packing essentials such as water, snacks, warm blankets, first-aid supplies and extra clothing.

For longer drives, plan regular breaks so children can use the bathroom, stretch and burn off energy. If you’re flying, allow extra time at security, bring familiar toys and snacks, and consider timing the trip around your child’s usual nap schedule.

Keeping some familiar routines can also prevent unnecessary meltdowns. Try to maintain regular meal and sleep times as much as possible, and remember that a little extra screen time during a long journey can be a reasonable way to keep everyone comfortable.

How Parents Can Stay Calm During Holiday Travel Stress

Even the best travel plans can go sideways, and parents should prepare themselves for unexpected delays, crowds and tired children. Parenting expert Ann Douglas told Global News that “travelling can be both exciting and exhausting,” advising families not to overdo their holiday schedules.

Getting enough rest before departure, building extra time into the itinerary and accepting that everything may not go perfectly can help parents manage their expectations. Douglas also recommends keeping children fed and rested, since hunger and sleep deprivation can make an already difficult journey harder.

Finally, parents should try not to worry too much about judgment from other travellers when a child cries or becomes restless. “Let any judging stares fade into the background,” Douglas advises, reminding parents that most people understand they’re doing their best in a challenging situation.