Christmas is a special time for everyone, with its lights, music, and festivities. However, when traveling with kids at this season, all the magical things can turn into stress and anxiety in a moment. Crowded airports, busy roads, unpredictable weather, and children’s energy seems to be directly proportional to the amount of patience in their parents’ souls.
Nonetheless, this holiday travel with kids doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience. With the right planning, mindset, and insider tips, you can safely pass any travel issues and even enjoy the journey as part of the Christmas season fun. In this complete guide, we will show you everything from how to plan your trip to kids’ Christmas travel, prepare them for the road, and stay organized during busy travel days.
1. Plan Ahead: Don’t Procrastinate
Planning is essential, and in the case of traveling with kids at Christmas, you need to start it early. Holiday travel is one of the busiest of the year, so flights, hotels, and rental car prices increase quickly, as well. Moreover, delays are bound to happen; the more “buffer zone” you leave, the less you stress out.
Tips to plan in advance:
Book flights and accommodations early. Try to book flights at least 8–12 weeks ahead, and hotels or vacation rentals at 2–4 months in advance.
Arrange the transportation. It can be car rentals, buses, and trains, or other options. Book them in advance to choose the schedule, price, and seats you prefer.
Outline the trip itinerary. Plan where you will go, what activities you will do, and how much free time you need. Don’t forget about the rest time during the day, especially with young children, as they may have meltdowns without it.
Planning in advance will not only save you money but also provide time to mentally prepare your kids for the travel, which will make the trip smoother for them.
2. Involve the Kids in the Planning
Kids, even the youngest ones, feel better if they know what to expect. Involving children in the trip planning process will help them feel more comfortable and even more excited about it.
Tips to include kids in the travel planning:
Give them the choice to choose something about the trip. It can be a stop on the way, a snack for the car, a Christmas market to visit, or something else.
Show them the place you are going to. Seeing the pictures will increase their excitement and help them understand what to expect.
Talk to them about the travel plan in advance. Tell them about flights, hotel, activities, and, of course, the most important — Christmas gifts and Santa Claus.
Kids are less likely to be frustrated and bored on the road if they have control over something, and it is a big win for parents.
3. Pack Smart and Light
Packing for children may be the most challenging part of holiday travel, especially for Christmas. Things to take with kids are diverse: clothes for various weather, snacks, toys, and gifts, etc. However, with some insider tips, you can make this process more manageable.
Tips for packing smart and light for kids’ Christmas travel:
Make a checklist of things to take with kids. Make sure to include clothing, toiletries, medication, travel documents, and, of course, entertainment.
Use packing cubes. It will allow you to pack every child’s things separately for easier searching for the necessary thing.
Pack in layers. Christmas weather differs drastically depending on where you are going. Packing different layers of clothes will make it easy to adjust to the weather temperature.
Don’t overpack toys and gifts. Take some small and quiet toys or activities for travel, and, if possible, alternate between them.
Include comfort items for kids. Take some favorite blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, and other things that will bring them comfort in the unknown setting.
Don’t forget snacks. It’s the best way to prevent hunger-induced tantrums on a plane, train, bus, or long car rides.
Remember, the lighter you pack, the easier it will be for you to move around the airport, bus station, or even car rentals with children.
4. Travel Documents and Safety Essentials
Holiday travel with kids requires more attention to details regarding documentation and safety.
Important points to keep in mind:
Identification. Make sure that all children have the proper IDs, passports, and other necessary documents well in advance.
Medical information and medication. Keep the list of children’s medications, allergies, and emergency contacts in the carry-on bag.
Child safety essentials. You may want to get some ID bracelets for small children or take a picture of the child in case of separation in a busy airport or city center.
Safety precautions. Bring a small first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and OTC medication for common issues like fever, upset stomach, etc.
Paying extra attention and being prepared will save your nerves and help you act quickly in an unexpected situation.
5. Choose Family-Friendly Transportation Options
Choosing the transportation option and making the necessary arrangements in advance can make a difference in comfort and convenience for everyone.
Tips for traveling with kids:
Flying:
Try to choose non-stop flights to save time and reduce stress.
Choose seats together and aisle ones for quicker access to the bathroom.
Bring travel pillows, blankets, and entertainment.
Car travel:
Plan to make many stops to let kids stretch and burn off energy.
Bring car-friendly snacks and drinks.
Pack travel games, audiobooks, or magazines to entertain kids on a long drive.
Train or bus travel:
Make sure to book the seats in advance, especially on popular routes.
Some trains are more friendly for children as they can move around more freely than on planes.
Bring portable entertainment and snacks and plan to stop for bathroom breaks.
Choosing the right mode of transportation and making arrangements for it in advance will significantly improve travel experience for kids and parents.
6. Keep Kids Entertained During Travel
Waiting and travel time are always a challenge for a child. Preparing entertainment for travel in advance will help save your sanity during waiting lines and in-flight or other transportation.
Tips to keep children entertained during travel:
Digital devices. Tablets or smartphones with pre-downloaded movies, games, or apps.
Activity kits. Coloring books, sticker books, puzzles, or small crafts.
Audiobooks and music. Christmas-themed stories or songs can be entertaining for the child.
Games and challenges. Travel scavenger hunts, “I spy,” or some simple travel games.
Breaks. Always encourage kids to move, if possible, even if it’s just stretching or walking around terminals or rest areas.
Entertaining a child on the road will reduce stress for parents and avoid boredom turning into frustration.
7. Manage Holiday Travel Stress
Traveling at Christmas is always stressful, but learning how to manage stress levels will benefit you and your children.
Tips to manage holiday travel stress:
Stay flexible. The best-laid plans can be ruined with one weather delay or traffic jam.
Keep a positive attitude. Children can pick up on parent’s stress and anxiety. A cheerful, calm parent is more likely to get a calm child.
Leave yourself with extra time. Try to give yourself some “buffer zone” for airport security, traffic jams, or other unexpected issues.
Practice patience. Don’t expect miracles from your children, even at home, and remember to stay calm if they get meltdown or are just plain impatient.
A relaxed parent with lower stress levels will help children feel safe and more cooperative during holiday travel.
8. Plan for Meals and Snacks
Food is another essential factor to consider while making a travel plan with children. Hunger is a most probable reason for children being grumpy on the road, so make sure to plan ahead.
Tips to prepare for kids’ meals and snacks on the road:
Pack non-perishable, travel-friendly snacks. Granola bars, fruit, crackers, or dried fruit will always come in handy.
Think about local holiday food and specialties at your destination to make meal a part of the experience.
Bring refillable water bottles to keep kids hydrated.
If you are traveling by plane, check out the airline meal policy for kids and pre-order children’s meals if possible.
Planning meals and snacks for children in advance will help to reduce stress both for them and their parents.
9. Accommodations: Keep Kids Comfortable
Where you will stay during your travel is essential while traveling with children. It’s even more important if you travel for Christmas, as the options are limited, and every family is in the same situation. Accommodations book out fast at this time of year, so don’t be late with the arrangements.
Tips for family-friendly accommodation:
Look for family rooms or vacation rentals instead of multiple hotel rooms.
Check the room amenities: free breakfast, kitchen, laundry, kid-friendly space, etc.
Try to take into account the proximity to places to visit, events, or Christmas attractions to reduce commute time.
Check if the accommodations offer Christmas-themed activities or entertainment for children.
Having a comfortable place to stay that is close to activities you planned to do can be the difference between stress and a memorable holiday experience.
10. Create a Travel Routine
Kids are creatures of habit and appreciate it even during holidays. Trying to keep them in a routine will help to reduce anxiety and manage their behavior.
Tips to create a travel routine:
Try to keep meal times, naps, and bedtimes as usual.
Prepare for time zone changes if you travel far and for a long time.
Keep familiar bedtime items, such as blankets, stuffed animals, or bedtime lullabies.
Include new experiences gradually in the travel plan so it won’t be too overwhelming for your child.
Balancing Christmas excitement with usual routines will make it more likely for your children to feel safe during travel.
11. Manage Gifts and Surprises
Gifts are an integral part of holiday travel, so make sure to account for transporting them.
Tips for managing gifts during travel:
Ship large, fragile gifts in advance to avoid additional baggage issues.
Wrap small gifts at your destination to avoid TSA or customs inspection.
Bring some small travel-friendly surprises to entertain your child on the road.
Manage gifts so they are organized and easy to handle to avoid additional stress for parents and not to overexcite the children.
12. Safety in Crowded Holiday Environments
Christmas hubs of travel are crowded, which is a great risk of separation or minor injuries.
Tips for safety in holiday crowds:
Keep children within sight at all times, holding their hand or using some child harness for younger children.
Teach older kids to recognize airport security or help desk people.
Make sure to have a plan in case you lose your children, including a photo and emergency contact information.
Children must understand basic safety rules while in public places.
Be proactive about kids’ safety, and you will prevent emergencies and feel more relaxed.
13. Handling Flight or Travel Delays
Delays are almost a must during holiday travel, so be prepared to spend more time on the road.
Tips to manage travel and flight delays with children:
Bring extra snacks and entertainment.
Make the delay part of the adventure: take the time to walk around the terminals, see holiday decorations, play some small games.
Stay calm and positive, and children will follow.
Pack all the necessary things in your carry-on, such as a change of clothes, comfort items.
Parents who are prepared for delays can turn a potential meltdown situation into an opportunity for creativity and some extra fun.
14. Budgeting for Christmas Travel with Kids
Holiday travel costs can quickly add up, especially with children. Budgeting for a Christmas trip in advance will help you relax and enjoy the experience.
Points to consider for travel budget with children:
Transportation. Flights, trains, buses, taxis, car rentals.
Accommodation. Hotels, vacation rentals, extended stay options.
Meals and snacks. Don’t forget to budget for travel snacks, dining out, and special Christmas meals.
Activities and excursions. Tickets for attractions, events, local tours.
Emergency fund. Always better to overestimate the costs, and have a backup for unexpected expenses, extra gifts, or travel delays.
Budgeting in advance will help to avoid overspending and make parents’ decision-making process on the road more relaxed and free from stress.
15. Embrace the Holiday Spirit
Traveling with children at Christmas is challenging, but it is also magical. All those crowds, lines, and long hours are easier to take when you stop and enjoy the season.
Tips to enjoy the Christmas spirit:
Explore Christmas lights, decorations, markets with children.
Take part in local Christmas events, performances, and attractions.
Make the travel itself a part of the learning experience about different cultures and traditions.
Take photos and make memories to look back on in the future.
Focus on the fun and wonder of the season, and it will help children – and parents – enjoy the Christmas travel instead of “just” surviving it.
Final Words
Traveling with children for Christmas is a balancing act between careful planning and flexibility. Christmas is both more stressful and a more unique experience to share with kids. You will need to leave room for surprises, but, at the same time, leave some “buffer zone” to handle issues without extra stress.
Everything matters: from booking flights and accommodations early to packing smart and light, to entertaining kids on the road, being ready for delays and emergencies, and even to a little creativity. Add some routine to kids’ travel, safety, and, most of all, don’t forget to focus on the joy and magic of Christmas season. This way, your children, as well as you, will be able to enjoy the experience and make beautiful memories to last a lifetime.
Traveling with kids during Christmas can turn from a regular travel into a memorable family experience. The magic of Christmas is not only at home – it’s where your family is going to travel during holidays.
Save pin for later
