Christmas Travel with Kids: Stress-Free Tips for a Festive Getaway

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The holiday season is magical, but traveling with kids during Christmas can sometimes feel like navigating a festive obstacle course.

Crowded airports, winter road conditions, and keeping kids entertained for long stretches can feel like a nightmare. It’s easy to get overwhelmed.

But with some planning, your Christmas travel with kids can be stress-free, enjoyable, and even a little magical.

I’m going to share some practical tips to help you manage the chaos and make your Christmas getaway a cherished family memory. We’ve got you covered, from packing essentials to entertainment ideas and stress-busting strategies.

Choose Kid-Friendly Destinations

If you’re traveling to a vacation destination instead of traveling to visit family this Christmas, there are some things to consider about your trip.

When planning Christmas travel with kids, it’s essential to choose destinations that will entertain the little ones and allow parents to relax, too.

Consider family-friendly winter spots with plenty of kid-oriented activities like sledding, ice skating, and snow tubing.

Alternatively, warm-weather escapes such as beach resorts offer a break from the cold while providing endless outdoor fun.

Some top destinations to consider:

Winter Wonderland Destinations: Consider places like Colorado or Vermont, where your family can enjoy cozy cabins, snowy adventures, and maybe even a sleigh ride with Santa.

Sunny Christmas Getaways: If you dream of a tropical Christmas, Hawaii or Florida offer sun-soaked beaches and poolside relaxation.

An itinerary with a mix of activities will ensure the kids are entertained and the whole family can unwind.

Packing Essentials for Christmas Travel with Kids

Packing for a family trip can be overwhelming, especially when traveling during the holiday season. To make it easier, keep a checklist handy, and pack smart.

Here are some must-haves for your Christmas travel with kids:

Clothing: Pack layers! Whether you’re headed to a snowy destination or a sunny getaway, the weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to include thermal wear, cozy hats, and gloves if you’re headed to colder climates. Also, consider whether doing laundry at your destination is an option. If so, you can pack a little lighter.

Snacks: Hunger can quickly turn into a meltdown—for parents and kids. Pack a variety of travel-friendly snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, and crackers. Don’t forget some special holiday treats, like peppermint candy canes, to keep the festive spirit alive.

Entertainment: Road trips and long flights can be tough, especially for young kids. Finding things to entertain everyone is essential for your sanity. If you’re ok with tablets, having a tablet for entertainment can be very helpful. But don’t forget low-tech options like coloring books, sticker sets, or puzzles.

One great Amazon find for travel entertainment is the Water Wow Activity Pad, a mess-free coloring option that works with a water-filled pen. My oldest son loves these!

Plan for Goody Bags to Keep Kids Entertained

One of the best ways to ensure a peaceful journey is by creating travel goody bags for your kids. I started doing this with my 3-year-old this past summer, and they were a game changer! Read about it here.

I packed the bags with one toy or game and a fun snack and gave them out at intervals throughout our time driving.

Goody bags are best suited for road trips unless you have enough space in your carry-on bag.

Some ideas for what to Include in the Goody Bags:

Toys: Mini action figures, play dough, or fidget toys are fantastic for keeping little hands busy. You can find plenty of travel-sized options on Amazon, like Magnetic Building Blocks or Mini Puzzle Sets, which are compact and perfect for on-the-go entertainment.

Snacks: Include a mix of healthy and fun treats. Think pretzels, fruit snacks, or mini granola bars. I went with less healthy options, like chips and cookies. I’ll likely do more of a mix next time. You can also add a few festive surprises, like holiday-themed chocolates or gingerbread cookies.

I didn’t think it was possible, but the small investment for the goody bags made our travel with a toddler and a baby enjoyable. We’ve had a great time traveling whenever we’ve done these bags.

This small investment in creating goody bags will go a long way in keeping your kids entertained and reducing the chances of travel tantrums.

Maximize Comfort and Convenience

Comfort is key when it comes to Christmas travel with kids. Keeping everyone comfortable makes the journey more enjoyable, whether on a road trip or catching a flight.

Tips for Comfort:

Travel Pillows and Blankets: Pack travel pillows and blankets so your kids can nap comfortably during long journeys. You can find great kid-sized options like the Trunki Travel Pillow that provides neck support and helps little ones sleep better in the car or on a plane.

Take Breaks: Plan for regular stops if you’re on a road trip. It’s an excellent time for kids to stretch their legs and burn off some energy while running around. This is especially important if your kids are still in car seats because, according to manufacturers, they’re not supposed to be in a car seat for over a certain amount of time.

Airplane Comfort: If you’re flying, consider bringing noise-canceling headphones to help drown out loud noises and let your kids focus on their entertainment.

Travel Light but Smart

Managing Stress During Christmas Travel

Holiday travel can be chaotic, especially with kids. But staying organized and flexible can help you manage the stress that accompanies it.

Some ideas for keeping stress low:

Use Packing Cubes: These are game-changers for keeping your luggage organized. Pack each family member’s items in separate packing cubes so you can quickly grab what you need without rummaging through the entire suitcase.

Stick to a Schedule (but Stay Flexible): While it’s important to have a travel plan, build in some flexibility for delays, tantrums, or other unexpected moments. Giving yourself extra time at each stage of your trip can help reduce stress.

Finally, remember to take care of your own needs, too. Self-care during travel is crucial for keeping your energy up and your mood positive.

If you’re not eating when you should or getting to the washroom when needed, the whole trip will be much more difficult. As my sister-in-law says, the bladder matters!

And don’t forget to take a deep breath and soak in the holiday magic. Traveling this time of year is difficult, but you and your kids are making memories.

Bonus Tip: Check Out My Road Trip Hacks

If you’re planning a road trip for your Christmas travel with kids, you won’t want to miss my post on Road Trip Traveling Hacks with Little Kids, filled with practical tips to make long car journeys smooth and enjoyable.

Jetting Off for the Holidays

Traveling during Christmas with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, a few goody bags, and some holiday cheer, you can create magical memories that last a lifetime.

Whether hitting the road or flying to a far-off destination, these tips will ensure your Christmas travel with kids is as joyful as the season itself.

Happy travels, and Merry Christmas!