The holiday season is a time for family, fun, and making memories—but it can also be a hectic time, especially when traveling with kids. Whether you’re flying to Grandma’s house or taking a road trip to hit the slopes, having a solid game plan and reliable temper tantrum tactics in place can make all the difference. We’re here to help!
Check out 7 travel tricks and tips to make life on the move a little easier with little ones in tow.
1. Snack Smart with Single Serve Snack Bags
One of the biggest challenges parents face when traveling with kids is keeping their tummies full without creating a sticky, crumb-crazy mess. A great way to avoid the dreaded hanger meltdown is to pack tasty, premade single-serve snack baggies before you leave.
Fill small bags with different flavors of things like popcorn, dried fruit, pretzels, and crackers, which all make for a crunchy, low-mess on-the-go snacks that are both healthy and kid-approved. Don’t have time to make your own snack packs? Stock up on convenient, single-serve snacks like Remy Graham's, fruit leathers, or granola bars to check one pre-travel to-do off your list.Â
2. Pack Small Bags of Cereal and Granola
When you’re at the airport, food options can be limited and pricey. To save time and money, pack small bags of cereal and Granola before your trip. These can easily be added to yogurt or milk purchased at the airport, making for a nutritious and satisfying snack or breakfast.
Don’t forget to bring an empty thermos or Tupperware container! This handy item can be filled with yogurt or milk once you pass through security, making it easy to enjoy your cereal or granola without any fuss. It’s a great way to ensure your kids have a balanced snack while on the go.
3. Keep Entertainment Handy
Long flights or road trips can be tough for kids, so it’s essential to keep them entertained. Pack a small bag with activities like coloring books, word search pamphlets, age appropriate card games like Uno or Go Fish. Tablets loaded with their favorite shows or movies can also be a lifesaver—just remember to bring headphones!
Interactive Games for Engagement
For travel games that require no additional carry-on, consider these fun and interactive options:
- Animal Alphabet Game: Take turns naming an animal that starts with each letter of the alphabet. This game not only keeps kids engaged but also helps with their learning!
- I Spy: Perfect for road trips, this classic game encourages kids to observe their surroundings and guess what you’re looking at.
- 20 Questions: One person thinks of something, and others ask yes-or-no questions to guess what it is. This game is great for sparking creativity and critical thinking.
- Would You Rather: Pose silly or thought-provoking scenarios to each other. It’s a fun way to get everyone talking and laughing.
4. Preload Audiobooks and Calming Music
To help your kids wind down during travel, consider preloading some audiobooks or calming music on your device. Choose kid-friendly stories that will keep their imagination or soothing tunes that can help them relax and fall asleep. This can be especially helpful during long flights or car rides, providing a comforting atmosphere.
5. Make Use of Travel Pillows and Blankets
Comfort is key when traveling, especially for little ones. Bring along lightweight travel pillows and blankets to help your kids feel cozy and secure. This can make a significant difference during long flights or car rides, helping to make naps on the go a little more comfortable.
6. Stay Organized with a Travel Checklist
Before you head out, create a travel checklist to ensure you don’t forget any essentials. Include items like snacks, entertainment, clothing, and toiletries. Having everything organized will reduce stress and make packing easier.
7. ​​Bring a Stress Ball
Some kids benefit from sensory stimulation, which can help keep them entertained and reduce stress during travel. Consider bringing a stress ball along for the journey! It’s a simple tool that can provide a calming effect for your child when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Plus, mom and dad can borrow it when the holiday hustle becomes a holiday headache (and remember, don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go according to plan. In our experience, they rarely do).
