The holidays are supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” But when you add kids, travel plans, and jam-packed schedules, it can start to feel more like a logistical nightmare.
The holidays in the U.S.—Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s—are some of the busiest travel times of the year. With work holidays and school breaks aligning, families across the country are hitting the roads and filling up the skies. Add the pressure of reuniting with loved ones and making every moment magical, and it’s easy to see why holiday travel with kids can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be total chaos. Over the years, I’ve picked up some tips and tricks to help parents survive—and even enjoy—traveling with little ones during the holiday rush.
Whether you’re flying across the country or road-tripping a few hours to Grandma’s, these 12 sanity-saving tips will help you keep your cool, create some memories, and maybe even sneak in a moment or two of holiday cheer.
1. Give Yourself Extra Time
Travel can be a bit of a circus, right? Give yourself plenty of extra time to deal with crowds, delays, or surprise meltdowns. If it’s recommended to arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, try for 3 hours during the holidays. If you have Global Entry and TSA Precheck, then 2.5 hours should work.
2. Catch the First Flight or Hit the Road Early
If possible, plan to travel early in the day—whether it’s the first flight, an early train, or hitting the road at dawn. Waking kids up early isn’t always easy, but it’s often worth it. Early departures tend to have fewer delays and smoother transitions, helping you get to your destination with less stress. Plus, starting early gives you extra time to settle in and make the most of the day ahead.
If you can’t leave early, the next best thing is traveling during nap time or bedtime. It keeps things calm and helps avoid major disruptions to their routine—plus, it means less time spent entertaining the kids!
3. Make the Holidays Magical (Even on the Go!)
One of my favorite things to do is keep our family traditions alive while we travel. For Christmas, you can pack a bedtime story, give small gifts for the kids (wrapped if I have the energy!), and even write letters to Santa. If you have room, consider bringing tiny decorations like fairy lights or a mini tree to make your hotel feel festive. Add some holiday music, and it instantly feels cozy!
If your family celebrates differently, weave in traditions that matter most to you—like lighting a menorah or bringing a favorite dish to share. Small touches create big memories!
3. Pack Like a Pro
I’m all about colorful packing cubes for staying organized! Each person gets their own color, plus an extra one for essentials like gloves and hats. Don’t forget to check the weather and pack layers.
A first-aid kit, comfort items (like a stuffed animal), and plenty of snacks are must-haves too.
Download a printable Family Vacation Packing List.
4. Snacks, Snacks, Snacks
Let’s be real—snacks are your secret weapon for happy travel days! I keep a stash of healthy options like seaweed or yogurt melts, plus a few fun treats. You’d be surprised how much a tiny candy bribe (for my family, gummy bears and Pockys work wonders) can smooth over a delay or cranky moment!
5. Get the Kids Excited
Before we travel, I always make it a point to show my kids pictures or videos of our destination, especially of the family they’ll be seeing. I remember one trip to Las Vegas when I pulled up a video of Bellagio water fountain and colorful lights of the cityscape at night. The kids’ faces lit up with excitement, and it really helped get them pumped for the adventure and make them feel more connected to where we’re going!
6. Keep Them Entertained
Entertainment can make or break a trip. I pack travel-friendly toys (lightweight and small), books, and pre-downloaded holiday movies or apps. Since it’s the holidays, I’ll add in something festive, like holiday-themed coloring books or make-a-face sticker sets.
7. Be Ready for the Unexpected
Things will inevitably go off-script—it’s just part of holiday travel. I remember one trip where a 3-hour layover unexpectedly turned into a 6-hour wait. Instead of letting it stress us out, we decided to make the best of the situation. We explored different lounges in the airport and turned it into a fun game of trying various snacks. The kids loved sampling everything from pretzels to exotic fruit cups, and it kept their spirits high during the long wait.
We also make it a point to build some extra time into our schedule for those slow transitions or, as I like to call it, a much-needed coffee break for mom! It’s these little preparations that can make a big difference when plans go awry.
Tips If You’re Flying
Download our pre-flight checklist
8. Sign Up for Text Alerts
If you’re flying, make sure to sign up for text or email alerts from the airline. It’s such a lifesaver! These alerts keep you updated on any changes, especially if you need to adjust a connecting flight. I once got three texts about my connecting flight being delayed, which was super frustrating—but it gave me the heads-up to find a lounge (or multiple lounges) and relax a bit.
9. Save Space by Getting Gifts Shipped or Bringing Unwrapped Gifts
One of my favorite tricks is to ship gifts via Amazon to save space in my luggage. With kids and all our stuff, traveling can already feel overwhelming, so this option really lightens the load.
If shipping isn’t an option, another great idea is to bring gifts unwrapped. This way, you can save space and simply wrap them or put them in gift bags or boxes once you arrive at your destination.
If you prefer to travel with wrapped gifts, just be sure to pack them in your checked luggage. While TSA allows wrapped gifts, they might ask you to unwrap anything that looks suspicious during security checks, so it’s always best to be prepared!
Tips If You’re Driving
10. Plan Your Route
Before you hit the road, map out your journey to avoid surprises like unexpected tolls or road closures. Pre-planning can also help you identify fun stops along the way to keep everyone motivated and turn the trip into a mini adventure.
For electric car drivers, route planning is even more critical. I’ve unfortunately had to be towed to an electric charging station once on a 4 hour drive to Las Vegas. Learn from my experience, and make sure you know where charging stations are located, especially for longer road trips, so you can recharge with ease and keep the journey on track.
11. Prepare Your Car for the Journey
Before hitting the road, take a few minutes to ensure your vehicle is ready for the trip. Check tire pressure, fluid levels, and schedule a quick maintenance check if needed. If you’re driving in snowy or icy conditions, pack essentials like a snow scraper, blankets, and emergency supplies. A little preparation goes a long way toward a safer, smoother ride for everyone—especially the kids!
12. Keep Your Gifts Hidden
When driving, store your gifts in the trunk or cover them with a blanket to keep them out of sight. This helps protect your surprises and keeps your car organized, giving you peace of mind during your travels!
Final Thoughts: Travel During the Holidays With Kids
Traveling during the holidays with kids can definitely be a wild ride, but with a little planning and a lot of patience, it can also be something truly special. Give yourself extra time (seriously, you’ll need it), pack all the snacks, and lean into the chaos—you might just find some magic along the way.
If you try out any of these tips or have your own genius holiday travel hacks, I’d love to hear about them! Drop a comment below and let’s swap ideas—because let’s face it, parents helping parents is how we survive this stuff.
And remember, things won’t always go according to plan, but some of the best family memories come from those unplanned, perfectly imperfect moments. So grab your bags, wrangle the kiddos, and let the adventure begin.
Wishing you safe travels, lots of laughs, and maybe even a little holiday peace. You’ve got this!