Traveling during the holiday season can be hectic, especially if you’re traveling with little ones. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can make a big difference, and help make your holiday travel experience go smoothly. In this article, we’ll share tips on navigating the upcoming holiday travel season with kids in tow, including ways to keep them entertained during long flights, how to get the best family-friendly accommodations, and more.
Get Your Travel Documents Ahead of Time
Traveling internationally for the holidays can be a wonderful experience for your family. However, your plans could go south if you don’t have the correct travel documentation. You will need to get passports for everyone in your family, and potentially travel visas, depending on your destination. Apply for these documents early so that they arrive in time for your trip. You can get started on the application process today for your passports or visas by visiting our website.
Book Accommodations as Soon as Possible
Family-friendly accommodations can book up fast, especially during the holiday travel season. That’s why you’ll want to start looking right away, and book as soon as possible. Look for something that is near local restaurants and attractions so that you’re right in the middle of it all. Also, look for hotels or vacation rentals that have fun activities, such as a ping pong table or a game room. This will give you plenty to do and allow for some family bonding time.
Pack Efficiently
It’s very easy to overpack for your trip, especially when the whole family is coming along. However, packing too much is only going to slow you down, and waste your vacation time. We suggest having everyone in your family stick to bringing one carry-on bag and one personal item. This way, you won’t have to worry about checking in your luggage. If you want to bring along gifts on your Christmas vacation, we suggest shipping them rather than taking them to the airport.
Bring a First-Aid Kit
Accidents can happen, and you want to ensure that you’re prepared in the chance that something goes wrong. That’s why we suggest packing a first-aid kit. You don’t have to bring along everything, but you should consider taking some small, useful items. Bandages and gauze can come in handy, and you’ll feel good knowing that you have these items if someone scrapes their knee or accidentally gets hurt. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Arrive at the Airport Early
With the holiday travel season comes a lot of crowds. This is especially true when it comes to the airport. So many people travel during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, which is why you’ll want to get to the airport earlier than usual. It’s most likely going to take you longer to get through security, and the last thing you want is to be running to your gate. Try to arrive at least 3.5 hours ahead of time for international flights and 3 hours ahead of time for domestic flights.
Use Family Lanes When Available
If you want to get through security more quickly, and are traveling with little kids, you may be able to use the family lanes at the airport. These lanes are usually shorter, as they are only available for families with young children. Most of the time, a TSA agent will let you know if you are able to use the family lane or not, but if you aren’t sure, you can always just ask.
Bring Snacks and Entertainment
Long travel days means that your kids are going to need plenty to do and they will most likely be asking for a lot of snacks. It’s so important to bring along a bag filled with tasty treats and entertainment so that your children have options. This will keep them from getting bored and restless, especially while on a long flight. Also, don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle to keep everyone hydrated!
Pack a Spare Outfit for Your Kids
Kids can be messy at times, and may accidentally spill a drink or food on their clothes. If you’re on a long flight and something like this happens, this could cause problems, and lead to an unhappy child. To have a backup in case this happens to you, pack a spare outfit for your kids in your backpack. This way, if something does happen, you can have them change into their new outfit, avoiding any major meltdowns.
Keep AirTags in All of Your Bags
Traveling as a family can be a wonderful adventure, but it can also be chaotic at times. With a lot of bags to carry around, you’re bound to misplace one at some point. To keep tabs on where they are, place AirTags inside each of your suitcases and backpacks. This way, you can always see where they are in the world, and locate them if they go missing. This is also a great way to see where your luggage is if you check your bags in.
Go With the Flow
Leaving to go on a family holiday trip can be a crazy adventure, but you’ll also create some wonderful memories along the way. Things aren’t always going to go according to plan when you’re traveling, especially during the holiday season. However, it’s important that you enjoy the journey and go with the flow. Everything will work out, and worrying will only cause you unnecessary stress. Remember, some of the most unexpected circumstances can lead to the best memories and stories.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season! If you’ll be traveling internationally in the upcoming months and need to obtain passports or travel visas for your family, we can help. Visit our website to get your applications started. Further, if you have any questions along the way, please contact a member of our knowledgeable team. No matter where you’re going, we’ll get you there!
