Holiday Traveling Tips with Toddlers

Travelling this holiday season with your toddler? Whether it’s an hour down the road to Grandma’s house or halfway around the world to visit your cousin’s family in Norway this Christmas, traveling with kids presents a unique set of challenges.

Both holidays and vacations excite kids; combining the two heightens the tension and excitement. Travelling with little ones means extra snacks, extra stops, extra toys, basically extra of everything, including extra patience. 

Because kids and some adults thrive on routine, the change of pace and expectations that come with vacations and holidays can affect not only your kiddos but you, too!

Toss in unpredictable weather, flight delays, crowds, and overtired children and adults, and the excitement of travelling can quickly turn to feeling overwhelmed.

However, by packing your patience and some tried-and-trusted advice, you can reduce the number of holiday meltdowns you and your kids experience!

1. Plan, plan, plan. A tip reminding you to plan before your trip might sound silly, but you'd be surprised by how many parents just “wing it” when traveling for the first time with their baby or toddler.

Start by making a list of everything you think your little one will need while away. Don’t leave anything out, even if it seems ridiculous. Next, decide what, if any, items you can go without. Or, are there items you can borrow, rent or purchase at your destination?

Maybe your cousin Mabel has a pack-and-play and a high chair that her son recently outgrew. Or, if you’re staying in a hotel or rental home, see what equipment is included in your stay. Many places listed on sites like Airbnb and Vrbo cater specifically to families and offer items like highchairs, toys, and bedding solutions.

When it comes to supplies like diapers and food, pack what you can in a suitcase or carry-on or buy extras when you arrive. It might feel like a waste of space but keep plenty of diapers and wipes on hand in case of delays. No one wants to pay airport prices for a pack of diapers. 

2. Pace Yourself. Traveling with kids is not a marathon; it requires patience and pacing. Consider the total trip length and plan appropriate stops. Road trips can be especially difficult for kids. Say you have an 8-hour drive from Philadelphia to South Carolina. Consider adding a 30-minute lunch break with a place to play outside, with another 30-minute break for dinner or snacks and play. Or consider making an overnight stop at a hotel that has an indoor pool.

Many rest areas along major highways now have playgrounds, and if they don't, they usually have picnic areas. Pack a ball or Frisbee in the car for the kids to play catch with when you take a break. Pack some chalk, and you can make a hopscotch board. Even an indoor play area at a fast food restaurant can be better than nothing if your kids need a movement break.

If you have time, look for notable stopping points along or near your path. Perhaps there’s an interesting historical sight, for example, the world’s largest cuckoo clock (Sugarcreek, Ohio), or a fun kids’ museum to spend a few hours.  

3. Relax the Rules. We all know that too much electronic time isn’t beneficial for our kids. However, traveling is the time most experts say it’s OK to relax the rules a little. Long car, train, or plane rides can be extremely tedious for youngsters, especially those too young to read or write yet.

Older kids might enjoy word puzzles, car BINGO, or even reading a book (if they don’t get motion sick), but littler ones might need some extra zone-out time with Bluey or their favorite Disney Movie. 

If you’re travelling via public transportation, i.e., plane or train, like it or not, it's your responsibility as a parent to keep your child (as much as possible) from annoying the other passengers. Babies cry, toddlers have tantrums, and most compassionate people will understand. But parents should come prepared with snacks, drinks, and toys to keep their child entertained and appropriately stimulated.

You don’t need to go out of your way, passing out little goodie bags to everyone on the plane, like one trend. But a 6-hour plane ride isn't the time to let your kid do whatever they want. Pack headphones that fit their little ears, bring plenty of travel-friendly activities, and, if necessary, let them watch an extra hour or two of Peppa Pig. KneeBouncer games are a fun and educational way to keep your tot occupied!

Some of my favorite items to travel with are:

• Coloring books
• Sticker Books
• Fidgets
• Modelling clay (not slime or playdough) 
• Bingo or I-Spy games to play while driving or at the airport

4. Prepare Your Kid: Kids like routine and predictability, and while some surprises when traveling can be fun, like an unexpected stop at an ice cream shop, try to give your kids as much heads up about the order of events as possible.

It’s especially important to prepare your little ones for changes in their routine. Travelling means a lot of changes to your child’s schedule, which can cause anxiety. If your child feels anxious about what’s happening or what to expect, they may act out, have tantrums, or misbehave in other ways. 

If your child starts acting out during your travels, try to pay attention to what’s happening around them. Are they over- or understimulated? Perhaps they’re tired or hungry if they missed a regular meal time or nap. 

Traveling for the holidays with your toddler can bring a lifetime of memories! But it can also come with stress and unexpected adventures. However, with some preparation and realistic expectations, you can minimize stress and ensure everyone has a great time on your holiday travels!