Buckle your seat belts, because it’s almost time to hit the road (or the skies) for your holiday travels. Whether your trip includes trains, planes, or automobiles (or the mere mention of the 1987 classic comedy film), traveling involves a lot of logistics—especially when your whole family is on board. Add that to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and you might end up wishing you’d been left Home Alone instead.
We’re here to assure you that with a few tips and tricks, traveling as a family during the holiday season can not only be a breeze, but it’ll also serve as a wonderful bonding experience between you and the people you love most.
#1 It’s a Family Affair
Sure, traveling as a family means more bags to keep track of and more pit stops to make, but it also means more people to help make the trip a success. As the saying goes, many hands make light work (or its 21st-century counterpart, teamwork makes the dream work).
If you’re traveling with kids, you might be wondering what they can do to help make the trip happen. The answer is plenty. Assign your kids tasks like packing their own toys, being responsible for their own suitcases, and helping with pre-trip chores like dumping the trash or cleaning out the fridge.
If they’re not the most willing little helpers, it never hurts to remind them that Santa hasn’t finished making his Naughty or Nice list yet (hey, whatever it takes, right?).
#2 Don’t Forget Fido
Between picking out your secret Santa gift, getting your kids’ holiday outfits packed, and weighing the pros and cons of driving vs. flying to your destination, it’s easy to let details fall through the cracks. However, your family trip will go a lot smoother if you remember to think about all the members of your family—including your dog. Take a look at these travel tips for your pooch:
- Pet-friendly is a must – Look into pet policies of airlines, rental cars, and hotels. Oftentimes, bringing your dog requires an additional pet fee, so be sure to budget accordingly.
- Keep them on their best behavior – Don’t let your dog ruin the main event by helping themselves to a big bite of Christmas ham. Bring plenty of toys to keep them occupied and consider using CBD to keep them calm (a CBDfx pet tincture is perfect for traveling).
- Don’t forget the treats – Your pooch deserves a few holiday gifts, too! Be sure to pack something special for them to enjoy as you and your family dig into the holiday cookies or open presents—plus, doggie bones are the perfect distraction while you enjoy some much-needed time with your human companions.
#3 Hunger and the Holidays Don’t Mix
What’s the difference between a happy holiday adventure and a tantrum-filled yuletide nightmare?
Snacks.
Yep, this may seem like simple advice, but trust us. Having snacks on hand will prevent not-so-merry meltdowns and taxi-ride tantrums. You can even make your emergency stash feel festive by packing a few holiday treats.
#4 Embrace the Bumps in the Road
Your trip won’t necessarily be perfect, but one day you’ll look back and feel grateful for spending this magical time with your family. Commemorate your trip by:
- Encouraging your kids to start a travel journal
- Embracing any and all photo ops (pictures with Santa, anyone?)
- Treating your family to souvenirs they’ll treasure for years
Safe (and Merry) Travels
We hope you’re feeling more relaxed about setting off on your holiday journey. Your family is going to love spending the most wonderful time of the year in the company of the most wonderful people.
Remember: if Santa can pull off his annual Christmas trip, so can you. Safe travels!
