The holiday season is upon us, and for many families, that means embarking on a journey to visit loved ones or create new memories in a different setting. Traveling with kids can be both exciting and challenging. As a well-travelled parent who has logged countless miles with little ones in tow during the holiday season, I understand that the key to successful travel lies in creativity and adaptability. Here’s a treasure trove of creative and useful tips to transform your family journey into a memorable adventure. If you’re about to embark on a holiday journey with the kiddos, buckle up, because we’re about to turn your travel chaos into a comedy of errors (minus the stress).
1. Personalized Travel Kits
Make each child a personalized travel kit filled with age-appropriate surprises. This could include colouring books, stickers, small toys, puzzles, word searches, spot-the-difference and a few new books. The element of surprise will keep them engaged and excited throughout the trip. For younger children, simply wrapping each item in used gift paper will buy a bit more time between discoveries. Use old gift bags to present their kits to them and they’ll think Christmas has come early! They’re also more inclined to carry their own little gift bag around, than lump you with the responsibility of lugging everything between terminals.
2. Snack Buffet in a Muffin Tin
Turn snack time into a festive experience by using a muffin tin as a snack buffet. Fill each compartment with different snacks like grapes, crackers, and cheese cubes. This not only minimizes mess but also adds an element of fun and choice for your little ones road trip snacks.
3. DIY Travel Map
Create a travel map for your kids to follow along the journey. Include landmarks, pit stops, and destinations. Let them mark off each milestone, fostering a sense of accomplishment and anticipation.
4. Travel Treasure Hunt
Keep the excitement alive with a travel treasure hunt. Before the trip, hide small surprises or treats throughout your luggage or vehicle. Provide clues for your kids to find these hidden treasures during the journey.
5. Tech-Free Travel Games
While electronic devices have their place, consider introducing some tech-free travel games. Classics like “I Spy,” travel bingo, or a portable magnetic board game can entertain kids and encourage family interaction.
6. Holiday Playlist Extravaganza
Curate a special holiday playlist featuring your child’s favourite festive tunes. Sing-alongs and dance breaks can transform a mundane trip into a lively and enjoyable family sing-along.
7. Storytelling Swap Out
Harness the power of imagination by creating collaborative stories. Start a story, and let each family member contribute a sentence or two. The tales may take unexpected and hilarious twists, making the journey fly by.
8. DIY Travel Pillow Covers
Let your kids decorate their own travel pillows with fabric markers or iron-on patches. This not only adds a personal touch but also gives them a sense of ownership over their space.
9. Travel Scavenger Hunt
Design a travel-themed scavenger hunt with a list of items commonly seen during the journey. Whether it’s a red car, a cow in a field, or a specific road sign, this game keeps kids engaged and observant during the trip.
10. Comfort Corner
Create a comfort corner in the car or designated space on the plane. Use soft blankets, cozy pillows, and favourite stuffed animals to make a snug area where your child can relax and unwind.
11. Surprise Destination Bags
For longer journeys, pack surprise destination bags. These bags contain small gifts or activities related to your final destination. It builds excitement and gives your child something to look forward to.
12. The Snack Symphony
Turn snack time into a concert. Pack snacks in empty chip tubes and let your little maestros play a merry tune by shaking them. Bonus points if they make up a snack-inspired song to go along with it!
13. Buckle Up for Movie Time
Convert the backseat into a mini movie theatre. Bring a portable DVD player or use a tablet to play your child’s favourite movies. Don’t forget the popcorn!
14. Celebrate Milestones
Mark every milestone, no matter how small, with a mini celebration. Whether it’s reaching a certain mileage, crossing a state line, or spotting a landmark, acknowledge and cheer for these moments.
15. Collaborative Travel Journal
Encourage your children to keep a travel journal. Provide them with notebooks and art supplies to document their journey through drawings, stories, and even ticket stubs. This becomes a cherished keepsake.
16. License Plate Lingo
Make a game out of reading license plates. Turn each plate into a cryptic message or a funny acronym. The license plate “ABC 123” could stand for “Aunt Bertha’s Cucumber Pie, 1-2-3 slices for me!”
17. Karaoke Carpool
Turn your car into a rolling karaoke stage. Let each family member pick a holiday song and belt it out like you’re auditioning for the North Pole’s Got Talent. Extra points for interpretative dance moves.
18. In-flight Art Gallery
If you’re flying, make the airplane your canvas. Grab those complimentary airsickness bags and turn them into instant masterpieces. Picasso would be proud.
19. Emergency Rations (For Parents)
Don’t forget to pack your own survival kit. Put your life vest on first and all that. Therefore you’re entitled to first dibs on all the snacks. If only… Make sure you don’t forget about keeping yourself hydrated and fuelled up along the way. Fill it with your favourite snacks, a secret stash of chocolate, and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones for when the holiday tunes start turning you into the Grinch.
20. Flexibility is the Ultimate Game-Changer
Above all, be flexible. Plans may change, and unexpected events may occur. Embrace the unpredictability and turn detours into opportunities for new discoveries and family bonding.
May your holiday travels be filled with joy, laughter, and countless magical moments! Happy holidaze! I mean, holidays… It’ll be fine, we’ve got this! Wait, why did we decide to go travelling with kids again????
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