The Art of Planning (But Not Overplanning)
Plan the key stages of your trip
When traveling as a family, anticipating the major steps — departure, meals, breaks, arrival — can make a big difference. It helps if each adult knows their role and the key moments of the journey. This also allows for a more balanced mental load. But don’t overplan: instead of a rigid schedule, opt for a flexible approach that leaves room for the unexpected.
Leave space for spontaneity
Traveling with babies or young children often means dealing with surprise naps, longer-than-expected stops, or impromptu snack breaks. Build buffer time into your schedule to avoid feeling rushed and stay calm.
Pack Light to Ease the Mental Load
Travel light with the essentials
To avoid feeling like you're moving house, stick to the basics: comfort clothes, favorite toys, essential meds, snacks, and of course, the beloved blankie. You can often buy things like diapers at your destination — no need to overpack.
Share gear with family
Traveling with extended family? Coordinate with grandparents or relatives to share items like travel cribs, strollers, toys, or clothes. Knowing what’s available on-site helps you avoid packing unnecessary extras.
Adjust Expectations to Stay Realistic
Accept the unexpected as part of the journey
A late dinner, a cranky child, or a small delay doesn’t mean the trip is ruined. Embrace these moments as part of the experience. Things won’t go exactly as planned — and that’s okay. Flexibility helps you enjoy the ride.
Turn surprises into memories
Unplanned stops, spontaneous evenings, or shared laughter in the car often become the most cherished memories. These are the stories that stick.
Communicate Ahead with Family and Friends
Share your needs before you arrive
Before meeting up with loved ones, clearly express your needs — baby sleep routines, meal times, quiet moments. They may have forgotten what life with little ones is like. This helps avoid tension and makes everyone feel more welcome.
Plan for downtime
Even during celebrations, carve out quiet moments for each parent and child. A cuddle, a bedtime story, or a board game can help recharge and reconnect.
Team Up with Your Partner
Split the mental load
Make a list of everything that needs doing — packing (which means gathering everything, not just folding clothes), toiletries, emergency kit, kids’ activities, documents, itinerary, house prep, pet care… There’s a lot! Divide tasks based on each person’s strengths and preferences.
Support each other emotionally
Family travel can be intense. Speak up when you’re overwhelmed, ask for help, and be honest about your limits. Patience levels vary — teamwork is key. A strong parenting partnership is a major asset for a smooth trip.
5 Things No One Tells You (But You Should Know!)
1. Travel is never “just travel”
Whether by car, train, or plane, the journey itself is an adventure.
- By car: Keep a bag within reach with snacks, wipes, toys, and spare clothes. Stop every two hours to stretch, cuddle, or let kids move around. A mirror on the car seat helps keep an eye on baby. Rear-facing seats are safest for as long as possible. Some parents sit in the back to respond to kids more easily.
- By train: Choose family-friendly seating and aisle seats for easy movement. Kids love exploring the train! Bring quiet activities: coloring books, story boxes, figurines, screen-free toys. Child-safe headphones with volume limits are great.
- By plane: Arrive early, find family zones, and let kids burn energy before boarding. For babies, keep a bottle or pacifier handy for takeoff and landing. Dress them comfortably and bring a soft toy that doubles as a pillow.
Night travel or nap-time departures can help make the journey smoother.
2. Kids adapt — but not always easily
Crying, fussing, or tantrums are normal reactions to change. Stick to familiar routines when possible: meals, naps, bedtime, comfort items. But don’t stress over the clock — some disruption is expected.
🧠 Fun fact: Before age 4–5, children’s brains aren’t fully developed to regulate emotions. What looks like a tantrum is often just emotional overflow, not manipulation.
(Source: The Whole-Brain Child, Siegel & Bryson)
3. Your child has the right to exist — even in public
Don’t apologize for a crying or noisy child. This might be a brand-new experience for them. You don’t need to shrink yourself or hand out candy to “make up” for being a family. Your child has the right to take up space and express emotions. Most people will understand — and those who don’t? Not your problem. Be kind to yourself: you’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough.
4. Highway rest stops aren’t always kid-friendly
They’re often noisy and not well-equipped for little ones. Choose stops with better facilities. Some now offer mixed changing areas for moms and dads — a small but meaningful shift. If you need to warm up baby food, don’t hesitate to ask staff for a microwave.
5. Traveling with kids means doing everything… slowly
Between dressing, loading the car, forgotten toys, and last-minute bathroom breaks, you’ll never leave exactly on time. That’s not poor planning — it’s just reality. Avoid tight schedules between travel and family meals to prevent arriving stressed. Embrace the slower pace from the start.
Holiday Family Travel Checklist
To help you stay organized and reduce stress, here’s a step-by-step checklist to lighten your mental load:
Before Departure
- Set key dates and times (departure, arrival, day/night travel) with buffer time
- Book tickets (train, plane, etc.)
- Check documents (passports, ID, insurance, printed tickets)
- Inform family/friends of travel details
- Plan key stops and breaks
- Prepare a family-friendly first aid kit
- Arrange pet/plant care if needed
- Check the weather and pack accordingly
- Confirm available gear at destination (washing machine, baby gear…)
- Charge devices and pack chargers/power banks
Packing Essentials
- Weather-appropriate, comfy clothes
- Comfort items (blankies, stuffed animals)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, rinse-free water, diapers, diaper cream)
- Prescriptions if needed
- Healthy snacks and spill-proof water bottles
- Toys, books, sticker sets, story boxes, suction toys…
- Baby gear: stroller, car seat
- Backpack or handbag with essentials (wipes, tissues, toys, documents)
During the Trip
- Plan regular breaks (every 2 hours by car)
- Adjust meals and naps to the travel context
- Keep familiar items within reach
- One parent in the back with kids, switch roles regularly
- Rotate toys to keep kids engaged
- Stay flexible and expect the unexpected
- Communicate between adults to share tasks
- Include movement breaks
Upon Arrival
- Set up a cozy rest area for kids with familiar items
- Clearly communicate needs and boundaries with hosts
- Maintain basic routines (meals, bedtime, quiet time)
- Let go of perfection and enjoy family time
Final Thoughts: Family Travel During the Holidays
Traveling with kids during the holidays takes preparation, flexibility, and a whole lot of self-compassion. By planning smart (but not obsessively), communicating clearly, sharing responsibilities, and embracing the unexpected, you’ll set yourself up for a more peaceful journey.
And above all, remember: family travel isn’t a race — it’s an adventure to be savored, with its ups, downs, and unforgettable memories.
