Holiday Travel Tips

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Holiday travel can be a rough time for all involved, between trying to get everything done on time, shopping, and packing- it’s easy to become overwhelmed. With so many of us traveling with small kids at some point this holiday season, there are some ideas I’d like to share with you.

1) PLAN!!! You need to plan as much as you can- but be prepared to be flexible and make changes along the way. Be like the tree…..sturdy, rooted,…and pliable 😛

2) Attempt to arrive early- this way, if things go awry, you will have “wiggle room”.

3) Have a newly potty trained, or potty training kiddo? Bring a little potty along- keep it accessible- and some sani-wipes as well to clean it out after using. Keep it in the car, where you can very, very easily reach it. Nothing worse then a wet kid in a wet seat on a LONG drive! Plus- who needs more laundry? Don’t push it- just pull over if they have to go. Yes, it’s annoying. They are kids- being annoying is sort of their “thing”. 😛

4) Bring laundry detergent, stain stick (for those “fun” accidents), and a laundry bag. Chances are great that you will be doing some if you are gone more then a few days! If you are going to be staying with family or friends, so much the easier for you!

5) Don’t fight the silly/small things. Is your kid insistent on bringing a bag of stuffed toys he sleeps with? Wearing a tutu for the whole trip? Maybe- like mine- won’t sleep in a hotel bed and makes me bring his pack and play even though he is nearly 4 and sleeps in a bed at home???? (Did I mention I hate that?) Whatever- you can fight them, and have a whiney, buggary kid on your trip, or just go with it. For me? Sleep is more precious then his sleeping (or not sleeping) in the area I would prefer. I bring the pack and play. I suggest you just run with your child’s whim of choice, unless it is harmful or completely insane, LOL. It’s just a trip- let them induldge for a second. And as they say- “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Have fun!

6) Take lots of photos- too many! You won’t think it is enough later, and you will never regret the ones you DID take- YAY FOR DIGITAL!!!!

7) Make a packing list before you actually pack- so you won’t forget things. Update it while you pack with things you add. Check it before going home to make sure you didn’t foget anything- viola! 🙂

8) Messy things like toothpaste, shampoo, sunblock? Stick them in ziplock baggies. If you are going to a water park, beach, lake, or wet area- bring a ziplock bag for your cell phone or wallet, too, to keep them dry.

9) Do you or anyone you are traveling with take any medication? Do you have enough for the whole trip? If you don’t- give them at least 3 days to fill your script- you know how pharmacies can be, haha. If you need to- call your insurance and get a “vacation override”- again, give this an extra day or two do get done!

10) Get your car checked out before road trips- if your car can’t get there, neither can you! And you want to be safe- so let a mechanic or professional give your car the “once over”, and check the tire air, as well. BE SAFE!

11) Choose your holiday outfits, and your kids as well, beforehand.  (So you can all look good for that Family Holiday Photo). Those Pajama pics have been done already, LOL!

12) DO NOT FORGET car snacks and your sippy cups/juice boxes! That is one mistake you don’t want to make- hungry, crabby kids? Thanks anyway!

13) Do you read a bedtime story? Bring one for the trip 🙂 Bring the one you are currently reading, or let the kids choose.

14) Something to keep them entertained in the car- my favorites are AquaDoodle, little hand held games and travel games, and small toys on his travel tray.

15) The Travel Tray- it is cheap, easy to clean and use, goes over any car seat- and great for travel. Eating, drinking, playing- the travel tray makes my life so much easier. It even holds his snacks, toys, and sippy in little bags on the side.

Most of all- RELAX AND ENJOY yourself and your family!
Have Fun, and Happy Trails!
~Samantha