How to Travel without the Stress this Holiday Season

Keep your cool this Christmas!

The holidays are a time for joy, not travel-induced stress. Whether you're visiting family or embarking on a relaxing getaway, here are some tips for traveling without the stress and navigating the journey with ease:

1. Plan Ahead & Utilize Booking Platforms

Booking platforms like Expedia, Priceline, or Kayak can simplify your travel arrangements by allowing you to book flights, hotels, and even rental cars all in one place. In case of flight disruptions, these platforms often provide more streamlined customer support and assistance with rebooking compared to dealing with airlines directly.

My personal favorite is Expedia. I use it for corporate travel and when I wanted to send my family on a trip to New York City. I found Expedia had the best rates compared to Priceline and it was flexible with getting me the best flight times I wanted.

They also have a rewards program so you earn money towards future bookings and I believe you can also use them for booking like a VRBO vacation house - which I also love doing! So if you're booking now, get rewards for your beach vacation in the Summer and redeem the points.

2. Pack a Goodie Bag for Traveling with Kids

Keeping my kids entertained during long journeys is crucial. My go-to is packing a "goodie bag" filled with activities, such as books, coloring supplies, small toys, and healthy snacks. We also bring a tablet pre-loaded with movies or educational apps for older children. Since we're nearing Christmas, there are tons of movies to download ahead of time. Netflix just dropped That Christmas and has the Christmas Chronicles - two recent hits over here. If traveling by car, plan your departure time to coincide with nap times or nighttime, maximizing sleep opportunities.

Netflix's That Christmas

To keep things affordable, I used to buy all of the small toys and things to keep the kids occupied at Dollar General. I wouldn't show them any of the things I bought until we got in the car or on the plane so it would be a "surprise". Now, I just kind of scope the grocery store or Target's $5 bins. In the end, you'll probably throw out all these things, so don't go wild sometimes the cheaper the better.

3. Prioritize Flexibility and Embrace the Unexpected

Unexpected delays or changes in plans are inevitable during travel. Maintaining a flexible attitude and embracing the unexpected can significantly reduce stress. Consider building buffer time into your itinerary and packing versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched to accommodate various weather conditions.

If you're checking luggage, take out one outfit and your toothbrush and throw it in your carry-on just in case everything doesn't make it to your final destination in time. My favorite carry-on luggage is Beis. See my review of their Weekender and carry-on (smaller) bag. The perk of the video - I give tips for packing the Weekender if you have babies. Love them both!

4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Dehydration and hunger can quickly escalate travel stress. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it frequently throughout your journey. Pack healthy snacks and opt for nutritious meals whenever possible. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.

Now you know I love a Stanley (especially my LoveShackFancy one), but be realistic with size and traveling. For a flight, you'll need something way smaller than that and for driving my Stanley doesn't fit great in my cupholder, but it is so big I can refill kids' waters the entire trip. Just be mindful when choosing which to bring.

5. Take Breaks and Enjoy the Journey

Don't rush through your travel experience. Schedule regular breaks, whether it's stretching your legs at the airport, stopping for a scenic picnic during a road trip, or simply taking a few moments to appreciate the surroundings. Remember that the journey itself can be a valuable part of the overall travel experience.

I used to rush the whole family through the road trip and everyone was annoyed. Now, I try to make a point of going into the journey with no pre-determined stops or times to try and hit. I've found I don't stress everyone else out now!

Hopefully, these tips help your travel plans, you can minimize stress and maximize enjoyment during the holiday season. Happy travels!