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The holiday season, while filled with joy and excitement, often comes with the added pressure of traveling with children. From crowded airports to unpredictable winter conditions, the experience can quickly become overwhelming. For many parents, vacation travel is notorious for being chaotic. Airports are crowded, flights are overbooked and delays are common, especially because of the winter storms that threaten us. Add children to the mix and the stress can multiply. However, with some expert-backed strategies, you can minimize stress and make vacation travel with kids much smoother.
1. Don't compare yourself to other parents. “Some parents may feel well equipped to take a big trip to Europe, while others may not,” explains Elizabeth CrainPsyD, licensed psychotherapist specializing in psychodynamic parenting, anxiety and modern challenges. Be aware of the type of parent you are and the personalities of your children. A great trip for one family may be a chaotic disaster for another.
2. Get ready for the plane. Air travel is a common stress point for families, but with a little planning, you can keep your kids occupied and (hopefully) satisfied during the flight. “In addition to bringing activities, it is useful to prepare them emotionally before the trip,” explains Elvis Rosalesclinical director at Align Recovery Centers. “I suggest talking to your children about what to expect during the flight, such as why they need to stay seated or what turbulence is like, so they aren't caught off guard. This can help reduce anxiety.
3. Consider the pace of the journey. “One of the first things I always recommend to parents is to consider the overall pace of the trip,” says Rosales. Children thrive on routine, so a busy, hectic schedule could lead to meltdowns. Look for destinations and activities that offer flexibility, like family-friendly resorts with built-in activities for kids or cities where you can easily find a mix of kid- and adult-friendly attractions.
4. Balance fun and education. Interactive museums, zoos and aquariums are always a hit because they provide a learning opportunity in a fun setting. Outdoor activities like nature trails, parks or even a day at the beach can offer both relaxation and excitement, says Rosales. Children get the chance to explore and parents can enjoy a more relaxed day. Cultural experiences, like cooking classes or craft workshops, can also be a fun way to immerse children in local traditions. These activities help children feel involved in the trip while giving them a new skill or souvenir to take home.
5. Know that there will be hiccups. “Let's face it: Even the most prepared parents can feel overwhelmed during the trip,” says Rosales. Parenting is hard enough at home, and traveling adds a layer of unpredictability. If you're feeling stressed, you can step back, breathe, and re-evaluate your plan.
6. Create a slideshow for children to view before the trip. Children want to know what to expect. Creating a slideshow with photos of the destinations, images of some of the activities you will do, and foods you will eat is a great way to get kids excited and also set expectations for what the trip will be like. It doesn't have to be big and complicated. It’s often enough to upload a few photos to share.
7. Choose your mode of transportation wisely. “Traveling by plane with first walkers can be particularly difficult, and it may be a good age to opt for a car trip if possible, where you can stop as often as necessary to give your restless child a break of the car seat”, says Victoria Murraya Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a private psychotherapy practice. Older children, on the other hand, may love traveling by plane: they will have their own seat, watch their own shows/movies and feel the sense of independence that comes with it.
8. Consider the weather. Does the place you're traveling to offer many different options, even if the weather changes? “Relying heavily on outside plans can lead to difficult times for everyone if you're traveling somewhere with unpredictable weather,” says Murray.
9. Create “vacation” rules. A parent lets their kids have all the sugary cereal they want for breakfast on vacation. They never get it at home, so the kids know it's a “holiday” rule. Even if you're a parent who closely monitors screen time and diet at home, a plane trip is the perfect time to give your kids a break from screens and snacks. “This will give them something to look forward to, create a 'special' association with these activities and being on vacation, and help them stay busy so you can relax,” says Murray.
10. Choose outdoor seating options. Things to avoid when traveling are activities or restaurants that have an “adults only” vibe. “Even if you desperately want to enjoy a fancy dinner with your partner, if your kids are bored, no one will have fun,” says Murray. “Instead, look for places that seem more family-friendly or have outdoor seating so you don't feel inconvenienced if your kids are a little more rowdy or noisy.”
11. Don't go out of your way to skip something. “If you're worried about security, the line is too long, or something doesn't feel right, skip it,” says Lynn Zakeritherapist in the Chicago area. “Give yourself permission not to do something and tell yourself that you can always come back and do it at another time if it's that important. »
12. Use your words. What should parents do when they feel overwhelmed and stressed? Verbalize it. “Instead of being grumpy and surly, let the family know that there’s a bit of overwhelm and you need a break,” says Zakeri. Sometimes even 20 minutes to reset is enough.
