Practical Tips for Staying Sane When You’re Traveling with Kids

For those of us who live far from family, Christmas involves travel with kids, which can take the tidings of good cheer right out of yuletide. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about traveling well with children. I’ll share what’s worked for me in the hope that it will help you remain peaceful even when your annual holiday trip to Aunt Pearl’s house feels like a visit to Crazy Town.

With a little creative planning, you really can pack everything you need to feel at home and keep it in order while you’re away.

For children’s checked bags or car luggage:

• One gallon Ziploc bag per day/per child. In each bag, pack a full ensemble, including everything needed for that day. Label with the child’s name, a brief description of the outfit and/or the day it is to be worn (especially if you are attending events that require specific attire). You or your child can then grab something to wear without rifling through the contents of the entire suitcase, emerging with a clown suit and leaving the bag in shambles. Shoes can easily be tucked along the perimeter of the suitcase.
• Two or more three-gallon Ziploc bags:
  • Bedtime supplies. Include PJs, night light, bedtime storybook, comfort blanket and/or favorite stuffed animal, toothbrush/toothpaste, comb, and whatever else your bedtime routine includes. You’ll be glad to have just one bag to grab when it’s time to get your overtired little one to bed.
  • Baby supplies. Diapers, wipes, and ointment.

 For yourself:

• One outfit per day: Consider what you’ll wear each day rather than packing a few “possibilities.” Try things on in front of a mirror, and be sure you you’ll be comfortable. Roll the outfits together, including lingerie and accessories for each combination. Rolling trumps folding by keeping things crease-free and easier to locate in a suitcase.
• Additional Ziploc bags:
  • Liquids/gels. Pack potentially leaky items together. If items come open, it’s easier to rinse off a few plastic containers than to launder everything and/or to try to get stains out of clothing.
  • First aid kit. Include whatever remedies you use at home for your family’s care: essential oils, Children’s Tylenol, Band-Aids, a thermometer, etc.

For your carry-on or car bag:

• Sanitizing wipes. On the plane, you and your kids are going to make a row of community seats home for many hours, so you might as well do a little housekeeping. Wipe down common areas and tray tables to keep germs at bay. Healthy travelers make happy travelers. Wipes are also handy after a visit to the bathroom (which you should do with your children as soon as you board!).
• A sweater or scarf. Airplane cabin temperatures are unpredictable.
• Healthy snacks and something to read. It’s possible that your children might be entertained for a few minutes, so seize the moment to read a non-rhyming book.
• Extra clothing. PJs for your kiddos to change into at landing (if you’ll land at night) and a change of clothes and a few diapers if traveling with a babe.

For your child’s carry-on or car bag:

• Folder of art supplies
• Zippered pouch of markers/crayons and a plastic cup to hold them in either the car’s cup holder or tray table on the plane.
• Lap desk/clipboard for car travel
• Books
• Earbuds/handheld device. (Now is a great time to forego house rules about screen time.)
• Gum. Tiny ears and cabin pressure don’t mix. Ensure that they are chewing gum or swallowing a snack during takeoff and landing.
• Plastic containers of crackers or trail mix
• A small blanket or sweatshirt

On your way!

Most airlines offer a complimentary beverage for you and your children. Be sure to ask for a lid, as they come in handy. It’s fun for your child to get his or her very own drink just like mom. The similarities may end there if your drink is of the adult variety—and with no judgment here. You’re on your way to Crazy Town, and all bets are off.

You made it!

Be yourself. It’s simple advice that is sometimes difficult to embrace around family. They may project old junk on to you, but you don’t have to let it stick. I know I have felt uncomfortable living out my day-to-day parenting in front of an audience who sometimes has opinions about our child-rearing. It helped me to meditate on Scripture and love big and well. I made sure my cup was filled each day by taking a few minutes to myself each morning in quiet prayer and meditation, and I encourage you to do the same. Sometimes these stolen moments happened in the shower or the bathroom, but I savored them all the same.

Christmas is a time to celebrate Christ’s life and sacrifice, which is offered to us freely. [Tweet “We can enjoy abundant life even when we’re away from the comforts of home. “]Enjoy your Christmas. Share your family willingly with those you came to visit, remember that you are blessed to be a blessing, and don’t forget that at some point, you get to go back home.

Melinda Mattson will follow any sign that leads to the promise of vintage décor and repurposed treasures. As a wife and mom to two dear daughters, her home is filled with equal measures of sugar and spice. She loves kindness and Jesus and is glad they’re meant to come as a package deal. She aims to embrace both with equal fervor. Melinda blogs at www.melindamattson.com.