Stress-Free Holiday Travel with Kids: Tips and Gear for a Smooth Journey
Back in this studio, First time on CBS LA/KCAL News last week as a travel expert! We just got back from a long haul international trip to Australia and learned a lot, road tested some gear, and will be sharing more tips and tricks, but for now, here are some things that helped with keeping Holiday Travel Stress Free with Kids!
Thank you CBS LA/KCAL News and anchor Amy Johnson for the interview!
The holiday season is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and for parents, navigating crowded airports or long road trips with kids can feel overwhelming. With a little preparation and the right strategies, you can turn holiday travel into a more enjoyable experience for the whole family. Here are some essential tips and gear to help you stay organized, keep your kids entertained, and arrive at your destination with your sanity intact.
*This is purely editorial, I road-tested these on our recent international trip to Australia and here are my thoughts!
1. Packing Smarter, Not Harder
There are all different ways to pack and I have tried all different types of packing cubes. I still use the clear ones and mesh ones, but one of my favorite brands is Aloha Collection for their cute designs. Their travel bags are a game-changer for family travel. Here’s why they’re a must-have:
Space Savers: Roll clothes and use packing cubes to maximize space in your luggage.
Organizational Bliss: Keep outfits, diapers, and accessories sorted and easy to find with the bright, fun designs and sizes
Lightweight & Splashproof: Perfect for wet items or unexpected spills, which happens all the time with my toddler!
Works for everyday use too: I use them for the gym, beach, post surf as well!
Pro Tip: These packing cubes can double as a diaper bag! I used it as an everyday diaper bag because there is no need to have added extra weight and more to carry with a baby/toddler.
Check out their latest collection at Aloha Collection.
2. Luggage Made for Parents by Parents
If packing cubes aren’t your style, No Reception Club’s travel bags are an excellent alternative. Designed by parents of young kids, these bags simplify packing and repacking:
The Hideaway Duffel: Acts as a portable dresser, making packing and unpacking effortless, nice quality buckles and lots of pockets to stash things in
Backpack Straps: For hands-free carrying, there’s also a pass through to put on top of your roller bag.
Waterproof Compartments: Ideal for wet swimsuits or post-beach items, or inevitable unexpected messes.
The getaway bag also fits perfectly under the plane seat, with compartments for all your in-flight essentials. The bags are a bit pricey so if you can only get one I would suggest the hideaway duffel over the getaway bag. Explore more at No Reception Club.
3. Diaper Bag Essentials for the Plane
Flying with kids? Make sure your diaper bag is packed with these essentials:
Change of Clothes: For both baby and parent, it’s important to be prepped for anything including unexpected layovers or spills.
Entertainment: Besides screen time, coloring books, play-doh, small fidget toys, magnetic toys, suction toys for the plane window, or travel-sized games are great. I try to save the goodies bags from kids birthday parties for my 'plane travel pack' or do a quick target or dollar store run before a flight. You can go the extra mile and wrap them separately so they are a surprise as it adds to their excitement of something new. Bonus Tip: Most airlines, like Qantas, offer free kids’ flight kits with kid-friendly snacks and swag—don’t forget to ask!
Snacks: Make sure to pack all the snacks, especially their favorites, plus something for takeoff and landing (e.g., pouches, smoothies, a bottle or nursing, or chewable snacks to help equalize ear pressure).
Hydrate Sustainably: Bring refillable water bottles and travel utensils for both baby and parent to reduce single-use plastics.
4. Car Seats: Simplified
Car seats are notoriously cumbersome, heavy, and large, but the Wayb Pico travel car seat offers a lightweight solution:
Lightweight: Weighs under 8 lbs.
Compact Design: Perfect for short trips, Ubers, or taxis.
Airline Approved: NHTSA/FAA certified for use on planes for a safer option for take off and landing.
For longer trips, a standard car seat may still be best as this is pretty bare bones. However, it’s perfect for city travel especially if you will be hopping from place to place. It really did save us a few times while traveling recently when we didn't have access to a ride with a car seat. Prices start at $390 but can add up when you add all the accessories so its definitely an investment but I think its a strategically smart one if you count the cost per use for this travel essential.
Pro tip: When checking a car seat, use a well-labeled car seat bag and pack soft items inside to save space, its a free piece of luggage that airlines let you have in addition to your checked bags so why not use up the space!
Check out the Wayb Pico at Wayb.
5. Compact Travel Strollers
Choosing the right travel stroller depends on your needs. There are a lot of different brands with compact strollers out there these days but I have personally tried these two. Here’s a quick comparison:
Uppababy Minu 2
Pros: Sturdy wheels, ample undercarriage storage, safety bar, leather details, leg extension for on-the-go naps. Extended shade included.
Cons: Heavier and less intuitive recline feature.
Joolz Aer+
Pros: Lightweight, easy to open/close, zippered recline for comfort, extended shade included.
Cons: Less effective on uneven surfaces, smaller storage space.
Both are excellent options, depending on your travel style, it really is parental preference. Explore more at Uppababy and Joolz.
Final Thoughts
Holiday travel with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning, smart packing, and a positive attitude, you can create memorable family moments and enjoy the adventure together. For more travel tips, follow along on Instagram @chasingasun. Safe travels and happy holidays!