Let’s be honest, traveling with kids during the holiday season can be a mix of special and challenging. Keep stress at a minimum while maximising the joy of making family memories, thanks to some careful planning and a healthy dose of creativity. 

Here are some proven and reliable tips to keep everyone—including yourself—happy throughout the holidays.

The tendency to over pack when traveling with kids is a common problem, but keep things simple and save your sanity. Try to focus on the essentials, such as weather-appropriate clothing, healthy snacks, and a first-aid kit. Avoid any last-minute chaos by making a checklist, tailored to each child’s needs. When it comes to the actual packing, it might help to organise items by each family member.

However you plan to get to your destination, a little preparation can go a long way. Bring things to keep the kids occupied, such as their favourite snacks, drinks, and books or games. A road-trip playlist can make long journeys much more pleasant with a fun family karaoke session. For younger children, packing comfort items like a toy or blanket will help them feel more secure in new or unfamiliar surroundings.

Sticking to a routine can help keep little ones on track, but holiday travel often requires you to accept that things don’t always go to plan. Plan your itinerary to allow for some buffer time–bathroom breaks, meals, and tantrums. Leave some room for spontaneity—a delayed plane doesn’t have to turn into a nightmare situation for the family.

Travelling as a family should be approached as an adventure rather than a chore. Get your small humans involved by assigning them age-appropriate responsibilities, such as packing their own backpack with toys or selecting travel snacks. Before leaving on holiday, spark their curiosity by sharing some fun facts about your destination.

Many Novotel locations offer family-friendly amenities, including kid’s play areas and interactive game zones. After a long and tiring day of holiday activities, keeping your kids entertained in a hotel room can feel daunting. Turn the space into a mini-adventure zone by bringing along small games, puzzles, or craft supplies. 

Encourage your kids to document their journey. Whether it’s through photos, drawing in a travel journal, or collecting small mementos like postcards, these keepsakes will help them remember the adventure and give them something to do during downtime.

This is not your first rodeo–hunger and tiredness are the top cause of most travel meltdowns for kids. It’s wise to always have snacks and water when on the go, and try to keep meal and nap times as consistent as possible. Novotel offers kid-friendly menus or early dining options, to help you simplify the holiday mealtime routine.

Lastly, don’t neglect your own well-being. Coordinating holiday travel with kids can be exhausting for mum and dad, so find moments to recharge. The 360° Novotel Wellbeing Experience takes care of your body, mind and soul – whether you’re seeking rest and relaxation, to recharge your batteries or simply to feel like a better you. 

Holiday travel with little ones can be filled with laughter and joy (and not tears) with these easy-to-achieve tips. Pack your bags, embrace the holiday spirit, and make cherished memories together!