Travel Tips for Winter Break

As winter break approaches, many of us are gearing up for some family travel. Whether you're heading to a snowy mountain retreat, exploring a city, jetting off to a sunny beach, or visiting loved ones, traveling with kids and teenagers can be a joyous yet challenging adventure. Over the years, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) a few tips and tricks to make family travel more enjoyable, or at least less stressful. Let me share my mom tested, kid approved travel tips with you!

Plan Ahead

Start by involving your kids in the planning process. This gives them a sense of ownership and excitement about the upcoming trip. For teenagers, allow them to suggest activities. I like to ask each child what the one thing is that they want to do on vacation. This can make a huge difference in their enthusiasm. My kids are 17, 15 and 12 years old, and they love to get involved in the planning process. Max is 17 and Ella is 15, and they both love to do research and help to plan our vacations. It really does get them excited and involved. I also like to see what we can schedule ahead of time so that we have things booked and ready for us. Some people want no plan, and they want to see what they feel like doing and some people want every day planned out. Figure out your style and make it happen.

Pack Smart

Packing can be daunting, but we know we need to get it done! Make sure all the laundry is complete so that you all have what you want available to pack. If your kids do their own laundry, remind them to get it done so that they can pack! Create a checklist for each family member to ensure nothing important is forgotten. Encourage older kids and teens to pack their own bags and make their own lists. This teaches them life skills and ensures they have everything they want for the trip. I’m going to encourage you to check it over and to make sure that they include things like glasses, contacts, enough underwear and socks and bathing suits. I will never forget when my daughter got into the car for a road trip without her shoes or jacket. We certainly learned from this! Don’t forget to pack snacks, entertainment for the journey, and weather-appropriate clothing. I tend to pack rain gear because then I won’t need it!

Tune in tonight around 9PM Eastern to hear the rest of my 9 winter travel tips...

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Rebecca Greene, LCSW-R