5 tips for stress-free Christmas travel with a toddler

Tis the season to be smiling…

Traffic jams, airport delays and tired toddlers – travelling at Christmas, especially with children, can be, how shall we put it, interesting.

‘Tis the season to jolly, but research also shows that over a quarter of us feel the strain and admit to feeling stressed around Christmas. Even if you’re flying off to an exotic destination travelling can put pressure on you – as it could no doubt mean meltdowns, squabbles and tired tots.

However, there is some prep you can do before you get in the car, or make your way to the airport, we speak to Leah Davis, founder of RyRy Compact who shares a few tips with us – allowing you to start of your festive holidays with a smile on your face.

Give Santa a heads up

You’ll be stressing about the turkey and making sure all the presents are wrapped, but Leah says that the most important worry for kids is: How will Father Christmas know where we are? ‘This is a problem that’s easily solved, get your children to let him know in their Christmas letter.

‘If you’re a fan of Elf on the Shelf, get your kids to tell your Elf what your travel plans are and where you’ll be on Christmas Day – just don’t forget to make sure that Elf comes with you!’ Sorted!

Pack their favourites

Although a holiday is a great way to ‘vacate’ your lives for a few days, the kids will want some of their home comforts with them: ‘A few of your kid’s favourite Christmas toys could make all the difference,’ explains Leah.

‘They will help to make your holiday accommodation or hotel room feel more festive – even if it’s just a favourite Christmas stocking or festive pyjamas. Also remember that the festive spirit can come in reciting a favourite Christmas poem or story, which will also help pass the time for those long car journeys with kids.’

Plan, plan, plan

Have you made a list and checked it twice? Planning ahead is they key to less stress over the Christmas period, especially if you’re travelling, says Leah: ‘Include your kids in the planning – they might actually turn out to be helpful and enjoy the sense of responsibility.’

This also includes where you’re going and how you’ll be getting there: ‘Talk them through the travel plans and build a sense of excitement for each stage of your journey, I find this also helps to remove any anxiety they might have around travelling during the festive season.’
Take your own car seat

We know you’re going abroad, and you don’t want the stress of carrying too much stuff. But, have you ever tried to hire a car seat with your rental car? ‘It’s a somewhat disappointing experience,’ says Leah. ‘They are invariably a health hazard waiting to happen. Anti-bacterial wipes aren’t even going to solve this one for you. Save yourself this level of hassle by taking one with you.’

Gift ahead

Thinking ahead, aka present buying and sending them direct will mean more room for the kids and their toys in the car: ‘This will save on time, space and stress as you can rest assured that the perfect gift for mother-in-law is already sitting in Manchester wrapped and ready to go,’ says Leah.

‘But, it’s always worth packing an extra roll of wrapping paper and sticky tape just in case you pick up any last-minute gifts along the way.’