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Making Plans
Scheduling your family trip as far in advance as possible can help save you time, worry, and money. Keep these things in mind as you look at your calendar.
-Avoid heavy travel days. If possible, travel on Monday or Tuesday and return on Friday, since most people will choose the other days to travel. If you're flying, try to make the trip on Thanksgiving Day itself. Not only is it likely to be less crowded at the airport, but you might also be able to snag a price deal.-Build in extra time to help reduce stress. If you're traveling by plane, arrive at the airport about two hours in advance, to ensure you get through security before take-off.
-Be strategic. Scheduling trips around kids' nap times can make for a quieter ride.
If driving:
-Factor in unplanned stops when estimating arrival time.
If flying:
-Book plane tickets well in advance—airplanes seat fewer and fewer people these days. If you're flying via Detroit, Houston, Washington, Boston, Philadelphia, or Minneapolis, watch out! Numbers of seats and flights have been reduced the most at those airports.
-Allow at least one hour between connecting flights.
-A nonstop flight isn't always the best choice. You and your kids may welcome the chance to get off the plane for a while, in between flights.
If riding the train:
-Look for "passenger extra" trains—they tend to be less crowded.
No matter what method of transportation you choose, taking a few simple steps before you leave can give you a reserve of sanity for the holiday itself.
-Pack at least one night in advance—some travelers even "practice pack" several days in advance of a planned trip to get an idea of how much gear will fit.
-Make sure you bring everything you need, including medications and all those baby items. Don't forget to fully charge your cell phone, and then pack the charger, too.
-In addition to necessities, make room for one more bag of fun. Include activities to occupy the kids during long periods of waiting. Pack snacks for cranky children and a pillow to encourage naps. Finally, bring a first-aid kit—accidents do happen.
-How many times have you been 20 minutes into your drive and suddenly wondered, "Did I turn off the coffee pot?" Avoid lost time and needless worry by making a list of the things you need to do to close up the house for the duration.
If driving:
-Have a mechanic give your car a checkup before you take it on the road.
-Gas up the night before.
If flying:
-Tie some funky ribbons around your luggage—that way you can spot your bags easily on the baggage carousel.
-Know airport security procedures. Keeping the kids hydrated is a must for plane travel— just make sure you buy the drinks after you've gone through security. Also, put the kids in easy-off shoes to avoid causing a backup.
-Call or check online for flight status before you head to the airport. For that matter, go online and print your boarding passes.
En route
One family plus hours cramped in the car or on an airplane can equal disaster. However, a few simple tips can help make the road a smooth one.
-Keep yourself and your kids hydrated. If you're flying, this is especially important, since air in the plane becomes dry very quickly.
-Make good use of the activities you included in your activities bag. A good game or puzzle may help to forestall kids' complaints. But beware of motion sickness—some kids may not do well with reading or writing while moving.
If driving:
-Take your time! If your little one starts getting whiny in the back seat of the car (asking the classic question, "Are we there yet?"), it may be time to take a break. Pull into the next rest area or park for a breather.
-Pass the time with simple guessing games or sing-alongs.
-Monitor traffic reports on the radio to avoid major jams. Many highways have signs indicating what frequency to turn to for specific advice.
If flying:
-Show the kids how to monitor the progress of the plane on the in-flight television screen, present on many airplanes. Not only will they find it interesting, but you'll hear that dreaded phrase, "How much longer?" far less frequently.
The most important thing is to get there safely. Make sure everyone is buckled in properly and that if you drive, you drive carefully. Instruct your kids on what to do if they get separated from the family, and provide them with phone numbers where they can reach you or another responsible adult. Now enjoy your vacation!
