Holiday travel sounds magical… until you are three hours into a road trip with restless kids or trying to keep a toddler calm on a full flight. The good news? With the right prep (and a few clever tricks), travel can feel smoother, calmer, and even fun.
Here are fresh, creative, actually-useful tips that parents and nannies can use this Thanksgiving season, many of which go beyond the typical “bring snacks and an iPad.”
1. Build a “Travel Adventure Kit” With Wrapped Surprises
Instead of giving kids all their activities upfront, wrap small items individually. Think dollar-store toys, fidget items, magnets, stickers, or coloring pages.
Why it works:
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Kids open one surprise every 30–45 minutes.
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It spreads out excitement and buys you pockets of quiet time.
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You can theme them (“airport explorers,” “fall animals,” “road-trip detectives”).
This can easily carry kids through an entire flight.
2. Create a Personalized Photo Book for the Trip
Make a simple mini photo book, printed or digital, with:
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Photos of the people you are visiting
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Landmarks they might see
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Old holiday pictures
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Favorite people and places at home
Kids love seeing familiar faces and anticipating what is coming. It reduces anxiety and provides a soothing, screen-free distraction.
3. Use a “Story Dice” Game for Endless Entertainment
Pack 6 to 8 dice, or print picture dice. Each roll becomes part of a story:
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One die = character
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One = setting
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One = challenge
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One = silly twist
Kids can also draw the next scene. This works great in airport lines or during long stretches of the drive.
4. Bring Window Clings or Magnet Boards (Mess-Free & Genius)
For car rides, window clings keep little hands busy for a long time.
For flights, a magnet board with themed magnets (animals, letters, shapes, holiday icons) is a contained, quiet activity that does not spill everywhere like crayons or legos.
5. Use Bite-Sized Sensory Play
Sensory experiences help regulate kids during travel. Small travel-friendly options include:
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A tiny container of kinetic sand
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Water Wow or reusable painting books
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Silicone bubble pop toys
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A mini fidget kit with different textures
Bring a gallon Ziploc to contain everything. It keeps things clean and stress-free.
6. Build a “Movement Menu” for Layovers or Rest Stops
Kids need planned bursts of movement or they will make their own, usually at the worst moment. Create a fun “movement menu,” such as:
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10 silly jumps
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Walk like a penguin
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Yoga poses (“turkey pose,” “pumpkin pose”)
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Bear walk across the grass
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Airplane arms while balancing
This helps regulate energy and reduces overstimulation later.
7. Turn the Trip Into a Scavenger Hunt
Create a simple scavenger hunt appropriate for your route.
For flights:
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Blue suitcase
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Sleeping traveler
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Plane with stripes
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Luggage cart
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Someone reading a book
For road trips:
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Water tower
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Bridge
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Barn
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Train
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Holiday lights
Kids stay engaged with the world, not just screens.
8. Use “Travel Timers” to Prevent Meltdowns
Instead of vague promises like “We will be there soon,” show kids the passing of time visually:
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Sand timers
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Time cubes
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Simple visual countdown apps
Predictability is one of the biggest meltdown preventers during travel.
9. Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks
Holiday travel is not the time to ration snacks. Truly, keep them coming.
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Pack a big variety (sweet, salty, crunchy, fresh, familiar).
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Offer a new snack every so often to keep spirits high.
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Think low-mess but highly engaging (fruit gummies, granola bars, pretzels, pouches).
Travel days are all about survival mode and keeping everyone calm. A well-fed kid is a happier traveler.
10. And Yes… Screen Time Is Totally Okay
You can prepare all the creative activities in the world, but sometimes the best tool is the one that gives everyone a break.
Many parents intentionally limit screen time at home so travel feels like a treat, not a fail. And that is absolutely okay.
Try mixing it in strategically:
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Use screens during the hardest stretches (boarding, taxiing, the last hour of a long car ride).
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Download shows, audiobooks, and games in advance.
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Rotate screens with the activities above to keep them novel.
No guilt. Travel requires flexibility.
Conclusion
Holiday travel does not have to feel like survival mode. With thoughtful planning, creative activities, plenty of snacks, and guilt-free screen time, parents and nannies can help kids feel calmer, happier, and more entertained throughout the journey.
These strategies turn long waits, long rides, and long flights into opportunities for connection, curiosity, and even fun, setting the stage for a joyful holiday season ahead. If you’re a Boston or Nashville family looking for extra childcare support during the holidays, The Washburn Agency is here to help make your season a little smoother.
