Traveling with kids during the holiday months can be a recipe for disaster. Lucky for you I have “Been There and Done That” enough times to give you the very BEST Holiday Travel Tips so you can arrive at your destination fresh-faced and ready to mingle.

Top 7 Holiday Travel Tips for Families

This post is sponsored by AIG Travel.

1. Update Your Tech

There are so many fantastic apps that make traveling SO much easier. So, before you pack up and go make sure you spend a few minutes updating your phone with these awesome apps.

• Use GateGuru or TripIt for real-time updates to your itineraries such as security wait times, flight delays, gate changes or layover time adjustments.
• Stay connected with the Free WiFi Finder App
• Road Tripping is easier with mapping and traffic updates on Waze. You can also use GasBuddy or SitOrSquat to find the cheapest gas + cleanest restrooms near you.

I also recommend checking with your airline to see if they have their own app. Many airlines such as Southwest, United, Delta, and JetBlue are just a few of the airlines that offer mobile apps. Airline apps may allow you to check in right from your phone, let you know about delays & more!

2. Book Early

It’s no secret that traveling during peak season will cost you. But, you can avoid some of the crazy price hikes if you take advantage of planning and booking early.

3. Ship Gifts

Wrapped gifts don’t go over well with strict TSA regulations. Carry on gifts and most checked luggage with wrapped gifts will be unwrapped for inspection purposes. Save yourself a headache and ship your gifts ahead of time when traveling during the holidays. Another great alternative is to purchase online, have it gift wrapped, and shipped directly to your destination. I recommend using Amazon.

Many hotels will hold your shipped packages when they arrive the day you check-in or anytime during your stay. Make sure to contact the hotel to make sure they will accept your packages and ask if any charges will be incurred for that service.

4. Pack Extra Provisions

Nothing brings down the mood than hangry (hungry + angry) people who are bored out of their minds. Adults and kids alike will fair much better when they are well fed and entertained. Pack portable healthy snacks, extra magazines, portable chargers, games & more. For more tips on traveling with kids check out my Expert Tips!

5. Take Care of Your Health

Nothing is worse than getting sick on vacation. Take care of yourself before, during and after your trip by following these tips:

• Wash Hands Frequently
• Take a Multi-Vitamin (check with your doctor first)
• Get a Flu Shot
• Enjoy a Healthy Diet and Make Sure to Exercise
• Stay Hydrated
• Make Sure You Sleep

6. Plan for the Unexpected

Regardless of how much great research and planning you do, things can happen. Whether someone gets ill, there is a family emergency, you lose your wallet, someone gets hurt, your flight is canceled or there is a terrorist attack at your scheduled destination there may be reasons that you need to cancel your trip or get help. This is where travel insurance comes into play.

Travel insurance is one of the best ways to guard your assets against the hundreds of circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early or force you to seek medical help while traveling. There are many different types of travel insurance offered by many different insurance providers. My own personal preference in travel insurance is Travel Guard.

7. Educate Yourself

Being in the know allows you to travel worry-free. Stay informed and learn, even more, great holiday travel tips by joining me and my fellow family travel experts for the AIG Travel #WhereNext? Holiday Travel Tips Twitter Chat on November 10, 2016, from 8-9pm CST (6-7 PST/ 9-10 EST). Follow along with the hashtag #WhereNext?

Disclosure: This post was sponsored in part by AIG Travel (www.travelguard.com). All thoughts and opinions, as always, are 100% my own.

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Mama Munchkin

Amber is not only the dynamic CEO and founder of our team but also a dedicated mother of six and savvy entrepreneur. Her extensive travels with her family have not only created lasting memories but have also led to their tight-knit bonds. Helping you bring your family closer together and finding community with all of you is what gets her out of bed everyday (although her toddler plays a role in this as well).

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