Thanksgiving travel tips for new families
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family, sharing good food, and making memories. But when you’re traveling with young children, getting there can sometimes feel like a journey of its own.
From busy airports and long car rides to unfamiliar sleep spaces and changes to your usual routine, a little preparation can make Thanksgiving travel feel much more manageable. Here are some simple tips to make traveling with your family a little easier and less stressful.
Planning your Thanksgiving trip with young kids
Traveling with little ones usually takes a bit more planning, especially around a busy holiday like Thanksgiving. Think about what your child will need along the way, give yourself plenty of time, and try not to pack too much into one day.
Plan ahead, but leave room for flexibility
Give yourself extra time, think about what your child will need along the way, and try not to pack too much into one day. Whether you’re driving to visit family or flying across the country, try to leave some extra room in your schedule. Most importantly, leave some room for things not going exactly to plan—because with young kids, they probably won’t!
Setting realistic expectations
Traveling with young kids is rarely going to go exactly as planned—and that’s okay. Your child might skip a nap, get restless during the journey, or need more breaks than you expected. Instead of trying to stick to a perfect schedule, give yourself some extra time and be prepared to go with the flow. Keeping your plans simple and flexible can make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Pack what you’ll actually use
Packing for Thanksgiving travel can be tricky, but you don’t need to bring everything from home. Focus on the things you’ll actually need throughout the day, such as snacks, comfort items, a few small toys or books, and an extra change of clothes.
It’s also worth keeping a few practical essentials close by, including wipes, hand sanitizer, and tissues. Having these things within easy reach can make a big difference when you’re dealing with spills, messes, or unexpected moments along the way.
Moving through the travel day
Traveling with young kids during Thanksgiving can feel stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. A few simple things can help make the day more comfortable for both you and your child.
Keep kids comfortable on the journey
Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or train, comfort can make a big difference. Dress your child in comfortable layers so you can adjust easily to changing temperatures. Bring a familiar blanket, lovey, or other comfort item if your child has one.
For babies, having a convenient way to move between the car and your destination can also make travel days easier. A travel system like the Doona helps make transitions simpler, so you can move from car seat to stroller without having to transfer or disturb your baby.
Bring snacks and simple entertainment
Hungry and bored rarely make for a peaceful journey. Pack a few familiar snacks that are easy to eat while traveling, along with some simple activities to keep little hands busy.
Books, coloring activities, stickers, small toys, or travel-friendly games can all help pass the time. You can also save one new toy or activity for later in the journey. Something different can be a fun distraction when your child starts getting restless.
Make the journey part of the fun
Travel days don’t have to be something you simply get through. Talk to your child about where you’re going and who you’ll see. Look out the window together, point out interesting things along the way, or turn parts of the journey into a game. For young children, the journey itself can become part of the Thanksgiving memories you’re creating together.
Enjoying Thanksgiving once you arrive
After all the planning and traveling, try to give yourself a chance to slow down and enjoy being together. Your child may need some time to settle into a new environment, especially if you’re staying somewhere unfamiliar, so don’t feel like you need to fill every moment with plans.
Ultimately, Thanksgiving is about spending time together and appreciating the little things. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or creating new ones, we hope you have a happy Thanksgiving filled with good food, family, and plenty of memorable moments.
At Doona, we’re committed to making parenting simple for every family. That's why we’ve created our innovative and revolutionary Doona Car Seat & Stroller, transforming from car seat to a stroller in seconds; and Liki Trike — the most compact folding toddler trike on the market that grows alongside your toddler from 10-36 months.
