Why Thanksgiving travel with kids will drive you crazy (and how to survive it like a pro)

Thanksgiving travel… two words that can send any parent into an instant stress spiral! It's already one of the busiest travel times of the year, but when you add in kids, snacks, toys, meltdowns, and "Are we there yet?", things can get really crazy. If you're gearing up to travel with your little ones this holiday, buckle up, families. Here's how to make it just a little easier (and keep your sanity intact!).

Plan ahead, and I mean way ahead

Booking early isn’t just for securing the best deals—it’s for snagging seats where your kids are more likely to stay entertained and close by. If you can, try to plan your travel during off-peak times, like early morning flights or midweek trips. Fewer crowds means fewer meltdowns (well, hopefully!). And don't forget to triple-check your packing list; running through the airport because you left Blankie behind is not the vibe.

Snacks: your secret weapon

I don’t need to tell you how much kids love their snacks, and trust me, on Thanksgiving travel day, they’ll be your best friend too. Pack a variety of easy-to-eat, non-messy snacks. Think string cheese, crackers, fruit snacks—stuff that won’t have you scrubbing sticky fingers or wiping down airplane seats every two seconds. Bonus points if you make snack packs ahead of time for each kiddo. Let them feel like they're in control by giving them their own little stash.

The entertainment dilemma

The minute you sit down, your kids are going to ask for something to do. Screens can be a lifesaver, but they don’t always last the entire trip, especially with long waits at the airport. Load up tablets with favorite shows, but also bring out the old-school tricks: coloring books, sticker pads, and small toys that won’t roll under the airplane seat!

Dress them comfy, and layer up

Kids will be squirmy no matter what, but comfy clothes can help. Stick to soft, stretchy, easy-to-remove layers. That way, you can adjust for the temperature changes between the chilly outdoors and the often-overheated airport. Oh, and avoid complicated shoes—slip-ons are your friend when hustling through security!

Bring your GoKit for peace of mind

We all know kids are experts at getting hurt or sick at the worst possible times, right? That's why packing a GoKit is a no-brainer. Whether it’s a scraped knee from tripping at the terminal, a nosebleed, or maybe even a mystery rash halfway through the flight (because of course), you’ll be ready. Having a GoKit means you’ve got those kid-specific essentials right there, so you can relax knowing you're covered for any little bumps along the way. The GoKits are TSA-approved, so they are allowed to bring on planes.

Manage your expectations (and theirs)

I’ll be real with you—traveling with kids during Thanksgiving is stressful. It’s crowded, noisy, and there will be moments when you feel like you’re about to lose it. But if you go into it knowing that it won’t be smooth sailing, you’ll handle the chaos much better. Kids feed off our energy, so if you stay calm, they’re more likely to roll with the punches, too. And if things get too wild, just breathe and remind yourself that this trip will eventually end.

The exit strategy

One last tip: Plan what happens when you arrive at your destination. Pre-arrange rides, make sure you’ve got an easy meal waiting, and try to carve out some downtime for the kids. They’ll likely be overstimulated and exhausted, so a bit of decompression time will save you from any post-travel meltdowns (and help you enjoy the holiday).

Thanksgiving travel with kids is no joke, but you can handle it, families! With some planning, a little flexibility, and your trusty GoKit in hand, you'll be on your way to a smoother, less stressful holiday trip. You’ve got this! Safe travels!