Getting the chance to spend time with loved ones is by far the best part of the holiday season. Unfortunately, the travel that often comes along with these visits can be far less enjoyable. However, with a little planning beforehand, you can get ahead of seasonal stress. Use these holiday travel organization tips to help you breathe a little easer this year.

Family Organization: Essential Holiday Travel Tips

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Make a List, Check it Twice:

Somehow it always seems like holiday travel requires an unseemly amount of gear. With all that stuff, it’s easy to leave a crucial item behind. But this is one occasion where a list can be your biggest ally. A few days before it’s time to start packing, sit down and mentally go through your travel plan. Write out everything you think you’ll need. Then, make sure to keep the list on-hand, so you can add to it when necessary. When packing, remember to check things off as you go.

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Keep Your Schedule Flexible:

Nothing exacerbates stress levels like an airtight itinerary. If at all possible, leave some extra space in your itinerary. You’ll often be able to score better deals if you fly outside of peak travel days. Or, if you’re traveling by car, you’ll want to leave time for food/gas pit stops, bathroom breaks, and unforeseen traffic jams. At the end of the day, it’s better to celebrate arriving early than to risk missing the festivities altogether.

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Pack Smart:

Peaceful traveling is all about knowing that you have everything you need on hand, just in case. If you’re flying, make sure to put any important documentation, medications, electronics, and money in your carry on luggage. While driving may decrease the possibility of losing a bag, rooting through all the luggage to find an desperately needed item is no fun. Try to keep everything you know you’ll be using within arm’s reach when driving.  If you’re traveling with the kids, make sure they have a supply of toys and snacks on hand, so you don’t have to worry about grabbing things for them while watching the road.

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Embrace Shipping:

This tip works especially well for families with kids who are anxiously awaiting Santa’s arrival. Help the big guy out by having gift items delivered to your final destination in advance. Not only will you be able to rest easy knowing that the gifts will be under the tree no matter what, you’ll also have less to worry about packing beforehand.

Only you know your holiday travel plans, so feel free to tailor these suggestions as needed. But, hopefully, these organizational tips will help you get through the busiest travel time of the year in one piece.

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