Are you heading on a holiday vacation with the family but already stressing over it? We’ve got you covered. From what to do before you leave to what to pack, here are my best stress-free holiday travel tips to help you cope this year.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the products mentioned, which paid a fee to be included.
Sometimes there’s no way around it: holidays equal stress. And while sometimes that stress can be good (wrapping presents, decorating the house), there are other times when it’s not so good. No one wants to think back on their holidays and the first thing that comes to mind is how stressed out they were.
What can you do to relieve the stressful moments in your life, particularly when you’re on a holiday vacation with your family? Here are my favorite ways for this holiday season.
Plan Ahead
Waiting until the last minute to plan a holiday family vacation is not ideal. It might be too late to do it this year, but next, research where you want to visit well in advance. Get the kids involved in planning. Ask them where they’d like to visit. If they’re old enough, ask them to hop online and do some research about what they’d like to do when they arrive. By getting them involved, they’re far more likely to enjoy themselves.
Consider a Cruise
Crusing is one of my favorite family vacations. Not only is it easy and budget friendly, there are plenty of family-friendly destinations to choose and lots of ways to entertain kids onboard.
For example, Norwegian Cruise Line has two new, innovative ships coming to the U.S. next year that have ideal family vacation destinations. Norwegian Joy is heading to Alaska and Norwegian Encore will be sailing the Caribbean waters. Not only will there be plenty to eat, there’s plenty to do on board as well. Go cart tracks, outdoor laser tag arenas, and relaxing spots will accommodate any style of traveler.
Pack the Essentials
Ever think of pacing a small power strip in your carry-on bag? It’s saved the day for me so many times. There are never enough outlets at airports, so spread the holiday cheer by sharing phone charging ability.
And, while you’re waiting for your phone to charge at the airport or stuck in traffic, have something handy to read. There’s a new e-reader that’s hit my radar, Kindle Paperwhite. Thinner and lighter than previous versions, the battery lasts longer and it has two times the storage capacity. It also has a deal going on with Audible that gives readers access to over 400,000 audio books – talk about an ideal travel companion.
Starting November 22, 2019, The Kindle Paperwhite will be selling for $79.99: $40 off the original price, too.
Check the Weather Before You Go
When it comes to packing, I want to know the weather I’ll find when I arrive. That’s where a good weather app comes in super handy. This year, I’m really loving the free Accuweather app. Not only does it help me decide what to pack, it offers plenty of great planning features. Want to now how much snow is expected? Check the Snow Probability Index. Headed to a tropical area where Zika is a concern? The Zika Risk Index will help you stay informed.
The Accuweather app has GPS location-based severe weather warnings and minute-by-minute precipitation forecasts up to two hours ahead of time, too. I’m loving that feature so I know whether to bring a jacket or umbrella – or gloves and a scarf.
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