Holiday travel with kids can be a beautiful mess. Between packing, navigating airports, keeping snacks stocked, and making it to your destination without losing a lovey—or your sanity—it's a lot. But with the right mindset and a few smart tips, getting from point A to point B doesn’t have to be total chaos. In fact, it might even be fun.

We put together our best holiday travel tips for families to help you prepare, stay calm, and maybe even enjoy the ride. Whether you’re flying, driving, or just crossing town to visit grandparents, here are a few ways to make holiday travel with little ones feel a little more manageable.

7 holiday travel tips for families

 1. Pack with a purpose (and a backup plan)

Before you even zip the suitcase, write down the non-negotiables: medications, comfort items, travel-size bath products, wipes, extra clothes. (Then double-check the wipes.)

Try grouping essentials by category (diapering, feeding, bath, sleep) and packing each in a separate pouch or zip bag. This makes it easier to grab what you need mid-flight or mid-meltdown.

Tubby tip: Our Travel Kit includes four of our best-selling essentials in 2oz sizes, perfect for carry-ons, road trips, or tossing in a diaper bag. 

 2. Create a familiar mini routine

The holidays usually throw schedules out the window, which is why building a few familiar moments into the day can help little ones feel more grounded.

Bring a bedtime book, their favorite sleep sack, or the bath products you use at home. A swipe of your usual lotion or a drop of the same bubble bath can go a long way in making an unfamiliar space feel safe.

Tubby tip: The Try Tubby Kit is a great option if you're gifting or just want mini versions of the full-size lineup for travel.

3. Make space for messes

Holiday travel is magical, yes. But it’s also sticky, crumb-covered, and full of "uh-oh" moments. Between snack spills, diaper disasters, and dry airplane air, plan for messes (and recovery strategies).

Keep a change of clothes in your carry-on. Stock up on travel wipes. And if you’re flying, bring a gallon ziplock for anything you don’t want to touch again until you get home.

Bonus tip: A small bottle of micellar water can be a game-changer for post-flight refreshes. (Great for grown-ups too.)

4. Go hands-free when you can

When you're wrangling kids and carry-ons, less in your hands = more peace of mind. Use a baby carrier through the airport, bring a backpack instead of a shoulder bag, and wear your diaper caddy crossbody if it has a strap.

Leave the complicated gear at home if you can borrow it at your destination (like a high chair or pack-and-play). Or look into baby gear rental services in the city you’re visiting.

5. Snacks are non-negotiable

Pack double what you think you need. Then maybe a few more. Crackers, pouches, protein bars, gum (for older kids during takeoff), fruit leather—snacks are the real MVP of travel.

Try to stick to foods they’ve had before to avoid surprises mid-trip. And if you're flying, don’t forget a spill-proof water bottle or straw cup to help with ear pressure changes.

6. Keep kids comfortable in transit

The more comfortable your little one is, the smoother the travel will be. Dress them in soft, breathable layers you can add or remove easily, and don’t forget cozy socks or slippers for long flights or car rides. Pack their favorite lovey, blanket, or bedtime buddy to help them settle in during naps or unfamiliar sleep environments. Noise-canceling headphones, toddler-friendly playlists, or a kid-safe tablet can go a long way too, especially if they’re sensitive to new environments.

Keeping their skin comfortable matters, too. Travel can dry out skin quickly, so pack a small lotion or ointment to handle any unexpected dryness or diaper area irritation.

7. Give yourself grace (and a screen time pass)

The holidays already come with pressure. Layer travel, kids, and high expectations on top? You’re doing great. If that means an extra episode on the tablet or a nap that happens way too late that’s okay.

Your goal isn’t a perfect trip. It’s a safe, connected, mostly smooth journey. And with a little planning and a lot of snacks, you’ll get there just fine.

Staying healthy on the go

Travel can take a toll on everyone, especially little ones. Dry airplane air, disrupted nap schedules, and crowded environments can add up fast. Help your kiddos stay comfortable by staying on top of hydration, offering nourishing snacks, and packing a few comfort-focused essentials. If your child is prone to dry skin or chapped lips, bring a travel-size ointment or balm to apply as needed.

Hand sanitizer is also a must (for you and them). Bring your own wipes and tissues to avoid scrambling for them in the airport or on the road. And if you have a baby with eczema or sensitive skin, be mindful of hotel laundry detergents or unfamiliar soaps which can trigger a flare-up.

Before your trip, consider testing any new products at home so there are no surprises once you’re away. If your child is old enough, include them in the packing process by letting them choose a few favorites to take along. A little ownership can go a long way in unfamiliar situations.

Don’t forget about sleep! Even if you're only gone a night or two, bringing a familiar sleep item (like a white noise machine or swaddle) can help your little one wind down, even in a new environment.

Want more travel tips?

Check out these tips for traveling with kids before your next trip. 

Wherever you’re headed, we hope your holiday season is full of connection, cozy moments, and only the good kind of surprises.