Anya Clowers

Air travel days are busy travel days often beginning with a frenzied blur of activity. Last minute packing, excitement for the upcoming trip, and a general “wrapping things up,” combined with early morning flights may mean sleep deprivation is the foundation and first impression of the family journey. With our limited holiday travel time, it may be tempting to “hit the ground running” and plan a full itinerary beginning the moment we arrive at the destination. With kids, this may quickly backfire. Reality is, some well-planned quiet family time upon arrival may set the tone for a more relaxing and enjoyable vacation for all. Children, even as young as infants, quickly sense a change in routine; being woken up earlier than normal, less cuddle time, and more rushing around with a quick breakfast or breakfast on the road. Mom or dad may be talking about tickets and house keys and flight status along with last minute packing inquiries. Tired parents combined with excited or overwhelmed

Holiday Travel Days are here. Why not ENJOY them… no matter what?  Enjoy the Journey! Airport, airplane, car, hotel, train…any holiday moments are still family time. Holiday travel time is time spent together.  After circling the globe with my family, I have found the best itineraries are simple, flexible, and often formed as we go to capture unique last minute opportunities.  Here are my tips to enjoy the family time spent in airports:

Smile, laugh, giggle more. 

Snap memorable photos (posed, silly, casual, sleepy, etc.) of each other on airplanes and in airports. Adults included. Make your spouse, significant other, relative or friend laugh – it’s good for everyone.

Arrive early enough at the airport to “be the calm” in your child’s travel day.  

Extra time removes the stress from traffic,