Holiday Travel set to Break Records as Families Hit the Road

Dec. 21, 2025, 7:01 a.m. ET

For young families with children, traveling over the holidays can be challenging, so family-travel blogs have compiled hacks to make smoother car rides or flights.

“One of the best ways to ensure a smooth travel experience during the holidays is to plan ahead. Start by choosing the right travel dates. Avoid peak travel days, if possible, as airports and roads will be less crowded, making the journey more pleasant,” Tiny Traveler said, a blog about traveling with children.

The 2025 year-end holiday travel is expected to be record-breaking, according to the American Automobile Association, with 122.4 million peopel prepared to travel at least 50 miles starting on Saturday, Dec. 20 – surpassing the 2024 record of 119.7 million travelers.

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Christmas week to be busier on the roads than New Year’s week, but both weeks will see days of increased traffic. Interstates will be extra congested the weekend before Christmas, as travelers hit the road on Saturday and Sunday ahead of the holiday. friday, December 26 is also expected to be busy as travelers make moves post-Christmas Day,” AAA said.

As families with young children pack their bags, there is more to consider, such as, sleep schedules, safety, snacks and above all how to keep kids comfortably entertained.

Family traveling websites have recommendations for games, toys and practical items to make the trip easier.

For instance, the Local Passport Family website suggests creating a “busy bag” filled with age-appropriate activities.

Travel Smarter with these Kid-Friendly Essentials

Traveling with kids requires a bit more planning, but having the right gear can make all the difference. Here’s a list of items to help streamline your journey and keep everyone happy:

* Kidco peapod: A lightweight baby travel bed perfect for babies or toddlers and compact enough for checked luggage.
* Expandable packing cubes: Color-coded packing cubes help organize kids’ luggage efficiently.
* Carabiner clips: Easily attach items like jackets or water bottles to bags for swift access.
* Soft-sided baby carrier: A lightweight carrier with pockets and adjustable sizing offers comfortable carrying options.
* Yoto mini audio player: Provides mobile entertainment with a wide range of content, available at Target or Amazon.
* External charger: Ensures electronics stay powered up on the go.
* Cozyphones: Comfortable headband headphones designed for kids, ideal for airplane use.
* Luggage strap: Versatile strap for keeping luggage tidy or even functioning as a car seatbelt.
* Lightweight building toys: Small, portable options like Legos in a zipped lock bag or Wikki Stix provide entertainment without adding bulk.

Kid-Friendly Airplane Snacks: A Guide for Stress-Free Travel

Traveling with kids can be challenging,and keeping them happy and fed during a flight is a major part of that challenge. choosing the right snacks can make all the difference between a peaceful journey and a stressful one. Here’s a breakdown of excellent snack options for your little ones, based on recommendations from bbox.com.

The Importance of Airplane Snacks

Why Pack Your Own?

While airlines frequently enough offer snacks, relying on them isn’t always the best strategy. Airline snack options may not cater to dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply your child’s preferences. Packing your own snacks ensures you have choices that are healthy,appealing,and readily available when hunger strikes.

Snack Selection Criteria

When choosing snacks for a flight, consider these factors:

• Mess-Free: Avoid snacks that crumble easily or are overly sticky.
• non-Perishable: Choose items that don’t require refrigeration.
• Nutritious: Opt for snacks that provide sustained energy rather than a quick sugar rush.
• Engaging: Snacks that take a little time to eat can help keep kids occupied.

Top Snack Choices for Airplane Travel

Classic & Convenient Options

• Trail Mix: A customizable blend of nuts (if age-appropriate and no allergies), chocolate, granola, and raisins provides a good mix of energy and flavor.
• Crackers: Whole-grain crackers are a relatively mess-free option, especially when paired with cheese or hummus (ensure hummus adheres to airline liquid restrictions).
• Fruit Snacks: Choose options with lower sugar content.
• pretzels: A salty and satisfying snack that’s easy to pack.

Healthy & Filling Choices

• Fruit: Grapes,apple slices,and mandarin oranges are good choices.consider pre-cutting into manageable pieces.
• Vegetable Sticks: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips offer a healthy crunch.
• Cheese Sticks or Cubes: A good source of protein and calcium.
• yogurt Tubes: Convenient and packed with calcium, but be mindful of potential mess.

Treats & Rewards

• Small Cookies: A little sweetness can be a welcome treat.
• Chocolate: A small portion of chocolate can be a satisfying reward.
• Dry Cereal: A fun and familiar snack.

Snack Packing Tips

Portion Control

Pre-portion snacks into individual bags or containers. This helps prevent overeating and makes it easier to manage portions during the flight.

Leak-Proof Containers

Invest in leak-proof containers to prevent spills and messes.Bbox.com specializes in such containers,offering a practical solution for traveling with kids’ food.

Consider a Snack Box

A dedicated snack box or bag can keep everything organized and easily accessible.

FAQ: Airplane Snacks for Kids

What about allergies?

Always be mindful of any allergies your child or fellow passengers may have. Avoid bringing snacks containing common allergens like peanuts if you’re unsure about the airline’s policies or the presence of allergies on the flight.

Are liquids allowed?

The TSA has restrictions on liquids. Yogurt, applesauce, and hummus are considered liquids and must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule (3.4-ounce containers or less, placed in a quart-sized bag).

How can I minimize mess?

Choose snacks that are less likely to crumble or spill. Pack wet wipes and a small trash bag for easy cleanup.

Key Takeaways

• Pack a variety of snacks to cater to your child’s preferences.
• Prioritize mess-free and non-perishable options.
• Pre-portion snacks for easy management.
• Be mindful of allergies and liquid restrictions.
• A well-prepared snack selection can significantly improve the travel experience for both you and your child.

Looking ahead, the demand for convenient and healthy travel snacks for kids will likely continue to grow. Expect to see more innovative snack packaging and options designed specifically for on-the-go consumption, making family travel even easier and more enjoyable.