The holiday travel season is sneaking up faster than we think—between flights, road trips, rentals, and gift deadlines, it can feel like you’re planning a military operation. But here’s the good news: a little early prep goes a long way. If your family travels over the holidays (or dreams of doing more), these are some of our top tips to help you get organized, enjoy the ride, and keep your gear protected—with a little help from J.L. Childress along the way.

1. Start with Your Travel Gear

Getting the right gear early means less scrambling later.

• ✈️ Gate Check Bag for Car Seats
  Keep your car seat protected from dirt and damage while flying. This bright red bag folds into a compact pouch, making it easy to spot at baggage claim and perfect for busy airports during the holidays.

• 👶 Compact Stroller Travel Bag
  Safeguard your stroller from scuffs and scratches while keeping your hands free with padded backpack straps. Add an AirTag for easy tracking—it’s one less thing to stress about at the gate.

• 🚗 Backseat Butler Car Organizer
  For those driving to Grandma’s or hopping between holiday parties, the Backseat Butler keeps snacks, chargers, toys, and travel essentials neatly organized. Ten pockets and a deep cargo zone mean fewer “Mom, where’s my…” moments.

• 🧊 Cooler Bags
  Keep drinks, snacks, and even breast milk cool while you’re on the go. Whether you’re on a long drive or waiting for a flight, our cooler bags make snack time easy and mess-free.

• 💫 Disposable Changing Pads
  These are a holiday travel hero! Leak-proof and soft for baby’s comfort, they fold compactly into any diaper bag and are perfect for airplanes, rest stops, or hotel stays. Because changing tables—and free hands—aren’t always easy to find on the road.

 

2. Map Out Your Travel Types

Think ahead: Are you flying? Driving? Staying in a VRBO? Each mode means a slightly different setup.

• Flying: Pack early, check your gear bag for gate-checking, label everything. Protect the car seat and stroller from rough handling with the right bags (see above).

• Driving: Use the Backseat Butler organizer, maintain a “rest stop kit” (snacks, trash bags, portable charger, kids’ headphones), and plan for longer stops so everyone stays fresh.

• Vacation Rental (VRBO/Airbnb): If you’re staying in a rental, one smart tip is to rent baby gear locally instead of packing every bulky item. Platforms like BabyQuip let you reserve items such as cribs and high chairs and have them delivered before you arrive. With this option, you can travel lighter and still have everything your little ones need.

 

3. Create a Family “Mission Control” Plan

Holiday travel stress sky-rockets when only one person is managing everything. Here’s how to turn the family into a team:

• Create a shared digital calendar (or hang a big one at home) with: travel days, hotel check-in times, special events, and packing lists.

• Assign each family member one “responsibility” (yes, even kiddos): e.g., one handles snacks for the car, one organizes pajamas for the flight, one gathers chargers and electronics.

• Keep an “emergency bag” ready for each mode of travel—snacks, wipes, meds, and a change of clothes. You’ll thank yourself later.

 

4. Lock in Your Travel Offers & Gear Savings

We’re heading into peak booking season and gear-prep season. Let’s make this part smart and cost-efficient too.

• Book your hotel or rental early—holiday travel slots fill fast.

• Order your travel gear now to avoid shipping delays and sold-out items.

• Use our holiday promo codes:

• FRIDAY30 beginning Black Friday (Nov 30)

• CYBER30 through Cyber Monday (Dec 1)
  Both codes unlock 30% off site-wide at J.L. Childress when you’re prepping for the holiday season.

 

5. Stay Flexible (Because Kids + Travel = Curveballs)

Even the best-laid travel plans can hit a bump. Be ready:

• Build in buffer time at airports or before departure.

• Check local weather and pack one “just in case” outfit.

• Keep travel-friendly snacks handy—hangry kids equal unhappy parents.

• Let go of perfection. Delays happen. What matters is making memories together.

 

Travel Happy (and Smart)

The holidays don’t have to mean chaos. With the right gear and a plan, you’ll show up ready, organized, and actually enjoy being with your people. Protect your gear with J.L. Childress, set your plans early, and give yourself that peace of mind.

🛍️ Shop now at jlchildress.com and use code FRIDAY30 starting Nov 30 or CYBER30 through Dec 1.

And don’t forget to check back at the beginning of next month for our Holiday Gift Guide for Traveling Families — filled with must-haves for parents who love to explore.