10 ways to stay stress-free if you're traveling with kids for Thanksgiving
Keep your kids safe, comfortable and entertained.
Credit:
VTech / CozyPhones
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If you're traveling with your kids for Thanksgiving, you’re probably brainstorming ways to make the trip a little easier. Long plane, train, or car rides can be trying for even the most patient children (and adults), but there are ways to minimize common travel problems and reduce stress for everyone.
Here are 10 must-have items for your next family trip, including everything from motion-sickness prevention bands to the best kids’ tablets for hours of entertainment. With these products on hand, your family trip will be a lot more fun and a lot less stressful.
1. Let them watch movies while you enjoy some quiet time
These cute headphones are designed specially for kids.
Why must normal over-ear headphones be so bulky and uncomfortable? Luckily, CozyPhones Kids Headphones are built into a comfortable headband that comes in several cute designs, making them as kid-friendly as it gets. Plus, the headphones have limited volume to protect their sensitive ears, and they've got over 2,000 reviews and 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. This design is practically mad for long road trips, and there are more than 10 fun designs for your kids to choose from.
Get the CozyPhones Kids Headphones on Amazon for $15.97
2. Give them their own kid-safe tablet to play with
This kid-proof tablet is perfect for trips.
Keep your kids entertained for hours with the All-New Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet, which holds games, videos, music, books and more. This is the best tablet for kids we've ever tested. Plus, it comes in a cute kid-proof case in one of three bright colors, and its battery can last up to eight hours per charge. The best part is that the tablet comes with a two-year worry-free warranty—Amazon will replace it with no questions asked!
Get the All-New Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet, 7" Display, 16 GB on Amazon for $99.99
3. Prevent motion sickness with wrist bands for kids (and adults!)
Prevent motion sickness with these wrist bands.
Motion sickness can strike at any time and in any place, so be prepared with the Sea-Band Child Wristbands. These wrist bands use pressure, not drugs, to combat nausea. It may sound like snake oil, but reviewers are amazed at how well they relieve both motion and sea sickness. Don’t worry—they're super affordable and they come in adult sizes if you need them too!
Get the Sea-Band Child Wristband on Amazon for $5.79
4. Make them comfortable enough to sleep through anything
Kids will fall asleep fast with this comfy pillow.
Have you ever fallen asleep on a train or plane, only to be awakened when your chin slips forward, jolting you? You can prevent this common issue for your kids with the BCOZZY Kids Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow. This child-sized neck pillow wraps all the way around their neck for total support and comfort, helping your children sleep more soundly during long trips.
Get the BCOZZY Kids Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow on Amazon for $24.97
5. Always have a full battery even when outlets are scarce
Keep everyone's gadgets charged with a portable charger.
When the whole family is on the go, chances are you’ll have at least a few cell phones, tablets, and other electronics in tow. Electrical outlets are hot commodities in public transportation, so you should definitely bring along a portable charger like the best-selling Power Banks from RAVPower.
This compact little charger has three USB ports and enough power to charge an iPhone 7 up to eight times! It’s a definite must-have for plugged-in families.
Get the Power Banks RAVPower 22000mAh Portable Charger on Amazon for $37.99
6. Capture memories with a kid-friendly digital camera
Let kids capture memories with this digital camera.
As stressful as traveling can be, it’s always exciting for children to go new places. Why not let your little ones capture memories with their own digital camera?
The highly rated VTech Kidizoom Camera Pix comes in pink and blue, and it boasts all the features of a real camera, including digital zoom, selfie mode, video, built-in games and more. The VTech camera is best for kids 3 to 8, and its durable design will withstand drop and tumbles, making it perfect for the road.
Get the VTech Kidizoom Camera Pix on Amazon for $29.88
7. Bring your own FAA-approved airplane harness
Strap your kids into any plane seat with this harness.
If you don’t want to lug a carseat onto your flight, the Kids Fly Safe Child Airplane Travel Harness is an FAA-approved alternative to keep kids safe and secure in their seat.
The harness is designed for children over 1 year old who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds. It’s quick to install and adjusts to any plane seat, making it a truly useful product if you’re flying to your destination.
Get the Kids Fly Safe Child Airplane Travel Harness on Amazon for $69.95
8. Let your kids take charge with luggage designed for little hands
Get your kids their own luggage!
If your kids have been asking for their own luggage, the two-piece Goplus Hard Side Carry On Luggage Set is a great option. These bags come in several cute designs, and they have four 360-degree wheels that make rolling easy—perfect for young travelers who want a little independence. Plus, the hard exterior ensures nothing will break if your kids (or the baggage folks) accidentally drop the bag.
Get the Goplus Kids Upright Hard Side Carry On Luggage Set on Amazon for $34.99–$42.99
9. Encourage creativity with an on-the-go activity tray
It's easier for kids to play in the car with this travel tray.
Whether your kids want to color, play with their toys or read a book, any travel activity will be a lot easier with this travel tray. The best-selling Babyseater tray works on just about any form of transportation, and it can be strapped in with your child to keep it firmly in place.
Both you and your little ones will love this, as it has a built-in pocket for wet wipes, special holders for markers or crayons, and an erasable surface where they can draw to their heart's content. It certainly makes car, plane, and train trips that much more fun!
Get the Babyseater Kids Travel Tray With EXCLUSIVE Erasable Surface on Amazon for $26.95
10. Always have a fun game on hand no matter where you are
This game will keep kids entertained for the duration of your trip.
There are plenty of travel-friendly games out there, but we like Spot It, a compact card game that can be played several different ways. Each card in the container has a variety of symbols on it, and there's only one common symbol between any two cards. You can play several games with the deck, and Spot It is perfect for two to eight players. Just stash this top-rated game in your bag and pull it out when you need a distraction in the car, airport or restaurant.
Get Asmodee Spot It on Amazon for $12.98
Prices are accurate at the time of publication, but may change over time.