Happy Friday friends! So excited for the weekend ahead. We’re heading down to San Diego this evening for a breakfast with Santa on Saturday morning, and then celebrating my Dad’s retirement on Saturday evening with family. So, it will be a festive one over here…..

I was watching the news yesterday morning at the gym and I’m not quite sure what the news would be during the holiday season without some sort of sensationalized coverage of the airports and freeways… everything from delayed flights, stopped traffic, to reports that “holiday travel is at record breaking highs…” it’s all over the place. Likely something many of us are going to have to endure to be with family and friends this season. And while I’ve never had to travel during these busier than usual times (all our family is in one place), we have done some significant travel over the years, (with and without Harper), and thought that some of the lessons we’ve learned (often the hard way) might be small tips + tricks that can make traveling a little bit easier this season…. so today I thought I’d share a few of them here…..

1. Plan, Don’t Wait: I consider myself a realistic person here, so planning a few weeks before a trip isn’t always practical. Yet I do start thinking about logistics + packing at least a week before it’s “go time.” The less I have to do in a hurry, the less stressed I feel, and the lower the risk of forgetting things….. Packing hours before any trip is a recipe for disaster for me… especially when there is also a toddler to pack for. We also try to buffer in extra time for any unexpected surprises… an accident on the freeway, longer than expected security lines, a toddler who has to use the bathroom at the most inconvenient moment possible…..

2. Make Lists: I often operate with one too many tabs open at the same time and lists help me keep track of everything in one place… and allow me to visually see what’s been achieved. I typically make a first pass list of everything that I need/want to pack on a trip (i.e. sunscreen, booties, travel hair products, etc…) and then figure out what I already have and what I need to purchase. Then a separate list is made from there with everything that I still need to buy. The night before the trip, when I’m packing, I check everything off as it goes into the suitcase. I typically can’t pack hair products, make-up, and various other items the evening before, so I create an additional list and set it on top of the suitcase so that I’ll be sure to see it before I zip it up for good. I do the same when I’m packing for Harper as well. It really cuts down on how many “things” I ultimately forget.

3. Pack Snacks: This was initially a toddler tip, but then I realized it’s truly applicable to everyone. Airport food isn’t the best so I always try to pack healthy snacks that everyone can nibble on… because hangry parents can be just as problematic as a hangry toddler. I swear that Harper nibbles on snacks throughout entire flights, and it makes it so much more enjoyable. For Harper I try to find snacks that I know she will like, and a few that are more “treats” for those situations that can become a little touch and go. I bring along granola, pretzels, popcorn, bananas, perfect bars, etc….

4. Be Flexible: My doctor put it best, “When traveling with a toddler, no rules apply.” And while it was intended to be lighthearted, there is some truth. Of course there are the basic respect rules that don’t go out the window… but as far as Harper’s screen time and snacks…. that’s completely up to her. If it keeps her happy on a tiny airplane with hundreds of other humans, then both TJ + I are all for it. Of course we pack along other items like crayons, coloring books, and reading books… but there is only so much coloring a spitfire, almost 3 year old, can tolerate on a 4-5 hour flight. Flexibility has been our lifesaver.

5. Modify Expectations: This should be numero uno. Whenever we have a full travel day ahead of us, I lower my expectations, and then lower them again. I know that sounds very negative, but if I go into it thinking it’s going to be easy and stress free I actually stress out even more when things don’t go according to plan. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve braced myself for the chaos and challenges that come when traveling during busy times, and with a toddler, and how surprised I have been when things go seemingly well (not “well” if I had thought everything was going to go perfectly, but much better than my lower standards had anticipated). Trust me, lowering your expectations helps greatly.

6. Dress Comfortably: This likely goes without saying, but I’m going to put it here anyway. Since weather is inclement during this time of the year, you never know if there will be delays… and in all honesty, who wants to be uncomfortable sitting on a plane… and if you have a little one, even more reason. My go-to style 90% of the time is something soft, slightly oversized, stretchy, and layers. It ensures traveling in style. These Lou + Grey joggers have been a favorite for several months (I own them in three colors)… so incredibly soft and fit perfectly… and this Urban Outfitters top is such an easy throw-on-and-go option, and can easily pair with jeans when you get to your destination. A few other travel favorites include these spanx leggings (another versatile option that works when you arrive), oversized pullover, fluffy jacket (feels like I’m wearing a blanket),  and this longline cardigan.

Aside from the tips above, I am frequently asked what we bring for Harper when we travel. We’ve been using her carseat on the plane, mainly because the one time we didn’t it was a little chaotic. Having the carseat helped her understand that being on a plane was equal to driving in a car, and that she had to stay seated. On our most recent flight to Park City, we decided to forgo the carseat and she did really well. That being said, we likely won’t be bringing it on the plane any more.

We typically bring a separate suitcase for Harper, her carseat, and a stroller. We check all at the beginning since lugging it through security is a hassle.

Happy travels this holiday season and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend ahead!
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(Outfits || My Joggers | Top | Jacket | Beanie | Harper’s Joggers | Sweater | Beanie)