Holidays are approaching, and many people will visit family and friends this year. Before you go on the road or fly into the sky, it is important to plan ahead so that your family can relieve the stress of the journey. 

Holidays represent time to meet with family and friends, and for many people, it also means long-distance travel. Travel can be a stressful event at any time, especially if children are involved. 

To help reduce stress, proper planning can determine the difference between an unforgettable joy and a bad travel experience.

Try these ideas when traveling by car to help reduce the risky hectic:

-Pack the car the night before. Early in the morning, lift your child from the bed to the car. They usually stop for a nap at the first gas station, allowing you to earn some serious miles before breakfast.

-Ask each child to pack a bag and let them put in what they want, but they must be responsible for carrying and tracking the contents.

-Carry out flexible seat allocation to keep calm in the car. Separate the sides with suitcases, boxes, or bags between children. Be sure to stop often to stretch, run around and play games.

-For children who are still sitting in the car seat, put a diaper bag or duffel bag full of toys and books next to the seat so that they can easily get it.   

-Keep the music eclectic. It's best to keep the music neutral and compromise to find music that everyone likes to listen to.

-Give each child his or her own map so that they can see the way they are walking and can highlight the route.

If you need to fly to your holiday destination, please keep the following in mind:

-Pack food and toys. Try to pack your child’s favorite toys and snacks to make up for the lack of choices.

-Give your child a proof of identity. Sometimes in a crowded and chaotic airport, you may not be able to see your children. Write your name in each child’s travel bag or jacket or hide the business card. Tell your child to ask the police or airline staff in uniform for help and show the card just in case.

-Make sure you understand the latest flight restrictions and what the airline allows

When traveling with your family, it is important to be prepared and willing to amuse your children for a while. Carrying objects to play will help occupy them and help distract.

A travel backpack or "travel bag" can be filled with many things your child likes to play with, and it is small and easy to pack. Some suggestions are:

-Crayons and/or colored pencils. A plastic bag with a zipper is a good suitcase. Be sure to bring white paper and picture books.

-Plush toys are a necessity, but don’t pack your child’s favorites. Recommend some toys that may not be so special in case they are forgotten.

-Download audio picture books to your tablet or mobile phone. Prepare headphones for the kids so they can follow their favorite books. 

Should enjoy the holiday, eliminating the extra stress will enable your family to spend a pleasant holiday travel season.