STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY TRAVEL: 5 MISTAKES TO AVOID THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON
- Amanda Virk
- Nov 25, 2025
- 4 min read
Every year, the holidays seem to sneak up faster than expected and for families who love to travel, that can mean trying to balance festive fun with packing lists, flight schedules, and maybe even a few meltdowns along the way.
Over the years, I’ve experienced both ends of the holiday travel spectrum: from the magical energy of Disney World during Christmastime to a quiet Christmas spent in a remote mountain village in Northern Thailand. That year, instead of exchanging gifts, the people in the village showed us their traditional Thai clothing and we handed out stickers to local kids. We were reminded that the best memories don’t come wrapped in shiny paper, they’re created through connection.
And while I’m staying local this year, celebrating our first Christmas in our new home, I know many families are packing up for their own adventures. Whether you’re escaping the cold or heading somewhere snowy, here are five common holiday travel mistakes and how to avoid them for a smoother, stress-free season.
1. Wrapping Gifts Before You Fly
It’s tempting to arrive at the airport with your gifts beautifully wrapped, but Canada’s Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) recommends keeping them unwrapped. Security officers may need to inspect them, which means your perfect bows could end up torn open.
Instead, pack a small roll of wrapping paper or gift bags in your suitcase and wrap your gifts at your destination. If you’re travelling internationally, consider giving experience-based gifts, like excursions, photos, or small surprises that celebrate the trip itself. It’s one less thing to carry and one more memory to make.
2. Ignoring Peak Travel Dates
Peak travel dates around Christmas, especially the weekends before and after can mean packed airports, full flights, and long security lines. Many families don’t realize how early the holiday travel season really starts. Airlines, airports, and even theme parks start seeing that festive-season rush as early as mid-November.
When I travelled to Disney World with my family in November to experience the holiday magic, it wasn’t technically peak season yet, but my parents’ flight was cancelled the night before departure, and they ended up arriving a full day late. Thankfully, they’d built in a buffer day before our first park reservation, or that would’ve been a very expensive travel hiccup.
The lesson? Don’t underestimate the ripple effects of holiday travel, even in early November or late December. Book your flights for less popular travel days when you can, choose early-morning departures, and always build in a cushion by staying in your destination at least one day before you need to be there. Especially if you’re heading to a cruise or have prepaid experiences lined up.
3. Leaving Pet Care to the Last Minute
If you have pets, don’t wait until December to arrange care. Kennels and sitters book up early, especially around the holidays.
We’re lucky to have family who can help with our dog when we travel, but I know that’s not the case for everyone. Whether you’re boarding, hiring a sitter, or asking a friend, book early and confirm the details in writing, especially for longer trips.
Leave behind a small “pet care kit” with your vet info, feeding routine, and an emergency contact. It’s peace of mind you’ll be grateful for if plans change unexpectedly.
4. Forgetting About Baggage Restrictions
Between gifts, winter/summer clothes, and souvenirs, family luggage fills up fast. Many airlines have seasonal restrictions on oversized or overweight items, and those surprise fees at check-in can quickly dampen your holiday spirit.
As a family, I’ve learned that a portable luggage scale is an absolute must. Our suitcases are often overweight before they’re even full, thanks to all the “just in case” extras parents tend to pack.
Amanda’s Tip: Weigh your bags at home before heading to the airport and keep one foldable tote handy for overflow. If you’re traveling as a multigenerational group (like one of my clients this year, 11 family members heading to Disneyland together!), coordinate packing lists ahead of time to avoid duplicate items and extra costs.
5. Skipping Professional Help
The biggest holiday travel mistake I see? Trying to do it all yourself. Between flight schedules, connecting rooms, dining reservations, and ever-changing airline policies, it’s easy for families to feel overwhelmed.
Working with a travel advisor can save you hours of searching, protect your investment, and make sure every detail, from stroller rentals to special celebrations, is handled before you go. Most importantly, it gives you time back to actually enjoy the season with your family.
You don’t need to plan every trip alone. Travel advisors are experts in creating smooth, stress-free holidays, especially for busy parents juggling school, work, and wish lists.
Whether you’re heading off on a family adventure or cozying up at home like we are this year, remember: a stress-free holiday starts with preparation, flexibility, and the right support.
If you love chatting and learning about family travel, Disney, cruises, and all-inclusive getaways, come join my free Facebook community:
Elevated Family Vacation Planning with Amanda | Disney, Cruises & Mexico
You’ll find real travel tips, destination inspiration, and a group of families who love making memories together
On behalf of Maps & Memories Travel Co., I wish everyone a safe and memory-filled holiday season!
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