21 tips for holiday travel safety every family should know

The joys of the holiday season also come with unique challenges and safety concerns, especially around travel. Crowded airports and roads, unpredictable weather, cold and flu season, and heightened stress levels can cause travel glitches. 

Try these 21 top family tips for safer (and saner) holiday travel. They can save you time and money, too.

Holiday travel safety tips when you’re packing and planning

A little prep now can make everything about holiday travel go smoother later. Before you load up the car, try these easy steps to start your trip with less stress and fewer surprises.

1. Protect yourself and your family from getting sick

Hello, flu season! Remember that COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory infections peak during colder months. Here’s how to keep the entire family healthy and safe:

• Check the CDC and TSA for major public health or travel alerts. 

• Be extra diligent with international travel, when flights may be longer and your immune system may be weaker. 

• Wash your hands frequently. 

• Use hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. 

• Wipe down rental car or airplane surfaces to minimize germs from prior users. 

2. Keep digital copies of your travel documents

Take pictures of your ID, passport, or other required travel documents. If you lose one, or your wallet or purse is stolen, backup copies helps verify your identity and get replacements faster. 

3. Tell your bank before you go

Let your bank and credit card companies know when and where you’re traveling before you go. It helps protect you from identity fraud and money scams, and you avoid accidental suspension of your accounts for overseas or suspicious activity. 

4. Prepare for delays – and have a backup plan

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Travel rarely goes perfectly, and having a few backups can save the day.

• Bring portable batteries, phone chargers, and extra cords.

• Pack extra snacks, a light change of clothes, or blankets if it’s cold.

• Always make sure you have enough water.

5. Use safety apps with location-sharing

Airports, shopping centers, and just about everything are more crowded during the holidays. Use a mobile app like Greenlight so everyone can share their location. If you get separated, you can find each other quickly. 

6. Have a solid communication plan

Create a family group chat. It’s a convenient way to house important trip details and keep everyone in the loop, from meetup times to lunch votes. 

7. Bring a secure credit or debit card. 

It’s safer than cash and easier to transfer (and track) expenses. 

• You can quickly send money and approve or reject purchases.

•  Look for apps with real-time notifications. 

• Debit cards like Greenlight let you monitor purchases and see locations for each transaction from your parent app.

8. Pack smart

It’s a science, and it’s worth it! Families who plan ahead spend less time digging through bags and more time enjoying the trip. Use a checklist to stay organized and make sure nothing important gets left behind. Get started with this ultimate packing list.

Holiday travel safety tips when you’re flying

Airports get hectic fast this time of year. A few smart moves before and during your flight can make traveling with kids (and luggage) a whole lot easier.

9. Fly direct 

As a general rule of thumb, non-stop flights are considered safer than connecting flights:

• No missed flight connections or connection-related delays

• Less risk of lost luggage (no plane switches)

• Shorter total travel time

10. Don’t check bags

If you can, stick to carry-ons. You’ll skip baggage fees, move faster through the airport, and avoid the risk of lost luggage, especially important when traveling with kids’ essentials.

11. Leave gifts unwrapped 

TSA may need to inspect wrapped items, which means you could find yourself unwrapping all those pretty packages in security. Save time (and stress) by shipping gifts early or wrapping them once you arrive.

12. Check the TSA rules

Rules change often, especially around liquids, baby supplies, and holiday treats. Take a quick look at the “What can I bring?” FAQ before you pack to prevent security hiccups and help you breeze through the line.

13. Consider wearing masks 

People are in very close quarters in airports and on the plane. Wearing a mask in the airport, on the plane, and on public transportation can help your family stay healthy. 

14. Bring distractions 

This one is especially important when traveling with infants or small children. Having things to do on the plane can be a lifesaver for your sanity. Games and other distractions can keep everyone busy and more relaxed.

15. Consider travel insurance 

Flights get canceled, vacations get rained out, and people get sick. If you have non-refundable tickets, you’re out of luck – especially if you’re traveling on a budget. Travel insurance, through your credit card or an agency, covers your losses for travel-related issues beyond your control. 

But read the fine print – some companies don’t cover preexisting conditions or dangerous activities like mountain climbing. 

Holiday travel safety tips when you’re driving

Road trips can be the most flexible, and sometimes the most unpredictable way to travel. Keep these safety reminders in mind before you hit the road.

16. Prepare your car

Give your car a quick check before you head out to avoid surprises on the road:

• Get a tune-up (including tire check).

• Invest in rechargeable jumper cables.

• Make sure you have a spare tire and the tools to install it.

• Driving in snow? Bring chains if you don’t have all-wheel or four-wheel drive.

• Keep a charged flashlight in the glove compartment.

17. Pack first-aid and just-in-case kits

Include prescription medications, basic emergency medical supplies, and basics like Tylenol, ibuprofen, or allergy meds. If anyone gets carsick, bring Dramamine or anti-nausea pills or bracelets (chewing gum can help, too!). 

18. Have a backup plan (or two)

Even the best travel plans can hit a snag, so it pays to have a few backups ready:

• Map out alternate routes in case of detours or delays.

• Identify strategic rest stops, gas stations, and restaurants.

• Pack extra water and snacks.

Holiday travel safety tips when you’re renting a car

Renting a car during the holidays doesn’t have to be a hassle. A few smart moves can make pickup and drop-off simple.

19. Rent early

While you might get better deals by booking last-minute, that’s risky when demand is high. If you need to rent a car, book early to avoid long lines and sold-out inventory. 

20. Look for free cancellations

What if your plans change? Try to find rentals that charge zero or low cancellation fees. 

21. Book at the airport

Don’t get stranded! Rental car rates are often cheaper outside the airport, but if you’re flying in or out anyway, the convenience may be worth it vs. trekking through snow or rain to get to the rental place – which may have less inventory than the airport branch. 

Preparation is the key to making holiday travel more joyful. Backup plans, protecting your health, and prioritizing security are some of the best ways to ensure safer travel. Tools like Greenlight make it easier to stay safe and connected on the go. 

Protect your whole family while you travel. Greenlight, the #1 family finance and safety app, gives you location sharing*, SOS alerts*, crash detection*, phone protection**, identity theft protection***, and more. Try Greenlight today, one month, risk-free.†

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.

*Requires mobile data or a WiFi connection, and access to sensory and motion data from cell phone to utilize safety features including family location sharing and driving alerts and reports. Messaging and data rates and other terms may apply.

**Provided by Virginia Surety Company, Inc., cell phone protection is not available to residents of New York.

***Insurance offered by Acrisure, LLC is provided by ACE American Insurance Company and its U.S.-based Chubb underwriting company affiliates. www.chubb.com. Additional details can be viewed here. See link for policy information. Insurance Products are not insured by the FDIC or any federal government agency and are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, any bank or bank affiliate.