Top 21 holiday travel safety tips for families

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💲 

21 top tips for safer holiday travel

“Prepare the umbrella before it rains.” – Malay proverb

1. Protect yourself and your family from getting sick. 

Hello, flu season! Remember that COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory infections peak during colder months.

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

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3. Alert your banks and credit card companies ahead of time. Let them know when and where you’re traveling. This helps …

a. Protect you from identity fraud and money scams.

b. Avoid accidental suspension of your accounts for overseas or suspicious activity. 

4. Prepare for delays – and have a backup plan.

• 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 to enable everyone to share their location. If you get separated, you can see everyone’s location and they can see yours. 

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 - including for kids!

It’s safer than cash and easier to transfer (and track) expenses. You can instantly 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! Start with this ultimate packing list. 

Holiday travel safety tips by transportation

If you’re flying

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.

11. Leave gifts unwrapped or ship them ahead of time.

12. Check TSA’s “What can I bring?” FAQ

13. Consider wearing masks in the airport, on the plane, and on public transportation. Having things to do on the plane can be a lifesaver for your sanity. 

14. Bring distractions. Especially when traveling with infants or small children. 

15. Consider travel insurance. Flights get canceled, vacations get rained out, 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. 

If you’re driving

16. Prepare your car:

• 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 a first-aid and just-in-case kit. 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).

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

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

• Pack extra water and snacks. 

If you’re renting a car

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

Preparation is the key to holiday travel with more joy. Having backup plans, protecting your health, and keeping your family safe 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. Named “Best Overall Kid’s Debit Card” by the Wall Street Journal, Greenlight’s all-in-one app gives you location sharing, SOS alerts, crash detection, phone, purchase, identity theft protection, and more. Try Greenlight now.

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.