Holiday road trips with children, especially those with sensory sensitivities, can be smoother by planning routes, scheduling screen and quiet time, and staying relaxed to reduce stress and foster enjoyment.
With winter holidays approaching, many families are planning their travel schedules, which often means driving long distances to be with family and friends. Traveling by car can be challenging when you are traveling with a child who has sensory sensitivities. Children are often overwhelmed by changes to their environment and typical routine. The following tips will help your child and family not only survive your holiday road trip but also enjoy the experience.
Use a Map to Layout Your Travel Route
Knowing what to expect will help your child to better manage stress or anxiety about the unknown. In advance of your holiday road trip, have your child assist you with creating a map that identifies the starting point, destination, points of interest, and stops along the way. To avoid experiencing hours of whining and complaining or hearing the dreadful phrase “Are we there yet?” it can be helpful to use visual aids to represent how many hours you have traveled and how many hours are left. For assistance with creating a travel map, use Google Maps or MapQuest.
Schedule Screen Time
It can be tempting while on a long road trip to turn on a movie or encourage device use to keep a child entertained and pass the time. However, this can quickly result in behavior meltdowns over the course of the trip, especially in children. To prevent this from occurring, consider setting designated times for screen use. Also, consider playing car games like Slug Bug, the Alphabet Game, the License Plate Game, Twenty Questions, etc., during non-screen use times. Listening to an audiobook is another great option for entertaining your child.
Schedule Quiet Time
To manage stress associated with holiday road trips, quiet time is necessary for all family members. Make sure everyone is on board for a period of quiet time every few hours. Playing smooth jazz or classical music during this time will foster a relaxing environment.
Relax
In general children are very intuitive may have a heightened ability to sense the moods of those around them. Therefore, it’s critical that the entire family relax and manage stress successfully. This will create a sense of calm and help your child be able to enjoy the trip.
Conclusions
Holiday road trips can be both exciting and stressful, especially when traveling with a child who has sensory sensitivities. With thoughtful preparation and a few simple strategies—such as mapping out your route, setting boundaries for screen time, scheduling moments of quiet, and staying relaxed—you can help your child feel more comfortable and supported along the way. By anticipating challenges and building in opportunities for calm and connection, your family can transform long drives into meaningful moments together. With the right approach, road trips don’t just become manageable—they can become an enjoyable part of your holiday memories.
At New Horizons Wellness Services, we provide specialized support to help families make travel and daily life smoother and less stressful through:
● Counseling Services – offering guidance and strategies for parents and children to manage stress, anxiety, and family dynamics during busy times like the holidays.
● Occupational Therapy Services – helping children develop coping skills for sensory sensitivities, travel routines, and changes in environment.
● Occupational Therapy for Adults – supporting parents and caregivers in building resilience and strategies to manage their own stress, ensuring a calmer family atmosphere.
● Pediatric Occupational Therapy – focusing on children’s developmental, sensory, and emotional needs to make new or overwhelming experiences, such as road trips, more manageable.
● Social Skills Groups – providing children with opportunities to practice interaction, patience, and communication skills that can be especially useful during family travel.
Contact us today to learn how our team can help your family prepare for smoother journeys—on the road and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare my child with sensory sensitivities before a long trip?
Preparing ahead by discussing the travel plan, practicing shorter car rides, and packing comfort items such as noise-canceling headphones, favorite snacks, or a weighted blanket can help your child feel more secure.
What should I pack to make a holiday road trip easier with children?
Essentials may include healthy snacks, water, sensory-friendly toys, travel pillows, comfort items, and a variety of activities (games, books, music, or audiobooks) to keep children engaged and calm throughout the trip.
How can parents manage their own stress during holiday travel?
Parents can reduce stress by planning breaks, sharing driving responsibilities, practicing relaxation techniques, and setting realistic expectations. Staying calm helps children remain more relaxed and cooperative during the trip.
Yours in Health,
New Horizons Wellness Services8880 SW Nimbus Ave Suite C.,
Beaverton, OR 97008
- https://g.page/newhws
New Horizons Wellness Services provides a true multidisciplinary approach to mental & physical health treatments for children, adults and families.