Holiday Travel Tips
Managing the Stress of Thanksgiving Travel
CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT? You're not alone—SARRC is here to help. Our experts provide answers, support and guidance every step of the way. Practice Flexible Thinking Flight delayed? Use the time to catch up with traveling companions or explore the airport. Traffic jam? Turn it into a game or use it as phone-free conversation time. Your attitude sets the tone for everyone traveling with you. When plans change—and they will— adapting gracefully reduces everyone’s stress levels. Take Care of Yourself Amid the chaos, don’t forget basic self-care. Stay hydrated, take deep breaths when tensions rise, and remember that arriving safely matters more than arriving on time. The turkey will taste just as good whether you arrive at 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. This Thanksgiving, approach travel as part of the holiday experience rather than an obstacle to it. With preparation, patience, and perspective, you’ll arrive at your destination ready to enjoy what truly matters: time with loved ones.
Thanksgiving travel doesn’t have to feel like a turkey dinner gone wrong. With millions of Americans hitting the roads and skies during the holiday weekend, a little preparation can transform your journey from frantic to festive. Start with Strategic Planning Book your travel as early as possible—ideally six weeks before Thanksgiving. If you’re flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor, consider early morning flights when delays are less common. For road trips, download offline maps and check Arizona Department of Transportation updates before departure, especially if you’re navigating mountain passes where weather can change quickly. Pack Smart, Not Hard Create a packing list two weeks ahead and check it twice. For car travel, prepare an emergency kit with water, snacks, phone chargers, and basic first aid supplies. Flying families should pack essentials in carry-ons: medications, a change of clothes, and entertainment for kids. Nothing amplifies stress like lost luggage containing the one thing you absolutely needed. Build in Buffer Time The biggest mistake travelers make is cutting timing too close. Add an extra hour to your airport arrival time during Thanksgiving week. For road trips, plan for 25% longer travel time than GPS suggests. These buffers transform potential disasters into manageable inconveniences and give you breathing room when Uncle Bob calls asking you to pick up cranberry sauce. Keep Everyone Fed and Entertained Hungry, bored travelers are stressed travelers. Pack protein-rich snacks like nuts, cheese, and granola bars to maintain energy levels. Download podcasts, audiobooks, or create collaborative playlists before leaving. For kids, new small toys or activity books can work wonders during inevitable delays.
602-606-9806 autismcenter.org/ Diagnosis
10 Estrella Publishing - Mountain View magazine
November 2025
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker