Knowing about a few Labor Day travel tips can make all the difference when planning your family vacation. For many families, Labor Day weekend is one of the last chances to soak up warm weather before the school year is in full swing, making it an ideal time to pack up and hit the road. However, traveling during a popular holiday weekend can also come with its challenges. From busy airports to jam-packed highways, a little extra preparation goes a long way. By following the right Labor Day travel tips, you can avoid unnecessary stress and make the most of your time away.
One way to make your Labor Day travel experience smoother is by choosing accommodations that truly cater to families, like Hilton Hotels. With locations across the country, Hilton offers spacious rooms, kid-friendly amenities, and convenient on-site dining that take the stress out of travel days. Many Hilton properties also feature an array of amenities that are kid-friendly, such as pools, activity areas, and easy access to local attractions, making it simple to keep everyone entertained without venturing far. By booking your stay with Hilton, you can enjoy a comfortable home base that helps turn your Labor Day getaway into a trip the whole family will remember.
Whether you are heading to the beach, exploring a new city, or visiting relatives, keeping your kids happy, comfortable, and entertained is a top priority. These Labor Day travel tips are designed to help you navigate everything from packing efficiently to finding family-friendly activities once you arrive. With the right strategies in place, you can sidestep common travel frustrations like long lines, last-minute scrambles, and mid-trip meltdowns.
Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, you can spend your time making memories that matter. These Labor Day travel tips will help ensure that every member of your family, from toddlers to teens, enjoys the trip. With a solid plan in place, your holiday getaway can be both fun and relaxing, giving you the chance to fully unwind and embrace the long weekend,
The 10 Best Labor Day Travel Tips
When it comes to making the most of your holiday getaway, having the right guidance can be a game changer. The 10 Best Labor Day travel tips are designed to help you navigate the busy holiday weekend with ease, whether you are traveling by car, plane, or train. By following these Labor Day travel tips, you can reduce stress, keep your kids happy, and make sure your long weekend is filled with fun, not frustration.
1. Book Travel in Advance
Labor Day is one of the busiest (aka one of the most expensive) times of the year for travel. While you may not be able to completely avoid the high prices, you can save money by booking early. For international trips, try to book your flight and accommodation at least three months in advance. Domestic trips can be booked two to three months in advance, although you may be able to score better deals earlier in the year.
2. Choose Family-Friendly Accommodation
Family-friendly accommodation can make traveling much more fun for you and your little ones! Look for hotels (or all-inclusive resorts) that have play areas, swimming pools, or even child care services. And if you prefer a vacation rental, look for listings with outdoor space, trampolines, game rooms, or kids’ bikes. Having some sort of entertainment on-site means you can still enjoy your vacation without leaving the property!
3. Consider a Staycation
You don’t have to book a long-haul flight in order to have a great family Labor Day trip. Planning a staycation near home can also be a fun activity. For example, you can travel to a nearby town watch a sports game or musical. Or you can go on a road trip around your state to explore local sights and attractions.
If you prefer to be outdoors, you can also go camping at a national or state park near your home. Doing something as simple as cooking outdoors and stargazing at night can be a wonderful experience for kids!
4. Consider Meal Prepping and Snack Time
Meal prepping doesn’t just save money. It can also prevent tantrums, especially if your kiddo is a picky eater. Stock up on some of their favorite snacks from home or the grocery store to ensure that they never go hungry during the day. If you prefer to cook meals throughout the trip, we also recommend booking a vacation rental or hotel with a kitchenette, like a Marriott Residence Inn. Having prepped meals that you know your child will eat can save you a lot of stress when it comes to travel days or unfamiliar food options.
5. Don’t Forget About Entertainment
Keeping kids entertained can be difficult while traveling. But it’s one of those Labor Day travel tips that can make or break your entire vacation experience! For car trips or plane rides, make sure you have preloaded tablets, coloring books, or toys at hand to keep them occupied. And once you’re at your destination, things like board games and books can entertain them at the hotel or out at dinner.
6. Take Advantage of Family Perks
You might be surprised to find out that many attractions have special deals and perks for families. Whether it’s discounted tickets for a tour or priority access to a museum, it’s worth looking into different offers that are available. This also applies to certain restaurants, which sometimes have “kids eat free” deals or cheaper prices during certain hours. Not only will this save you money during Labor Day, but it can also make your trip smoother and more fun for everyone.
7. Pack Light if Possible
One of the most important Labor Day travel tips to keep in mind when planning your vacation. While it may be tempting to pack for every situation, hauling around a heavy suitcase along with kids can be extremely stressful. When it comes to packing light, here are a couple of tips for you to keep in mind:
- Bring mix-and-match outfits that can be easily layered for daytime and nighttime
- Use compression packing cubes to keep items neat and organized
- Keep toiletries to a minimum and pack travel-sized items over large ones
- Bring a small amount of laundry detergent to wash dirty items in the sink or tub
8. Remember to Bring Comfort Items
It doesn’t matter if it’s your first family trip or your 100th – it’s common for kids to get homesick from time to time. If you’re little one gets overwhelmed in unfamiliar places, then having a couple of comfort items on hand can be a lifesaver. Whether it’s a stuffed animal, a security blanket, or a favorite book, these things can make them feel safer even away from home. Remembering to bring comfort items is an essential among Labor Day travel tips for traveling with young children.
9. Let Your Child Help Plan
Don’t feel like you have to plan every detail of your trip alone! Including children in the travel planning can be a great way to make them feel involved while also teaching them about responsibility and decision-making. Kids also tend to complain less when they are involved in the planning, which is a great Labor Day travel tip that all parents should know about!
10. Keep Your Schedule Flexible
Anyone with kids knows that family plans can change at a moment’s notice. For that reason, flexibility is incredibly important when traveling with kids. While it’s okay to have some scheduled activities, leave room for naps, breaks, and spontaneous adventures. You may also find that having a day with absolutely no plans (besides resting and relaxing) can be fun too! This is by far one of the most important Labor Day travel tips to keep in mind when traveling with the kiddos.
Planning a Vacation with Stress-Free Labor Day Travel Tips
Traveling with kids can be a memorable experience (here are 12 places to go with them before they grow up!). At the same time, it can also be stressful, especially during a busy time like Labor Day. These Labor Day travel tips can make your trip more enjoyable and less overwhelming. Whether you’re flying across the world or staying close to home, don’t forget to take these Labor Day travel tips with you…and don’t forget to prep the car for upcoming travels!
