The holiday season is upon us, and so is holiday travel. While traveling with your baby/kids may seem a little daunting and stressful, it doesn't have to be. Below are some tips for successful holiday travel to help make your life easier.

If you're driving...

• Prior to leaving, make sure all of your children have the appropriate car seats and that they have been installed properly.
• Pack the car the night before. That way, you can eliminate unnecessary delays on your departure day.
• Ensure that you pack an essentials bag (filled with snacks, extra diapers/wipes, binkies, etc.) that is easily accessible.
• If you have younger kids who are potty trained, consider bringing a portable potty.
• Plan on traveling time taking longer than you plan, and figure that into your schedule. Whenever possible, try to avoid peak travel times.
• Create a fun playlist of kid-friendly songs and stories to help alleviate road trip boredom. And don't be afraid of a little screen time if necessary.

If you're flying...

• Prepare for a flight delay. Make sure you have a carry on bag with food, spare clothing, diapers and wipes to last you at least 48 hours.
• Fly direct if you can, as a direct flight can minimize the downtime and stress that come from a layover or delayed connecting flight.
• Be strategic about where you sit. If there's a row with a little more leg room or a section where you can better contain your kids, book it.
• To avoid earaches, make sure you have a pacifier or plan to breastfeed during takeoff and landing, and/or pack a snack for your toddler to eat during this time.
• Bring a stroller and/or baby carrier, but leave the car seat at home. Car seats can be difficult to transport, and you can always rent one with your rental car if needed.

The most important thing to remember is to enjoy yourself. Even if the traveling doesn't go as smoothly as you plan, you're making memories that will last a lifetime.

What are some of your top holiday traveling tips?