This holiday season, travelers are facing more than the usual hustle and bustle. With a partial government shutdown affecting TSA staffing and airport operations, lines may be longer, wait times slower, and tempers shorter.

But there’s good news: a little preparation can go a long way toward keeping your trip smooth — especially when you’re traveling with kids. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s peace.

Start with the “Big Three” travel triggers — hunger, boredom, and discomfort. Handle those, and you’ve already dodged most meltdowns before they start.

Pack smart:

• Snack stash: Think high-protein, low-mess — granola bars, cheese sticks, apple slices, or trail mix. Hungry kids don’t wait patiently in security lines.

• Entertainment plan: Download movies, games, or audio books before leaving home (Wi-Fi can be unreliable at airports). Don’t forget extra headphones and chargers.

• Comfort items: A small pillow, blanket, or hoodie can make a big difference. Plan for temperature swings — airplanes are either freezing or tropical.

• Backup outfits: Spills and accidents happen at 30,000 feet. A spare shirt for everyone keeps you from wearing your memories — literally.

• Wet wipes and sanitizer: Still the MVPs of family travel.

Turn Your Carry-On into a Command Center

When you’re juggling tickets, snacks, and toddlers, organization becomes your best defense against chaos. Choose a bag that helps you find what you need fast.

As a mom and “glamma,” I learned that the right carry-on can turn travel frustration into flow. My go-to is the CONMIGO ULTI Every Day/Every Where bag, designed to simplify life on the go. With 16 well-placed pockets, it keeps crayons away from snacks and tablets safe from juice boxes. The built-in cushioned seat is a game-changer when gate chairs vanish and little legs get tired.

Whatever bag you use, pack it with a system:

• Front pockets: Quick-grab items — boarding passes, wipes, sanitizer.

• Center section: Snacks and entertainment.

• Back or padded sleeve: Electronics and valuables.

• Outer compartment: Trash bag, tissues, small first-aid kit.

When everything has its place, you stay calm, your child stays content, and the journey becomes less of a marathon and more of an adventure.

Final Boarding Tip

This year, expect delays. Bring patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor. Let go of “perfect” — because travel with kids never is. What matters most is arriving safely, together, and ready to make memories.

Remember: calm is contagious. When you travel with peace (not perfection), everyone wins.

If you need the perfect ‘mamma llama-carry it all bag’ check out CONMIGO