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5 Tips for De-Stressing Holiday Travel for Families in Chicago

From snack packs to winter light tours, navigate the season with Echo Limousine!

By Echo Limousine October 3, 2023

Oh, the magic of the holidays! From the delicious food to the time spent with family and friends, there's a reason they call it the most wonderful time of the year.

But for those who have to travel with their families during this busy season, the holidays can often bring anxiety — especially if you're traveling to a city as large as Chicago. Thankfully, there is a cure for travel stress: preparation.

Follow this guide to ensure your family trip to the Windy City goes smoothly this holiday season.




1. Plan Fun Excursions

You remember what it was like to be a child during the holiday season. Everything has a little touch of magic. When you're young, that holiday joy can make you feel so excited you don't know what to do! Help your kiddos temper their excitement (and decrease your stress) by planning plenty of fun excursions for your Chicagoland adventure.

A few fun holiday excursions you should consider in Chicago include:

- Shopping at the Christkindlmarket
- Checking out the lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo
- Stopping by the Christmas tree at Millennium Park
- Visiting the Museum of Science + Industry Holiday Exhibit
- Exploring the Winter Wonderland at Navy Pier

If you're interested in getting the local perspective on Chicago this holiday season, Echo Limousine offers winter light tours that are sure to blow you away. Sight-see in Chicago without anxiety; you're in the hands of a trusted local from Echo Limousine!

From town cars to executive SUV limos, take your pick and cruise through the city in style as you gaze at the dazzling holiday lights.


2. Hire a Reputable Chicago Car Service

One of the most stressful parts about holiday travel is figuring out how to get from point A to point B. Take the guessing out of your winter excursion by hiring the professional and always on-time chauffeurs at Echo Limousine.

Echo offers car and limo services for pickup and drop off at O'Hare Airport and Midway Airport. When you hire our experienced drivers, you won't have to worry about getting to the airport on time or finding a ride once you land. Goodbye, stress!

Echo also offers transportation to and from Wisconsin and Indiana. Since you won't be worried about distractions on the road, you can use this smooth ride to spend quality time with your loved ones.




3. Make a Travel Entertainment Kit

Every parent knows the challenge of keeping kids entertained during travel, especially during the hectic holiday season. A travel entertainment kit can be your secret weapon against the cries of "I'm bored!" or the incessant "Are we there yet?" queries.

Think of it as a treasure chest filled with their favorite toys, books, coloring supplies, and maybe a few new surprises.

Tailor each kit to your child's age and interests; this might mean sticker books and soft toys for younger kids, while older ones might appreciate brain teasers or audiobooks.

Not only does this kit offer a diversion for the little ones, but it also grants parents that much-needed moment of calm. When kids are engaged and entertained, the journey becomes smoother, and you can focus on navigating Chicago without additional stress.


4. Bring Plenty of Snacks

Travel and adventure can make even the most patient of kids hungry, and we all know that hunger can quickly become crankiness.

As parents, preempting those hunger pains with a stash of wholesome and yummy snacks can be a game-changer. Consider packing a mix of fresh fruits, granola bars, string cheese, and perhaps a few fun treats to sprinkle in that holiday magic.

Remember, in Chicago's chilly holiday season, a warm cocoa or soup thermos can be both a delightful surprise and a warming treat.

Forgot snacks for your little travel companion? Not to worry, Echo Limousine always keeps a few treats on hand to comfort tired little travelers — and champagne for Mom and Dad!




5. Expect the Unexpected

Holiday travel, especially with kids in tow, is filled with unpredictable moments that can add to the adventure — or the stress. From sudden snow flurries in Chicago to unexpected traffic jams, it's always a good idea to be a step ahead. Pack an 'emergency' kit with essentials like extra diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and basic first aid supplies.

By preparing for the unforeseen, you reduce the chances of being caught off guard and give yourself the peace of mind to handle challenges with grace. Embracing the unexpected can transform potential hiccups into memorable stories shared around the holiday table.




Celebrate the Holidays With a Chicago Limo Service

Echo Limousine is your trusted travel partner this holiday season. Allow us to take the worry out of your holiday travel so you can focus on making memories and living in the moment.

Since 2009, Echo has provided Chicago residents and tri-state area visitors with trusted limo and car service. As the best-rated limo service in Chicago, we take pride in providing our customers with a safe and comfortable ride through our beloved city.

Text or call (773) 774-1074, or book online to reserve your ride this holiday season.