As families are traveling over the holidays, many times the spirit of the season is lost, as the travel part becomes a hectic, stressful, and whirlwind experience. By planning ahead to incorporate extra time with the busy season, and by not getting caught up in arriving at the destination, but instead live in the moment, the journey itself can be savored with your children.

As December embarks upon us, and details are being organized for family gatherings, a cozy Bed and Breakfast is the perfect setting to celebrate the holidays, connect with your kids, and see the magic of the season through their eyes. Below are my Top 10 Holiday travel tips for maximizing your time away with family.

• Travel By Car – provides a great opportunity to dialogue
• Vacation with Extended Family – what better way to bond than in the comfort of a Bed and Breakfast
• Pick Destinations with Activities Everyone Loves – learn everyone’s passions and connect through those experiences
• Leave Work at the Office – allow yourself to focus on the family
• Avoid Distractions – every day that you’re away, be ‘in the moment’ with your kids
• Slow Down – lose your watch and the agenda; go with the flow of the day
• Enjoy Meals Together – food and fun go hand in hand, especially in the morning over a gourmet breakfast before starting the day
• Explore and Learn – venture to new places with your children and experience life from their perspective. Tap into knowledgeable Innkeepers for the best sights in the area.
• Embrace a Fresh Viewpoint – get away from the daily grind allowing a fresh viewpoint of your life and of your family
• Treasure Private time with your Children and Spouse – quiet moments can be found in the daylight or late evenings to catch up and reconnect

As comforting as a relatives’ house, many Bed and Breakfasts create a winter wonderland of decorations for the holidays, with cookies and cocoa awaiting your arrival; welcoming you into their home. And as with caring friends, the Innkeepers have a tendency to become adopted aunts, uncles, or grandparents by the children visitors. Click here to view the Family Travel page for your holiday destination.

Tracey Serebin is a family dynamics and communication specialist. She has a coaching practice in northern New Jersey, working with kids, parents and families.