Thanks to high fuel prices and a sluggish economy, winter holiday traffic could be a lot less frantic and congested than normal. But for those traveling with children—especially small children—the trip won’t be any easier. Even reasonably short trips, minor delays and small inconveniences can really test a child’s patience. With a little preparation, however, family travel can be a wonderful experience. Whether taking planes, trains or automobiles, use these helpful hints to keep the entire family happy and (relatively) sane for the entire trip.

Food

The key to successful travel with kids is to have easily accessible treats. And, in a pinch, there’s no treat more effective than kid-friendly snacks and drinks. When choosing snacks, make sure to minimize the mess factor. Individually packed finger foods not only eliminate mess, the kids won’t squabble over having to share.

If possible, keep sweets to a minimum, because a packed car or a busy airport is never the place for a sugar high. Pack apples, carrot sticks, bananas or multi-grain crackers wrapped in paper towels—you’ll be surprised how quickly they get gobbled up. Also pack a small plastic container with peanut butter for spreading on the apples and crackers.

Music & Stories

Adults like listening to music and reading books while traveling, and so do children. Bring a portable CD player or an iPod with the kids’ favorite music (preferably the kind that won’t wind them up), and don’t forget a multiple-headset jack and a car adapter to transmit the music through a car stereo.

For car trips, make a mix of kids and adult songs so everyone has something to listen to. And don’t forget the stories: Children’s books are too heavy and bulky to carry around, but audio books—whether on cassette, CD or downloaded onto an iPod—are light and convenient.

Activities & Games

Travel-size games like bingo, tic-tac-toe and checkers—with magnetic playing boards—are an ideal accessory. If you forget to pack games, there’s always “I Spy,” or people-watching scavenger hunts in airports or on highways. How to play: Make each child a list of objects, e.g. green hat, cowboy boots, red pickup truck, etc. The first child to check off every item wins.

Toys & Art Projects

Don’t just pack the crayons and coloring books—gift-wrap them. This not only prolongs the enjoyment, but makes the trip itself feel like a special occasion. For younger children, try wrapping a few small, forgotten toys from around the house to make them new again.

With hours ahead of you on the plane or train, the tray table is perfect for Play-Doh, Silly Putty or Sculpey clay. Depending on the age of your little one, a beading project can be fun and time-consuming.

Extra Clothes

With all the things to pack, an extra outfit or two might seem like a waste of space. But when your child has an accident or a drink spill, you’ll be glad you did. Extra sweaters and cozy blankets are also handy in chilly airplane cabins or long, wintry car rides.

Big-Kid Bags

Moms and dads don’t have to tote everything: Kids five and older can pack all of their activities and snacks in their very own carry-on bag. Small roller suitcases are ideal for youngsters, and they make them feel very grown-up. Make sure nothing important is packed in these bags—like tickets, passports or money—and let the children pack them. Obviously, you as the parent have the final edit—no one needs 12 stuffed animals on their holiday.

The Trip Home

When discussing a long family trip, people often say, “The trip there was good, but the way home felt long.” Sometimes that’s just a desire to get home quickly, but it also comes from a lack of preparation on the return trip. Make sure to follow the same steps listed above when heading home after the holidays.