(Credit: NadyaEugene/Shutterstock)
NEW YORK — A new survey has uncovered what many parents already know firsthand: holiday travel with children is a test of endurance, with “peak stress” hitting precisely three and a half hours into the journey. Despite the challenges, an overwhelming 93% of parents maintain it’s worth the effort.
The comprehensive study, commissioned by Welch’s Fruit Snacks and conducted by Talker Research, surveyed 2,000 parents with children between five and 12 years-old who traveled during last year’s holiday season. The findings paint a vivid picture of modern family travel, including some surprising confessions: 28% of parents would prefer listening to “Baby Shark” on repeat for their entire trip rather than deal with a screaming child, while 13% would opt for a root canal over holiday travel challenges.
Are we there yet?
The survey identified keeping children entertained as the primary challenge, with 64% of parents ranking it as their most demanding task. Other significant stressors include managing temper tantrums (46%), locating bathrooms (43%), and the infamous “are we there yet?” queries from the backseat (40%).
“During the busy upcoming travel season, when highways are jam packed, and cars are bumper to bumper, parents know delays, boredom and tired kids can turn holiday magic into a test of endurance,” says Jason Levine, Chief Marketing Officer at PIM Brands, the makers of Welch’s Fruit Snacks, in a statement.
Preparation is key
The good news? Nearly nine in 10 parents feel better prepared for this year’s travel compared to previous years. Planning begins early, with the average parent finalizing their travel itinerary approximately 2.3 months in advance.
A crucial element of successful holiday travel appears to be snack preparation, with 83% of parents citing a robust snack selection as essential for success. The survey revealed the top three must-have snacks: fruit snacks (73%), cookies (64%), and cheese puffs (50%). Interestingly, 80% of parents admitted to sampling their children’s travel snacks.
Surviving the holidays
To maintain peace during travel, 61% of parents acknowledge becoming more lenient with rules. This includes increased screen time (77%) and additional junk food allowances (62%), while 61% reported abandoning regular bedtimes altogether.
The financial investment in holiday travel is significant, with parents planning to spend an average of $911 on travel-related expenses this season, covering everything from gas to accommodations and snacks.
While six in 10 parents consider traveling with children the most stressful aspect of the holiday season, the overwhelming majority still find the experience worthwhile, suggesting that the destination – and the memories made along the way – ultimately outweigh the journey’s challenges.
Survey methodology
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 parents of children aged 5–12 who have traveled for the holidays with their child in the last year; the survey was commissioned by Welch’s Fruit Snacks and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Nov. 6 and Nov. 12, 2024.
